Category: Fashion

BROWN KNIT SWEATER  (WEARING SIZE M)
BROWN KNIT SWEATS (WEARING SIZE S)
SLIPPERS
BLUELIGHT GLASSES
RUG

Guys I’m so excited to share I’m designing a collection with Amazon! You guys know how much I love hunting for good amazon finds, it was so fun getting to work with them to design my own collection. It will only be live for 30 hours so make sure to sign up for SMS notifications here so don’t miss the chance to shop it.

It’s been a minute since I’ve gotten to do some designing! Those of you guys who have been following for a long time probably remember my clothing line, ILY Couture. I actually started ILY before I even started my blog. It originally started after I made my own wedding hair piece and started selling them, then I made our viral ‘wifey’ tee, then when I was pregnant with Beckam it was the Preggers tee followed by all our Mom pieces. I really loved having my own line and being able to be creative and also basically source or create pieces that I wanted that I couldn’t find anywhere else.

As my blog and influencer platform took off, I felt torn in too many different directions – between ILY, the blog, and trying to be present with the kids and family, I felt like I was being spread too thin.

I realized I was more passionate about creating content and connecting with my community. I’ve always believed in following your passions, and even though at the time Ily was a more stable job than being an influencer, I just loved the influencer side more. It was sad to see everything we had built come to an end but even years later I still feel like I made the right decision.

One of the things I miss the most with Ily is the creative side and the ability to basically design or create pieces that I can envision perfectly in my mind but can’t find anywhere else available to purchase.

So when Amazon reached out about an opportunity to do a Drop collection with them I was so excited! It was the perfect opportunity to scratch that itch and be able to design some new pieces that I felt were missing from my wardrobe. And the icing on the cake – I got to do a collection for fall!! My absolute favorite style season. I’m so excited about how the prints and pieces came together! I’ve shared a few sneak peeks on instagram here, here and here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! My drop with Amazon is THIS WEEK, November 2nd.  I’ll be sharing some of my favorite pieces from the collection and a bunch of styling ideas, dressed up and down, leading up to the launch. It will only be live for 30 hours so make sure to sign up for SMS notifications here so don’t miss the chance to shop it.

Thank you guys who have been following along throughout my journey and to those who remember the ILY days. It means so much to me that you’re here. ❤️ Can’t wait to share this collection with you!

 

XX, Christine

Stella McCartney, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, and Bruno Cucinelli will have you spend hundreds on a pair of clogs this season. Too bad your shoe purchase does not come with a manual on how to wear clogs. While the clog trend is hot, the clunky shoe style isn’t exactly easy to wear.

The main wearability issue is that clogs add bulk to your lower half. To wear them successfully, you need to balance out that bulk — which can require more thought than reaching for garments on the top of the clean laundry pile.

But that’s a fashion challenge you can handle. Read on for a guide to styling clogs, plus seven clog outfit ideas, and clog style FAQs. And, just for fun, I’ll also share how clogs first became a fashion statement.

Guide: How to wear clogs

Before clogs were trending, there were two types of clog wearers:

• First were the people who needed a comfortable shoe due to plantar fasciitis and other foot problems. Dansko clogs in particular are gentle on the feet, which is why you’ll see nurses wearing them.
• Second were the fashion superfans who remember the 2010 Chanels that rocketed the clog style into stardom (more on that below).

Now that clogs are toeing their way into mainstream fashion, it’s easier for more moderate fashionistas to experiment with the style. But, as noted, there’s the challenge of balancing out the shoe’s bulk. Miss the mark there and you may feel like an extra on That ’70s Show.

So how do you achieve that balance? There are three steps here:

1. Choose another piece that is visually bold or has a flared shape.
2. Accentuate your waist.
3. Bare your ankles.

Let’s talk about each.

Tip 1: Choose another piece that’s visually bold or has a flared shape

Some chic ideas here include:

• Statement necklace
• Colorful scarf
• Bold earrings plus an updo
• Play up your best feature with dramatic makeup, as in a smokey eye or fire engine red lip
• A-line skirt or dress. Keep the hemline on the shorter side.
• Cropped jacket or blazer with stylish embellishments
• Long-sleeved crop top
• Drapey or bright top

Tip 2: Accentuate your waist

Highlighting your waist helps you avoid the problem of being bulky all over. A wide-leg pant with a baggy top and chunky shoes creates the shape of a large oak tree. That’s not a great look on anyone. The fix? Add a belt to the mix and you’re suddenly an hourglass.

Waist-accentuating tactics include:

• Wear a belt. Experiment with thick and thin styles to see which suits you better. Do the same with patterned belts and solid colors.
• Wear pieces with hemlines that fall at your waist — cropped tops and jackets. Team with high-waisted bottoms.

Tip 3. Bare your ankles

Baring skin above your shoe is another shape-defining strategy. Plus, the separation between your clothes and footwear will show off your stylish shoes. If you’re going to wear a trendy leather clog, you want onlookers to see it, right?

Achieve bare ankles with cropped pants, rolled cuffs, or (more obviously) midi-length or shorter hemlines.

Note that longer hemlines often work better with sandal-style or heeled clogs. If your clog is classic or very chunky, you’ll want to show more leg.

7 clog outfit ideas

1. Clogs with a flowy blouse and distressed denim

Distressed jeans look great with clogs. You can reach for a frayed hemline, cropped jean, or a boyfriend jean with rolled cuffs. Any of these options look amazing with mule clogs. Try your skinny jeans with clog sandals.

@kasirae shows us how it’s done. Her top may be neutral in color, but it has style in all the right places. To keep it her waist from disappearing, she uses a tiny tuck at the front.

2. Clogs with a floral midi dress

An easy way to style clogs is with a lightweight, floral midi dress. The breeziness of the dress is a nice contrast to the weighty, edgy clog.

3. Clogs in lieu of an ankle boot

Try subbing clogs in on the outfits you’d normally wear with ankle boots. On lazy days, for example, pair clogs with jeans and a cute t-shirt. If it’s cold, top that look with your favorite moto jacket.

That outfit may end up being your go-to street style ensemble. Add big sunglasses and messy hair and someone might think you’re an off-duty model — especially if you choose a bolder shoe, like a bright red clog or platform clog.

4. Clogs with cropped trouser

When you need a more sophisticated outfit, wear your clogs with cropped, straight-leg trousers. Finish the look with a simple, tucked-in top and belt.

5. Clogs with an A-line skirt and tights

On the days you’re feeling playful, add a pair of clogs to an A-line skirt, tights, and blouse. With this outfit, bold colors have a more youthful vibe. If you’d rather downplay the schoolgirl feel, choose darker, neutral colors like gray, brown, and navy blue.

6. Clogs with shorts

Shorts and clogs are a thing! That’s good news for us low-maintenance fashionistas, too. Clogs with shorts make for a comfortable and easy outfit that’s also very stylish.

Start with black clogs, add in denim shorts and a tidy t-shirt or button-down top. Complete the outfit with a structured, waist-length blazer or leather jacket.

7. Clogs with a sweater dress

Here’s another casual weekend outfit that’s also quite polished — anchor your favorite brown-toned sweater dress with a pair of classic clogs. The soft knit of the sweater contrasts nicely with the wood and weight of the shoe.

Clog style FAQs

Still wondering how to wear clogs? It’s OK. You’re not alone. There are some questions that pop up routinely about styling clogs. Here are the ones I hear most often.

1. Should I wear socks with clogs?

You can wear socks with clogs. This is a high risk, high reward fashion strategy, though. The look can either catapult you into fashion queen status amongst your social group. Or, clogs with socks can simply look sloppy. To achieve the fashion-queen status effect, keep the rest of your outfit tidy and structured. Go for the cropped blazer, belt, tucked-in top, etc. Avoid long cardigans or oversized silhouettes.

2. Can I wear clogs in the summer?

Yes, you can wear clogs in the summer. A sandal style will be more comfortable than a classic wooden clog. Pair your clog sandal with shorts or a pretty floral skirt.

3. How to wear clogs to work?

Mule clogs teamed with a cropped trouser, belt, and tucked-in, soft knit sweater makes for a polished work outfit.

4. Can I wear clogs without socks?

You can wear clogs without socks, especially mules and sandals. You might invest in some deodorant powder to keep your trendy shoes fresh.

5. Can you wear clogs with leggings?

A modern clog can look amazing with leggings. Try black clogs teamed with black leggings as your starting point.

For fun: How clogs became a fashion statement

The dictionary defines a clog as a shoe with a thick wooden sole. In practice, a clog is usually backless and has a platform-type sole. The style traces back to 14th century Scandinavia — for centuries thereafter, peasants and the working class chose clogs for comfort and protection.

The clunky wooden shoe didn’t become a fashion piece, though, until the 20th century. Wikipedia reports that clogs began their rise in the ’70s and ’80s, when both men and women starting wearing them — thanks to the wildly popular Swedish pop group ABBA.

2007 Viktor & Rolf Ready-to-Wear

Clogs stepped into the fashion spotlight when they appeared in Viktor & Rolf’s 2007 Ready-to-Wear collection. These designs featured bright colors and intricate patterns. My guess is they would have stolen the show, if the models had not also been wearing metal frames and spotlights.

Chanel SS 2010

The quirky shoe got another prominent designer endorsement in 2010. Chanel’s 2010 SS designers were anchored by modern clogs with platform heels, thick buckles and metal stud details. This style has since been copied by the masses, to the point where used to find cheap versions at Payless every spring.

Denim skirts! I’ve spoken a little about them in my maxi/mini skirt trend article here. Y2K brought out the denim skirt from its hiding place in the back of people’s closets (and minds!). For a while, the people had mixed feelings around the denim skirt. Though this season, these skirts are (without exaggeration) one of the most popular pieces to buy this season!! Designers have reimagined the old skirt into something fresh and exciting – taking only our favourite elements. The best part is that denim skirts work as part of your core wardrobe. It’s casual, cool and so easy to wear!

Three years ago, I talked about sequins as a boomerang fashion trend. Those sparkly discs were in the spotlight in 2010 and then returned with a vengeance in 2018. Well, guess what? Sequins are back and better than ever.

That means it’s time for a refresher on how to wear sequins. They’re kinda complicated, after all. An understated sequin vibe could easily go unnoticed. But overdo it and, well, people will talk. It’s that hero-or-zero dilemma that comes with any bold fashion trend. The stakes are high. But when you nail that sequin outfit, you’ll be the sparkle (and life) of the party.

I’ll start with the biggest takeaway for wearing sequins: Keep it classy. Here’s how to do it.

5 guidelines for wearing sequins with class

1. Don’t double-up

As with most trends, don’t overdo it. Yes, it’s easy to get hypnotized by all that shimmery splendor. But if you have a chic, shiny skirt, say no to the shiny clutch and shiny sandals.

Instead, choose understated classics to surround your shiny pieces. A soft, cashmere-like sweater, for example, would balance nicely with the harshness of a sparkly skirt. Add solid-colored pumps to the mix and you’re golden. Pun intended.

2. Do tone down your daytime sequined looks

You can rock sequins during the day. Just wear them more sparingly than you would at night. I’m not sure on this, but I’ve heard too many sequins in daylight hours causes cornea burns in your onlookers and admirers.

For the daytime, try a burnished gold sequin cami, under a cream cardi or blazer with wide-legged, tan pants. Platform pumps in the same color would anchor that outfit nicely.

3. Play up your nighttime sequins

At night, go ahead and rock that sequin pencil skirt or mini-dress. Same goes for the shiny handbag. And since we’re on this topic, a handbag with sequins should never be anything but a clutch or wristlet. No fully adorned gym bags or totes. Please. 

For date night, you could pair a long-sleeved, sequin top with dark-wash, straight cut jeans. The dark denim provides nice, balancing contrast. Finish the outfit with a subtle pump.

4. Don’t wear sequins in bright patterns or colors

A black sequin sheath for a holiday cocktail party? Yes. It’s a fabulous take on the traditional Little Black Dress. You could easily add a stylish evening jacket to the mix, too. But a flashy fuschia dress with a poufy prom-esque skirt? No. Adorable on the mannequin, but nearly impossible to pull off unless you’re 17 and heading to the Sno Ball.

Sequins by themselves standout. Don’t pair them with a bright color unless you want your clothes to feel like a visual assault to everyone around you. Stick with neutral, solid colors. That’s your style safety zone.

5. Do buy knowing everyone will remember it.

If you’re shopping with cost-per-wear in mind, a sequin dress is hard to justify. You can use a sequin handbag over and over again, but a dress? Not so much. If you have a whole season of parties to get through, and a limited budget for party-wear, skip the dress. Everyone will remember you wore it party to party. You’ll get tired of it fast, too.

Instead, pick a sequin clutch or skirt. Then you can change up your style with brightly hued tops and versatile shoes. You’ll stand out for all the right reasons.

6. Don’t wear sequin minis or pants, unless…

You’re feeling BOLD. Embellished short skirts and pants look wrong more than they look right. More versatile sequin pieces are skirts, dresses, handbags, and tops.

7. Do sub in metallic.

If actual sequins feel like too much, reach for metallic pieces instead. They’re as stylish and easier to wear.

5 ways to wear sequins

Here are five sequin outfit ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Wear a sequined skirt with a white surplice top and nude pumps.
2. Slip a soft sweater over a sequined dress.
3. Try a sequined button-down shirt over jeans and a silky cami. Leave the shirt unbuttoned and anchor the outfit with heeled sandals.
4. If you dare, wear faux leather leggings with a loose-fitting, partially sequined top and conservative black pumps.
5. A cropped jacket with sequins would look great over a soft t-shirt, boyfriend jeans, and ankle boots.

How to wear sequin FAQs

Can you wear sequins in the summer?

Yes, you can wear sequins in the summer. For your own comfort, reach for the shiny stuff at night only. In all other, cooler seasons, say yes to sequins. November, December, January, February…you get the idea.

How to wear sequin pants? And where?

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a pair of sequin pants I liked. But if I had to wear them, I’d pair those pants with a soft, draped top in white or cream. A lightweight blazer and pumps would be nice additions, too. You could also apply the same outfit conventions to a sequin mini skirt.

You’d wear these outfits to dressy, but fun occasions with friends. Try NYE parties, cruise ship formal nights, girls nights out in a big city, or cocktail parties. Avoid any dancing events, though. The close contact may destroy your garment and scrape anyone near you.

How do you wear sequins casually?

Here’s the best way to wear sequins casually: your favorite jeans with a pretty top, heeled sandals, and a sequin clutch. You could also don a cami or top that’s partially embellished with the same jeans and sandals. This time, reach for a plain leather (or faux) clutch.

Shine on, friend

What else do you want to know about how to wear sequins? Reach out and ask. Otherwise, I’ll see you out on the feeds, sparkling with confidence.

Some of the most popular conscious fashion brands center around swimwear. Seriously, more than half of the phone calls I get are from individuals with that same vision wanting me to help them find bikini manufacturers to bring their designs to left. And, this left me wondering, why is the world of swimwear so popular? 

I came to find out that, thanks to Insta ads, there are many swimwear manufacturers out there marketing how to”Be Your Own Bikini Boss.” The ads depict influencers jet-setting to exotic locations to show off their latest skimpy swimwear line. They all make the idea of starting a swim line seem like an easy way to fund a travel addiction or something. They leave most of us wondering – if they can do it, why can’t I? Who doesn’t love a beach trip, or a weekend spent lounging by the pool?

Unfortunately, many people believe that making vacation clothes will allow them to live the vacation life 24/7. Spoiler alert –  it won’t. Or at least it won’t be as easy as ads from bikini manufacturers would like to make it seem. I get to travel all over the world and experience some amazing places thanks to my job in fashion. But that’s not without a lot of hard work. For example, my latest trip to Italy was about 80% business, with sightseeing and some amazing eating squeezed in between. And starting a conscious fashion swimwear brand could be equally as incredibly fulfilling for you too.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

1. How much money can you make starting a swim brand?/,
2. How to know if your bikini manufacturers a good fit?
3. When to relinquish full control of your order
4. How to stay ahead of the trends
5. The importance of pattern cutting
6. What the sampling and production process will look like
7. Where to splurge and where to save
8. Additional resources

THE 2 THINGS EVERYONE ASKS ME ABOUT SWIMWEAR MANUFACTURING

Before I get started telling you all about my 6 tips. Let’s get these two things our of the way…

CAN MY BIKINI BRAND BRING ME “PASSIVE INCOME”

NOPE.

Starting any type of clothing company is hard work. So be prepared to, you know, work.

Bikini manufacturers would love you to think starting a swim company is the easiest thing in the world – because that means more business for them. And, while starting a brand can give you both financial freedom and flexibility with your time, ultimately, it is still a job. 

At virtue + vice, I work 365 days a year. I am not kidding. Xmas? I work. New Year’s? Still on the phone with factories. You get the idea. I am up early in the morning (usually around 7 am to talk with my Indian factories), spend the day talking to clients, and then I am up late in the night (usually until at least midnight with China partners). Yes, my Insta is filled with travel photos and yummy foods pics shot in exotic locations. It looks like I’m living the life. But in between those snapshots is a lot of (I am going to stress this again and again) really hard work!

The work is different. It doesn’t have the stress of a boss breathing down your neck or micromanaging you. You don’t have to spend time worrying if HR will grant you time off to make a friend’s wedding or your kid’s dance recital. When you call your own shots, set your own schedule, and are your own boss, believe me, the work just feels better. I don’t want to scare you away from starting your dream swimwear company. But, I do want you to be realistic and prepared to put in the hours that will make your brand successful. And, I believe in you. 

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I REALLY MAKE? 

You can make some serious cash with a swimsuit line. Swim is probably a close second to “luxury” t-shirts when it comes to the best margins in the fashion industry. Once you start talking to suppliers and getting initial rates, you will probably be shocked at how much that $200 swimsuit actually costs you to make. We are talking $5-$25!

The other thing is that swimsuits don’t last. Have you noticed you need to buy new ones constantly? Unlike electronics companies with their planned obsolescence, when it comes to quality swimwear, there is really no way around this. Swimsuits are constantly exposed to harsh elements like chlorine, sun, sweat, and sand. The materials wear out quickly. There are some materials that are better than others, but ultimately there is no technology to make swimsuits last as long as that sweater passed down for generations. Swimsuits are something that people need to keep buying and replacing. 

And that’s why everyone wants to be in the industry. It’s a great business opportunity. It isn’t an accident that every celebrity is starting a womens bikini line or workout company – it’s strategic. But because the secret of how much money to make in swimwear is out, the market has become extremely competitive, almost to the point of oversaturation. So, if you are serious about starting a line, you need to stand out from all the other brands out there. Let me teach you exactly how to do that.

SIX TIPS THAT WILL HELP MAKE YOUR SWIMWEAR STAND OUT

1. BIKINI MANUFACTURERS NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT MACHINES

I found the same factory that Anthropologie works with, but my product is a disaster. Please help me!

I get this type of email all the time. The easiest way to prevent this type of situation is to understand the different manufacturing capabilities your supplier needs to make your specific product. While the person may have found one of Anthropologies’s manufacturing partners, they may not have found the right one. Anthropologie works with thousands of fabric suppliers and factories. And all of these suppliers tend to be highly specialized. Meaning, they might just make t-shirts, just dresses, just jeans, just leggings, or just swimsuits. If you reach out to the Anthropologie factory that usually makes their t-shirts, wanting to make swimsuits, it might not go so well. Those would be two totally different products with different supply chains.

A good sign is when bikini manufacturers have flatlock machines. A seam made with a flatlock machine has a very distinct look. Flatlock seams are perfect for swimwear because it’s a type of seam that allows for a lot of stretch. Stretch is important in swimwear because swimsuits should be snug and secure, yet comfortable and moveable with the body. Like a second skin. If you try to sew a swimsuit with a regular sewing machine, the seams will burst and rip apart when a person tries to move.

QUICK TIP

There are special settings that can be used on regular sewing machines to fak a flatlock stitch. They perform just as well, but they take longer to sew, meaning your price will probably be a bit higher.

And, one last thing when it comes to sewing. It is also important to keep an eye on the tensions the machines are set to. Tension is how tight the stitches are. If they are too loose or too tight, your garment could fall apart or have a sloppy-looking wavy effect. A professional swimwear manufacturing partner will have the right machines and know-how to use them to create the best product for you.

2. TRUST IN YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNER’S EXPERTISE

A lot of the time, new brands don’t want factories to know they are new because they are worried that suppliers will only want to work with established brands. Speaking as someone who partners with factories all over the world and has a consulting company that manages development and production for brands, we know you have no idea what you are doing. But don’t let that get you down! Lean on people like us for our expertise. We have seen it all before and can help you make decisions that will create the best product possible. 

For example, fiber content is the only legally required textile information that needs to be included on a garment care tag. And because of these tags, new designers think it is the most important ingredient in getting the perfect fabric. But this is a common mistake. It’s not. A lot of components go into making a fabric. Things like yarn size, knit construction, needle size, stitch density, fabric weight, and elastic quality all play a part in the final fabric. So, five fabrics, all with 92% nylon and 8% spandex, could be totally different. 

It’s not your fault that you didn’t know this. But instead of telling bikini manufacturers what you want, try asking them what you need based on your designs. Let them guide you to the right decisions. When you do this, your product development process is going to go a lot smoother and probably end up costing you a lot less in quality control issues.

3. PICK UP ON TRENDS 

Garment suppliers are also a great place to pick up on trends. If your bikini manufacturers truly specialize in swim products, then, that is what they do all day, every day. If they are fully in an industry like this, chances are they see the newest trends long before you or anyone else. 

For example, when I worked in kids apparel one season, I noticed that every factory, mill, and supplier I visited had something with butterflies. I told my sales and design teams, and we quickly followed the trend as well. We created our own butterfly products. And guess what? They were top sellers a year later when butterflies started to become popular.

Now, remember, there is a difference between asking for trend forecasting advice and straight-up copying. We didn’t knock off or copy any other brand’s styles. We created our own. There is nothing wrong with asking suppliers for trends like colors, cuts, etc. But it is totally unethical to knock other brands off and copy what they are doing exactly.

Fabric suppliers usually have trends in their showrooms that you will be seeing in stores in 1.5 to 2 years from now. So, create a good relationship with the suppliers, and ask them for tips on what is trending. Analyzing what textile suppliers are working on now is like looking into a fashion crystal ball. 

4. ACCEPT THAT YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

Chances are if you are reading this because you want to make your own swimwear line, you aren’t an expert. So, you want to be sure you are working with one. Think about it. Would you want to be operated on by a surgeon who has only done a few surgeries in their life, or by a surgeon who has done thousands? Obviously, you’d want to go with the surgeon who has done thousands. Because generally, the more people do a thing, the better at it they become. 

Especially when you are starting out, you want to work with a swimwear manufacturer that specializes in what it is that you are making. It means they have done these types of swimwear styles thousands of times before, so they are really good at it. They can also probably do your tech packs for you instead of hiring someone else to do them.

5. BE PREPARED TO SAMPLE, A LOT

My friend, Isabetta has a background in swim fabric development. She is someone in the industry that is very well-connected and only works with the best of the best people. Even she made samples. Ten rounds to be exact. Now, 10 samples is a lot. But you should probably plan for at least three, as each of them will serve very different purposes.

For example:

Sample 1 – Fit Samples

The purpose of this sample is to get your fit just right. Fit samples are usually made in the same fabric you will be producing in. But they can be made in whatever color fabrics are available. Because, right now, all we care about is the fit. So your final design in your swimwear collection might be yellow polka dots (she wore an itsy bitsy teeny weeny…), but your fit sample might be in solid black fabric because that is what the mill has available for immediate sampling. You might need a few rounds of fit samples to ensure it’s perfect.

Sample 2 – Revisions

If your first fit sample is pretty perfect but needs a few small changes, you will probably choose to make your next round of samples with the corrections on your own custom fabrics. This round of samples will be the first time you see your exact designs come to life. It can be super exciting. You should plan for the third round of sampling just in case. 

Sample 3 – Final Edit

Only when you have an absolutely perfect sample can you move on to production. Sometimes, when you see your designs in real life, they don’t look as good as they did on paper. Don’t worry. This is totally normal. And when that happens, you can work out all your design changes in your third round of samples. Sometimes they can look better than you ever imagined.

And, this process can go on and on.

A great way to get around all the sampling fees, time, and aggravation is to try white label swimwear (not to be confused with private label). Because, white labeling allows you to shop existing pattern libraries.

6. DON’T CUT CORNERS

I’ve said this before. It might be tempting to cut corners – like that viral TikTok video “who’s going to know, nobody’s going to know” – but everyone is going to know. Because when you cut corners, your swimsuit might look okay, but it’s not going to be someone’s favorite that they get excited to wear and tell all their friends about. Invest in your brand and don’t let the branding fool you.

Buy the best quality elastic, for example. Think of elastic-like support beams inside a house. You don’t see them, but they are important. You wouldn’t want your home’s infrastructure to be built with toothpicks. So don’t use bad quality supplies inside your garment either. Splurge on luxury construction techniques. Avoid binding and foldover seams. Even though these techniques are faster and cheaper, they do not make for a clean finish. An invisible seam creates a cleaner, higher-end product and a more comfortable swimsuit.

Not sure how to get your hands on the good stuff?

If you are working with good bikini manufacturers, they will be able to help source high-quality materials for you.

Where you can cut corners…

New brands think that to be taken seriously, they need to have their logos on beads, clasps, and even their poly bags. While all of these things are a nice branding touch, most customers don’t notice them. Custom design molds with your logo might seem like a small expense, but these specially branded pieces can actually cost thousands. So, if you are looking for a place to cut costs, just use generic market trim. There are some really nice, high-quality options out there with low MOQs per style and that will save you money.

It is much more important to invest in things like good elastic and good construction techniques than all the branding bells and whistles. If you are having trouble figuring out where to skimp and where to splurge, try asking yourself this question –  Is this something that is for aesthetic or comfort? And always go for comfort. Because you can have the most beautiful swimsuit with glossy high fashion photos, and get all the clicks and buys online. But once the customer gets it, if it’s uncomfortable, you are going to have all the returns too.

A FEW FINAL WORDS

I want you to succeed. That’s why I spend so much time creating free content to help people. Make sure to check out the resources below. Don’t just read the stuff specifically about swim brands. Take the time to read the startup advice too. Too often, new brands get so caught up in manufacturing their product that they forget to set their brand up with a good business foundation. That’s the number one reason I see new brands not succeed; they underestimate the business side of the business. You can learn how to work with me here, for more help getting organized and building a successful fashion brand.

RESOURCES

1. How to find a good custom swimwear manufacturing partner
2. Recycled polyester
3. How to start a clothing brand with only $8k
4. How to know which designs you should make and which to skip
5. A Look Behind The Seams of a mill that makes sustainable swimwear fabrics (coming soon)

FEELING READY TO START YOUR SWIMWEAR BRAND AND START REACHING OUT TO BIKINI MANUFACTURERS TO GET IT MADE?

Let me hear your thoughts in the comments!

Bright Colour Accents

Just because it’s autumn, doesn’t mean you have to wear brown or black. Bright colours from the summer are still going strong into the new season – check out my article where I talk about new season IT colours if you haven’t already! In fact, I love to style my f/w outfits with a punch of vivid colours! If you’ve been following my Instagram, you would have seen me write about my continued obsession with kelly green! We’ve broken down the unsaid rule that certain colours are reserved for certain months. Below are some bright colour pieces that you should add to your basket to get rid of those cold weather blues!

Fedoras

Now that I’ve started wearing fedoras, I don’t think I can stop! It used to be that cherry-on-top to my outfits, but now it’s become the basis of them. Not only do they look extremely cool, they’re quite functional for the cooler months too! A fedora and coat combination is one that more people need to try. Plus, it’s perfect for those who want to add a little masculinity into their looks. Below are some fedoras I’ve found under $200. You can thank me later. 

Statement Tops

Do you ever look at your wardrobe and think you have nothing to wear? It happens to most of us! Usually, it’s because you don’t have enough statement tops in your closet that you could just slip a pair a jeans with. Statement tops are an essential if you’re someone that doesn’t want to waste much time getting dressed.  Have a couple go-to tops that you love will keep you from stressing. Below are some for you to put in your basket!

Black Boots

Black boots are the new LBD (little black dress). It’s a wardrobe essential that you’ll be wearing so often because they simply go with EVERYTHING! There’s never an autumn/winter season where a black pair of boots are not in my basket. If you’re looking for something new, why not try cowboy boots? They’ve been a game changer to some of my outfits and give off a completely different vibe than my regular combat boots! 

Each October, as spooky season looms, celebrities brace themselves to bust out their kits, flex their skills, and push their creativity to the max with their best Halloween looks. Are you struggling to come up with an amazing Halloween costume this year? And are you a serious fashion lover, too? If so, good news: I’ve got the perfect tip for you! Why not look pull from your closet? But make it fashion! 

In the big lead up to the ghoulish holiday, having inspiration (and maybe even a mood board) is key for delivering a clever and well-executed costume—and that’s whether you’re just greeting trick-or-treaters at home, or heading out to a bash with friends. Check three ideas below. Thank me later!

Britney and Justin: Total Denim Look

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards. Iconic. Easy to pull off with a couple of denim pieces. Simply a genius idea to pay tribute to one of the greatest red-carpet moments of all time! Also, if you don’t own these pieces, you can always thrift them. A good old thrift shop never disappoints. [About the jeans/skirt I’m wearing, they’re men’s!]

Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City

From kitten-heeled Manolos to pink dresses, Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe provided endless inspiration back when Sex and the City was on our screens. During season three, her favourite plus-one was Fendi’s Baguette – a shoulder bag so iconic, it’s become inextricably linked with Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, and that whole ’00s New York aesthetic. A decade thinking of the “one that got away” and I finally got it. It’s just SO GOOD. Being Carrie for Halloween sounds like lots of fun. Oh, and I found you some good dupes. Check below! 

Naomi Campbell Off-Duty

This great ’70s look screams “they can’t afford me” which, incidentally, is what she said when asked why she never became a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Honestly, same Naomi, same. 

What fashion icon are you channeling this year? Drop the name in the comments.

I’ve written about trending metallic pieces in my previous articles (like the trending metallic mini). It’s one of the biggest colour trends of the season, so it deserves a proper mention! Metallics have finally shed their ‘tacky’ image. Though not all metallics have the same mood. If you’re wanting to make your outfit feel special and elevated, opt for silver and gold (like the gold Jimmy Choo boots or silver Issey Miyake bag). If you’re more into the grunge feel, lean towards gun-metal and smoke grey. There’s even more to choose  ranging from taffy pink to emerald to sapphire – there’s a metallic colour for everyone, so just choose your fighter!

Do you suddenly feel unsure of what to wear? Your wardrobe might be itching for new investment pieces for fall! Here is a list of must-have-items that are in my basket for the season!

Fedora Hats

Let’s face it – cooler wear means you’ll probably be wearing a scarf or hat. Why not invest in a fedora? I’ve been wearing mine with so many outfits during fashion week (both in New York and Paris!) I just love that masculine-chic look that it gives to my wardrobe. Pair it with dresses to balance the look, or up your business casual by wearing a suit with it. It’s been an unexpected wonder for my style, and now I can’t go by the fall season without it!

Wide Leg Trousers

Metallics

You might have read in a few of my previous articles about the rise of metallics for the fall season! I just love these Jimmy Choo gold boots that I bought recently! They just add that little extra spark to colder season outfits without looking out of place. In fact, metallics + fall = a match made in heaven! Don’t worry about mixing metals. Combining gold with silver is something I’ve been loving lately. Below are a few options to bring key metallic points into your wardrobe!

Mini Bags

In my book, Halloween is one of the best holidays in existence. It’s got something for everybody — do you like costumes? Are you obsessed with candy? Or maybe you fancy the arts: pumpkin carving and the challenge of DIY Halloween costumes. Whatever your jam, Halloween is just plain fun.

My favorite aspect of Halloween is that I get to play dress-up, which is fun at any age. And the only change that I’ve made — from young girl to college student to young woman — is that I’m no longer interested in being a “scantily clad” anything.

This obviously limits store-bought options since everything out there for women is either too revealing or too boring. So, over the past few years I’ve found myself on the hunt for festive and classy DIY Halloween costumes — and this fall, I thought I’d share.

Here are 10 Halloween costumes that are cool and clever without being expensive or slutty!

10 classy DIY Halloween costumes

1. Rosie The Riveter

At first you might not know who she is, but oh, you do. She’s the buff chick in a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a red polka-dotted bandana wrapped around her head. Need I say more? If you have a scarf and a button-up shirt, this costume is the easiest. It’s also a (necessary) statement on women’s empowerment. You can’t go wrong here.

2. Bank Robber

Fun solo or for a group theme, becoming a robber is no sweat. Don a striped tee, plus black leggings, gloves, and sneaks. You can cut eyeholes in a black beanie or a bandana that you wrap around your face. Pick up a canvas tote and use a Sharpie to add the classic $$ emblem on it. Bonus points if you can get your hands on fake money. Bam. Just like that, you’re a bank robber.

3. Little Red Riding Hood

You need a long red cape with a hood, plus a basket, skirt, and top. To make this costume truly DIY, head over to Joann’s Fabrics to buy your cape material. Even if you can’t sew, you can mimic the basic shape with safety pins.

Or, take the easy road and buy the cape on Amazon. This one is $25 and qualifies for Prime shipping.

4. Mummy

You will need a friend’s help for this one! First, don your favorite leggings or tight shorts plus a fitted t-shirt. You know, just in case your bandages fall off. Then have a friend wrap you from head to toe in Ace bandages. You need eye holes and you’ll probably want nose and mouth holes.

If you want to take this to another level, put zombie makeup on. It’s super easy. Add white foundation all over, including your lips, then circle your eyes with black smudges.

5. Top Chef

This one’s easy to fake even if you don’t have a white chef’s coat. Wear a white button-up shirt (make it big – steal your BF’s), a chef hat from a costume store, and some utensils from your kitchen. Draw double-breasted buttons on each side of your shirt (or get black dot stickers from a stationary store) for that classic white-coat look.

6. Flapper

This retro look is easy to put together and will also tap into your arts-and-crafts skills.

1. Pick up a used flapper style dress from Poshmark for $20.
2. Then head to Michael’s or any other craft store and get yourself a few strands of plastic pearls, some rhinestone-looking beads and a few black feathers. If you can find a cigarette holder (or something that looks like one), grab that too.
3. Glue the rhinestones and feathers to a black headband.

Put on the dress, bejeweled and feathered headband, pearls and a pair of pumps and you’re ready for any party.

7. Roman goddess of Justice

Fashion yourself a toga, either with fabric you buy or a white sheet. Grab yourself a spear and “scales of justice.” The smokey eye and pretty-girl pout shown above are optional. Solid, full-coverage undergarments are not.

These last three classy DIY Halloween costume ideas were sent in by Budget Fashionista readers:

8. Freudian Slip

Last Halloween, I saw a woman wearing a slip with words like “id”, “ego”, “oedipal”, etc written on it. It was a Freudian slip! I thought that it was so clever and certainly was not expensive. It did not look as if she was out in her underwear.

All you need is a modest slip, a couple Sharpies, and nice penmanship!

9. Silver Screen Actress

Take your sexiest black dress, paint the skin that would show in it silver (silver colored hairspray works great), spray your hair black, and only wear black and white accessories. Definitely stand out in a crowd, while still looking FABULOUS!

~from Evil Diva

10. Smurfette and Gargamelle

Last year my boyfriend and I were the “budget” smurfette and gargamelle. I wore a plain white dress (get one in a thrift store) and a blue turtleneck and blue tights under it. Then I cut a sleeve from an old white turtleneck, tied the end stuffed it with toilet paper and it was my hat.

I painted my face blue and the only expensive thing was the blond wig, because I have dark hair. My beau wore a long black dress, put red soccer socks over his sneakers, got a cat stuffed animal and a net and he was good to go!

~ from Kate

If you need more Halloween inspo, see our posts on:

Have you made your own classy DIY Halloween costumes? Share your best ideas in the comments!

If you’re engaging with fashion even the tiniest bit (social media etc), you would have noticed that maxi and mini skirts are having a moment this season! (I’ve written in detail about the mini skirt trend here).  Our favourite midi skirts from previous years are no where to be seen! It is designers and fashion basically saying – go big or go home! Maxi skirts and mini skirts both make a huge statement to your outfit, but in very different ways. Below I’ve listed a couple of ways how to wear the trending maxi and mini skirts this season!

Maxi Skirts

Mini Skirts

The Fall Amazon Prime Day event runs today and tomorrow and has so many great pieces to get you on track for fall, whether in fashion trends, beauty must-haves, home finds and more. I’ll be sharing it some of my favorites from the Prime Event on my IG and stories, plus styling ideas, but also wanted to start off sharing some of the pieces I already have and love that will be on major sale. A lot of these pieces sold out early last year so I would pull the trigger quick to make sure you get your size.

Everyone probably has a shacket in their fall line up by now, but this faux leather shacket is on a whole new level. It’s such an easy way to bring a new texture into even the simplest look, like leggings or denim.  Wearing a size L here for an oversized fit.

This creamy chocolate color is dominating my closet this season already and I’m not slowing down. It reads so expensive/high-end and makes your closet combinations endless since you can mix these brown and tan tones for infinite possibilities, whether mixing tones or going for a more monochromatic look. Wearing size XS in these leggings – also got the black.

This vest was one of my favorite pieces last year – it was sold out most of the season but it’s back and fully stocked right now and comes in 7 colors. I’m wearing size medium here and love the oversized fit.

Here are the leggings again in black. Love them paired with high top converse!

This brand has gone viral the past two winters and now they have a bunch of their down coats up to 30% off right now for the Fall Amazon Prime Day Event. I got this coat in tan and black last year and love the soft sherpa detail! And how cute is this matching kids one? This is the other coat that went viral. They are amazing quality, super warm, and come in multiple colors. Must-have winter coat!

This was one of my favorite organization buys that still makes me smile every time I see it. Every time anyone from my family or a friend sees it they have asked out it – anyone who uses ziploc baggies will love it.

CREAM KNIT PULLOVER – Love this knit sweater! Comes in 9 colors.

ZIPLOC DRAWER ORGANIZER – This would make a great housewarming or gift idea – once you get it you wonder how you ever lived without it. Such an easy way to get organized.

TAN BLAZER – Tis this season for blazers over pretty much everything! Love this tailored blazer look – comes in multiple colors and it’s super versatile.

WHITE SUITCASE – I am always on the hunt for a good suitcase – this one gets great reviews and comes in multiple colors and sizes.

ELEMIS CLEANSING BALM – If you aren’t double cleansing (with this cleansing balm!) what are you even doing. 🤪 But really, it makes such a difference! Definitely recommend trying if you haven’t yet.

GOLD FLOWER EARRINGS – These look so much more $$ than they actually are. Such a pretty statement earring for the holidays!

OLAPLEX – This cult hair brand is on sale too. Great excuse to try it out if you haven’t yet!

WHITE FAUX FUR BLANKET – Nothing like a cozy throw to embrace fall. Just as a cute mug in front of the fireplace and I’ll be set all season. This one is super soft and comes in multiple colors and sizes.

SHERPA/PUFFER COAT – This viral winter coat is worth the hype. Comes in tons of colors and has matching kids coats here.

GOLD HOOPS – My go-to gold hoops are on sale

TAN ANKLE BOOTS – This suede ankle boot will go with everything. Great fall shoe staple and it’s in sale ___

AIRPODS – I have the worst luck with my airpods, either losing them or breaking one of them, etc. So I don’t feel as guilty replacing them when they are in sale.

ELEMIS CLEANSER – This is one of my favorite cleansers. I also love their cleansing balms. Stocking up on this one.

LANIEGE LIP BALM – These are my favorite lip balm – buying one for me and multiple as stocking stuffers!

FAUX LEATHER BAG – Tons of great staple bags on sale for the Prime Event. Love the shape of this one.

TAN SLIPPERS – Why do I feel like I can never have enough slippers? I live in them around the house all year long and love sliding into a fresh, fluffy new pair.

RIBBED KNIT PANTS – These are the best fall loungewear sets and come in so many colors so you could really live in them all fall.

 

OLAPLEX  (NO 4, NO 5, NO 8): I’ve been using these for years. My favorite shampoo and condition, hands down.

OLAPLEX TRAVEL KIT: I already added this one to my cart – it will cut my beauty travel bag in half haha.

HOT AIR BRUSH | GHD CURLING IRON | GHD STRAIGHTENER: Heat tools are one of those products you don’t want to go cheap on or you’re more likely to damage your hair. Love GHD products and these hot air brushes are AMAZING if you haven’t tried them yet!

LIVING PROOF TEXTURE SPRAY & DRY SHAMPOO: Texture spray is my #1 fave product when I’m trying to go full volume. Another great brand included in the Fall Amazon Prime Day Sale.

ANASTASIA BROW PENCIL: Another cult favorite on sale!

STILA EYELINER: For those bold winged liner looks this fall.

ELEMIS CLEANSER & ELEMIS ELIXIR & ELEMIS CLEANSING BALM: One of my long-time fave beauty brands – these are 3 of my favorite products by them.

VITAMIN C: Heard amazing things about this brand! Quality Vitamin C can get $$ so it’s a great time to save.

FACIAL CLEANSING DEVICE: Love this for a deep clean.

LANIEGE LIP BALM & LANIEGE LIP MASK: My favorite lip mask! Great stocking stuffer too.

BLACK TRENCH – I’m predicting trenches will be the biggest fall layer trend this year and I’m so hear for it. This one comes in 4 pretty sizes. I would size up for a slightly oversized fit.

GHD CURLING IRON – If it’s time to trade in your old curling iron, this brand is amazing at hair tools.

BLACK ANKLE BOOT – Great staple boot and comes in 7 colors.

ORIBE SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER – Already added to cart. Been using these for years so I’m stocking up while they are on sale.

BLACK CROSSBODY BAG – Cute, versatile fall bag and a great price point.

BLACK BLAZER – Another fall staple – a tailored blazer.

HOT AIR BRUSH – Greatest hair tool invention – love the volume you can get with these!

BLACK SLIT LEGGINGS – Love the little slit detail to upgrade a simple black legging – they look 10x more expensive.

STILA EVELINER – For those bold winged liner looks this fall.

TOWEL SCRUNCHIES – I thought these were so cute. They are a towel material and a great way to get your hair out of your face while you’re getting ready.

BLACK HALF ZIP – I can’t get enough of half-zip pullovers this season. This one is a great price – I have it in white.

BLACK SLIPPERS – I’ll never get sick of slippers in the fall 🙂

LEATHER JACKET – This seasons leather jackets are either cropped or fully oversized – slight differences but love how it changes the whole vibe!

BEATS HEADPHONES – I love my airpods but I’m also so glad these full headphones are making a comeback. They are so comfortable!

AIRFRYER – My saving grace in the kitchen haha. Air fryers make cooking 10x easier and faster.

I’ll be sharing more of my sale faves and ways to style them on @christineandrew today so tune in for more Amazon Prime Day Picks!

XX, Christine

Why be the sexy fill-in-the blank this Halloween like everyone else? It’s just so cliché to be a slutty-this or a slutty-that. Also, it’s mildly offensive that bearing all is the costume strategy women favor most. Can’t conservative Halloween costumes be just as cute and interesting?

I say yes, and I hope you agree. To prove it, here are 10 conservative Halloween costume ideas that you’ll love wearing.

Classic conservative Halloween costumes

Look back in time for a wealth of modest Halloween costume ideas. You can brainstorm actresses and movie characters from the 1950s and 1960s, for example. You might need to practice your doe-eyed eyeliner, but you won’t need to show your boobs. For example:

1. Holly Golightly

Get your hands on a black sheath dress and add big sunglasses and pearls. Pile your hair up on your head, add a bunch of black eyeliner, and put on your best sweet-girl pout. Stash a danish in a paper bag and you are the perfect Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

2. Jackie Kennedy

Transform yourself into Jackie Kennedy with a monochrome skirt suit and matching hat. Don’t forget the pearls and gloves!

Historical conservative costumes

If black eyeliner and fake eyelashes aren’t your thing, go further back in history for more costume ideas. The American Old West presents some interesting fashion opportunities, as does Ancient Rome (and really, everything in between).

3. Sharpshooters Annie Oakley or Calamity Jane

Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane were American Wild West sharpshooters. Oakley was the inspiration for the Broadway play Annie Get Your Gun. A lesser known fact is that Oakley spent most of her money in her lifetime on charities in support of women and children.

Calamity Jane earned her nickname after saving an army captain in an attack. Both women spent time showing off their shooting skills in Buffalo Bill’s famous traveling show.

For either character, don a brown leather dress, cowboy boots, a hat, and a fake gun. You might carry an empty bottle of whiskey for Jane, who was known to be fond of the brown liquor.

4. Minnerva, goddess of wisdom

Minnerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom. To honor her this Halloween, wear a loose white top with pleats at the neckline over a white flowing skirt. Find yourself a warrior helmet on Amazon and a fake spear for that “don’t mess with me” vibe.

You can also find cheap Roman goddess costumes on Amazon. Many of the options are low-cut (of course) but you could always wear a cami underneath.

Conservative costumes from pop culture

6. Phoenix from Top Gun Maverick

Slip on those combat boots, olive green pants, and bomber jacket. Pull your hair back and skip the makeup to let your natural beauty shine. If you can, find yourself an old motorcycle helmet and use adhesive lettering (or stencils and paint) to write Phoenix across the front.

7. Young Priscilla Presley aka Mrs. Elvis

You might need a wig for this one, since young Priscilla’s hair defied gravity at times. But if you can nail the hairstyle, you only need black eyeliner and any 50s-inspired outfit to complete the look.

8. Galadriel from The Rings of Power

This is the simplest of our modest costumes. If you’re short on time and creative energy, grab a Galadriel costume from Amazon. You’ll look gorgeous in the long white gown with flowing sleeves.

9. Billie Eilish

Eilish made baggy cool, so why not use that to your advantage this Halloween?

You can emulate her look with some pigmented hair gel and oversized, logo’d sweats in a bright color. Part your hair down the middle. If you have bangs, clip them back with plastic barrettes. To stay in character, avoid smiling at all costs.

The old standbys

9. Zombie bride

If you have a white dress that you don’t mind destroying, you can pull off the zombie bride costume pretty easily. All you need beyond the dress is some white makeup, black makeup, and fake blood. Even better if you can carry a fake severed arm for extra gore.

10. Wicked witch  

Witches aren’t slutty, right? According to the Wizard of Oz, witches are covered head to toe by way of tall boots, long dresses, and pointy hats. This is another costume you can readily find on Amazon. If you want to go all in, add green makeup on your face and hands.

For more Halloween costume ideas, see our post on DIY classy costumes.

Get yourself a dress that can do it all. The perfect transitional piece; A wrap dress is probably the one piece you need to take you (baby steps) into the next season. I wear it in different ways: layered open over cuts-offs, over jeans, open over a long skirt, or layered under a blouse (making it a polo neck). Wear it even alone but back to front for a slash neck instead, or with a bralette on top. With its self-belt or customized with one of my own and wrapping the belt from the dress around my neck like a choker, because why not? There’s a million ways to style it. 

It just takes a few tweaks to work out how to wear a wrap dress for Fall. In fact, if you’re wondering how to style knee-high boots, try a wrap dress with a polo neck underneath. Alternatively, throw on your best sweater over the top and you’ve got a whole new cozy outfit. 

Dress It Up or Down

McPherson’s style and creative eye make her an inspiration to follow. Her feed always includes a splash of color you can tell she’s brave enough to search, find, and make new looks work. Here for it! This yellow number adds definition to her body type and highlights the slimmest portion of her torso. It’s the perfect “work to play” item. They fit all body types, styles, and lifestyles. Whether you work in the office or just occasionally throw on a dress, a wrap dress is a perfect piece to lean on as this will have you look timeless and classy instantly. 

Black Is Always a Good Idea

By pairing the dress with the right accent pieces, a wrap dress can appear differently from one style to another. Day to night, work to cocktails – the wrap dress will carry you through every kind of occasion. Invest in a wrap dress, and you’ve got one of the best dresses ever – fact! If you need an extra layer, an oversized blazer will keep things looking modern, besides helping to pull the whole outfit together. Ruching the sleeves at the elbow, or even just turning up the cuff will complete the look. 

Question: Do you fancy this silhouette?

Last but not least, Paris Fashion Week (PFW)! (Check out my New York and Milan Fashion Week articles if you haven’t already!) The city of fashion and Haute Couture does not take styling lightly. The dress code here is: Be memorable, but be tasteful! If you do it well, the complimenting words won’t stop – they really appreciate and adore a person who dresses well! What I love about Paris is their refining touch to experimental pieces for both day and night. Here, I was also about to go out of my comfort zone more, while still staying true to myself. You should wear the clothes and not let the clothes wear you!

Fluorescent Highlights

Statement Print Coats

Evening Avant-garde

Flocking to Paris Fashion Week, show-goers kicked off the shows in the French capital enduring rain, hail and shine to glimpse the latest designer collection unveilings. However, truth be told, I may delight in perusing the new season runway looks, but nothing gets my heart racing like some real-life outfit inspiration. Check out below five incredible street style fashion moments straight out of Paris Fashion Week. Get your brains buzzing with some transitional season outfit inspiration!

Punk

People are seeking to reform and transform the world. To create real change and make an impact, loud and rebellious voices seem essential in order to shake up rigid thought patterns. That’s when Punk comes in. These non-conformist groups are used as a frequent design reference to establish the change-maker spirit. Denim, leather, messages, metal pins and chains are now showing higher frequencies. Rough hems, experimental layering and unfinished styling translate the edgy neo-punk look. I personally love it!

Motomami / Biker Chick

Put on your helmet and hold on tight: biker fashion is in. Perhaps the biggest evidence of this trend comes with Rosalía’s album Motomami, a celebration of the contrasting energies inside a woman — the fierce and the vulnerable. Fall 2022 collections delivered biker-chic looks with plenty of moto jackets, head-to-toe denim, and chunky zipper details. A contrast of edgy and soft is also on the table, which I appreciate.

Extraordinary Coats

If you’re trying to be more aware of your purchasing vs. wearing habits, focus on splurging on the pieces that will enhance your core wardrobe staples, not replace them. Among the splurge list? Playful accessories, flirtatious shoes, and most importantly this season — the party coat: an extraordinary statement-making jacket that will instantly turn a minimalist outfit into a head-turning ensemble. Paris Fashion Week Street style goers are already on top of this. 

Full Skirt

There’s nothing like a long skirt that truly grabs a person’s attention. Something about the way it flows and dances with each step is just mesmerizing. Plus while everyone is talking about itty bitty micro skirts at the moment, there’s simply more occasions that call for a long skirt. About this outfit: it’s also the black tie for me. 

Cowgirl

The cool cowgirl aesthetic has been adopted by street stylers alike, who utilize the eccentric boot to add a jolt of excitement to their personal style choices. Cowboy boots can work for every sensibility, from minimalism to maximalism, and everything in between. You won’t ever lose the authenticity because the silhouette, no matter how you riff on it, is cemented. There’s no right or wrong way to wear boots and with that there is so much freedom to play. Cowboy boots are a fun and bold statement piece.

Do you prefer runway or street style when it comes to inspiration? Tell me in the comments! And follow me on Instagram and TikTok for all the fashion weeks’ tea.