We’ve still got our ears to the ground when it comes to what’s trending — both among our style-conscious staff, our readers, and the greater shopping public — and while this assortment of 16 staples might look a little different than last year’s, it still reflects what we’re buying — and what we want to buy — as we round the seasonal corner. Whether it’s a best-selling sweatsuit, a wear-with-everything white sneaker, or a house dress for those rare times you actually make it out of the house, there a wardrobe workhouse for you in the list ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Warby Parker Griffin Sunglasses
Why It’s A Best Buy: If you weren’t a sunglasses person before the pandemic, you are now — you’ve entered a vampiric state thanks to a lack of Vitamin D these past few months. Plus, if you’re feeling like your outfit-assembling skills have gotten a little rusty, a pair of stylish shades can help you feel accessorized even if you’re wearing the joggers you slept in when you venture outside. We love Warby Parker’s classic-cool silhouettes for helping you nail any look.
The Review: “Warby Parker glasses are stylish, inexpensive, durable and exceptional in quality. The staff was helpful and friendly. Overall a great customer experience!” — Gamliel B., WarbyParker.com review
Warby Parker Griffin Sunglasses, $, available at Warby Parker
MWL Form High-Rise 7/8 Leggings
Why It’s A Best Buy: We were already surreptitiously living in stretchy bottoms all weekend long until the circumstances surrounding the pandemic made it completely acceptable to remain spandex-clad for a full 24 hour period. While there are many wonderful iterations out there, we’re currently digging Madewell’s recycled-polyester take — reviewers love their chameleon-like ability to be both casual and HIIT-ready. (This Shopping editor also took the leggings for an IRL test-drive, and one thing I really liked? Their smoothing, VPL-minimizing properties.)
The Review: “A quality basic. Shopping for leggings has always been annoying for me because I don't want to spend a lot of money on them, but cheaper leggings always get worn too quickly. It is also surprisingly hard to find regular, simple, black leggings that can be worn both for working out and also look normal for regular activities. But now my search is over!” — Claire V., Madewell.com review
MWL Form High-Rise 7/8 Leggings, $, available at Madewell
Amazon MadeForYou T-Shirt
Why It’s A Best Buy: Given the current circumstances, we’re trading in our office-ready button-down and going-out tops for basics of the utmost quality and comfort. A perfectly proportioned t-shirt is more important than ever — and we recently test-drove a surprisingly satisfying style. Yes, Amazon launched a service where customers can choose every aspect of their t-shirt, and even submit a photo of themselves for a drop-dead-accurate fit. You can read my hot take on the custom tee here, but I’ve summarized the most salient points below.
The Review: “When the t-shirt arrived [in the mail], I was kind of flabbergasted. It wasn’t that I was anticipating a terrible product — I just didn’t expect it to be so perfect. (Yes, I know that’s the whole point. Still!) The solid Pima cotton I had chosen felt substantial but still really soft, and the top’s kelly green hue almost perfectly matched the swatch I’d seen on my computer. Fit-wise, there were no surprises — the boxy torso silhouette was in line with what I’d selected as my fit preference. The shoulders and sleeves fit my arms and shoulders with a Goldilocks-ian accuracy, which I did not object to.” – Emily Ruane, Refinery29 Fashion Market Writer
MadeForYou Made-to-Measure T-Shirt, $, available at Amazon
Richer Poorer Recycled Fleece Sweatsuit
Why It’s A Best Buy: Options in the world of sweatsuit have proliferated considerably in the past 12 months. (See our frequently-updated list of the best matching sweatsuits — it’s currently clocking in at 29 styles, and shows no signs of stopping.) There’s a good reason for this — it boasts the comfort of pajamas paired with the head-to-toe coordination of an outfit that you’ve put effort into.
The Review: “Been searching for a long time for the perfect sweatpants — these are them. Not too tight and not too baggy. Nicely sewn with a cuff that’s not wide and clumsy. Fabric is heavy but not excessively so. Like the color I ordered (orange). Wish there were more choices.” — Amy Lambert, RicherPoorer.com reviewer
Richer Poorer Recycled Fleece Sweatpant, $, available at Richer Poorer
Richer Poorer Fleece Sweatshirt, $, available at Richer Poorer
Merrell MQM Hiking Sneakers
Why It’s A Best Buy: If this summer is anything like the previous one, we’e going to be spending a lot of time outside, going on hikes and day trips as much as we did last year. We’re arming ourselves with footwear that’s going to help us navigate our home turf — the urban jungle — as easily as any scrambles and switchbacks we encounter on the trail: the hiking sneaker. Bonus: these sturdy kicks will help you splash through any inclement weather as winter’s icy grip gives way to spring showers.
The Review: “So far so good! I have been wearing them a lot. I went to the beach wearing them and I have absolutely no complaints! They are very bit as I expected and [feel] very safe for hikes. The soles are the best.” — Sergiy, Amazon.com reviewer
Merrell MQM Ace Hiking Shoes, $, available at REI
& Other Stories Buttoned A-Line Midi Dress
Why It’s A Best Buy: No longer a throwback vintage-store buy, the accommodatingly chic housedress is an indisputable style necessity — especially as the weather begins to warm up and we emerge bleary-eyed from winter hibernation. While we’re saving the skimpier iterations of this style for the sweltering heights of August, we’re on the hunt right this second for more layerable takes on this frock — perfect for transitioning out of the cold.
The Review: In her story about the pandemic’s biggest trends, writer Cait Munro quoted behavior psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair: “We tend to feel more ‘dressed up’ when wearing a dress than other garments, and so choosing a comfortable style of dress during the pandemic makes perfect sense.”
& Other Stories Buttoned A-Line Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
MIA Abba Sandal
Why It’s A Best Buy: Comprising a true shoe trifecta of style, budget, and seasonality, this under-$100 clog is ready to take your feet from winter into spring. Pair yours with socks now, and prepare to let your ankles breathe come springtime.
The Review: “I found this pair on my perpetual hunt for the perfect clogs at the perfect price. While I’m admittedly still searching for The One Clog To Rule Them All, this chunky heeled sandal is a solid option — costing me a fraction of the pricier options without sacrificing a lick of style. I know that I won’t break an ankle in them, can dress them up or down, and pair them with shimmery socks in-between seasons.” –Elizabeth Buxton, Refinery29 Market Editor
Mia Abba Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
Cotopaxi Dorado Half-Zip Fleece Jacket
Why It’s A Best Buy: Fleece is making a comeback among the cool kids, thanks to downtown designers like Sandy Liang — and many stalwart outdoorsy brands are taking notice, remixing their previously earth-toned offerings in fashion-friendly colors. The best thing about fleece’s resurgence — other than its supreme coziness — is that a lot of it is being made with recycled polyester, which lessens the impact of this synthetic-heavy fiber. In sum, this easy layer is both cool and eco-friendly, making it a transitional no-brainer.
The Review: “This has been my go-to fleece ever since I bought it. Love the weight and all of the pockets. Have received multiple compliments on the color too!” — Haley Y., Cotopaxi.com reviewer
Cotopaxi Dorado Half-Zip Fleece Jacket, $, available at Cotopaxi
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew
Why It’s A Best Buy: While this may seem like a solid-ly winter buy, we’re making the argument for the cashmere sweater as a transitional staple. It will keep you extremely toasty when layered up in frigid temps, but it also feels great over a camisole on milder days. (Operative words here: feels great.)
The Review: “As someone who prefers to spend under-$100 on sweaters, I do not own a lot of cashmere. If you can believe it, which I couldn’t, this beautiful 100% Mongolian cashmere sweater only costs $59. The brand, Quince, pulls off such sorcery through its MTC-business model of cutting out the middlemen and directly managing all of its wares’ production elements (from creation to packaging and transportation). This fabric is indeed SUPER soft and does not disappoint in feeling very luxe. I also love how the shrunken fit adds a bit of a sporty-90s vibe to an otherwise preppy wardrobe staple. I was worried that it might pill very quickly/easily over time — but, at this point, I’ve worn it a LOT (in bed, on the couch, in a car, while eating very crumby snacks) and can confirm that it miraculously has done no such thing. It comes in other colorways and, IMO, would make for major crowd-pleasing gift material.” – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew, $, available at Quince
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Why It’s A Best Buy: The white sneaker is a year-round, effortlessly casual shoe that can worn by stylish humans of any age, identity, and shoe size. Whether you prefer to keep your kicks snowy white or let the wear and tear show, this chameleon-like shoe is truly the blank canvas of footwear. (Pro tip: don’t worry about going hunting around for a women’s size in this unisex style — just add 1.5 sizes to the men’s.)
The Review: “I think everyone needs a pair of Stan Smiths. They’re comfy, reliable and look great with just about every outfit. [They] are the best day to day sneaker, they’re stylish and affordable.” — Sashafed, Nordstrom.com reviewer
Adidas Stan Smith Low Top Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom
Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew
Why It’s A Best Buy: We really just can’t quit this precisely-proportioned pullover — and neither can nearly 900 reviewers. With a butt-covering hem and blousy sleeves, it’s the perfect out-and-about item when the weather’s chilly, but not completely cold. (Also file under: a fit that’s reminiscent of a throwback Princess Di outfit.)
The Review: “Already have this in white and I love this color!! Perfect sweatshirt. Do not take this away, it’s perfect! Love that it covers the butt (I’m 5’8”, 150 lbs in a medium) and it’s slightly loose and just awesome.” — Alice, Lululemon.com reviewer
Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew, $, available at Lululemon
Girlfriend Collective Everyone Puffer Vest
Why It’s A Best Buy: This Shopping writer has been living in a puffy vest for the last few weeks — on more temperate days, the layer can fly solo, and when temperatures plummet, it provides an extra boost of warmth. I’m seriously, seriously eyeing Girlfriend Collective’s new gender-neutral style to add to my puffer collection.
The Review: OK, this vest literally launched yesterday — so it has yet to accrue the glowing accolades of Girlfriend Collective’s other beloved workout and loungewear staples. However, here’s more news you can use to inform your purchase: like everything in the brand’s collection, the puffer is made from a polyester that’s created entirely from plastic bottles, and Girlfriend will recycle the puffer when you decided to take it out of the rotation — not like that’s going to happen anytime soon.
Girlfriend Collective Coffee Everyone Puffer Vest, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Lively The Busty Bralette
Why It’s A Best Buy: It’s no secret that we prefer a scaled-back bra these days — those of us who can afford to skip the underwire and stiff cups are happily doing so, opting for soft bralettes on those days when we’re not leaving the house. However, we all need different levels of support — and luckily, reader-favorite brand Lively offers a variety of bralette styles for knockers of all dimensions.
The Review: “Finally, a bralette that doesn’t give me a uniboob and doesn’t have any spillage! For reference I’m a 34DD, that’s according to Victoria’s Secret, and in the Lively measuring guide, I got a size 2.
I have been steering away from underwire and traditional bras because they make my boobs look massive and push them up too high so I’ve been on the search for a bralette. I’ve tried everything from Target to Calvin Klein to expensive Insta-ad brands and I’m always disappointed. The cups are never big enough so my boobs spill out in the middle.
This bra with the little band in the middle is a total game changer. To tell you the truth, I probably could’ve sized up and I might for the next one I order, because I’m on the last hooks of the band and it’s a little small cupwise but I’m also about to start my period, so I’ll wait a few weeks and see how it breaks in. I cannot believe I finally found a bra that works for me! I’m overjoyed!” — Emily, Lively.com reviewer
Lively The Busty Bralette, $, available at Lively
Everlane Crewneck Bodysuit
Why It’s A Best Buy: We’ve long espoused the bodysuit as a superior transitional layer, hyping the slept-on selection that Amazon has of offer, along with tracking every re-stock of Everlane’s assortment of soft and wearable ones. The latter brand’s simple long-sleeved bodysuit makes for a perfectly polished — but supremely comfy — alternative to a tee or a too-hot sweater on those in-between days.
The Review: “The — dare I say — perfect closet staple? I literally never write reviews, but I will actually probably never take off this bodysuit. The feel is amazing, it’s incredibly flattering, and the v-neck is perfectly feminine without being too chesty. As someone with large breasts, this is hard to find. I’m in love! It hugs you without being uncomfortably tight. Great for an all day head-turning look.” — Kate, Everlane.com reviewer
Everlane The Long-Sleeve V-Neck Bodysuit, $, available at Everlane
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer
Why It's A Best Buy: Having grown accustomed to the slip-on footwear lifestyle, we now need our outside shoes to match our inside shoes in their on-off ease. Enter: the loafer. It’s a chic, polished silhouette that can worn as the mercury slowly inches up this spring. This particular (on-sale) Sam Edelman pair is vouched for by our beauty and wellness writer, Karina Hoshikawa, and has been carted hundreds of times by readers.
The Review: “It’s widely known among friends, family, and the R29 Shopping team that forest green is my signature color, so when I stumbled upon these croc-leather loafers, it was as if time stood still. I’d been in the market for cute, versatile loafers I could wear with everything (but would also upgrade any ’fit), and these Sam Edelman ones fit the bill.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29 Beauty and Wellness Editor
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer, $, available at Nordstrom
Seasum S
crunch Butt Leggings
Why It’s A Best Buy: OK, we know there’s already a legging on this list — but there’s a big difference (huge!) between the wear-everyday workhorse legging and the “viral” impulse-buy legging. The latter usually boasts some kind of figure-enhancing detail, the potency of which is showcased on social media platforms, resulting in a buying stampede. The first example of this was Aerie’s waist-cinching crossover legging, which, at press time, is currently sold out after two back-to-back re-stocks. More recently, we noticed the polarizing “scrunch butt” leggings — which are equipped with a rear seam intended to highlight trunk junk — having a mainstream moment on late-night TV. Less of a wardrobe staple and more of a quarantine diversion, we’re still deeming the viral legging a must-have.
The Review: “Girl, if you’re looking at these leggings, just do yourself a favor and get them! They have me looking SNATCHED!!! You hear me? If you order your ACTUAL CORRECT size, they will fit nice and pass the squat test so no undies will show thru them. If you wanna squeeze into a size you got no business being in, don’t try to squat or bend over in these because it will be see thru-ish. I am 5’ 7” and 194 lbs on a good day, I ordered the XL. Now stop reading these comments and go get you a pair or 7 like I did, sis.” — DLang, Amazon.com reviewer
Seasum Scrunch Butt Leggings, $, available at Amazon
Conico Masks Japanese Cotton Fog-Free Face Masks
Why It’s A Best Buy: At this point, we probably don’t need to explain why a face covering is a wardrobe staple. There are endless scores of masks on the market these days — you probably already have several in your rotation — and it’s impossible to isolate just one, but of late, our bespectacled readers have been enamored of this high-quality that promises to keep glasses fog-free.
The Review: “I have three masks from this shop and they’re the best at preventing fogged glasses for me. They also don’t ride up towards my eyes, which is my main concern other than foggy glasses. They stay in place well. Very comfortable and soft! I have regular (daisy) and large (black and grey) sizes, they both work fine on my long, rounded face (I’m plus size with chub under chin). Still comfortable in either size. Regular feels more fitted on me and ear straps are easy to adjust to fit comfortably; large covers up more of my face and I can wear another mask underneath it if I want. Best mask I’ve tried since the pandemic started! Oh and super fast shipping too! Thank you!” — Tyenfly, Etsy.com reviewer
CONICOMasks Face mask for Glasses wearers, $, available at Etsy
Summersalt The Atlas One-Piece
Why It's A Best Buy: R29 Shopping editors unanimously agree: Summersalt makes a quality one-piece. Sure, there's the cheap viral Amazon Baywatch suit, but for a supportive, classic one-piece that won't go out of style, we suggest checking out this brand. Plus, these suits are so chic you can transition them into fall as a bodysuit paired with high-waisted jeans and a jacket.
The Review: "...When [Summersalt] asked me to be a part of #Powersuits and gave me the chance to design my “perfect” suit, I was all in. For me, I wanted boob support with a sexy cut, and plenty of color, I’m obsessed. It’s available in sizes 2-22 and retails for $95. I love Summersalt because they want to change the conversation around swimwear. They are all about making women feel sexy on their own terms and making summer fun again by empowering women with the confidence we all deserve to have!" — Katie Sturino [edited] Instagram post on the launch of her swimsuit design with Summersalt.
Summersalt The Atlas Suit, $, available at Summersalt
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