It’s that time again. The year is coming to an end and with Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, most of us are frantically doing last-minute gift shopping. Whether it be for ourselves or loved ones, it is the unofficial time to splurge and indulge yourself for all the hardwork you’ve put in this year.
As with previous years, this year, we saw many fashion trends come and go. Athleisure and loungewear took a back seat as maximalism—dressing up in statement pieces to impress—became the norm again. Tailoring, gorpcore and the ‘y2k’ aesthetic carried on the craze from last year. We saw the return of several vintage favourites, from raved-about parachute pants to edgy leather coats. Oversized jorts, sheer dresses, maxi skirts and fuzzy fur hats were all hot commodities in 2022, donned by the stylish celebrity faces we have come to love.
Here at Vogue, we spend countless hours observing and studying the latest in fashion. From detailed style guides on how to emulate Wednesday Addams to fascinating culture pieces such as fashion’s relationship with furniture, we wax poetic on everything there is to know about the industry. The gems we share or recommend—while lovely to look at and gush over—oftentimes do not end up in our own wardrobe. So, out of the hundreds of items we have come across throughout the year, which pieces did we actually invest in?
Below, the Vogue Singapore team shares their favourite fashion purchase of the year and the reason they decided to add to cart.
1 / 8
Desmond Lim, fashion director
Favourite purchase: Bianca Chandon x Vans Vault Sk8 Hi, $179
I wear a lot of Vans, especially to the gym because of their sturdy sole construction. The brand collaborated with fashion enthusiast and professional skateboarder Alex Olson and birthed the idea of a perfectly beaten-down sneaker. Cue the classic Vans Vault Sk8 Hi, which poses the perfect devil-may-care attitude. It blends seamlessly into my wardrobe while ticking all the right boxes in the style department. That alone gets a massive star from me.
Available at Dover Street Market Singapore.
2 / 8
Maya Menon, associate fashion features editor
Favourite purchase: Lemaire brown large Croissant bag, $1,450
I first tried on a pair of trousers from Lemaire a year ago and was really impressed with its cut and construction. These qualities extend to the brand’s accessories, too, and so when I came across Lemaire’s Croissant bag eventually, I decided to add to cart. While the messenger has upheld its internet virality for a while now, it’s all for good reason. Its knotted shoulder strap makes for a sturdy sling and its buffed Nappa lambskin finish offers a really beautiful finish. I typically opt for black accessories, but this chocolate brown hue has been a small yet significant addition to my wardrobe.
Available at SSENSE.
3 / 8
Janice Sim, digital editor
Favourite purchase: Prada brushed leather shoulder bag, $4,750
I’ve had my eye on Prada’s leather goods for a while now but it was only until their fall/winter 2022 menswear show where I really decided to bite the bullet. I knew I wanted something timeless and versatile for any outfit, hence it could only fall on a black crossbody for me. My fashion director very kindly purchased this in Milan back in September and since then, I’ve carried this number just about everywhere, from formal events to boisterous dance floors.
Available at Farfetch.
4 / 8
Azrin Tan, digital writer
Favourite purchase: COS oversized cotton-poplin shirt, $120
I’ve been needing to replace some of my older shirts for a while now so I was really glad to have stumbled on this COS piece that was on major sale this holiday season. I am a big proponent of layering in general and oversized shirts are the perfect option for throwing over knits and slinky camis or just wearing on its own with a few buttons undone. I especially love this piece because it holds its shape well and has a concealed button placket, but honestly just couldn’t resist a good pinstripe look.
Available at COS.
5 / 8
Syed Zulfadhli, associate beauty editor
Favourite purchase: Jacquemus La Caquette Rond Round-back Baseball Cap, $130
This is technically not a fashion purchase as it was a birthday present from my best friend. It’s still the best fashion addition to my wardrobe this year because it’s such an effortless way to hide my unruly hair when I’m out and about—whether it’s for my mental health walks or just running errands. What I really like about the design is that it features a round-back detail that gives the cap an unexpected twist without trying too hard. And since it was a gift, it also reminds me that there are people out there who care about me—that’s always a heartwarming sentiment to have.
Available at Jacquemus.
6 / 8
Bryan Ho, fashion features writer
Favourite purchase: Parts of Four crescent plane cuff, $1,302
I first saw a similar bracelet on the Rick Owens spring/summer 2023 runway show and was enraptured by the uniqueness of the piece. I did a little research and found Parts of Four, a Californian brand that does jewellery for Michele Lamy. What drew me to this was the unorthodox shape and brushed finish on it, which creates a worn-in look that produces patina over time. A statement accessory that I wear almost everyday, it goes with most of my wardrobe and is a natural conversation starter.
Available at Farfetch.
7 / 8
Kelly Khua, fashion intern
Favourite purchase: Saint Laurent Paris classic pleated hobo, $320
My best purchase of the year would be this 2002 hobo bag from YSL Rive Gauche when Tom Ford was the creative director. It’s one of my favourite vintage finds because it has everything I look for in a bag: slouchy silhouette, contrasting textures, and lightweight. Not to mention, it is able to fit all my everyday essentials, planner and a short novel.
8 / 8
Jasmine Ashvinkumar, fashion stylist
Favourite purchase: Prada Embroided cloth and tulle midi-skirt, $4,050
Only one thought came to my mind when I saw this gem: it’s so beautiful and a piece that I will probably keep forever.
Available at Prada.
