Reader Favorite Wardrobe Staples of 2021
Last year I discovered some new and wonderful wardrobe staples from sustainable brands. It’s always interesting for me to see which of those pieces you all love just as much as I do. And it’s no surprise, some of the most worn items in my closet are reader favorites too! So here’s a list to round up the best of the best which you can refer back to when you’re shopping for something in particular.
Eileen Fisher Italian Cashmere Crew Neck Tunic
This is perhaps the most surprising reader favorite of 2021 because it’s actually a piece I suggested as a dupe for my beloved Esby Apparel Yates sweater (pictured here) which is unfortunately sold out. You all seemed to love it and for good reason too. It’s such an elegant style and a great length to pair with leggings for an elevated lounge look.
Everlane Straight Leg Crop Pants
These high waisted crop straight leg pants are one of my absolute favorite purchases of 2019 and a running reader favorite for three years now. Some pieces are so good they continually sell out and these pants are the perfect example. They fit is so flattering on so many different body types and heights. I’m a fan of the Sandstone colorway, a creamy off-white. The durable cotton material makes these a nice everyday option and they can be easily dressed up as workwear too.
Watch: Everlane Review & Wishlist
Sezane Scott Trench Coat
I was on the hunt for a classic trench coat for a while before finally landing on my first choice from Sezane. This is a wonderful and timeless wardrobe staple if you’re looking for all the typical bells and whistles along with a more modern fit. Another reader favorite is the Cuyana Classic Trench which is very similar in style and fit to the Sezane trench but without any buttons, making it ideal for those looking for a very minimal style.
Read & watch: Sezane Scott Trench Coat Review
Levi's Ribcage Ankle Straight Jeans
By far my favorite denim of 2021 was the Ribcage straight leg style from Levi’s. I own this style in a washed black and light blue color which I wear nearly every week. This is the most flattering straight leg style I’ve come across and the highest rise waist that Levi’s carries. Two other very popular reader favorites in the denim department include:
Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans - a great option if you’re slowly easing away from skinny jeans and into the straight leg style, as they’re more tapered and form-fitting through the leg.
Re/Done Stovepipe Jeans - a higher end option with a serious cult following, made from the most wonderful upcycled vintage denim (yum!) but with a super flattering modern fit.
Watch: Levi’s Ribcage vs. Wedgie Review
Watch: Re/Done Jeans Review
Cuyana Oversized Double Loop Bag
Cuyana has quickly become one of my new favorite brands for their “fewer, better” approach and timeless, well-made pieces. As it turns out the Double Loop tote bag style was a reader favorite as well. The wide bottom allows you to fit so much stuff in there while the tapered top allows for a more secure closure. The loop detail of the straps gives it a subtle update from a standard tote bag (which they also do really well) and the pebbled leather feels oh so luxe.
Another reader favorite handbag is the Cuyana System Tote, a slightly smaller style that comes with a detachable leather laptop sleeve, adjustable strap and clutch that can be converted into a crossbody bag.
Watch: Cuyana Review | Double Loop Bag, Classic Tote & Travel Case Set
Everlane Oversized Blazer
This is a piece that I contemplated adding to my wardrobe for a long time because, while I love the look of an oversized blazer, I had a few misses with vintage pieces. This style from Everlane is a great alternative because it feels like an updated take on a classic tweed blazer. It’s perfectly oversized in all the right places (a boxier cut in the body) and fitted in others (lightly padded shoulders and proportionate sleeves), making it an obvious reader favorite.
Lucy Williams x Missoma Coin Necklace
I’m so pleased to see this make the list as it’s a piece of jewelry I wear almost every day and the quality has held up immaculately. The bobble chain is a nice design element that I don’t see as much on pendant necklaces. The chain is a medium length making it ideal for layering with longer necklaces and chokers. If you were only to buy one pendant necklace this is the one I would recommend most.
Sandgrens Dublin Clogs
I adore these classic Swedish clogs and I’m glad to know you all do to! Each pair is handmade using vegetable-tanned leather and a tree is planted for each pair sold. The Dublin style is the medium heel height but they have a taller (pictured here) and shorter style too. The large wooden base makes them a very comfortable heel to wear for long periods of time. Because of the closed toe style, I found myself wearing these all year long as they work well across seasons.
Tkees Nude Flip Flops
A chic and minimal footwear option that is super compact, great to pack for a trip or throw in your bag as a backup. I find myself reaching for these when I want a really comfy shoe that doesn’t detract from my outfit at all. They’re super lightweight and come in several different shades so you can find your perfect nude match. These complete my favorite Scandi-chic jeans, sweater and sandals outfit formula for those in-between transitional seasons.
Quince $50 Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
This is an obvious reader favorite from one of those very underrated brands that I think more people need to know about. Quince has some really lovely cashmere pieces that are some of the most affordable out there, sustainable or otherwise. The quality of the wool has held up really well in my two years of extensive wear. And this style comes in 13 different colors. I always recommend this brand for high quality and budget-friendly pieces and I’m so glad to see that so many of you are loving it too.
Watch: The 10 Most Affordable Sustainable Fashion Brands
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