The faux fur coat trend has been going strong for a few years now, but the trench coat revival was unique to 2019. While the classic style has been around for decades (particularly in wool and waterproof cotton twill), this year gave us leather and patent leather trenches, faux fur and shearling trenches, snakeskin and animal print trenches, vinyl and PVC trenches, and more. Fashion editors, street style stars, and celebrities alike have all sported the cold-weather staple, particularly the now-famous Saks Potts shearling coat.
Take Emily Ratajkowski’s incredibly chic belted shearling-trimmed leather trench from Loewe. The sold-out style is just as stylish as it is practical, featuring insulating leather, cozy shearling, and an ultra-flattering belt. Ratajkowski styled the robe-like coat with a beige turtleneck, grey sweatpants, Adidas by Stella McCartney sneakers, and Reality X-Ray sunglasses to grab pizza slices with husband Sebastian Bear-McClard in New York City.
Considering the practicality of trench coats, we predict that this style will only continue to grow in popularity this winter and next, especially in frigid NYC. Check out Emily Ratajkowski’s look below, and keep scrolling to shop similar styles.
From J. Lo to Keanu, baseball GIFs to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s masterpiece, here are 50 great cultural moments — from TV, movies, theater, books, podcasts and more — from the year that was.
(Image credit: Steve Schofield/Amazon Prime Video)
It’s no secret that one of our favorite areas of exploration here at Who What Wear is the magic that is Jennifer Lopez. From her impossibly cool style to her mastery of aging and her general badassery, we can’t get enough of Jenny From the Block. When it comes to her makeup, in particular, we’re in perpetual awe of the fact that she never seems to have an off day. It’s truly unreal, and that’s due in large part to her trusted makeup artist, Scott Barnes.
Two decades painting famous faces such as Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian West have taught Barnes a thing or two about getting the look right, every single time. So when we heard the veteran beauty guru was adding a range of face and eye palettes to his eponymous cosmetics line, we knew each offering would be something special. In an effort to get closer to our goal of putting our best faces forward, we jumped at the chance to ask Barnes his opinion on the makeup mistakes that are holding us back from looking like J.Lo (you know, aside from our pesky DNA).
Ahead, check out the five mistakes that make him cringe, and learn what to do instead.
“Hard contour lines are usually a sign that you are just following a trend and ignoring your own face. When I launched my second book with Kim Kardashian on the cover, who is widely known for contouring, I vocalized then that contour is about accentuating what is already there,” Barnes explains. “Instead of copying how others may contour, think of it like a surgeon would: Rounded faces can use some structure, and structured faces can use some roundness. Be honest with your facial structure, and that will help you to take command of the process like a professional would.”
The takeaway: Contour according to your own facial shape, not according to what you see others doing.
Barnes is an OG Hollywood makeup artist, and as such, he’s seen the rise and fall of many a makeup trend. “Unblended eye shadow is very 1999,” he says. “My solution is to blend so that your eye color and shape can pop! Your eye shadow shouldn’t be stealing that away. Think of eye shadow as the introduction to your whole look. You want it to be a smooth transition into the exploration of the other colors going on with your outfit and body.”
The takeaway: Blend, blend, blend (and then blend some more) so that your eye shadow fits seamlessly into the rest of your look.
“I can look at any skin type, dark or light, and see whether it’s shifted more yellow or red, and whether their cheeks need a smaller or larger blush area,” Barnes told us. “If you have a redder hue and you are pounding on a ton of pink blush, it can end up looking messy. Know your skin, and your blush will start looking more natural. And always put the blush more toward the front of your cheeks, not on the sides.”
The takeaway: Think of blush as a way to add youthfulness by shifting hues, and also consider the placement.
“Highlighting brings things forward, and shadows make things recede, so I can understand why some might give in to the temptation to pound their cheek hollows with half of their highlighter product. I think the best way to handle hollows of the cheeks is really about choosing the correct contour color, proper layering, and choosing the correct foundation shade that can lift your hollow area from underneath,” Barnes instructs.
The takeaway: Choose your contour and foundation carefully so you aren’t tempted to go overboard with highlighter.
“I love drama, but during the day, the harshness of heavy eye makeup can pull so much contrast that it actually does you a disservice. I’ve been doing makeup for 20 years on and off the camera, so one thing that I always bear in mind is the light. What you thought would play nicely suddenly doesn’t. My advice to anyone wanting to wear more dramatic eye makeup during the day is to reject the urge of just choosing a lot of blacks and grays or dark, thick colors. Instead, stick with darker shades of natural tones that match your skin. You’ll find that the contrast you were going for is still achievable with practice and experimentation,” says Barnes.
The takeaway: Be patient with perfecting your daytime drama, and take into account the lighting you’ll be working with and the colors you’re using.
Up next, five eye makeup tricks that will actually take years off your face.
It’s official: We’ve now reached the point where our once-coveted new buys no longer justify the unbearable temperatures. Fortunately, we’ve at least somewhat conquered this seasonal dilemma by narrowing it down to nine foolproof winter outfits that check all of the bitter-weather boxes and won’t have you in danger of outfit-repeating. Scroll through to discover which effortless outfit will become your midseason uniform.
The beauty of this outfit is that it’s likely some of these staples already exist in your closet. Update your go-to puffer by styling it with a belt bag to make the look feel fresh and new. Style hack: Opt for the highest-waisted leggings possible—the more coverage, the more warmth.
Reached the point where you can’t imagine wearing jeans another day? Pair your favorite pieces (turtleneck, teddy coat, etc.) with statement trousers for an effortless but perfectly put-together outfit.
Sensing a hero wardrobe piece here? Pair the trusty turtleneck with a maxi skirt, and complete the look with a metallic, quilted puffer. Pro tip: Wear thick tights and chunky knit socks to maintain warmth.
This look is easy to repeat for two reasons. First, animal print will always be on trend; second, this look is comprised of several everyday essentials you can wear over and over again without getting bored.
This nightgown-inspired look requires zero effort. Make a quick transition out of bed with this on-trend dress-and–quilted coat combo. Honestly, this outfit is so easy it would be harder not to wear it on a regular basis.
Here’s the breakdown on how to achieve this effortlessly cool look without thinking twice. Hoodie + oversize leather jacket + cargo pants = no brainer. And don’t worry if you’re nervous about being labeled an outfit repeater; simply swap the hoodie each time and you’ll fly under the radar.
Fashion’s favorite style trick this season is both on-trend and logical. Styling a chunky sweater over any look will instantly elevate your ensemble—and you have an extra sweater when the temps drop. Use this style tip with a suit, over a wool coat, or draped over layers of sweaters; it’s really quite simple.
+ Tailored Plaid Check Trousers ($79)
Head-to-toe winter whites are my go-to solution in breaking my seasonal style slump here in New York. Though there’s the inherent risk of stepping out for a walk and immediately encountering the dirty street slush (cue classic taxi-splash movie scene) to content with, the look is a real mood booster.
I saved the easiest for last. Buy a new wool coat (yes, this is retail therapy at its finest). Outfit must: Pair your new coat with a matching oversize wool scarf to create a voluminous silhouette. It’s like hiding in a cozy wool cocoon.
Up Next: 9 Expensive-Looking Winter Outfits to Wear With Jeans
Between the hundreds of collections shown four times a year (pre-fall, fall, spring, and resort) and the thousands of new pieces revealed at market appointments, it’s safe to say fashion editors see a lot of fashion. Having worked at a prestigious magazine for five years, I lived the glamour of being surrounded by racks and racks of clothes newly off the runway, and had premier access to the newest trends (cue Devil Wears Prada reference). Influenced by new designers and existing designer relationships with the publication, my job was to tell the consumer what to buy season after season. Throughout the trend meetings, the question that would always come up? But Adrienne, what are you buying? What does the fashion editor who not only sees it all actually add to cart?
After an extensive reflection, I’ve landed on 10 pieces fashion editors are actually putting their paychecks toward. It’s a highly curated list, as fashion editors are tough customers; they work seasons ahead, so they already know what will be out on the store floors in six months (I’m guilty of stalking Chanel’s SoHo store until they received the denim Boy bag I saw in the fashion closet months prior). They know the real markup on the price tag, and along with season’s statement pieces, they devote themselves to trusted basics. An accumulation of both wardrobe staples and must-have trend pieces, below is an inside look into what editors are actually buying now.
A Boxy Blazer
An instant outfit-maker, a blazer will complete any look any season. However, it’s not just any ol’ blazer—editors tend to opt for a boxier, oversize silhouette. Style tip: Pair this with a minidress or tapered trousers for a more defined silhouette.
London-based label Rokh creates structured, tailored pieces like no one else.
Expert advice: Buy a size or two bigger for a more dramatic effect.
A Suit
A suit that’s been tailored to perfection exudes confidence. It also makes for a rather effortless decision-making process when getting dressed in the morning, because you know it will never fail you.
+ Faux Leather-Trimmed Woven Pant ($297). I would love a full closet of Tibi suits, please.
+ Straight Suit Trousers ($100). The best part about suits—and most likely the reason editors are buying them—is the creative freedom they allow. Layer a snug turtleneck underneath or simply a bra; the styling is in your hands.
A Statement Shoe
Here’s a popular fashion style hack: Start getting dressed from the feet up. Statement shoes, whether they’re jeweled mules or quirky heels, always add a little something extra to a mundane outfit.
The magical combination of a slingback and a sculptured heel.
A light feather, if you will.
Everyday Jewelry
After being an editor for five years, I basically built an everyday jewelry collection. I have about six to eight pieces I refuse to leave the house without. Admitedly, some pieces were gifted, but once my collection began to flourish, I became particular about which items held the honor of an everyday piece. They range from personalized nameplates and dainty gold chains to a variety of hoops and stackable rings.
A fashion editor’s wardrobe essential.
Splurge on rings you actually want to wear every day from companies you believe in (à la Gemist).
An insider secret: Hoops will never go out of style.
Feel Good Denim
We all have that one pair of jeans we wear till the bitter end. We personify them, deeming them our best friends. Editor or not, a true pair of high-waisted, straight-legged denim is a must.
Sustainably made from cotton, Slvrlake denim has perfected this worn-in wash and straight-leg silhouette.
The relaxed look of this denim can seamlessly be worn casually during the day or dressed up for a night out.
A Commuter Handbag
Believe it or not, fashion editors are somewhat realistic. Though we admire the outrageous tiny-bag trend, we also are aware of the handbag’s role: to carry your belongings from point A to point B. Ditch the grocery canvas tote bags and invest in a fashionable commuter bag. You do have to live with it every day.
Pricier, yes, but so worth it. This London brand specializes in sophisticated travel bags.
Slouchy, oversize, and insanely roomy.
Just the other day, I saw a former fashion editor carrying the bag and instantly became inspired to buy my own.
A Transseasonal Coat
Puffers, faux furs, and shearlings are not at fault here, but realistically the sole style an editor is willing to invest in time after time is the trench coat. Like the suit, it serves as a blank canvas when styling a look. Drape a sweater over the shoulders or even dare to double up on the trench.
I’ve already thought of 10+ ways I can style this one.
Unexpected outwear and deconstructed details are key things to look for when shopping for a transseasonal coat.
A Fitted Frock
An emphasis here on fitted. There’s nothing like a dress tailored to a T. Yes, editors see thousands of dresses, but they only pull the trigger on styles that have the perfect fit.
If you’re unclear on where to start, look for silhouettes with a high neck and petite puff sleeve.
Fitted with a hint of volume is also a good recipe.
This dress emphasizes fit on both the waist and the cuffs, which compliment the tiered maxi quite well.
The Season’s It Boot
Each season, I dedicate (some) of my funds to investing in new boots. I select my favorite boot trend of the season and go for it.
This season’s winner: a mock-croc knee-high boot.
I was unaware I needed a black version until now…
Trendy Handbag
It’s unclear if it’s due to the fact that I covered the ready-to-wear market at the magazine, but my biggest spend will always be a trendy handbag. (You always want what you don’t have, right?) There’s no guided instructions on when to buy one—when the time is right, you’ll know.
It’s not just a bag; it’s Prada.
A timeless treasure. Up Next: 6 Winter Outfits That Are the Epitome of “Less Is More”
Dressing for the cold winter months is all about layering. It’s really the trick not only for staying warm but also for stepping outside of the house looking stylish. While a warm parka certainly helps on freezing days, it’s really the extra accessories that will keep you bundled up, and a cashmere scarf is no doubt one of the most versatile winter accessories.
After all, it’s the softest, most luxurious version out there—the ultimate winter essential. You can wear one with everything from a leather jacket and jeans on brisk days to your warmest down-filled puffer coat when the temperatures really start to dip. We’ve rounded up the best cashmere scarves on the internet at every price point. From infinity scarves to long fringed options, there’s a style for everyone.
Shop our favorite pieces here, starting at $50.
This also comes in camel and black.
We love this neutral color.
The perfect finishing touch.
So pretty.
Under-$100 cashmere? Sign us up.
This also has a matching beanie for a full look.
Perfect for layering.
You can’t go wrong with Isabel Marant.
A classic staple.
For guaranteed warmth.
For a pop of color.
The most classic print.
Every closet needs a burgundy scarf option.
A two-tone pick will add a chic dimension to any winter outfit.
Kendal Manuel hit two free throws with two seconds left in the game to lift Montana to a 52-50 win over Sacramento State in a Big Sky Conference showdown
