I Shop for a Living—9 Elegant Discoveries That Shaped My Year

      Jalil Johnson serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear and is a New York–based writer, fashion expert, and media figure. He began his career as a stylist and later honed his skills in trend analysis, emerging talent, and brand storytelling during three years at Saks Fifth Avenue. Johnson now shares his insights through his newsletter, Consider Yourself Cultured, and has been featured in notable publications such as The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and Vogue, which recognized him as one of the “New Faces of Street Style.” The advantage of working in a product-focused role is that I spend my days exploring, reflecting on, and seeking out various items—wonderful, useful, and sometimes essential ones—that not only resonate with my audience but also genuinely fit into my own life. To reflect on the past year, I thought it would be a valuable exercise to highlight nine standout items in clothing, beauty, and home that I consider my best discoveries, which I hope will also resonate with you.

      **The Linen Blazer**

      I’m a great admirer of a white blazer. It breaks the monotony of the typical black and navy wardrobe and feels particularly suitable in the warmer months. This piece was a summer and early fall essential for occasions where I needed to look polished without overheating, and it helped elevate otherwise-casual summer outfits without being too much.

      **The Luxe Black Pants**

      Locating the ideal pair of black pants that are versatile enough for all year and various occasions is trickier than it seems. Previously, I turned to vintage designer slacks from resale sites, which I had tailored, but toward the end of 2024, I scheduled a fitting with Saman Amel to create a custom pair that met all my criteria. Although I technically bought them in 2024, I only started wearing them in early 2025, and I can confidently say they have been worth every penny. When people discuss cost per wear, these are the types of pieces they reference. You can make an appointment when they’re in your area or check out ready-to-wear options on sites like MyTheresa and Mr. Porter.

      **Saman Amel**

      Amo wool straight-leg pants

      **The Corduroy-Pant Obsession**

      This fall and winter have been all about corduroy pants for me. I currently own seven pairs and am still adding to my collection. As I mentioned in my initial article for WWW, corduroys are an excellent substitute for jeans in the colder months, bringing texture that adds depth and interest to even the simplest looks.

      **Shopbop**

      Polo Ralph Lauren Corduroy Cropped Wide Leg Pants

      **The Perfect Denim Shorts**

      I practically lived in these shorts throughout the summer and even managed to extend their use into early fall. Jac Cameron, founder of Rùadh, is also behind many popular jeans at brands like Madewell, Alex Mill, and AYR, which she co-founded, and her own line is definitely worth your attention. These shorts stood out because they softened and contoured to my body over time. The loose, baggy style combined with a raw hem made them a thoughtful and easy solution for staying cool.

      **The Hair Transformer**

      This year, I decided to let my hair grow out and try different styles, prompting me to completely rethink my haircare routine. After discovering Cecred on TikTok, I tried a few products and ended up repurchasing all of them. My favorite has been the edge drops, which have significantly contributed to growth and thickness. Haircare quickly became a new pleasure for me, and this product has earned its spot.

      **Cécred**

      Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

      **The Vitamin C Serum That Actually Works**

      This year, I started laser hair removal to manage stubborn ingrown hairs that had troubled my skin for years, which led me to streamline my skincare routine considerably since my skin was already experiencing enough stress. One product that made a noticeable difference in brightening my complexion and tackling hyperpigmentation is the vitamin C serum from Epi Logic. It’s gentle, effective, and integrates seamlessly into a simplified regimen.

      **The '70s-Inspired Lamp**

      Living in a prewar building means outlets are rarely where I need them, and my entryway especially lacked adequate lighting, forcing me to rely on harsh overhead fixtures. These portable lamps have truly been a game changer. I use them all the time and can hardly imagine my apartment without them now.

      **Louis Poulsen**

      Panthella 160 Portable Lamp

      **The Highly Recommended Lighting Fixture**

      Continuing with lighting, I came across Tulip Shades through Laura Reilly’s newsletter, and they’ve been a revelation. They effortlessly soften and diffuse overhead lighting, transforming something practical into something more thoughtful and enjoyable.

      **The Book You'll Read in Just a Few Days