What’s Good: 31 New Things I Tried That I’m Recommending to Everyone
Kristen Nichols Sun, 13 Mar 2022 Who What WearWhat’s Good is a Who What Wear column where senior editor Kristen Nichols shares her latest fashion and beauty finds.
As an editor, I’m always discovering new brands and trends, and often, testing out many of them myself. To share some of the latest things that have landed in my closet and makeup bag, I’m introducing my new column, What’s Good, where I’m spilling the details on all of the cool finds that I’m wearing IRL. Some are just-dropped items I couldn’t wait to try out, while others are staples I’ve had for years but think are still worth the investment.
As we head into spring, my wardrobe is in a moment of transition, so you’ll spot everything from oversize bomber jackets and knee-high boots to satin slip dresses and micro miniskirts—pieces I’m wearing to ease my way into some of the biggest trends of the season. I’m also borrowing some styling inspiration from the F/W 22 runways and celeb looks, with my own personal spin. Ahead, dive into 31 fashion and beauty editor recommendations, test-driven by me.
With a new creative director at the helm of Bottega Veneta for the F/W 22 collection, all eyes were on what Matthieu Blazy would send down the runway. His debut was terrific (more on that later) and I'm already taking styling inspiration from the show. Specifically, look 47, featuring a long satin dress with a sweater tied at the waist. To make it my own, I added a pair of sock-like knee-high boots and a satin bag.
Throughout the pandemic, I did some walking but didn't go to any workout classes and really missed them. I recently started going to Hot Pilates in L.A. and it feels so great to get my body moving again. I've quickly realized that I need to get some new pieces in my workout wardrobe, though. I can't get enough of this perfectly-cut bra and workout tights from Nike, which are truly the best leggings I've ever owned. I've also been test-driving Hoka sneakers after hearing so many incredible things about them and they really live up to the hype.
I have a soft spot for suiting and can't get enough of the slouchy silhouettes that are on the market right now. Frankie Shop has yet again nailed the trend to perfection, with a rich shade of charcoal grey and pieces that are tailored so well. Here, I added a baseball cap and strappy sandals to dress it down, but would also style it with pointed boots for an office look.
The moment I spotted this dress from Staud, I knew I needed it in my closet. I've been thinking a lot about the maxi trend that dominated the S/S 22 runways, and this is the perfect piece to test-drive it with. The two-tone finish and slit make the simple lines a bit more directional, and I can imagine wearing it anywhere from a dinner to an event.
Right now, our editors can't stop talking about the return of the bomber jacket. This time around, we're seeing styles that are oversize and often, crafted from leather. I've been living in this bomber from COS, which is finished with padded details that makes it feel like it was plucked out of the '90s. Here, I was inspired by noughties celeb airport outfit looks that paired a leather bomber with sleek jeans, ankle boots, and a baseball hat.
I typically don't wear a ton of color, but I couldn't ignore the rainbow knits that are on the market right now. I'm already predicting they will be a huge trend for spring and summer, with brands including Miu Miu and Alanui already dropping cool pieces in their spring collections. Here, I paired a pink knit tank with a micro miniskirt, then added platform slides and a belt bag. Can you tell I'm ready for spring?