When it comes to fashion, I’m always down for an “ugly” trend. There’s just something about an obnoxiously weird design that makes me go, “I need that.” We’ve seen plenty of controversial sneaker trends over the past few years, from dad-inspired styles to chunky soles galore, some even becoming necessities in our forever wardrobes. (I wear my grandpa-esque shoes almost daily.) As trends always come back in rotation, 2000s platforms have reappeared on the fashion scene, taking on sandals and everyday sneakers. At 5’3″, I’m not mad, as I could use the additional height.
Even as someone who embraces “weird” pieces, I know all too well a platform heel can be a little tricky to style. So if you’re looking to incorporate the Y2K trend but don’t want to look too over the top, white platform sneakers are for you. They look clean and crisp without being too much. I’ve rounded up 17 of the best below, from Nike to Converse, along with some outfit imagery for styling inspiration.
New year, new wardrobe, right? As 2024 approached, I took the opportunity to evaluate my (admittedly overflowing) closet and make some decisive cuts. I realized I hadn’t done a deeper audit of things in quite a long time, so not only was my closet in need of a healthy purge to make everything finally fit on the hanger again, but my style has notably pivoted over the past year towards a more elegant and classic look and many of my older clothing items just no longer feel like anything I want to wear.
I’m guilty of trying a lot of different trends and during the height of the Y2K redux, I tried dozens of things that feel overly-trendy when I look at them now. It turns out that I was holding onto plenty of items like baggy cargo pants and colorful plastic jewelry that I thought I’d get wear out of but never really did. At the end of the day, I’ve always preferred more timeless styles to trendier ones, so I’m taking it as a lesson to be pickier when trying new styles. Below, I’m discussing below several of the swaps I’ve made to move my wardrobe and personal style in a more elegant and less trend-driven direction that will (hopefully) withstand the test of time.
Sometimes, the simplest styling tricks can elevate an entire outfit. As editors, it’s pretty clear to the Who What Wear team that small additions like sleek belts and red socks truly make an outfit. Case in point, our editors’ new favorite winter-approved outfit hack: tights with jeans.
The layered combination isn’t new by any means throughout the colder months, but lately, we’ve been seeing brands, influencers, and other editors wear their favorite tried-and-true jeans with a pair of unexpected tights for a fun peekaboo moment. Whether you’re opting to layer red tights under jeans or fishnets with your go-to pair of slouchy denim, this subtle, It girl–approved trend is the easiest way to make your winter jeans outfit feel 10 times fresher.
Below, scroll on to discover some chic tights-with-jeans outfit ideas and shop all of our essentials to get the outfit.
As an editor who isn’t adjusted to winter dressing by any means, I have to admit that I panic at the sight of snowfall. Admittedly, I still haven’t bought any true winter boots given the lack of any severe winters in New York City. Most of the time, my chic (but dangerous) studded ballet flats will be fine, but given the amount of snow New Yorkers are expecting in the coming weeks and days, my on-trend footwear isn’t going to cut it.
Instead of combing TikTok for hours for video footage on how to buy the best snow boots, I went straight to the source. Yep, Arctic Circle influencers. After a deep dive through my hyper-niche algorithm, I reached out to Thea Selven, or @svalbardthea on TikTok. As her username suggests, Selven lives on Svalbard. Svalbard is a small, rugged island situated between Norway and the North Pole, making it one of the northernmost inhabited places in the world. Naturally, I knew her advice on getting the best snow boots was invaluable.
“In winter, we can have degrees below -30° Celsius! So it’s all about keeping warm and functional, not so much about what’s trendy and not,” Selven explained. It’s a lesson I can learn as a fickle fashion editor—sometimes, function outweighs fashion!
Below, read Selven’s hidden secrets for buying the best snow boots, and scroll on to discover a few chic pairs worth adding to your cart before more snow falls.
For those not chronically online, terms like “coquette,” “coastal grandma,” and “quiet luxury” may leave you a bit puzzled. For those whose screen time runs higher than you’d like, you might have already conjured up an image in your head for each packaged-up style interest. Quiet luxury will have you envisioning the whispered effortlessness of The Row and anything worn by Logan Roy in Succession. Coquette will transport you into Sandy Liang’s world filled with bows, ruffles, and the innate feeling of healing one’s inner child. And 2024’s first buzzy aesthetic, “eclectic grandpa,” coined by Pinterest, which predicted the trend to grow in virality this year (it cited an increase in searches for the terms “grandpa core” and “grandpa style” in December), is composed of kitschy knitwear, loafers, baseball caps, wristwatches, and anything retro or vintage adjacent. With this in mind, my mind immediately jumps to anything designed by Emily Bode, the street style of Princess Diana, and the top contenders of GQ’s best-dressed list—particularly Pedro Pascal.
While this style can technically be achieved with a purchase of a few pieces, a part of the conversation surrounding this new trend is heading in a different direction: The look is meant to encapsulate the personal style of an actual grandpa, though people are starting to realize that they only look that stylish because they have collected high-quality, special, and well-loved pieces over time, which isn’t something you can exactly curate overnight.
It’s created a new conversation on how Gen Z is viewing their style. Some might consider aesthetics to be the antithesis of personal style (I think experimentation is key), but this one’s proving to the next-gen (me included) that patience is a virtue. While I may not be copying the grandpa ‘fits I see on my Pinterest feed to a T, it’s certainly been shifting the way I shop and dress. Since I, too, want to be a grandparent one day with a closet filled with special and long-lasting pieces, I’ve been having more fun with the way I dress and putting a lot more thought into what I purchase and how they’ll fit into my wardrobe—current and future.
Even if you’re not embodying the exact outfits of celebrities like Gigi Hadid or Tyler the Creator, their style presence among the aesthetic will still inevitably make an impact on the trend cycle. Pinterest expects an uptick in demand for sweater-vests, loafers, and “grandpa knits”—items all worn by the style stars mentioned above. If you want to be inspired by the eclectic styling off and on the runway or want to incorporate a piece or two from the grandpa look into your wardrobe, simply keep scrolling.
As anyone who lives in New York will tell you, Williamsburg is the new SoHo. For better or worse, North 6th Street, in particular—just a couple of blocks from my apartment—has transformed into a bona fide shopping destination, home to the likes of Glossier, Byredo, and Chanel Beauty, not to mention Hermès, Reformation, and Madewell.
My newest neighbor is COS, which is equal parts excellent and dangerous. I used to *innocently* walk my dog past every day, but now that Ruby knows the lovely staff have treats for her behind the counter, I’ve been forced to go inside more than once. In the name of research, I’ve been taking mental note of the rich-looking styles that are giving the most quiet luxury energy. Here’s what’s at the top of my wish list, including picks from in-store, some online exclusives, and the one chic item I couldn’t not buy.
It’s boot season, and that means you have every right to scoop up the best boots to replenish your shoe closet. But if you typically tend to struggle to find narrow-calf boot brands for your smaller calves, trust us when we say you’ve come to the right place. There are tons of brands out there that make boots with smaller, narrower calves in mind, and a few brands always hit it out of the park. After doing tons of market research, looking into product reviews, and, of course, wearing these brands ourselves, we’ve been able to compile a list of five of the absolute best narrow-calf boot brands we just know you’ll love. Across the board, each of these five brands is known for making lots of styles specifically catered to narrow-calf people, or some of these styles simply feature a tighter fit. No gapping here! We know that investing in a good pair of boots might seem like a daunting task, but with a little help from us, your fashion besties, we think you’re going to love not only the brands on this list but also the narrow-calf boots we’ve found. Read on to see and shop our edit, along with the top customer review for each boot style, sizes and colors available, why we think they’re great options, and so much more.
Frye is a brand all fashion people know and love. Known for its craftsmanship and attention to details and trends, its shoes, and especially its boots, always tend to sell out quickly. This American-made company started back in 1863 and has since grown to be one of the best boot brands in the world, not only because of the beautiful and timeless styles but also because they cater to those with both narrow and wide calves. Frye boots tend to go anywhere from $300 to $500 depending on the style, but each boot is crafted with premium leather—so just keep that in mind!
This timeless style comes in multiple colorways and can be styled with anything from skirts to dresses, leggings, jeans, and more. Size Range: 5.5-11. Colors Available: Dark Brown, Saddle, Banana. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Beautiful leather boots! Even more comfortable than I had expected! These exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait to have these as a staple in my wardrobe.”
Cowboy boots aren’t meant to be too tight around the calf area, and if you have narrow calves, you’ll love the way they perfectly rest against your legs. Size Range: 5.5-12. Colors Available: Dark Pewter, Black, Ivory, Brown, Black Tooled, Chocolate. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Gorgeous and fit well! Very well made!”
The button details on these boots are simply perfect, and with an easy pull-on nature, these will easily come off and on for those with narrow calves. Size Range: 5.5-12. Colors Available: Whiskey, Mahogany, Cognac, Black, Grey, Redwood. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “I’ve been wanting these for years and finally got them! They are beautiful and comfortable- perfect if you have narrow feet and thin legs. I love them!!”
There’s nothing we don’t love about these tall boots. And while we’re fans of the caramel hue, they also offer a lot of other color options for every aesthetic. Size Range: 5.5-12. Colors Available: Caramel, Black, Black Brush Off, Redwood, Antiqued Black, Dark Brown. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “I have slender legs and these boots fit me perfectly – thank you for making great quality leather products.”
If you’ve been to a luxury shopping mall or scrolled through your favorite influencers’ social media feeds, chances are you’re already familiar with designer Stuart Weitzman. This brand began in 1986 and is known for its sexy styles, stunning silhouettes, and sturdy designs. Additionally, its boots are available in multiple width options, typically including narrow, medium, wide, and even extra wide. With a higher price point (from around $600 to $2000), these shoes are definitely an investment, but we think they’re well worth the splurge.
Stretch booties are the perfect style for those with narrow calves because they will hug your feet in all the right places! We’re obsessed with this specific pair from Stuart Weitzman. Size Range: 3.5-13. Colors Available: Black, Taupe. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “These booties are made with high-quality leather. They are stretchy around the ankle which I love because of this you can wear them with a dress or skirt. My favorite thing to wear these booties with is boot-cut jeans. It gives them an elevated look.”
For a classic black bootie, you can’t go wrong with this simple style that will remain in your closet for years to come. Size Range: 3.5-13. Colors Available: Black. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Love these Chelsea boots. Perfect height. Beautifully made and super comfortable. Very happy with my purchase.”
If you’re on the hunt for an over-the-knee boot that fits your narrow calves, look no further than this beautiful option our editors are in love with. Size Range: 3.5-13. Colors Available: Black. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Oh my goodness, I feel so confident and beautiful wearing these. Elevates every single outfit and the best-fitting boots in the world.”
Whether you’re into a grungy look or just want a style that gives a bit more edge, go for this fun style that’s available for people with narrow feet. Size Range: 3.5-13. Colors Available: Black, Oat. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “I was introduced to Stuart Weitzman shoes in the mid 1980’s. They are the best shoes I have ever seen and worn.”
Founded in 1928, Cole Haan has been a pioneer in the shoe industry for both men and women. With luxe designs and special attention to leather, we love looking to this brand for narrow calf boot options. From traditional riding boots to ankle booties and even combat boots, there’s a style available for anyone. The typical price range is $90 to $250.
A classic style that you can wear for years to come, the Noelle Boot from Cole Haan deserves a spot in your shoe closet. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Black, Chestnut, Tornado. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Excellent quality and good fit. I just love them!”
With a slightly square toe and a narrower upper portion, this boot will look amazing with an assortment of outfits. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Black, Irish Coffee. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Very flattering booties. I have long, narrow feet and these worked well.”
Riding boots are such a versatile style that can go with all sorts of aesthetics, and we love how this boot is both timeless and trendy at the same time. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Black, Black Woven, British Tan. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “These boots are beyond expectations!!! The fit, the leather, and the quality are exceptional.”
Combat boots are another boot style everyone knows and loves, and these specific ones are our current faves for those with narrow calves. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Black. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Great boots! Comfortable and high quality.”
Established in 2005, Marc Fisher is a shoe brand fashion people need to know about. With fair prices and a wide assortment of sizes to choose from, those with narrow calves will find that there are plenty of boot styles. We especially love this narrow-calf boot brand because of the classic silhouettes that will never go out of style. As far as pricing goes for boots, most are in the $170-to-$300 range.
Our fashion editors have been loving the biker boot trend, and these nice-fitting boots from Marc Fisher just might be some of the best the market has to offer. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Dark Natural, Black. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Great boots. Nice fit. True to size.”
We love a slouchy boot moment, and these comfortable ones from Marc Fisher would look stunning any time of year. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Dark Red, Taupe, Black Leather, Black Suede. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Comfortable.”
The block heel is what initially sold us on these knee-highs, but honestly, the entire boot is pure perfection. And if you have narrow calves, you won’t be dealing with any gapping or feel like you’re swimming in them. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Black, Medium Natural 102, Medium Natural 103, Medium Natural 104. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Super soft and comfortable boots! Fit perfectly and the heel height makes me feel I can wear it all day with no pressure. Definitely, it will be my first choice of this winter in my closet.”
We’re willing to bet that everyone (and we mean everyone) is familiar with Steve Madden. With a revolutionary take on shoes, this is a brand that’s approachable and offered at various price points (typically $100 to $250). Getting its start in 1990, Steve Madden has since completely taken off and is now one of the leading brands in the shoe industry—with some of our absolute favorite narrow boots to shop!
Coastal cowboys will adore these cowboy boots from Steve Madden. We’ve personally worn these and can attest that they’re not too wide. Size Range: 5.5-11. Colors Available: Black Mult, Chsnut Sue, Bone Leather, Green Leather. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “The most comfortable boots ever. The inside feels so amazingly soft. Very sexy and elegant, especially the bone color. I’m purchasing another color for sure. Maybe the black or maybe the brown, I’m not sure. I love them all.”
A classic leather knee-high boot is a necessity for any fashion person. This style from Steve Madden features a pointed toe and slim upper portion that’s made with narrow calves in mind. Size Range: 5.5-11. Colors Available: Black Leather, Black Crocodile, Oatmeal Suede. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “These are the perfect boot. I have never been a fan of kitten heel until this pair. So comfortable. For dressing up or down. I love to pair them with a skirt & tights! You won’t regret these!”
A platform boot with moto edge? Sign us up. If you have narrow calves, you’ll especially love the way these rest. Size Range: 5-11. Colors Available: Black. Materials: Faux Leather. Customer Review: “I have scrawny legs and ankles. 5’2. They hit right below my knee and don’t slouch. No gap and wasn’t tight. Very comfortable too.”
This mid-calf boot is perfect for those who have more of a narrow footing and calf, and we simply adore the colors on offer—especially the tan suede option! Size Range: 5.5-11. Colors Available: Tan Suede, Black Leather, Chestnut Suede, Bone Leather. Materials: Leather. Customer Review: “Love them! Comfortable and stylish.”
If this is your first time here, let me catch you up to speed: My aunt is my style icon. She was the person who ignited my love of fashion and continues to impress me with her ever-evolving style. Over the years, our personal styles have gone from polar opposites to quite similar. We now shop at more of the same stores and idolize the same aesthetics. One of our go-to retailers has always been Nordstrom, and this week, my aunt showed me a handful of new arrivals that I now won’t shut up about.
Although I’m 30 and she’s 58, we have similar tastes now, and I love that. And the 29 Nordstrom items below will confirm good taste is completely ageless. Featuring everything from cheap finds to investment pieces, basics to trendy must-haves, the assortment here will have you with full carts just like my chic aunt and me.
As a fashion editor who wears jeans pretty much every day, I’m always (excitedly) keeping up-to-date with the latest denim styles, silhouettes, cuts, details, and brands that are trending from season to season. If you read Who What Wear on the reg, you’ll know that non–skinny jeans—aka loose, wide-leg, and relaxed silhouettes—have been trending hard this year. It’s a style that’s blowing up this season thanks to its dominant presence on the runways and the cool fashion crowd. You can’t scroll Instagram these days without seeing some sort of cool iteration of trouser-like wide-leg jeans.
In seasons past, the high-rise silhouette has been a dominant force, but we’re now seeing plenty of mid-rise and fashion-forward low-rise styles come into play, so there’s something to suit every fashion taste. We’re also seeing a deviation away from cropped styles in favor of long and loose denim with that stylish puddle effect we talk about often here at WWW.
For the past few months, I’ve been slowly adding a variety of wide-leg jeans to my wardrobe. Below, I’m highlighting 10 of my favorites that fit great, feel great, and are altogether on-trend this season. If you, too, are on the hunt for a fresh new pair of wide-leg jeans, keep scrolling for plenty of style tips and shopping picks, and to take a look at more styles I have my eye on below. (For reference, I am 5’7″ and usually wear a size 27.)
Who doesn’t love a fashion person who walks the line between living in New York and Paris? Xenia Adonts is a fashion influencer and icon who strikes the perfect balance between her love for both cities. While many people think she lives in Europe due to her constant travel schedule, she actually calls New York City home and visits her Paris apartment often. With her unique sense of style that we consider to be a mix of Scandi girl and Blair Waldorf, Adonts has captured the admiration of style enthusiasts and brands in any continent, proving that style knows no international borders. We sat down with her to discuss her brand Attire and the wardrobe staples she can wear in any city.
Tell us about Attire.
I started the brand at the end of 2019 after receiving a lot of offers to co-design for other brands. I wanted to really give my input, and they never gave me the freedom to pick the fabric that I would like to use or the right factory, and it always rubbed me the wrong way. I always blew off these collaborations, and one day, I decided to just start my own brand.
I want to improve how clothing is made. I want to be conscious about the fabrics we use. It was really important to have zero polyester because I realized that even recycled polyester is not good.
When I started, I thought that people are much more into sustainability and transparency. The reality is it’s still a long journey, but we’re focused on maintaining our values—quality, sustainability, transparency.
What was the first piece that you designed for the collection that you felt strongly about?
I never designed. I’ve always been the creative director, which is important for me to point out. Our first hit was our trench coat that we launched in 2021, and up to this day, it’s still a best seller. I just knew I wanted an oversize trench coat that I could throw over anything. I knew which details I wanted, and that was our first big item.
How have your travels inspired the work that you’ve done?
Travel is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Every city has such a different personality in terms of fashion and the people you see in the streets. I’m always looking, and every city is so different. New York is so different from Paris. Paris is so different from Germany, but I get inspired by every city, so I take pieces from each of them.
You have apartments in New York and Paris. How does being bicontinental inspire what you buy?
Both cities are so different, yet they have something cosmopolitan that connects both, so there’s a branch throughout both. New York is a bit cooler, edgy, and modern in a way. Paris is more timeless. It’s more feminine. I take the best of both cities and try to make them into one.
Can you name five items we should shop if we want an outfit that looks good in New York and Paris?
The fabric is so strong. It almost has a silky vibe to it. It’s also an item that gives you a lot of space, so you have a lot of freedom to move. You can layer it with chunky knits, but it’s a cool oversize piece when you just wear a minidress.
I love freedom. It’s one of my core values, so I love a blazer that’s not restricting. I want the freedom of movement, so I added space in the shoulder area to ours.
I have to mention boyfriend jeans because they always look effortlessly stylish. They are also super comfortable for running around big cities.
When it comes to fall, the climate is pretty similar in both cities. A structured coat quickly becomes an easy choice for colder days!
I absolutely live in my chunky cardigan this time of year. It’s great for that cozy fall vibe and can be worn both inside and outside.
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