When your job is literally to shop, excessive "browsing" can lead to over-spending. With every 100 tabs you have open, a small percentage will inevitably progress to the checkout (she's a fashion editor and a mathematician.)

But I can proudly say that as this year draws to a close, there are zero items in my wardrobe I regret purchasing.

This year my focus has been on buying well, and as sustainably as possible, rather than chasing micro-trends or spending on transient pieces I wouldn't get much repeat-wear out of.

Watch: Jessica Vander Leahy tries the Style Maths method. Post continues below. 

It has a lot to do with being in my second year of parenting.

In year one, I'd spend sleepless nights nursing a baby while refreshing the 'new arrivals' tab on my favourite e-tailers and waking up to purchases I barely remembered making. Call it the sleep-deprivation shopping trap (IYKYK).

But now, with a busy toddler in tow, I simply don't have the time or money to shop like I used to — nor do I have the same thriving social life to dress for (unless you count playdates and first birthday parties). And it's made me more discerning.

When I did shop this year, I made it count. From activewear to accessories, here are the seven pieces I got the most wear out of, and why I'm taking them with me into 2025.

The preppy jumper.

Thanks to the most influential brand in fashion right now, Miu Miu, we've seen the trend for preppy styles take over. I couldn't resist the urge to buy a rugby jumper (a serious throwback to my school days), and this affordable find from wholesale retailer Label of Love has seen me through countless weekends, daycare drop-offs, and even a couple of international flights. It's also the piece I've had the most dm's and IRL questions about — proving sometimes the simplest styles are the most effective.

I've lived in this jumper. Styled here with a bag from Vestirsti and Nude Lucy pants. Image: Supplied.

The sporty bumbag.

I never expected a fanny pack to be among my most-worn items, but I've gotta be honest: this little nylon bag from sustainable brand Baggu comes with me EVERYWHERE. It's extremely sturdy, incredibly roomy for its small shape, it has multiple compartments (mums understand) and can be worn multiple ways — as a crossbody, shoulder bag or in its true form around the waist. Bonus: It doubles as a bolster for my toddler when I'm holding her on my hip.

This bag has come with me all over the world, and to every playground in my region. I'm wearing it here with a Ciao Ciao Vacation shirt. Image: Supplied.

The oversized shirt.

Roomy shirts are my kryptonite, so I'm always on the lookout for great ones to invest in. Sydney brand LMND is known for one thing only: matching shirts and shorts. They're one of the original brands to do 'sets' and offer lots of fun cotton options. Because of the quality, their pieces are on the spendier side, but I've gotten so much wear out of mine that I remain a satisfied customer. The Chiara shirt is a true staple — you can dress it up for evening, wear it open as an overshirt, or style it with a casual-corporate vibe for the office.

I love the cut of this oversized shirt, styled here with shorts from Vrg Grl (and my bumbag). Image: Supplied.

The luxe leggings.

Lululemon tights are the activewear hill I will die on. After I had my last pair of Align leggings for seven years (and they're still going strong!), I finally decided to purchase them in another colour. This chocolate brown shade was more in-line with the rest of my wardrobe, and I've worn them for exercise and WFH days at least twice a week since. You cannot convince me there are more comfortable tights on the market.

The chunky flats.

Okay, I have to confess I actually bought these Alias Mae sandals last summer, but they're scraping in to this edit because they've been my footwear MVP this year. They're a core part of my 'uniform' and they give the most casual look an instant boost. When I last posted them on my Instagram stories, everyone wanted an ID on them — unfortunately the original style is no longer available, but the Anika sandals are very similar.

My chunky sandals always come with me when I'm shopping. I'm wearing them here with a t-shirt from Kinda Csilla and H&M pants. Image: Supplied.

The statement top.

In 2024 I developed an obsession with terry towelling cabana shirts. I'm in my leisure-wear era, prioritising comfort over everything, and the lure of these shirts is that they still pack a stylish punch, but they feel like snuggly pyjamas. They're also surprisingly versatile — I've worn them with everything from knit pants to jeans to shorts. My favourite find was a bright floral Alemais shirt, which I bought on sale.

My Alemais party shirt, worn with knit pants by Nude Lucy. Image: Supplied.

I also snapped up a lime green velour one from Gap at my local vintage market for $10, and this embroidered terry style from American label Tombolo in New York.

My Tombolo shirt, and right, a thrifted find from Gap. Images: Supplied.

The charm necklace.

This year we've seen accessories move into the realm of personalisation, with an explosion of collectables like keyrings and charms that reflect the wearer's personality.

Anyone who knows me knows I collect gold jewellery, and love to wear my pieces every day. I've had this beetle pendant from YCL jewels on since the moment it arrived in the mail.

My beloved beetle charm and stacked necklaces, worn here with a linen shirt from Morrison. Image: Supplied.

The Queensland brand's charms look super luxe, but they're more affordable than you might expect —especially when you factor in the cost-per-wear. I'm constantly fielding questions about my necklace and love to layer it with other gold chains and chokers.

Here's to giving all my favourite children buys the love and attention they deserve in the new year.

What are your most-worn pieces of 2024? Share yours in the comments below.

Feature image: Supplied/Instagram @_tamaradavis_