A collection of all the things we've loved, sampled, purchased, and coveted in 2020, these are the items we’d recommend to a friend, use ourselves, and plan to enjoy long into 2021. From our new, work-from-home wardrobes to our favorite masks, must-haves for decorating and redecorating, what's in our stepped-up skincare routines, and endless things to stream, binge, and read, this is the ultimate shopping list—from all the editors at Harper’s BAZAAR.
The new essentials we're investing in—from pared-down tailoring to effortless outerwear, and the things we're eyeing for eventual evenings out and days at the office.
Double-Breasted Tuxedo Jacket
Miu Miu
"This is the most perfect piece for evening."
- Nicole Fritton, Executive Fashion Director
$3,200
Stretch Sandals
Bottega Veneta
"For the woman who always wears black, these heels are just the right amount of color."
- Nicole Fritton, Executive Fashion Director
$930
Trench Coat
Proenza Schouler
"This glossy trenchcoat works from Fall to Spring, day to night—and everything in between."
- Jade Frampton, Editorial Director, ShopBAZAAR
$2,490
Tambourin Crossbody Handbag
Louis Vuitton
"Simple and chic—this bag is ideal for every day."
-Nicole Fritton, Executive Fashion Director
$2,100
Loafers
Prada
"These loafers are a trend this season, but they'll still be cool in ten years."
- Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion/Features Director
$850
Watch
Rolex
"Everything about this watch says refinement; and its vintage quality makes it iconic."
- Miguel Enamorado, Fashion Director
$5,900
Saltillo Tall Boots
Lucchese
"Lucchese is the reputed creator of the cowboy boot—and this trend from last season is now a closet staple. When it comes to all things Western, it’s best to stick to the original."
- Barry Samaha, Contributing Fashion Editor
$795
Jacket & Trousers
Gabriela Hearst
"Elegance and Gabriela Hearst go hand in hand. Case in point: This sleek suit from the recently-named designer of Chloé—which you can purchase as separate pieces, or as a set."
- Barry Samaha, Contributing Fashion Editor
$1,250
Combat Boot
Valentino
"This wardrobe staple adds edge to more feminine pieces (a la 90's grunge). Now, I'm envisioning them with shorts, an oversized, striped tee, blazer, and a beret for a trés chic mix."
- Miguel Enamorado, Fashion Director
$1,475
We've traded in all sweatpants, all the time for these must-haves—they're easy to wear, style, and work-from-home in, and they've been leveling up our looks from the waist-up, and head-to-toe.
Tweed Jacket
Wales Bonner
"A classic tweed blazer gives those Princess Di vibes we're all after right now—and forever. This one is by one of the best designers working right now, Grace Wales Bonner."
- Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion/Features Director
$1,986
Cricket Sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren
"This is a classic, and twenty-five percent of the purchase helps benefit programs for cancer screenings, early treatment, research, and patient navigation."
- Jaclyn A. Cohen, Fashion & Accessories Editor
$268
Jeans
Goldsign
"File these under jeans that look good—and feel like sweatpants. Plus, Net-a-Porter's new sizing technology means you won't need to order multiple pairs to find the perfect fit."
- Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion/Features Director
$360
Classic White Tee
Adam Lippes
"Look no further for the perfect tee. Trust me, this is it. Layer it under a knit, pair it with jeans, style it with tailored trousers—the options are endless.
- Samira Nasr, Editor-in-Chief
$95
Twill Turtleneck
Tove
"This is that perfect basic: a melding of minimalism with that little something special I'm always searching for."
- Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion/Features Director
$380
Sweatshirt
Rachel Comey
"I absolutely love these sweatshirts, in any of the many colors available; they are equal parts cool and comfy."
- Samira Nasr, Editor-in-Chief
$95
These are the beauty, skincare, wellness, & hair products that have been getting us through quarantine—and that you didn't know you needed, until now.
The Concentrate
La Mer
"If you're going to tinker with a classic, there better be a good reason. La Mer's reformulated Concentrate reduces redness and soothes skin in a matter of days, not months. I've been slathering it on religiously."
-Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$390
Mascara 101
Saie
"The one makeup product I still wear for Zoom calls is mascara. Saie's clean formula defines and lengthens lashes better than most non-clean mascaras, plus it washes off easily at the end of the day."
- Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$24
Vitamins
Ritual
"I started taking supplements this year to reach my nutritional goals, but I switched to these back in March and haven't looked back. They're vegan, minty, and contain everything you need on a daily basis."
- Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$30
BFF De-Stress Serum
Trinny London
"A go-to for Zoom or date-nights at home when foundation is too overwhelming, but concealer alone won't cut it."
- Jessica Matlin, Beauty Director
$50
Body Cream
Necessaire
"This clean cream softens skin and absorbs quickly, so you can get dressed right away."
-Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$25
Shampoo, Conditioner + Leave-in Conditioner
Pattern Beauty
"For any friend with curly hair—because they will thank you for the rest of their lives."
- Samira Nasr, Editor-in-Chief
$20-42
Prime Handheld Percussive Therapy Device
Theragun
"I received my Theragun the day quarantine started, and have used it daily to loosen up my sore muscles from exercise and tension—especially after a long day of slouching behind a laptop. Trust me: It's like having a live-in masseuse!"
- Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$299
Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager
Briogio
"No matter your hair texture, a healthy scalp is a key to healthy hair. Take a moment in the shower to massage your scalp with this nifty device. It stimulates blood flow, so you’ll grow longer, stronger, healthier hair."
- Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$16
Reusable Eye Masks
Dieux
"Face and eye masks are incredible for hydrating and plumping, but they’re not so great for the environment. This genius silicone eye mask can be used and reused for over a year. Apply your favorite serum or cream, pop on the mask, then wipe it clean before stashing it away for your next use."
- Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$25
NuFACE Mini
NuFACE
"This easy-to-use, at-home, microcurrent device contours and depuffs. The after effect feels and looks just like a sculpting facial. "
-Belle Bakst, Fashion Market Assistant
$199
Jumprope Set
Crossrope
"Channel your inner Pointer sister and JUMP! This easy-to-use set pairs with an amazing app, for a workout that keeps you going."
- Miguel Enamorado, Fashion Director
$99
The Exfoliating Toner
Augustinus Bader
"I haven't had a facial this year, but I've been using this toner every other day. It gently resurfaces, leaving my skin smooth, clear, and bright."
- Jenna Rosenstein, Digital Beauty Director
$85
With requisite face masks taking up most of the real estate on our faces, we've switched things up. Here, all the style elements we've subbed in for our favorite bold-toned lipsticks.
Face Masks
Tory Burch
"Some of my go-to fashion designers are also the creators of my favorite beauty products—and now, I've been turning to them for masks, too. These have a super comfortable fit, and a floral print for every occasion."
- Jaclyn A. Cohen, Fashion & Accessories Editor
$35
Brow Renovation Serum
Joey Healy
"When you're wearing a mask, brows are 50% of your face, so it's important to take care of them. This serum is my all-time favorite; the peptides and proteins help my brows grow big and strong, and I show them off like a proud parent."
- Sam Neibart, Associate Beauty Editor
$125
Stud Earrings
Maria Tash
"In a year of no makeup, my ear game has become how I express myself each day. Maria Tash's seamless and sanitary piercing process in-store has been a fun outlet whenever I need a little extra sparkle in my life."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
Starting at $265
Face Mask
Fleur du Mal
"I can always count on Fleur du Mal for something quality and comfortable, and this fun print amps up a neutral-toned look."
- Nikki Ogunnaike, Digital Director
$28
Eyeshadow
Byredo
"An eyeshadow palette so beautiful it made me actually want to put on a full face of makeup again."
- Nikki Ogunnaike,
Digital Director
$70
Face Masks
Taylor Jay
"Muted colors and understated prints go with whatever I'm wearing, and repurposed cotton means they're extra comfy."
- Leah Chernikoff, Executive Editor
From $9
Whether you became an amateur chef, mixologist, interior designer, carpenter, or all of the above this year—we feel you. We did the same, and these are the standout finds that got us through it all, from the objet that made us smile to the ways we leveled up dinners and happy hours.
Incense Holder
Lisa Eisner
"This stunning incense holder looks like an actual treasure. Even without any incense inside, it's a beautiful object all on its own."
- Samira Nasr,
Editor-in-Chief
$2,950
Vase
Anissa Kermiche
"This piece celebrates the female form in all its beautiful imperfection. Filled with flowers or empty, it adds a playful focal point to spaces of all sizes."
- Alison Cohn, Deputy Fashion News Editor
$445
She Inspires Candle in Vie
Lark & Ives
"This candle fills the room with the scent of orange blossom, and I love that a portion of the company's proceeds support female refugees."
- Jessica Matlin, Beauty Director
$40
Cabernet Sauvingnon
Faust Wines
"A glass of wine at the end of a work-from-home day has become one of the few indulgences of my 2020, and purchasing bottles directly from Napa vineyards, like Faust Haus, helps support small businesses who suffered not only from the pandemic's effect on the travel and hospitality industries, but from the devastating wildfires that ravaged Northern California this year."
- Carrie Goldberg,
Weddings & Travel Director
$55
Southeast Asian Omsom Sampler
Omsom
"Founded by Vanessa and Kim Pham, Omsom works with chefs (including Nicole Ponseca from New York's Jeepney and Jimmy Ly from Madame Vo) to create the most delicious starter kits, shortcuts in the way of shelf-stable sauce packets, to creating flavor-packed south and east Asian meals. In a year where we're all cooked out, Omsom makes it easier."
- Leah Chernikoff, Executive Editor
$29
Dinner Parties at Home
Social Studies
"Consummate hosts had a tough time this year; now, make intimate dinner parties, small weddings, and date nights special with rentals that rival a Michelin-star restaurant or a high-touch wedding. If you're in the Tri-State Area, tap their collaboration with The Destination Home, which delivers the best in tabletop, design elements, catering, and more to your front door."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
From $42
Handwoven Rug
Beni Rugs
"Bright, traditional Berber symbols look so modern, and make you happy to look at each day."
- Miguel Enamorado, Fashion Director
$1,155-$5,940
Biedermeier Candlesticks
E.R. Butler
"These covetable tapers are the most beautiful accent to any and all tables."
- Samira Nasr,
Editor-in-Chief
From $180
Chelsea Notebook
Smythson
"I always start off the new year off with a new notebook for a clean slate, so we can focus on the year ahead..."
- Samira Nasr,
Editor-in-Chief
$125
"Sweatpants Forever" was the theme of the early stages of quarantine, but that didn't stop us from finding some killer pieces that work just as well out of the house as they do indoors. We've been wearing these around the house, but you'll also catch us in them at work, in-flight, and out and about once we're no longer hunkering down.
Cardigan
Khaite
"A cardigan is a must right now; this is simply the best one out there."
- Kerry Pieri,
Digital Fashion/Features Director
$1,600
Slipper
Jack Erwin
"Our Exclusive Jack Erwin slippers are the definition of a cozy winter essential."
- Jess Rawls, Senior Fashion Editor & Brand Manager, ShopBAZAAR
$175
Fleece Pullover
Fear of God
"Can I live in this?! This is for the days when I'm working from home and don't need to put on 'real clothes.'"
- Sean Rodriguez, Fashion Market Assistant
$90
Greg Shoe
Brother Vellies
"Perfect for in and out of the house—because we have no idea where 2021 will take us."
- Abigail Hirsch,
Fashion Assistant
$395
Loungewear
Dior
"I want these for...everything. Trust: they'll eventually make it into my in-flight wardrobe."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
Shirt $980; Pants $1,650
Sandals
Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler
"A winning collaboration with uber urban chic results."
- Miguel Enamorado,
Fashion Director
$430
After a few days in lockdown turned into weeks, weeks turned to months, and it began to feel like we were living in our offices rather than working from home, these shows, movies, talents, and podcasts provided the entertainment and escape we were so desperately craving. Click on all of the below and press play.
Normal People
"A masterful onscreen adaptation of Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel from directors Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, Normal People captures the complex, intimate, and often frustratingly relatable romance between students Marianne and Connell. With such captivating performances from its two young stars, it’s no wonder Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones became the fastest-rising stars of the year. Prepare to see more of them beyond 2020."
- Erica Gonzales, Culture & Content Strategy Editor
Michaela Coel
"2020 was the year Michaela Coel’s genius was realized. The Chewing Gum creator stunned audiences with I May Destroy You, the HBO show she wrote and starred in, which delves into the psychological turmoil and healing journey of surviving sexual assault. Coel held on to the series tightly to make sure it was done right, even turning down a million-dollar Netflix deal when she wasn’t treated fairly. Her tenacity, talent, and trajectory makes for one we simply can't stop watching."
- Erica Gonzales, Culture & Content Strategy Editor
Emma
"This modern adaptation of the 1815 classic is a confluence of triumphs: Autumn de Wilde makes a sure-footed feature film debut; Eleanor Catton reanimates the too-familiar narrative as a screenplay for today's movie-goer; and Isobel Waller-Bridge builds a sumptuously tender score, while the cast’s chemistry is breathless and buoyant. Jane Austen fans can be a tough crowd, but this will become the benchmark by which every future adaptation is measured."
- Chelsey Sanchez, Assistant Social Media Editor
Nice White Parents
"In a year when so many of NYC's children were pushed out of the classroom, the newest installment from the Serial team investigates the city's public school system and its biggest problem: Nice White Parents. The hit podcast is now being adapted into a series for HBO by Issa Rae and Adam McKay."
- Carrie Goldberg,
Weddings & Travel Director
Selling Sunset
"Nothing gave me the boost of serotonin I so desperately needed amidst quarantine like Netflix's Selling Sunset. I live to watch rich people display their "problems" for the camera—but add in the Oppenheim Group antics and the luxe real estate of West Hollywood and consider me a fan for life."
- Bianca Betancourt, Assistant Digital News Editor
SAWAYAMA
"Rina Sawayama pays homage to Y2K with this effervescent and lush pop album. While clearly drawing from an eclectic array of the era’s biggest musical influences (think Britney Spears meets Evanescence), she still manages to stake a claim of her own on the crowded pop stage."
- Chelsey Sanchez,
Assistant Social Media Editor
The Real Housewives
"My love affair with the real housewives franchise ebbs and flows, but this year I found myself referencing them (to my actual IRL friends) as if they were my new besties. Their drama served as a much-needed distraction from the drama of the real world!"
- Nikki Ogunnaike, Digital Director
Future Nostalgia
"This new album is the ultimate ode to the dance floors we lost in 2020, and a testament to Dua Lipa being a true pop star for a new generation. The project is pristinely produced from start to finish, and served as one of the sole sources of musical light in a bleak and tumultuous year."
- Bianca Betancourt, Assistant Digital News Editor
One From the Vaults
"OFTV takes a deep dive into the histories of trans and gender non-conforming people across the globe. Morgan Page's research is impeccable—and she's got a wicked sense of humor. As Page says, 'history is just gossip about people you don't know.'"
- Kaitlyn Greenidge,
Features Director
Self-care, Hygge, and meditation were on our minds before 2020—but this year required mindfulness, rest, and calm on a whole new level. Here, the things that have been getting us a solid 8 hours or more—from our favorite sheets, to a little CBD.
Coordinated Pillow Set in Cerise
Bole Road textiles
"After spending so much time at home, who hasn't gotten newly invested in making those spaces beautiful, or just changing it up out of boredom. I love the textiles from Bole Road, especially this cheery, colorful pink set."
- Leah Chernikoff
$1,355
Workout Set
Live the Process
"This rib-knit set is cozy enough to wear to sleep and polished enough for a Zoom call—with the coordinating cardigan (I've got mine on now). It's all very ballerina off-duty, so you might be inspired to do a kitchen counter barre class."
- Alison S. Cohn, Deputy Fashion News Editor
$167/each
CBD Tinctures
Gossamer
"Like many in 2020, I found my mind racing more than usual. Dusk gets me my 8 hours of sleep, but Dawn is my go-to for daytime. One dropper full under the tongue before I sit down for work and I'm calm and focused."
- Nikki Ogunnaike,
Digital Director
$65/each
Linen Sheets
Bed Threads
"I've been on the search for linen bedding, especially in a rich, charcoal hue. This is the perfect set; insert beautiful Parisian bedroom vibes. "
- Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion/Features Director
$340
Pillow Case
Slip
"I sleep so soundly on these super soft silk pillowcases, and they ensure that my hair doesn't tangle or break as I toss and turn—I even travel will them."
- Belle Bakst, Fashion Market Assistant
$89
Midnight Concentrate
Kiehl's
"I like my evening skincare routine simple, and this oil is a one-and-done: A few drops keep my face supple, and it smells like a spa."
- Jessica Matlin,
Digital Director
$52
All this time spent at home has us dreaming of what we'll do once we can safely travel the world again and gather for celebrations. These are the things that helped those fantasies along—from splurges to dream escapes, and all the reasons to dress up.
Leather Bucket Bag
LOEWE
"This is vacation in a bag, with the beautiful craftsmanship of Galician artisan Álvaro Leiro's reed basket weaving techniques. This bag has me dreaming of all the beaches I'll head to, once we can travel again, and all the outfits I'll wear."
- Miguel Enamorado, Fashion Director
$2,100
Metiers d'Art Collection
Chanel
"In the recent Metiers d’Art collection, Virginie Viard welcomed us all to Château de Chenonceau to virtually experience the craftsmanship of the house. As always, Chanel inspired us to dress up and dream, with collarless tweed jackets and romantic dresses."
- Amanda Alagem, Accessories Director
Price Upon Request
Trip of a Lifetime
Black Tomato x GlobeTrotter
"Plan the ultimate adventure—for when it's safe to do so—with luxury trip planner, Black Tomato; get excited for it with your loved one by handing them a sleek, retro-chic suitcase with all the details inside, thanks to their new partnership with Globetrotter."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
Starting at $5,000
Earrings
Irene Neuwirth
"These emerald and fire opal earrings are unique and special. Wear them when dressing up, with a slip dress, or jeans and a t-shirt."
- Jade Frampton, Editorial Director, ShopBAZAAR
$24,500
Tiare fragrance
Chantecaille
"This scent is beautiful—plain and simple. It's creamy, dreamy, and a little goes a long way. I'd recommend one or two sprays max."
- Jessica Matlin,
Beauty Director
$185
Video Game
Balenciaga
"Gaming goes glamorous—thanks to the space-age, fashion virtual reality created by Balenciaga dubbed Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow."
- Barry Samaha, Contributing Fashion Editor
Free!
2020 was supposed to be the year of the wedding—but now it's the year of wedding planning, for postponed, intimate, and replanned nuptials in 2021 and beyond. Here, the latest in fashion, accessories, and decor ideas to inspire your future celebrations.
Spring 2021
Vera Wang
"The wedding industry icon merged her ready-to-wear and bridal collections this year for a 2021 range that, per Wang's usual, reinvented what it means to be a bride—and got me excited for all the fashion-forward aisles to come."
- Carrie Goldberg,
Weddings & Travel Director
Engagement Ring
Alison Lou
"Alison Lou brought her quirky yet sophisticated lens to the wedding world just in time for engagement season. Her collection of rings and bands are designed to suit the classicist, the rebel—and all the brides in between."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
Vintage Boutique
Happy Isles
"Sourcing one-of-a-kind designer pieces is a sustainable, fashion girl solve to shopping from home. This is my one-stop-shop for all things vintage dress up, from retro civil ceremony suits to feather-dusted after-party frocks."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
Evening Shoe
Manolo Blahnik
"We barely wore shoes this year, so it's hard to think about sky-high heels. Enter the evening mule, like this easy slip-on, that feels as effortless as it does elegant. Instead of bridal ivory, go for blush, dove, or black—so you can wear it again."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
$1,295
Bridal Launch
Molly Goddard
"There was limited newness in the bridal world this year, but Molly Goddard bringing her bold, irreverent silhouettes and frothy techniques to the aisle stood out from the all-too-predictable sweetheart-necklined pack."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
From $2,400
Flower Color Theory
Putnam & Putnam
"The It-boys of the flower industry are at it again—with a new book that riffs off their first tome. This installment teaches the art of curating a color palette, and is all you'll need to consider how you'll design your table, ceremony, and more."
- Carrie Goldberg, Weddings & Travel Director
$35
Escapism took on a whole new meaning in 2020, and it was hard to take a break from our harsh realities. These tomes helped transport us elsewhere, grounded us, and leaned into the truths of the year in real ways. Here, the books we couldn't put down on weekends, over morning coffee, and on impromptu road trips.
Nobody Ever Asked Me About the Girls
Lisa Robinson
"Shes' reported on everyone from the Stones, to Led Zeppelin, to Jay-Z; finally, prolific music journalist Lisa Robinson gives us the scoop on the iconic women of music. It’s a backstage pass unlike any other."
- Andrea Cuttler, Entertainment Director
$26
The Meaning of Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
"This endlessly juicy memoir demystifies the diva that is Mariah Carey and actually showcases the songstress at her most relatable. A must read not only for fans, but also skeptics of the superstar."
- Bianca Betancourt,
Assistant Digital News Editor
$13
Death in Her Hands
Ottessa Moshfegh
"I love thriller novels and I love Ottessa Moshfegh, so this dark, suspenseful read—about a widow who finds a mysterious note in the woods behind her house telling of a woman's murder—was a dream (or nightmare) come true."
- Ariana Marsh, Senior Features Editor
$27
Black Futures
Jenna Wortham & Kimberly Drew
"This book reads like scrolling through your smartest, most creative friends' feeds. A compilation of conversations, essays, photos, tweets, recipes, and poems on what it means to be Black and alive in 2020, this is a celebration of Blackness in a year that has seen the degradation of Black lives and the widespread embrace of the slogan Black Lives Matter."
- Kaitlyn Greenidge, Features Director
$40
Memorial
Bryan Washington
"Both protagonists in this book—a gay couple living together in Houston whose relationship is on the rocks—are fiercely loveable yet frustratingly flawed. In other words, they're human. Each half of this book is written from one of their points of view, allowing you to understand the motives behind their actions and words, and why they can't seem to let each other go."
- Ariana Marsh, Senior Features Editor
$27
Sex and Lies
Leila Slimani
"After reading an essay she wrote for BAZAAR's March 2020 issue, I fell in love with the work of Franco-Moroccan journalist Leila Slimani. In Sex & Lies, she explores the sex lives of Moroccan women in a conservative Arab culture that both condemns and commodifies sex through fascinating, at times haunting, testimonies."
- Ariana Marsh, Senior Features Editor
$17
Where the Wild Ladies Are
Matsuda Aoko
"I love ghost stories and folk tales from around the world—and this collection delivers both. Matsuda Aoko joins the ranks of Angela Carter, Kelly Link, and Carmen Maria Machado in reimagining the fairy tales, fears, and boogeymen that haunted our childhoods into feminist stories that tangle with our adult consciousnesses."
- Kaitlyn Greenidge, Features Director
$17
Such a Fun Age
Kiley Reid
"This book—the author's debut—will suck you right in. On the surface, it's about a 20-something Black woman in a steamy new relationship who takes a nannying job for a white family. As the story unravels, it's about domestic labor, classism, racism, and privilege. As put by Lena Waithe, it's a 'unique, honest portrayal of what it’s like to be a Black woman in America today.'"
- Ariana Marsh, Senior Features Editor
$26
The Pursuit of Love
Nancy Mitford
"This book feels especially prescient as we leave a decade that saw the rise of fascism, the excesses of the wealthy, and the clamor of revolution. In 1920s London, Linda Radlett falls in and out of love with a Tory politician, a passionate communist, and a French duke. 2021 will see a BBC adaptation starring Lily James, so I'm re-reading this delightful novel now."
- Kaitlyn Greenidge, Features Director
$17