A good fall sweater is a lot like a good friend: reliable, loyal, and so easy to get along with.
Now, the perfect fall sweater? Well, let’s just say it ticks all the boxes. That best friend, in a sense. It’s built to withstand the many adventures that transpire in its lifecycle—every last pull, twist, stretch, steam, and even the unexpected tumble or two. It gets through it all and makes it look so effortless.
It also stands up in the style department, a given (but you knew that). The perfect fall sweater drapes wonderfully; it hugs in just the right places, fits easy through the body, and flatters in a way that makes you believe in magic. It’s sumptuous, with luxurious fabrication (think cashmere, pure cotton, and merino wool) that begs to be touched. It’s striking, often rendered in season-right tones like camel and burgundy, and oh—did we mention it’s also (yes, you guessed it) just so sumptuous?
That’s right, with all the intoxicating pleasures that fall brings—from cozy nights in by the fire, to the sensory adventure of a wine tasting at the vineyard (as is tradition!), adding a sumptuous fall sweater into the mix brings that indescribable experience to the next level.
Of course, the ways to wear a perfectly crafted sweater, be it a cardigan or pullover, are endless.
A chic sweater-blazer cardigan lends a healthy dose of polish to weekday staples, like easy shift dresses, or a tee and jeans. Mocknecks, a contemporary staple, are trend-right and flattering, while turtlenecks offer a timeless appeal that works with just about anything. As the temperatures drop, try your hand at monochromatic styling and smart layering. When paired together in a matching tone, a lightweight cardigan and a turtleneck create a look that could easily turn up in the pages of Vogue. Crewnecks have a place, too. Style them solo with a statement pant or layer over a cotton poplin shirt, chambray or flannel button-down (pro-tip: tuck the collar in for touch of sophistication, or leave it out for a preppier sensibility).
Now, as you ponder the ways to style these sartorial centerpieces, you may be racking your brain to determine the brands behind those sweaters you’ve spotted on your favorite celebs, or maybe swooned over while eyeing the style of passerbys on the street. Not to fret, for the ahead edit of need-it-now cozy knits, crafted with a little help from a near-and-dear Saved Instagram folder, is all you need for jogging your memory and expanding your shopping bag. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
1. wilfred by aritzia
Luxe fabrics, effortless silhouettes, and careful craftsmanship all under one reasonable price point? Pinch me, I’m dreaming. Wilfred by Aritzia is truly that style compass we’ve been searching for, reinterpreting old favorites in romantic, vintage-inspired tones that marry perfectly with the brand’s feminine sensibility.
The everyday, elevated. Reiss is a favorite for its luxurious weaves and super flattering cuts that do more favors than ever thought possible. The choice for the decidedly feminine fashion aficionado, Reiss is the wardrobe builder born to transform the desk-to-dinner circuit.
A greatest hit. With a decidedly urban appeal, ultra-soft fabrications (think merino wool and lambswool) and flattering designs that feel as modern as ever, AllSaints is the enduring closet staple I’ll never tire of. What’s more? It doesn’t hurt that the price points are most certainly within reason, too.
The brand for the cosmopolitan fashionista in all of us, British-born Whistles is reimagining the statement sweater in more ways than one. Standout colors to suit the season, interesting cuts, and modern craftsmanship merge to offer a charming assortment of styles that will elevate any fall wardrobe.
“Curated. Coordinated. Made to Mix and Match.” The Reset says it best, and we’ll admit, this brand just might become our new work-to-weekend go-to. Ever since its launch in 2017, the affordable direct-to-consumer label has not wavered from its mission to become the ultimate destination for modern women in need of everyday essentials that are as hard-working as they are. With a collection of sweaters versatile enough to suit any one mood, The Reset is a fall must-have.
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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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For the style-conscious millennial woman in-the-know, otherwise known as today’s “fashion girl”, the mere mention of the name Revolve instantly conjures images of dreamlike women (very often in a posh, far-off setting), bedecked from top to toe in daringly trendy outfits that are nothing short of swoon-worthy.
What began 16 years ago as a small e-commerce shop for women ahead of the emerging fashion curve has evolved into a global lifestyle brandboasting an Instagram following of over 3 million and growing, an online designer collection in the hundreds, and even, a firm place in the world of Wall Street (Revolve officially announced itself as a public company in June of this year).
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Revolve.
In an industry inundated by market over-saturation and changing consumer habits, Revolve is a formidable force.One look at Revolve’s website and the appeal makes itself apparent: anything from a vacation edit, a date-night lookbook, 9-to-5-ready roundups and a beauty shop can be found at just the homepage alone. Curated to be that one-stop shop, what with daily site refreshes and not to mention, an entirely data-driven back-end that predicts consumer preferences like clockwork, the homepage is punchy, relevant, and digestible—perfect for on-the-go shopping.
With its colloquial copy and vivid image blocks of women with seemingly no hair out of place, we are drawn into the luxury of it all: the jet-set lifestyle, the ease, and the allure of the brand’s, as the name suggests, ever-revolving door of elevated, new-age collections that are just ready for the next adventure. That 20-something fashion aficionado never stood a chance.
The collections, seesawing between a Los Angeles boho chic aesthetic and an edgier, downtown cool New York sensibility, have a distinctly niche flair that is masterfully brought to life by the brand’s unique marketing strategy. Said strategy is entirely influencer-driven—a business model formerly unheard of, and yet now, with Revolve’s quick ascent to a $1.2 billion valuation, is cause for applause.
As you’ll also see on the homepage, wedged between the style guides and lookbooks are blocks of user-generated and sponsored content—content pulled straight from Revolve’s ever-mobile and ever-engaged community of Instagram tastemakers. Some faces are familiar, the bonafide It-girls of the fashion world, while others are your more under-the-radar micro influencers. This collective clout, drawing from upwards of 3,500 influencers in total, is the core of Revolve’s marketing strategy; the fuel behind such influential campaigns such as #RevolveAroundTheWorld that have helped build Revolve’s empire—an empire well worth emulating.
@kndlsargeant
Helping to keep this booming empire alive, from a public relations point of view, is a face you might recognize—if only for her wonderfully curated Instagram—named Kendall Sargeant. Sargeant joined Revolve three years ago to assume the role of the company’s sole PR Director and hasn’t looked back since.
Sargeant is many things—Girl Boss, tastemaker, world traveller, you name it. Without question, she’s a force to be reckoned with, but did you know she’s also incredibly down to earth, too? As I sit here today, a founder of a website barely six months of age, my initial reach out to Sargeant, a figure of solid influence in the fashion industry, was not without mild trepidation. So, naturally, when I saw that unread email crop up on my screen—a warm welcome to a standard cold email—and quickly after, her gracious acceptance to participate in this interview, I couldn’t help but crack a wide celebratory smile. What was to follow was a refreshingly candid exchange that would more than scratchthe surface of Kendall’s far from dull life; a casual pow-wow revealing the many layers that make it as exciting as ever:
Sarah: To start off, can you walk us through your morning routine?
Kendall: Oh man, it fluctuates. I go through phases where I like to be up early, 6:30am, to go for a beach walk or cycle class. Recently, I’ve been soaking up every bit of sleep, waking up at about 7:30am. My amazing boyfriend runs a health food business, Keto Farms, so he brings me one of his iced coffees in bed most days. I check my schedule for the day, respond to any urgent emails, both professional and personal, scroll Instagram, light some palo Santo, and get ready for work. I have an hour commute to our head office in Cerritos so I’m usually in the office by around 10am, depending on what the day looks like.
@kndlsargeant
Sarah: What’s at the very top of your to-do list right now?
Kendall: Paris Fashion Week is approaching and we’ll be active throughout the week, we also have trips and events in the pipeline so we’re strategizing constantly. My role supports our Chief Brand Office with a ton of partnership opportunities, which is super exciting and keeps me on my toes. My to-do list also includes working out, seeing my friends, sleeping enough, drinking enough water, face timing my family in Australia, maintaining a decent manicure…the list goes on.
@kndlsargeant
Sarah: Based off your Instagram, your outfits are #wardrobegoals. So tell us, what’s your go-to ensemble for conquering the workday in style?
Kendall: I’m a pants + shirt kind of girl however my outfits are certainly mood & schedule dependent. I try to keep things simple, I rarely wear patterns or prints unless we have an event or a REVOLVE trip. I probably have three office outfits I wear/edit/repeat:
Vintage Levis or some type of denim jean, white button up or tee, gold jewelry and a sandal/heel. Zara has great shirting.
High waist pant or trouser, cropped tee or sweater + a blazer. I have a couple vintage blazers, I’m on the search for more, throwing on a well fitting blazer can completely transform my mood.
I’m trying to experiment with the midi skirt & tee/sweater vibe more often, sometimes with a sneaker, sometimes just a tiny heel. L’Academie is one of my favorite REVOLVE brands, they have simple but feminine work options.
If I’m being honest, there’s usually 1 day a week where I wear work out tights, a vintage sweater and my Givenchy sneakers, but only if I have internal meetings that day. Oh and I’ve been wearing Mejuri gold rings & Kinn earrings/rings everyday.
@kndlsargeant
Sarah: As a PR director for a major brand, many girls would dream to be in your position. Just how exactly did you land where you are today?
@kndlsargeant
Kendall: I’m asked this question often and there’s no cheat sheet. I started working in the fashion industry (for the leading Australian e-retailer at the time, MyCatwalk) while I studied my Bachelor of Media at Macquarie University in Sydney. I networked a ton, I dabbled in all different departments – sales, social, customer service, buying, PR, email marketing.
I ended up being poached by an incredible businesswoman, Frankie Presser, the owner of a boutique Sales/PR agency, and I became her Showroom co-ordinator. I worked my way up the ranks there to a managerial position, supporting her and the brands we represented until an opportunity to lead PR, Sales & Social opened up with an Australian Designer, Maurie & Eve. I transitioned to head their Australian & International press & sales strategy and helped kickstart their social content- IG back then was just starting to be a ‘thing’. This role was a great learning experience, I reported directly to the founders/Designers and learnt to wear many hats, travel, be independent, stay organized. I always knew I wanted to travel abroad and potentially work abroad, so after a few years I left my position and packed a bag and landed in America, no job, no idea what I was going to do. This is when shit got real.
One of my first interviews was with Raissa Gerona at REVOLVE, at the time they were investigating how to expand their PR department but the shoe didn’t quite fit. We promised to stay in touch. From there, I interviewed a ton, cried a ton, nearly took a few jobs, missed out on a few jobs, until one day, my paths crossed with the Founders of Australian Fashion Labels, they owned 7 Aussie brands at the time and were looking for someone to open their PR Showroom within their newly established LA headquarters. A ton of the contacts I had worked with (via email, from Australia), Aimee Song, Dani Song, Danielle Bernstein, Jill Wallace, Monica Rose (who at the time dressed the Kardashians) + so many more, were so kind and welcoming, we were mutually excited to be meeting in person.
From there, I built my little black book, I networked a ton, cold call emailed every stylist, influencer, editor I could find and managed to establish incredible relationships. The brands I represented were sold on REVOLVE.com so our Marketing Director and I were continually looking for ways to partner with REVOLVE, I was introduced with the Brand Marketing team (members who are now my counterparts today!). Eventually, Raissa and I re-connected and got to talking. It took us a full year of conversation, meeting with Michael, our co-CEO, thinking through the role together, before I officially transitioned to Public Relations Director for REVOLVE & our sister site FWRD. I now oversee Public Relations & collaborative partnerships across REVOLVE, FWRD, super down & our 23 privately owned brands. This is everything from Talent deals to collaborative brands with Influencers or celebrities to media partnerships and more. It’s been such an incredible experience and I’m blessed to call this my job.
Sarah: Can you name a peak and a valley of your last workday?
Kendall: A lot of what I do is problem-solving, crisis management if you will. We had an event recently and there was a major change in plans, one of the key celeb talents couldn’t attend last minute so we had to re-work the event run of show, press strategy and work with our social team to fill in gaps within the content strategy to find a solution. Everything ran smoothly and was a huge success. I’m faced with challenges often, whether it be negotiating a difficult deal or smoothing over a press crisis, it’s often overwhelming and stressful, but I also take great pride in being able to turn a negative into a positive. It’s great character building, I kind of thrive on the challenge.
@kndlsargeant
Sarah: With each day bringing its fair share of challenges, how do you stay motivated?
Kendall: You have to keep your mind on the big picture. Knowing that everything happens for a reason is important for me. A deal falling through, or a budget change, or a variation in objective are all opportunities to be creative and test yourself. With a great team by your side and supportive leadership, anything can be achieved.
@kndlsargeant
Sarah: After a long day, what’s your favorite way to decompress?
Kendall: Vino. I love cooking dinner with my boyfriend or visiting new restaurants. We just moved house so I’ve been super into homewares and interior design. Most nights I end up on our couch in a spiral of homewares websites, Pinterest boards and shows about house flipping and fixer uppers…it’s dangerous.
@kndlsargeant
Sarah: Lastly, to end on a contemplative note, what does the future of REVOLVE look like to you?
Kendall: It’s such an incredible company to be involved with, I have no doubt we’ll continue to adapt our business, grow upon our existing network of 3500 influencers, nurture and develop our experiential marketing strategy and continue to work with emerging and established designers that are disrupting the industry. We’re just scratching the surface, it’s going to be an exciting ride.
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Although the heat index may say otherwise, the slew of softly muted tones, pavement-pounding footwear, and wildly sumptuous textures gracing the runways, the streets, and our Instagram feeds proclaims the present reality loud and clear: fall has arrived in the world of fashion.
And, so too, have its many charming and characteristically statement-making hues.
Naturally, the arrival of the new season also ushers in a new palette of colors to play with, a palette that resolutely takes inspiration from the intrinsic colors that lay right before our eyes this time of year: in the seasonal fare, like pumpkin and squash, and soon, below our feet, like in the richly colored foliage poised to take shape and sprawl about in no time.
Truth be told, incorporating such season-right color into your wardrobe shouldn’t have to raise hairs. A hue like burnt orange can easily break up a neutral outfit with just the right dose of definition; try a pleated burnt orange maxi skirt in a printed pattern for contrast that accentuates without overwhelming. Or, if red’s your flavor of choice, opt for a ruby accessory like a silk scarf, or a mini bag that can add an interesting pop of color to an otherwise more muted outfit. Tread carefully when it comes to top-to-toe monochromatic looks. For a color punch that still feels sophisticated, try a fluid look in a marigold dress; it can be tempered by pairing with understated accessories (less is better) and footwear (a nude pump anchors the look with balance). And, if you’re feeling especially daring, experiment with animal print pumps in a dark colorway for a cool mix of texture and tone. So, channel your inner fashion girl with one of these 5 fall hues—as spotted on top tastemakers and designer feeds alike—and color yourself charmed.
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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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Don’t know what to wear? Nine times out of ten a sumptuous silk piece will solve the wardrobe conundrum. As the summer season gives way to fall, and we trade our buoyant, lighter-than-air uniforms for smarter, more weighted substitutes, a silk satin number is just the ticket for making the seasonal switch in top form. Whether it’s a slinky black silk dress fit to hug and flatter in all the right places, or an understated mock neck blouse in an always-appropriate neutral colorway, the unmatched ease (and not to mention, the pure romance) that comes with cladding oneself in a silk satin-rendered piece is a feeling worth swooning over.
Where coordinating silk satin is concerned, you’d be hard pressed to find a mismatch. Soft tones like tan, dusty rose, and ivory evoke smart elevation and get along with a mélange of wardrobe staples: try a silk satin midi skirt in a natural print pattern to punctuate an otherwise fluid outfit with great dimension; or perhaps, perfect the art of minimal modern with a divinely drapey silk blouse that quietly stands out with anything from culottes to pencil skirts. And for the off-duty hours, a silk cowl neck cami—be it in black or beige—tucked into your favorite denim (yes, you can) lends chic, high-contrast impact that holds up even with a switch of a season. So, as you reevaluate your work-to-weekend rotation, be sure to throw one of these silky numbers into the shuffle for a fresh remix on the everyday. It’s a look that will never date—guaranteed.
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The span of a season can be likened to the sensory experience of sampling a piece of dark chocolate. Bittersweet. The season opens and we are awash with delight, enraptured by an initial overload of flavor that is sweet and light. As we continue on, bite after bite, that blooming sweetness soon fades into notes that are more balanced in nature—bitter, even. Still, the sweetness is there. And that lingering bittersweet aftertaste, signaling the end of a slightly better beginning and middle, encapsulates no better season than that of summer.
And what would summer be without its defining fashions? Perhaps that underlying sweetness of the season is best expressed, at least, for us prudent and discerning shoppers among us, in the incredible buys to be found as we near summer’s curtain call. When not wading in the ocean in our little-nothings, we turn our sartorial attention to still-insouciant pieces we can wear now and a bit later: flowy midi skirts and dresses, a linen short, or maybe a chic jumpsuit that’s statement worthy all on its own. Also top of mind is the abundance of deals that overcome our Instagram feeds and our every last scroll of the digital marketplace. As we watch those hot ticket items dwindle down in price, digit by digit, it’s surely hard not to bite the bullet. Which is why, with a little help from my friends at Google once again, I’ve scoured the web to bring you a healthy dose of these irresistible end-of-summer deals, all wrapped up in the below Labor Day-ready looks. Summer’s never tasted so sweet.
It’s a love affair for the ages. Body positivity and the very clothes we wear on our own back. In today’s indignant times, what with rousing movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up, this enduring love affair, particularly among women, couldn’t be more apparent. Emboldened by the courage, confidence, and declaration of a new collective voice led by their own ilk, women all over the world are charting a new course, this time, to challenge long-held notions surrounding their bodies and the motivations behind their clothing of choice. Evidently, women are witnessing said notions being uprooted before their very eyes: entrenched, traditional motivations of dressing that have long defined the concept of modern femininity are shifting and setting a new movement in motion. Case in point? Dressing for the male gaze. Now, women are paving the way for a new way of thinking to enter the fray. Dressing for themselves.
Call it the antidote to the often harsh realities that are intrinsic to being female in this day and age. Women are breaking out of the mold, quite literally, that seeks to flaunt, and instead, are making a softer statement, embracing fashions that embody less of the va-va-voom appeal, and more of the au naturale allure—safe in the knowledge that their confidence is rooted in their own body positivity, and not in their outfits, nor—the approval of men. Adding to this wave, is both the entertainment and fashion industry’s commitment to shining new light on female-led movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up. Think back a couple years ago, when we saw celebrities showering themselves in all black attire at the 2018 Golden Globes to honor Time’s Up, and designers, like Prabal Gurung, peddling poignant slogans (“Our Minds, Our Bodies, Our Powers, “Nevertheless, She Persisted”) etched in his capsule pieces shown at New York Fashion Week. Each one of these actions, as small as they may seem, are unequivocally raising the female voice higher by underscoring the very depths of said voice’s incredible power. It’s clear influential people worldwide are using fashion as a platform to advocate against critical issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination (among others) in spades. And, it’s working.
As we pivot from a place that sits tight in the traditional, to one that embraces the new wave of female empowerment, we can’t help but be drawn to fashions that not only portray body positivity, but also, invite a sense of inclusivity and authenticity. Enter: the bralette. What was once a style of choice of personal triumph for women in the 1960’s and 70’s is now, coming full circle, triumphing as the catalyst for moving the needle forward for women in the political fashion climate of today. As quoted by Linda Dyett in the The New York Times article, “The Bralette Is Back. This Time Blouses Are Optional”, Araks Yeramyan, an independent lingerie and resort wear designer in New York, goes on to say:
“It was #MeToo that catapulted the bralette movement into what it is today,” says Yeramyan.
Adding to that sentiment is the idea that the bralette, in more ways than one, represents the manifestation of the female voice—serving as the vehicle to voice grievances and declarations, or express aspirations and affirmations. Dyett also quotes Carlie Quezada, a Detroit-based lingerie boutique owner, who considers the bralette to be “a statement of modern femininity”.
And anyone who’s anyone is wearing one. From Bella Hadid, to Beyonce, to Priyanka Chopra, celebrities spanning the globe are getting on board, losing the restriction of traditional bras in favor of slipping into an insouciant looser number. Lacking the underwire found in the alternative, the bralette is decidedly no-fuss, opening its arms to women of any shape, size, lifestyle, what have you. Gaping cups and slipping straps? Hardly. Soft and malleable fabrication reigns supreme. Like a second skin, its innate low-flung shape is a refreshing break away from the often artificially high, rounded and swelled shape that a wired bra can create. And in the way of variety, nothing else comes close. Shoppers have seen an influx of variations that swing from the lacey, barely-there look, to more modest styles that are even cami-like.
What’s more, it can be worn a million and one ways. Toss over a white tee, discreetly layer under a silk blouse or slip dress, or style under a bomber jacket—any which way, it’s hard to get it wrong, it seems. Alas, it’s certainly clear this is one style that’s here to stay, and make a resounding cultural impact while at it. So go ahead, resolve to relinquish a little of the va-va-voom, if only for modern femininity’s sake, and find liberation in a nonchalant little nothing of your own.
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In our ever-growing material world, us fashion aficionados often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of handbag choices to draw from at any moment. Faced similarly with the task of sorting the sheep from the goats, we’re left equally overwhelmed. For as we know all too well, in the world of handbags, the stream of trends is constant, near limitless at times, and can truly test the strength of one’s patience and willpower. But every once in a while, as we comb through this small sea of more-than-essential add-ons, one trend comes along that instantly captures hearts and brings itself into the fold without so much as lifting a finger. This year, that force to be reckoned with is none other than the mini handbag.
And this fresh dose of unexpected interest is a mixed bag in all the best ways. Worth its weight in gold, the mini bag—ranging from the decidedly minuscule micro flap, to larger bucket versions more apt for a standard outing (storage—here’s looking at you!)—has quickly become requisite for the wardrobe of every fashion girl worth her salt. When it comes to the options of fabric, it’s a potpourri that’ll win many favors. Artisanal basket weave styles mingle with unflappable leather designs (and countless others) to offer enough range of style for any one aesthetic—hence, finding one style to suit your very own is a total breeze. So go ahead, renew your sense of sartorial self and pick up one of these 12 mini bags before the supply (inevitably!) runs dry.
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The bedrock of any well-edited wardrobe would be nothing without its fearless leader: the indispensable blazer, no less. Born for the boardroom, the blazer—whether interpreted in a longer, boy-meets-girl dress style, or rather, in classic jacket form—has withstood the test of time over the years, cementing itself as the glue for piecing together a powerful 9-to-5 look. Generally firm fabrication and clean lines show devotion to the power of sophistication—throw one on for instant polish that sets out to draw eyes in droves and embolden its wearer beyond measure. And those dowdy shapes of yesteryear? Consider them history, as today’s versions dare to stretch beyond the traditional and instead take up residence in the modern: blazer dresses, waist-defining fits, unexpected details are all par for the course. Which means, you can now say goodbye to boorishly boxy variations and hello to sleek styles that befit both the boardroom and the bar. Need proof? Just take one glance at these 7 razor-sharp blazer looks to start.
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