Welcome to Same Same But Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.
Dale Chong: Is it just me or has fashion month been going on forever? The list of shows to attend and trends to spot seems endless. How are you planning all your outfits? Do you have specific items put aside to wear, or do you put things together on the fly? I’m all ears.
Meg Donohue: I tried to take a more organized approach this season and plan my looks ahead of time. In years past, I’ve played myself by leaving the decision until right before I needed to leave the house. This time, I looked through my closet and thought, What are the most fashion-forward pieces in here? Though I was also considering weather and practicality, as I knew I’d be zipping up, down, and all around. The butterfly outfit has been my favorite so far—and the one that got the most compliments, too.
I was able to keep (relatively) cool in a one-shoulder minidress, and while platform boots aren’t always the absolute smartest move when you plan to be huffing around town, the outfit was just too good, I couldn’t pass it up. I paired it with my new favorite piece of jewelry, Ian Charms’ silver cuff, as an homage to The Jersey Shore, naturally. And it’s no surprise that all the Prada Cleos were claimed at Vivrelle.
DC: I also planned some looks ahead of time, which was an effective destresser. That said, I’m also someone who typically dresses for her mood of the day (which also includes factors like the weather), so I leave myself with some flexibility. That’s how I ended up wearing this heatwave-approved ensemble: a cut-out tank top from cool-girl brand Rui, a simple silk slip skirt by Reformation, and these Koio leather sandals, which I wear nearly every single (sunny) day. I finished it off with a bag I happened to acquire last-minute and two oversized earcuffs—my favorite jewelry look of the moment. It may not have been an outfit I saved in my camera roll to keep on-hand for the morning, but it was something I felt comfortable and confident in; and I know I’ll be wearing it again when the temperatures rise.
I know we’re just starting to wear our takes on the coolest fall fashion trends of 2023, but we did spend a hefty amount of time this month taking note of what’s to come in the spring. Are there any specific looks or pieces you’re hoping to add to your wardrobe next season?
MD: Agree that planning ahead was a game changer. And I can attest you did look very cool in that Rui top. I even asked where it was from when I saw you in it. As for what we’ve seen on the runways, I was equally inspired by what I’ve been seeing on the streets. I shouldn’t be surprised by how fashionable people are during fashion month, as it’s literally in the name, but here I am. Both on and off the runways, I’ve noticed that thin scarves are making a comeback. I’m loving the look of wearing one backwards or halfway wrapped around the neck—very ’90s chic. Hosiery has seemingly been at every single show this season, be it as socks or tights, and same with oversized embellishments, like the big bows on these pumps. Lastly, I can’t get the clear purse I saw at Tory Burch out of my head. What about you?
DC: As I like to say, the world is your runway! And really, could there be a better runway than the streets of New York, London, Milan, or Paris during fashion month? I think not.
To answer your question, I found that a lot of designers this season have showcased clothes for the real, everyday woman—which I suppose is the whole point of ready-to-wear, right? While I can’t ignore the looks that felt like major sartorial statements or even avant-garde, I am drawn to the pieces that feel more practical. One major example is the use of sheer for spring 2024—which is still sexy, but thoughtfully covered up. It actually convinced me to finally bring the trend into my wardrobe. I also loved the sweater sets at Sandy Liang, and I’ll be channeling the trend now with this J.Crew cardigan and matching vest.
Other trends that already have a grip on me are the oversized, nay, gigantic bags and clutches as well as the various shades of light blue—it’s a color that looks good on everyone and feels perfect for spring. The one thing I can’t stop thinking about? Tibi’s ballet flat-meets-sock boots shoe. I will be patiently waiting for those to hit the market—but wearing a suede take in the meantime. On that note, we can’t let the current season pass us by, so I’ll leave you to it—happy fall!
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.