These 20 Items Were My Best Fashion Buys of 2018

If you follow me on my Instagram, @kristenmarienichols, you know that I regularly post photos of the outfits I’m wearing and the new pieces that have landed in my closet. Yep, that means I’m snapping photos of the looks I’m wearing to the office, running around L.A. on the weekend in, and packing into my suitcase for travels overseas.

As 2018 is coming to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the best fashion buys I’ve made over the last year. You know, the items I’ve worn again and again and can’t imagine not owning. After thinking back on the pieces I’ve been revisiting constantly, I narrowed it down to my top 20 fashion buys. I’ve organized them by category so you can scroll down to see my top picks from dresses and skirts to bags and shoes—and everything in between. Ahead, see which pieces made the cut and landed on the list for my best fashion buys of 2018, and then shop them for yourself.

DRESSES

Réalisation's pieces dominated my closet this year.

Yes, another dress from Réalisation.

Hello, feathers.

This affordable piece is the perfect LBD.

SKIRTS

This Réalisation skirt proved to be the skirt of 2018.

Can you tell I've been really into slip skirts?

But also logo prints. How good is this Gucci skirt?

PANTS

Leopard is one trend I was 100% behind this year.

I test out new denim all of the time, but these J Brand jeans were my favorite of the year.

I'm very into the high waist and wide leg.

These pants from I.Am.Gia were one of my most worn pieces this year. Since utility pants will be big in 2019, they'll carry me into the spring.

TOPS

Yep, 2018 was the year of square necklines.

My Jacquemus obsession hit a high this year.

Ciao Lucia is another brand I fell in love with in 2018.

SHOES

Everything By Far designs instantly lands on my wish list. These boots were one of my best recent purchases.

These shoes take classic pumps and make them feel 10 times cooler.

BAGS

Dior re-released its iconic saddle bags, and I was quick to hop on the trend by ordering a vintage '90s version.

This Tory Burch bag became my new everyday bag.

SWIMSUITS

I live in L.A., so swimsuits are a wardrobe essential. Matteau designs beautiful pieces, and this high-waisted style is so timeless.

I also love one-pieces, and Monday Swimwear designs the best minimal versions.

Next: See nine ways to boost your Instagram selfie likes.