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You Have Great Taste: I Tried the Basics WWW Readers Bought the Most Last Year, and I Loved These 9

By Swedan Margen

You Have Great Taste: I Tried the Basics WWW Readers Bought the Most Last Year, and I Loved These 9

If you're a regular Who What Wear reader, you've likely noticed our obsession with wardrobe basics. We're passionate about helping others discover their personal style through timeless, versatile pieces that transcend fleeting trends. While we always share our favorite buys, we also love learning which items you, our readers, gravitate toward the most. To find that out, we worked with our e-comm strategist team to gather data on last year's top-selling not-so-basic basics.

What we discovered was both fascinating and, in some ways, predictable: a shift toward building capsule wardrobes filled with elevated essentials. The most popular categories revealed a strong preference for tees and tanks—think classic white crewneck T-shirts that can be worn alone or layered under cozy sweaters and sleek jackets.

Next were denim and trousers, particularly high-rise, wide-leg jeans, and barrel jeans, as well as comfortable pull-on pants made from lightweight linen and luxe silk. Of course, knits were a standout, which is no surprise given that a well-curated closet often revolves around stylish crewneck knits and cardigans for much of the year.

Beyond the specific styles, we also unearthed some intriguing insights about the brands and retailers that caught your attention. H&M, Nordstrom, and Zara dominated, but we also saw It girl–favorite brands like Reformation, Free People, and The Row making their mark.

Inspired by these findings, I tested the 30 most bought pieces across all verticals before narrowing the list down to my top nine favorites. Scroll down to see which pieces made the final cut.

H&M Double-Breasted Blazer

Nikki wears a double-breasted blazer, silk skirt, and black boots.

My Review: To be honest, I've never been an avid H&M shopper, but this double-breasted blazer has made me want to become one. I was delighted by how incredibly flattering the fit is, even with its oversize silhouette. It drapes perfectly, adding a touch of chic elegance while maintaining comfort. Plus, it runs true to size, which made my shopping experience enjoyable.

Shop the blazer:

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You Have Great Taste: I Tried the Basics WWW Readers Bought the Most Last Year, and I Loved These 9 - Vanity Fair Fashion