Fashion Favorites

Not surprisingly, fashion takes up the biggest section of this list. These are the pieces I reached for over and over—the ones that truly earned their place in my closet and made getting dressed easier this year.

Denim, Oh How I Love Thee

Let’s start with my favorite wardrobe category: denim. As the foundation of most of my everyday outfits, I tried quite a few pairs this year, but not all of them made the cut. I’m picky about fit and feel, and with some perimenopausal “fluff” to contend with, finding the right rise has become more important than ever. These are the jeans I purchased this year that earned a permanent spot in my closet and will be on regular rotation heading into 2026.

PAIGE Anessa High Waist Raw Hem Wide Leg Jeans // My ankle-length pair (still on heavy rotation during the warmer months) is a couple of years old, but I picked up this full-length pair during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July, and they’ve been one of my most-worn styles ever since. They strike the perfect balance between casual and polished, with a really flattering shape—more fitted through the hips and thighs, with a leg opening that isn’t overly wide. They don’t add a lot of extra volume, while still fully participating in the wide-leg trend.

MOTHER The Hustler Roller Sneak // This is another favorite wide-leg style that isn’t too voluminous and fits closer through the hips and thighs. It has a finished hem and a really good faded black wash.

MOTHER The Lil Kick It Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans // Yes, more MOTHER denim… what can I say? They just seem to nail it for me every time. This pair is a newer find and quickly became a favorite. They’re a relaxed, full-length straight-leg style with a modern silhouette that doesn’t feel like you’re trying to dress younger than you are. They have great stretch with just the right amount of structure—so comfortable and easy to pair with sneakers or low-heeled boots.

Sizing note: I wear the 30P which has a 30″ inseam, so I can wear them with flats. They also have a 32″ inseam version.

MOTHER The Mid Rise Dazzler Flood // Might as well keep it going with the MOTHER denim! This slim straight ankle-length style is super flattering and highly versatile. They pair especially well with sneakers and flats, so I took them on both European trips this year as well as to Nashville in the fall. I wear them at home too, but they seem to be especially good for travel.

Vineyard Vines Herringbone 3.5″ Shorts // Not jeans, but still in the “bottoms” category—these shorts were a new discovery for me this summer, and I wore them a ton. The subtle herringbone texture gives them a polished feel, and the 98% cotton fabric has just a touch of elastane for comfort without sacrificing structure. They hold their shape, wash well, and quickly became a go-to in my warm-weather wardrobe. In fact, I just ordered the navy pair since they’re on sale.

KUT from the Kloth Holly Skirt // I also had to include this denim skirt with the shoelace tie waist. It was definitely a love-it-or-hate-it piece within our community, but I personally love it. It feels like a nice upgrade to shorts and a fun alternative to jeans. I wore it a lot last summer and can’t wait to pull it back out again when the weather warms up—so I was happy to see it’s still in stock!

Tops & Sweaters

Tops and sweaters make up a big part of my everyday wardrobe, so I focused this section on my absolute favorites—especially the ones that are still available to shop.

J.Crew Cashmere Patch Pocket Cardigan // I’ve talked about this one a lot, but for good reason. I bought it for my London/Cotswolds trip back in May, and I haven’t traveled without it since. I wear it just as much at home, but its versatility makes it a no-brainer for trips. I wear it buttoned up for dinner, layered over tees and dresses for sightseeing, or even thrown on over pajamas in the hotel room. A total workhorse in my wardrobe.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater // This is another one that probably won’t surprise you! I love the relaxed, easy fit, and the contrast trim at the neckline makes it feel a little more special than a basic crewneck. It’s also a great value for cashmere.

Clare V. CIAO Classic Tee (more options HERE) // I absolutely love this graphic tee for spring and summer—I wore it constantly. It’s cute on its own with jeans or shorts and easy to layer under a knit blazer or denim jacket. The boxy fit and quality fabric make it a piece I reach for over and over. My exact colorway is no longer available, but there are lots of other great options to choose from.

Michael Stars Nara Mock Neck // While I wear the green one from last year more, I also really love this blue version I picked up this fall. These tops are so flattering and easy to wear.

Jenni Kayne Flynn // This relaxed V-neck pullover is incredibly versatile and easy to wear. I love the 23″ length and the effortless fit—it layers beautifully under jackets and vests, but also looks chic on its own with a few well-chosen accessories. I rarely buy duplicates, and when I do, I usually regret it because I end up reaching for one more than the others—but that’s not the case here. Every time Jenni Kayne runs a sale, I add another one to my closet, and I wear them all. Zero regrets.

Jackets & Outerwear

If denim is the foundation of my wardrobe, outerwear is what really makes an outfit feel finished. While I didn’t add as many lightweight layering jackets as I have in past years, I did invest in a few new coats that really helped elevate my everyday looks. These are the styles that pulled my outfits together, worked hard across seasons, and earned a spot in my closet going into 2026.

London Fog Raincoat // This sleek, single-breasted trench has a water-repellent finish, a removable hood, and an easy, layering-friendly fit. It was a lifesaver in Scotland and London last fall, and I wore it often at home until the weather turned cold. It’s definitely one I’m looking forward to pulling out again next spring.

lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket // I purchased this one for my Walkabout trip to England back in May, and it quickly became a go-to for both home and travel. It looks polished but it’s fully waterproof and seam-sealed, so it keeps me dry in the elements. And I just noticed, they now have an Insulated Rain Rebel, too!

Michael Kors Short Leather Jacket // I picked this up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and while I didn’t wear it as much as I expected this year, I love it and know I’ll have it for years. The quality is excellent, and the shape is flattering and easy to wear.

EVEREVE Camp Jacket // Sadly, this one is out of stock, but it still deserved a spot on this list because I wore it so much last spring. It’s a great linen-blend topper in a versatile light neutral that worked with just about everything.

Aritzia The Super Puff Long // After receiving The Super Puff Mid for Christmas last year, I added The Super Puff Long to my winter outerwear lineup, and this is the one I ended up reaching for the most. It’s like wearing a sleeping bag (in the best way), and the sporty, casual vibe works well with everything from athleisure to everyday street-style looks.

Honorable Mentions // I’ve also purchased a few coats more recently, but it’s still too soon to tell which ones will truly stand the test of time. That said, a couple are already showing real promise: Aritzia The Only Coat, a gorgeous wool/cashmere style with a plush feel and suede interlining for added warmth and wind protection, and the Barbour Winter Beadnell Waterproof Jacket, a polished yet practical option for everyday with light insulation and a waterproof shell.

Shoes & Boots

The right footwear can truly make or break an outfit and set the tone for your entire look. I purchased quite a few pairs this year, so narrowing this section down was no easy task—but these are the eight pairs of shoes and boots that truly stood out.

Veronica Beard Via // I wore these a ton last spring. Once I started reaching for more asymmetrical, strappy styles, they took a bit of a backseat—but I still really love them. The quality is excellent, and they’re such an easy, polished slide to have in rotation. I’m looking forward to pulling them back out again this spring.

KAANAS Alayta Square Toe Naked Sandals // By the end of the season, these were probably my most-worn sandals. I love the strappy, barely-there styling, and the gold metallic goes with everything. They’re super easy to dress up or down, and I even wore them into early fall with darker colors since it stayed warm well into September.

PAIGE Jill Espadrille Platform Wedge Sandal // For going-out looks, these sleek platform wedges with soft, intertwined leather straps were my go-to. PAIGE makes beautiful shoes, and I’m excited to wear these again this spring.

When it came to cold-weather footwear, my best purchases were definitely boots—but I also surprised myself by falling in love with several pairs of Mary Janes.

Dolce Vita Roslyn Mary Jane Flats // I’d always thought Mary Janes felt a little too sweet for my style, but this fall brought a more modern take, with narrower vamps and updated details like double straps that I really loved. This mesh leopard pair was especially fun—and surprisingly comfortable. I wore them walking all over London in September!

Vince Sutter Booties // These sleek black leather booties replaced a similar pair I’d worn for a few years that were starting to look worn. The quality is excellent, and the vibe is clean and understated—super versatile and easy to dress up or down.

Dolce Vita Faint H2O Waterproof Chelsea Boot // These Western-inspired Chelsea boots are made from waterproof suede, so you can stay dry without sacrificing style. They’re surprisingly comfortable and look great with everything from jeans to dresses. The dark brown color works perfectly with all shades of blue denim and complements the neutrals in my closet.

Veronica Beard Kelby Booties // These black suede booties were a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase and quickly became my go-to when I want a dressier black suede option. The luxe suede and slender stacked 2¼” heel strike the perfect balance—walkable and comfortable, but still polished and chic.

And finally…

Birkenstock Boston Rivets Clogs // I’ll be the first to admit that these don’t exactly fit my style goals (modern, polished, understated), but I was inexplicably drawn to them when I saw the rivet details. They’re perfect for casual winter days at home with my favorite striped socks and relaxed straight-leg jeans. I wear them all the time, so they definitely had to make this list.

Striped Cushioned 3pk Mid Crew Socks // Not footwear, per se, but these soft, cushy socks from Target turned me into a sock-wearing person. They’re now my go-to with sneakers and clogs this winter. Soft, comfortable, and I love the stripes for a subtle pop of pattern.

Bags & Accessories

I consider my handbag an accessory and love changing it out to coordinate with my outfits. Likewise, sunglasses, belts, and jewelry add that finishing touch that makes all the difference between simply wearing clothes and actually styling them. These are the pieces that made the biggest impact on my outfits this year and the ones I’m excited to keep wearing in the new year.

Mulberry Amberley Satchel // I found this bag my first day in London during the Walkabout trip back in May. I knew I wanted to purchase a Mulberry bag while I was there, since it’s such an iconic London handbag brand. When I saw the Amberley Satchel at Mulberry’s Regent Street flagship store, I knew it was the one. I love the rich brown leather and gold-tone hardware, and it’s a really great size for everyday wear.

Clare V. Moyen Messenger // I ordered this bag at the last minute before my Iceland/Scotland/London trip last fall because I wanted something that would work with both black and brown—and this one does both. It’s right on trend with the crescent shape, has two interchangeable straps for multiple carrying options, and it’s surprisingly spacious while still flattening down for easy packing.

Tom Ford Wallace Sunglasses // I actually purchased these in London. Paul and I wandered into Selfridges on our last day in the city, and I started trying on sunglasses. I was originally eyeing a pair from Burberry, but when I tried on these Tom Ford frames, I fell in love. I already own a brown tortoise pair from Tom Ford (they were included in last year’s Fashion Favorites), so it’s been fun to have a black option in the mix.

I also made a concerted effort this year to add some new fashion jewelry to my collection. I tend to wear the same few pieces on repeat, so I wanted some fresh options to rotate in. These are the pieces I reached for most:

Lili Claspe Adva Cuff Bracelet // I have a lot of more delicate bracelets, so I added this one when I want something that makes more of a statement. It’s so beautiful—I love the organic lines and sculptural feel, and I appreciate that it’s truly one-and-done.

Jane Win HOPE JW Original Pendant Coin // This brand is newer to me, but it turns out Jane Win has a bit of a cult following in our area, as Janie is a local artisan. Not only is the 14k gold-plated jewelry beautiful, it also comes packaged in a thoughtfully designed box with a storage pouch and cards that explain the meaning behind each pendant. I chose the HOPE coin because some days, I really do need that reminder: “The sun rises every day, the next season comes.” Can I get an amen? 😜

Anna Beck Contrast Dotted Circle Toggle Necklace // Another beautiful pendant, this one feels a bit more versatile than the Jane Win since it’s slightly smaller. I’ve worn it a ton over the past year, and I love the mixed metals—it works seamlessly with whatever hardware I’m wearing. I also have her station necklace, which was a Christmas gift from Paul last year.

Treasure & Bond Maria Suede Belt // This one isn’t the same quality as the FRAME belt below, but it has a great look. I really love the chocolate suede paired with the brushed brass hardware—it works especially well with denim and brown boots.

FRAME Twist Buckle Leather Belt // I love the elegant simplicity of this black belt with its polished gold buckle, and the leather is really gorgeous. It’s a great width and easy to dress up or down.

Oliver Peoples Aiona in Twilight Gradient // My prescription eyeglasses were a bit of a splurge, but I’m wearing them more and more these days, so I wanted a pair I truly love. I think they have a great look and they’re comfortable, too.

Beauty Must-Haves

I tend to be pretty loyal when it comes to makeup and skincare, so I don’t always have a lot of new discoveries. That said, this year I was introduced to a few new brands and products that really stood out. These are the ones I’m always telling my friends about, and I’ll definitely be replacing them when they run out (if I haven’t already).

Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment // This rich, overnight hand cream from Soft Services has been a game changer with the skin on my hands. I apply it every night just before bed, and I can tell a major difference with regular use. The backs of my hands were starting to look dry and crepey, and now they look and feel much smoother.

Carea Cream // I liked the Theraplush so much, I decided to try this body lotion, also from Soft Services. It is amazing, so luxurious and really keeps my skin feeling soft and smooth. It also looks pretty on the bathroom counter!

Farmacy Green Clean // After years of using ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, I decided to try this “cleaner” version and I really like it. It’s made with clean, plant-based ingredients; and it gently melts away even the most stubborn makeup while leaving my skin soft, hydrated, and perfectly clean. It also smells really fresh and clean.

Grab & Go Pony // I’d heard great things about these ponytail holders and wanted to try them—and they live up to the hype. They look nicer than typical drugstore hair bands and feel sleeker than a scrunchie. They also hold my hair really well and stay put.

Sexy Hair Creme To Powder Play & Fun Raiser Texture Spray // These are my go-to products when I want a little extra oomph. I especially like them when I curl my hair, but I’ve also started using them on straight hair for added lift and texture. I don’t always use both—usually one or the other, depending on what my hair needs that day.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick // This was a new-to-me product that I picked up on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. I love how it adds a soft, luminous glow to the skin without looking sparkly or overdone.

Victoria Beckham Beauty BabyBlade // Another Victoria Beckham Beauty find I picked up after seeing it recommended by another creator. I really like the precision and how soft and gentle it is on my brows. My only regret is not going a shade darker—I chose Medium Brown because I was worried about it looking too harsh, but I think Dark Brown would be a better match.

Laura Geller Modern Classic Cream Lipstick in Real Rosy // I discovered this through a QVC beauty set and ended up loving it. The color is so pretty, and the formula goes on smooth and creamy. It’s my go-to on days when I want a little more color on my lips.

Tech & Travel Favorites

These are all things that made everyday life easier and travel smoother. I reached for all of these over and over, and they played a big role in helping me travel smarter (including successfully packing for 10 days in England with a carry-on only… still proud of that one!).

AWAY Carry-On Flex // This suitcase is the real MVP of my travels this year. The Flex feature gave me extra room when I needed it, and paired with smart packing, it allowed me to travel carry-on only for a 10-day trip to England. It rolls beautifully, feels incredibly well made, and has become my go-to carry-on.

AWAY Featherlight Backpack // I added this backpack to my travel lineup last spring while looking for the perfect personal item for my Walkabout England trip, and it’s been such a great companion ever since. It’s lightweight but still holds everything I need for the plane, fits comfortably under the seat, and works just as well once I’m at my destination. I used it with my Carry-On Flex for 10 days in England, and it also held up beautifully on our 16-day Iceland/Scotland/England trip this past fall, even with a much bigger suitcase.

TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter // This is such a practical travel find. It works in outlets all over the world and has four USB ports plus one USB-C port, which made charging multiple devices at once incredibly easy. I used it constantly while traveling and would absolutely repurchase it. In fact, I recommend bringing two. I left one in a hotel room in London, and I was so glad I had a backup with me!

Travel Jewelry Case // This is a small thing, but such a helpful one. I’ve always struggled to find the right way to pack my jewelry when traveling, and this one really nails it. It’s compact, keeps everything organized and protected, and—most importantly—prevents necklaces from getting tangled. I sometimes still use my own jewelry pouches inside, but I love having everything contained in one place.

Loopy Phone Case // This has become one of those items I don’t want to be without. I replace mine every time I get a new iPhone (which was just a couple of months ago), and the built-in loop makes my phone so much easier and more secure to carry—especially when I’m out walking or juggling all the things. It looks good, too. One of those small upgrades that makes a big difference in daily life.

Home Upgrades

I didn’t make a ton of home purchases this year, but a few small updates made a noticeable difference in how our space looks and feels—especially in the areas our guests use the most.

Disposable Bathroom Napkins // Such a small detail, but having disposable hand towels in the powder room instantly makes it feel more polished and thoughtful (and sanitary!). I still hang a proper hand towel, but it can start to look a little tired before I get a chance to swap it out when we have guests—so these provide an easy backup option.

Guest Towel Holder Tray // This keeps the disposable hand towels looking neat and intentional on the counter, instead of just stacked off to the side.

NEST Holiday Diffuser & Liquid Soap // While we’re talking powder room details… I always keep a reed diffuser in there, and the NEST Holiday scent is my all-time favorite. I genuinely look forward to buying a new one every year—it makes the space feel warm, welcoming, and festive.

Weezie Hand Towels // Finally, these are my favorite hand towels for that room. I purchased a few sets when we first remodeled it, but they were starting to look dingy, so I just ordered replacements. They’re pricey, but super soft and polished for that space. I keep a basket under the sink so I can refresh as needed.

Pottery Barn Flickering Flameless Wax Pillar Candles // I’ve gradually been replacing the candles around our house with these flameless versions, and if you’ve never seen them in person, they’re shockingly realistic. They give off the same warm, cozy glow as real candles without the worry, and they’ve become a staple in our everyday decor.

I’d love to know, what are some of your favorite purchases from the past year?

Shop My Best Buys of 2025

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photos: Alison Cornell