You know those pieces you turn to time and time again because you love them so much?  These are my favorite purchases of 2021 (that are still available) that make me feel pulled together and timeless.  I’m not a very trendy person so for the most part, these are pieces that will work well even as styles change in the coming years.  Did you buy any of these things?

Shop the Post:

Favorite Clothing Purchases of 2021

J.Crew Demi Boot Crop White Jeans–  The very best white jeans!  They’re great with sandals, sneakers, and heels.  Cannot recommend these enough!  They have a good amount of stretch but never get baggy.  I misplaced my pair (though I’d bet they’re in the basement somewhere) but I love them so much and cannot risk not finding them again once the weather is warm so I ordered a second pair, just as backup.  They run true to size.

Loeffler Randall Gold Knot Mules–  These heels were a splurge but they are stunning and actually comfortable and easy to walk in.  I bought them just before Thanksgiving and wore them with a dress to a breakfast with Santa brunch, to a cocktail party in NYC with a black jumpsuit, and on New Year’s Eve with a black velvet spaghetti strap dress (and then walked 2 miles back to the hotel while wearing them because we were too cheap to get a $20 minimum fare taxi since there were no Ubers available- the ability to do that is saying something!).  They do run small.  I sized up half a size, but probably could have gone up a full size.  If you’re looking for a good Loeffler Randall dupe then check out these $38 heels!  I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that they dupe pair is beautiful, true to size, and very comfortable.

Etsy Raffia Sandals–  These $39 sandals (plus international shipping) were likely my most worn sandals this past summer.  I wore them with dresses, shorts, and jeans.  They’re the perfect neutral shoe to go with everything!  They’re true to size, I’m a size 8 and got the 39.

Raffia Lantern Earrings–  Nice and neutral and incredibly lightweight.  These $48 earrings are so fun!

J. McLaughlin Arlette Turtleneck–  If you’re looking for a chic and timeless turtleneck then this is the one you need.  It’s elevated and dressier looking and I never knew I would love a ribbed turtleneck this much.  It runs true to size.

J. McLaughlin Esme Heels–  I now own the raffia version and the tortoise version of these block heeled sandals.  They are incredibly flattering and you immediately feel feminine and beautiful when you put them on.  They run true to size and despite the height they are comfortable and not too hard to walk in.  I’m assuming they’ll come out with a summery version again pretty soon!

Amazon Faux Leather Leggings–  I’ve worn these $29.99 leggings more than I’ve worn my much pricier Spanx faux leather leggings.  They’re easy to put on and take off and they have more of a matte finish so they don’t make quite the statement that the shiny Spanx pair does.  I sized up one size.

Amazon Sweater Tunic–  (As seen in the photo above with the leggings.) If I’m wearing my Amazon faux leather leggings, chances are that I’m wearing my Amazon Sweater Tunic as well.  It has a chic neckline and great length as long as you’re not too petite.  I own it in black, khaki, and gray.  It’s normally around $42 and runs very large, so size down a size.

Gold Freedom Moses Sandals–  These sandals cuter than the EVA Birkenstocks because they don’t look quite so clunky and because they aren’t slick on the footbed they don’t make the “toot” sound that the water-friendly Birks make when they get wet.  I’ve had both and definitely prefer Freedom Moses sandals more.  Cannot recommend these enough!  I have the white pair from 2020 and they’re probably tied for the most worn water friendly shoes this summer.  They’re normally $45 but are currently $36, and they come in a wide variety of colors.  They run true to size.

TKEES Nude Flip Flops–  I haven’t really been a flip-flop wearer in a number of years, but I bought this pair this summer and wore them a whole lot!  They’re comfortable and neutral (they come in basically any skin tone you’d need) and look dressier than regular flip-flops.  I tried an Amazon dupe but I’d recommend getting the real thing, since they really aren’t too pricy at $50 and they’re much more comfortable.  Not water friendly, more for wearing around when you aren’t at the pool.  They’re great with shorts, white jeans and even dresses!  They run true to size and the color I have is Pout.

Dudley Stephens Greenpoint Boatneck Fleece–  I LOVE the Park Slope style from Dudley Stephens, but in 2021 I bought a newer style that has a chic boatneck and it’s slightly longer in length.  It’s beautiful!  I have the cocoa color but it’s currently available stocked in some other neutral colors like natural blush, camel and black.  It runs true to size.

New Balance 880 Running Shoes–  The best running shoes, hands down.  My feet don’t feel tired, arches are supported, they’re not too heavy feeling or clunky looking, and they are great for long mileage and shorter runs too (I also lift weights in them).  I’m a size 8 in regular shoes but size up half a size in New Balance.

Barbour Vest–  A warm vest that’s actually chic!  Nice and warm and zips into a Barbour jacket too.  The cut of this vest is flattering and I love it so much.  I size up a size in the vest and jacket.  A real classic!

J. McLaughlin Ciara Heels–  These brown pumps make me feel so ladylike and grown up (I’m 35 so am obviously a grown up, but you know what I mean).  The brown suede is especially great for fall and winter and the tortoise really takes them up a notch.  Currently $98 off!  They run true to size.  

Tretorn Nylite Sneakers–  I bought these at a thrift store (the best $5 score ever) but would absolutely buy them for full price.  So comfortable and great with jeans for a sporty look.

Tuckernuck Tennis Skirt–  My mom is actually wearing my skirt in the photo above, but if you play tennis or golf, this is the white tennis skirt you need!  It’s so flattering and fun and the built in shorts have the cutest pattern!  The shorts have grippers at the bottom so they stay put, even when you’re running around.  It runs true to size.

J.Crew Gauze Button Down Shirt–  The casual button down that every woman needs.  It’s flattering and nothing is more classic than button down with jeans!  I have it in white and the khaki color, seen above.  It runs true to size.

Tuckernuck Flag Sweater–  I’ve always wanted a classic Americana sweater and this one is perfection!  It’s pricy but I snagged it during a recent Tuckernuck sale.  I wore it with denim shorts and jeans at the beach and will pair with white jeans as well.  I foresee a lot of use especially as we move into spring.  It’s intentionally oversized and I’d say it’s true to size, but if you want a more fitted look size down. 

Amazon Tortoise Shell Apple Watch Band–  This Apple watch band is the best!  It works for exercising and looks great while wearing normal clothes.  I never swap it out!  It’s $22.99 and feels much higher end.

Tuckernuck Navy and Trellis High Rise Compression Leggings–  For when you want to look out but feel chic…these are the leggings for you!  I’ve run 10 miles in them and they’re fantastic, and I wear them casually and for weightlifting too.  They are thick so you don’t have to worry about them being sheer.  The leg pockets are great for holding your phone, even while you’re running.  They run true to size.

Katie Vail

Find me on: Web | Instagram | Facebook