If florals (yes, groundbreaking) are the picture of enduring spring style, then consider the turtleneck fall’s definitive holy grail.
Ask any fashionista and she (or he) will tell you: nine times out of ten, an A+ autumn look has the foolproof turtleneck to thank for all the praise—no questions asked.
The appeal is easy (and we think evangelists like Rachel Green would agree), turtlenecks are sleek by nature, professional yet still so feminine, and get along with nearly everything in our wardrobe—past, future and present. Put simply, it’s the wardrobe polish we need, and one that dares to never date.
Outliving the alternatives, refined fabrics like merino wool and cashmere elevate the silhouette exponentially, but wool blend or cotton numbers can look the part, too. And when they’re put into service by a few interesting style hacks? Well, let’s just say, gear up to turn heads by the dozens (and thank us a little later).
1. Layered under a boatneck sweater
Knit-on-knit needs no explaining: it’s forever chic. Double the interest by pairing your turtleneck with a juxtaposing boatneck sweater (bonus points if it has a chic split back!)
2. Layered under a t-shirt
Put those old graphic tees to good use. It’s off-duty, made easy.
Flattering, functional, and chic. What could be better?
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The cheeky over-the-knee, the go-anywhere Chelsea, the now-notorious sock bootie (tres tres chic): ah, yes, the footwear of fall is a sight to behold.
Ask any fashionista and he or she will tell you, the cool season would be nothing if not for the widely held resolution to put those trusty boots back into regular service once again.
The appeal of a sleek pair of boots is crystal clear: in a perfect world, they’re functional (bring on the chill!), they’re flattering, they’re versatile and not to mention, comfortable. Take, for example, an elongating leather number, say knee-high or just above; it finds its way into the office with a modest low heel, just as often as it does out on the town, perhaps with a slightly higher lift for after-hours fun. Then, there are your foolproof booties; whether teamed with tried-and-true skinnies, wide-legged trousers or an always-appropriate midi skirt, the ease and understatement of the ankle boot simply can’t be beat.
Constructively speaking, boot styles in enduring fabrications like leather, leather-like (be mindful of shine here) and suede, although maintenance-intensive, will outlast and outlive each and every alternative. If you’re like me, an urban dweller caught commuting by foot any day of the week, then you very well know how much our feet are put through the wringer. If there’s anything we should invest in, it should certainly be our shoes—particularly as the mild weather starts to turn and boots are the flavor of choice for braving the elements.
Alas, the most covetable boot designers never fail in reimagining these smart fabrications, season after season, offering fresh takes that still manage to tick all the boxes. Packing comfort, timeless style, quality, and then some, a select few designers, as it would seem, are indeed listening to not just one, but all of our fall boot prayers. What’s more, based off our Instagram feeds, it would also seem our favorite It-girls, influencers, and fashion editors agree: the power these designer boots wield is undeniable. Here, I’ve done the heavy lifting and rounded up 5 current or soon-to-be cult-status boot brands casting a spell over nearly every fashion aficionado around.
1. Loeffler Randall
From conference calls to cocktails in impeccable style—that’s Loeffler Randall for you. A little bit playful, a little bit polished (actually, ever more so), Loeffler Randall is the easy choice for conquering the 9-to-5 and date night all at once. Brimming with modern appeal, and unique for its special detailing (think tassels and metallic accents), the brand is also the picture of understated, standout style. Oh, and did we mention? It doesn’t hurt that the boots are supremely comfortable, too.
Every once in a while, a gem comes along that just can’t be ignored. Ever since its launch in 2016, By Far has worked quickly to seal its place as more than just a brand to watch. It’s directional, it’s meticulously crafted for comfort and style, and it’s pretty much everything we could hope for in a statement shoe brand. Beloved by fashion girls, editors, and all who keep their finger on the pulse, we can’t see this one going anywhere, anytime soon.
The ultimate fixture in the footwear world—bar none. If Stuart Weitzman is the millennial’s sartorial promise land, than its over-the-knee boot is the holy grail. Over the last few years, Stuart Weitzman has seen its popularity surge with the massive success of It-girl-backed (we see you, Kendall!) campaigns as well as countless celebrity endorsements. If not for the current state of my wallet, I’d be picking up a pair of the swoon-worthy style in every color.
Rag & Bone is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Now considered a veteran in the world of contemporary footwear, the brand is still as committed as ever when it comes to upholding their most everlasting and cherished designs. Its iconic Chelsea boot, for example, with its leather-on-leather construction, is stabilizing, and yet ever-so-chic looking (I mean, just look at it!)—just one testament to the brand’s current standing as a pillar in every stylish woman’s wardrobe.
When you think of contemporary label Paige, footwear might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Trust me on this one, last year’s launch of Paige’s footwear line could very well be the best thing to happen to the brand (and not to mention, it’s loyal customers). Not only are the designs beyond chic, but the comfort is everything to write home about. Paige, you’re the jack of all trades our closet has been waiting for.
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Each September—a hop, skip, and a jump past Labor Day—hundreds, if not thousands, of well-heeled tastemakers, editors, celebrities and in-the-know industry regulars alike descend upon the bustling streets of New York City—clad in nothing but the finest and shiniest of threads—to see and be seen at the grand, bi-annual spectacle known as New York Fashion Week.
And this season, the Shows, as they are so aptly nicknamed, did not disappoint.
Those, like myself, who keep their finger on the pulse of the industry, and bear witness to the Shows from afar, take great pleasure in the feverish anticipation of each designer reveal—waiting with bated breath, day in and day out, to behold the next unveiling behind fashion’s most famous curtain. It’s a ritual many a fashion aficionados relish as they embrace their place in being within the sphere of exclusivity and glamour that surround the Shows’ and their elusive, fashion set attendees; if they can’t integrate into the live action at the Shows themselves, then imaginatively transporting themselves via digital screens plays the part, to some degree, too.
Irrespective of viewpoint—whether in front row or in the comfort of their own homes—there was no denying that spectators witnessed quite the sartorial feast taking hold in the hallowed halls of downtown Manhattan’s most famed venue spaces, like Spring Studios, where the Shows take place. From Cynthia Rowley’s whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired showcase, to Brandon Maxwell’s revamped study in Hollywood glam, the Shows delivered more than their fair share of both glitz and ingenuity. Yes, the runways were a spectacle of swoon-worthy creations that’s for sure, but were they wearable? The answer: absolutely.
Among the mix of directional, forcefully forward pieces that are more suited to presentation over function was a delightful assortment of down-to-earth trends that perfectly translate from show to street. With looks that range from “fit for the formal”, to corporate chic, date night-ready, and the off-duty, no less, this season’s Shows ticked all the boxes for nearly every one of our wardrobe departments. Here, I’ve rounded up 4 of the top trends from NYFW SS20 that have a place both on the runway and in your closet.
for the love of neutrals
Above (left to right): Matthew Adams Dolan, gabriela hearst, ryan roche
SS20 ushered in a palette of chic neutrals, ranging from traditional taupe to soft and delightful dusty yellow. Such monochromatic appeal is decidedly streamlined and easy, and the looks at Matthew Adams Dolan, Gabriela Hearst, and Ryan Roche, to name a few, were a case in point.
all tied up
above (left to right): kate spade new york, tommy hilfiger, coach 1941
Statement scarves made their presence known on the runways this season, taking shape in both their traditional manner of wear, i.e. wrapped around neck, and—a bit more boldly—tied around the waist. Silk-satin is the fabric of choice for a chic accent, however a delicate organza number or a more weighted linen-blend version looks the part, too.
cue the colorblock
above (left to right): tory burch, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, longchamp
In a nod to 60’s mod, designers put stock in the cool contrast of color-block, churning out a versatile offering of juxtaposed designs interpreted on anything from trench coats, to easy-fitting separates. Understatement was the theme that ran through the looks here; subdued colorways dominated for a sense of effortless wearability.
into the bloom
above (left to right): anna sui, badgley mischka, jonathan cohen
Florals? For spring 2020? Yep, you heard us. Evidently, this season, designers tapped into the power of the petal in droves, and for good reason—it’s one of those styles that defies fads and transcends versatility. However, to mix it up, for SS20, floral embellishment was the mode of preference for a fresh twist.
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