'I get stopped in the street.' 12 women share the most complimented item they wore this year.

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As we close out the year and reflect on the wins, the losses, the highs and lows… it would be remiss of us not to celebrate the fashion and beauty finds that truly peaked in 2025.

So I turned to my most stylish colleagues and asked them: "What has been your most complimented item you've worn or product you've used this year?"

From makeup and manicures to bags and boots, their answers did not disappoint.

I'll start with mine. I didn't have to think long, because every time I wear these shoes (which is often), multiple people ask, "I love those shoes—where are they from?"

Watch: Are we shifting to a "bagless society"? Post continues below.

Annaliese Todd (me), Lifestyle Producer.

A sparkly ballet flat that brings joy…

They're the ALOHAS Lorain Mesh Glow Black Leather Ballet Flats, and they're not cheap, but they're worth it. I am loving the mesh ballet flat trend that's really peaked this year.

These have sparkly little gems with sheer black mesh that show off your pedicure. They instantly elevate any outfit with a touch of glamour and tizz while staying classy. I'm obsessed, as is anyone who's seen me wear them.

I've found a similar pair online for $169.95 from MOLLINI, which I'll also link below.

Mesh ballet flat with sparkle, heaven. Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: ALOHAS Lorain Mesh Glow Black Leather Ballet Flats, $360.

Image: David Jones.

Shop the less bougie version: MOLLINI Reaffirm Black Mesh Sandals, $169.95.

Image: Mollini

Amy Clark, Lifestyle Editor.

A game-changing primer…

"I often get compliments on my skin, and my response is always the same: 'Thanks, it's the Holme Beauty primer.' I wear it almost every day."

"I love how the subtle wash of illuminating colour makes my skin look luminous and healthy. The formula is hydrating but not dewy. It looks great worn on its own for no-makeup days or under foundation for a flawless finish."

The magic primer… Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: Holme Beauty Base Primer, $70.

Image: Holme Beauty.

A work bag, but make it count…

"This snakeskin work bag is the best thing I've bought all year. It's big enough to fit all my essentials, goes with everything (because animal print is a neutral!), and people stop me in the street to ask where it's from."

"Sadly, it's currently sold out, but the brand usually restocks its most popular styles. In the meantime, the closest dupe I've found is the PETA AND JAIN Jami Bag."

Snake-tastic! Image: Supplied.

Shop the dupe recommendation: PETA AND JAIN Jami Bag, $89.95.

Image: The Iconic

Tamara Davis, Contributing Fashion Editor.

The mani shade that gets stopped on the street…

"I get compliments almost daily about my manicure, I've been getting this year. From baristas, to mum friends at the park… I ask for BIAB / Build-a-gel infills (or a full set, if they're a first timer) in an almond shape."

"I go for a 'jelly' colour that's slightly transparent, usually a pink or rosy tint. Despite often going in telling myself I'll try something different, I always turn back to this shade."

Stunning… Image: Supplied.

"I never get opaque nail polish, for a few reasons: as it grows out, it looks more natural and allows me a longer window of time before getting them touched up. And I just find it looks chicer, I've been doing this for years and never went back to opaque after I realised the subtle difference a slightly sheer shade can make."

Hayley Laverack, Talent Lead.

A very chic shirt…

"Mine has to be my Modalita Vacanza shirt in blue. It's one of those pieces you can throw on with jeans, and it instantly gives the outfit shape and style."

LOVE THIS! Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: Modalita Vacanza Wrap Shirt, $129.

Image: Modalita Vacanza

Stacey Hicks, Acting Editor.

A lip oil with staying power…

"Hands down, the most-asked-about product I own is the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. This was recommended by our beauty expert Amy Clark, and I can see why—the pinky-red shade (in 'News Feed') is perfection. It stays put through hours of yapping (trust me, I've tested it), and it regularly goes on sale."

Stunning smackers! Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip, $11.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

Coco Lavigne, Junior Content Producer.

Cool boots made for walkin…

"It would have to be my boots from Princess Polly. I genuinely get stopped 10 times a day if I wear them to work. They were reasonably priced AND they held up through every season!"

Boot swagger. Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: Princess Polly Buckle Down Boots, $110.

Image: Princess Polly.

Lucy Ballenden, Editorial Assistant.

Oversized aviators…

"I bought these sunglasses from Amazon right before my trip to New York because I wanted something chunky and statement-making. They've quickly become my most worn and definitely most complimented item. They elevate every outfit and just speak for themselves."

New York worthy… Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: SOJOS Trendy Oversized Polarised Aviator Sunglasses, $28.99.

Image: Amazon.

A very classy lipliner…

"Also, this lip liner in shade 'Classy' is such a good basic that suits absolutely everyone—I feel like my friends are always asking what I'm wearing and then stealing it to use themselves."

Shop the recommendation: Mecca Max Pout Pencil, $16.

Image: Mecca

Monisha Iswaran, Executive Producer.

Skorts are the new skirts…

"Would you believe it's my denim skort from Kmart? I've had so many comments any time I've worn it, and it's similar to one Taylor Swift was spotted wearing. The one I have with the drawstring is sold out, but now they have this super cute button version, which obviously I need to get."

Chic skort! Image: Supplied

Shop the (similar) recommendation: Kmart Denim Skort, $18.

Image: Kmart

Isabelle Dolphin, Entertainment Social Producer.

Scottish vibes statement skirt…

"This skirt was an investment, but one I don't regret. It dresses up or down effortlessly, flatters every body shape, and genuinely shows the thought and care behind this small Aussie brand's design."

"Yes, it's on the pricier side—but it's one of the coolest pieces I own. I always get complimented when I wear it, and it's a double win supporting local."

Asymmetrical tartan heaven. Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: Katharina Lou Seren Skirt Red Tartan, $279.

Image: Katharina Lou

Juna Xu, Beauty Writer.

The concealer trick…

"I have so many people asking me what foundation I use, but the funny thing is… I don't even own foundation. All I actually use is a few dots of The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, which is only $8.90. For real!"

"I just tap a little onto any redness and blend it out with a sponge, and that's literally my entire base. What's wild is that I used to swear by the Giorgio Armani Luminous Concealer ($77) and the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($59), but I honestly can't justify spending that much anymore now that I've found something that works better for a fraction of the price."

"It never clings to dry patches, lasts through 16+ hour days, and my sensitive skin has never reacted to it. It's truly my holy grail."

Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, $8.90.

Image: Lila Beauty.

Mollie Harwood, Head of Lifestyle.

A very smart vest…

"My Camilla & Marc vest from the warehouse sale. Worth every penny and gets compliments every time."

See my vest! Image: Supplied.

Shop the recommendation: Camilla and Marc Armand Vest, $600.

Image: David Jones

Helena Fabian, Creative Producer.

A cami that flies off the shelves…

"This green Bloomin Cami from Dysphnea—it's almost out of stock (but I believe they're bringing back a new version sometime soon, so keep your eyes peeled)."

"I always get so many compliments wearing it. I literally had a girl walk up to me in a bathroom and say, 'You're exactly who you think you are.'"

Add to wishlist for when it's back in stock: Dyspnea Bloomin Cami, $169.

Image: Dyspnea

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Feature Image: Supplied.