In direct opposition, Elizabeth, who doesn’t shy away from the fact that she finds it interesting to play “bad” people, arrives in Georgia in razor-sharp blazers from APC and The Row, jeans from Khaite and Levi’s, and jewelry from Cartier. “Jane Birkin was kind of our touchstone with the hair, with the blazers, with the simplicity of what she wears, like very easy, comfortable, confident,” Napier says. She instantly establishes herself as an outsider thanks to her penchant for dark colorways and a minimalist uniform. “Natalie brought up a good point: Elizabeth came for a week to do her research, and she just brought a small suitcase. So how much can she actually have? There’s a little bit of realism,” says Napier.
Though years had passed and I was no longer a city-hopping student, I figured my best bet to enjoy my time in Portugal was to look to that era for inspiration. The strategy was simple. I packed two T-shirts (black and white, of course), one long-sleeved shirt, one pair of wide-leg pants, two jackets (one denim and one leather), and a pair of dark wash jeans. I also brought two blazers for warmer days, as well as accessories that would enhance the otherwise boring outfits, including a velvet hair bow. For shoes, sneakers were my go-tos, bringing with me one pair for long walking days in nature settings and another for city adventures.
The weeks before the holidays are always an exciting time for fashion lovers. Upcoming celebrations mean festive outfits must be planned, and, for the style-loving set, that is just as joyous as finding that one gift you want under the tree on Christmas morning.
But any fashion-minded person knows it takes trial and error to achieve those looks. And that’s why the Refinery29 team has been busy testing some of the best winter fashion that would make the holiday season an effortless and stylish one.
From velvet bows that’ll revive your Christmas spirit and chunky boots you can pair with your ugly sweater to winter basics that will make the cold-weather season a joy, the Refinery29 team has tried it all. Ahead, take a look at some of the best picks we laid our eyes on this month.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Jenni Kayne Oversized Crew Neck
“Is there anything more chic than a thick chunky sweater in the fall and winter months? I think not. This creamy slouchy crew from LA-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne has been a staple in my wardrobe since I got it a month ago. It’s made from recycled cashmere and cotton and is high-quality, super warm, and durable all at the same time.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Jenni Kayne Oversized Crewneck, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Charles & Keith Lula Boots
“These aren’t just boots, these are boots! So much so that the first time I wore them a woman (excitedly) screamed it at my face in a bar bathroom. Perfect for wet weather and sticky dance floors alike, these patent stretch heels demand the spotlight and they’re even comfortable to walk in — joy!” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Charles and Keith Lula Patent Block Heel Boots, $, available at Charles and Keith
Jennifer Behr Wide Velvet Bow
“This year, the bow trend is helping me channel my inner child. This one by Jennifer Behr is the perfect mix of childish and chic, making it easy to pair with just about anything for the holiday season. So far, I’ve styled it with a leather jacket and turtleneck for a holiday party, as well as a T-shirt, jeans, and blazer to sightsee during a recent trip to Portugal. You can count it’ll be on my hair all winter long.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Jennifer Behr Wide Velvet Bow Barrette, $, available at Jennifer Behr
Hey Harper Triple Hoops Set
“Although I’ve had my third lobe piercing for over a year now, I haven’t found the right combination of earrings versatile enough to work with any outfit. When this waterproof set of hoops from Hey Harper went on sale for Black Friday, I knew it would be the perfect everyday stack for me. I’m all about simplicity these days, so this set was a 10/10 buy.” — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Hey Harper Triple Hoops Set, $, available at Hey Harper
Sézane Milo Classic Bag
“I am not a big bag person so, in my book, the perfect bag is a hands-free crossbody that is just big enough to fit… a book to read on the subway. This sleek Sézane handbag is versatile enough to go with everything in my wardrobe and doesn’t look bulky even with my paperback inside. I’ve worn it nonstop this fall.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
“Athleisure has never been my thing, but since I’ve recently been working out more (due to taking up tennis), it’s become necessary to have items that are made to go from sweating to styled in no time. This pair of joggers from Abercrombie’s YPB line is exactly that — a pair I can play tennis in and later wear to brunch with a nice jacket.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Abercrombie and Fitch YPB Studio and Go Jogger, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Topshop Raw Denim Column Skirt
“Admittedly, while I’ve been banging on about denim midi skirts as a must-have wardrobe staple, I didn’t have my own until now. This Topshop column skirt is made from thick denim, has a back slit for easy strides, and is the perfect length for me (I’m 5’7 for reference). I am looking forward to wearing this skirt for years to come.” — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Topshop Topshop raw denim column skirt in indigo, $, available at ASOS
Rixo Georgina Shirtdress
I’ve long been a fan of Rixo’s dresses thanks to the brand’s eye-catching prints. This midi — which can also double as a shirt dress and be styled more casually with a tank top and jeans — is just retro-looking enough without coming off as kitschy. — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Rixo London Georgina Midi Shirtdress, $, available at Rixo London
Maya Brenner Healing Retreat Necklace
“This necklace was thoughtfully gifted to me after I’ve had a difficult year, and it is one of those pieces you know you’ll have for a lifetime. Amethyst is meant to provide protection, balance, and healing, but whether or not you’re a crystal person, you can’t deny that this beautifully crafted necklace simply looks stunning on.” — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
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As someone between sizes, I usually default to the larger size for most non-stretch denim, especially mid-rise styles like this one, since I have a higher waist. But, for this straight-leg style, I was aiming for a less baggy look, so I went with the smaller size in Abercrombie’s Curve Love cut. If you haven’t tried the line before, Curve Love jeans have the same waist circumference as their Regular cuts but with an additional two inches on the hips for each size. This helps eliminate the dreaded waist gap while also giving curvy hips room to breathe. The denim doesn’t have a ton of stretch, but it was still comfortable and did not pinch even after a long day of wear that started before 5 a.m.
“Dr. Martens takes me back to my teen years in the ’90s, my forever favorite era. It’s such a legacy brand, and their boots have transcended generations, becoming symbols of subculture, self-expression, and individuality,” Ganni creative director Ditte Reffstrup said in a press release. “We wanted to pay tribute to the music scene, which has served as a massive inspiration for me and always felt like a place for connection.”
Launching today, the limited-edition collection sees the brand teaming up with the fashion influencer, blogger, and designer on an 11-piece line that will guarantee you’re the best dressed at your office holiday party — and beyond. The collab embodies Song’s laidback luxury, trendy-yet-timeless aesthetic, meaning each piece can be dressed up while also easily fitting into your wardrobe outside of the holiday season. Find items like silver metallic wide-leg jeans and skirts, a white sequin maxi dress, a cozy V-neck sweater, and a wool-blend midi skirt in a matching lilac hue. The collection also includes two pieces of jewelry: a pair of freshwater pearl drop earrings and a tennis necklace.
Often associated with ballet dancers, school girls, and playing dress-up, bows are a signifier of youth. As such, they are often deemed frivolous. But, back in the day, the bow motif was a utilitarian component of style. Take, for example, the Middle Ages when bows were used in women’s and men’s clothing to keep garments in place, according to Summer Anne Lee, a fashion historian and adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
You’ll likely have a few blazers already hanging in your closet (or perhaps, too many to count) but ask yourself, “Am I actually wearing them, or are they simply collecting dust?” The problem many of us have with blazers is that we haven’t found the right cut or shape for our bodies. One rule of thumb: your blazer should align with your everyday style, and work effortlessly with the rest of your wardrobe. There’s the oversized dad look, the slim style, the cropped alternative, and so many more to play with. Don’t shy from color either, as Mecca James-Williams breezily demonstrates, transforming jeans and a white vest into a pitch-perfect office look.
But, fear not, there are ways to coordinate a festive outfit that’s simultaneously on-trend and pared down; quiet luxury is on the rise, after all. This season, take suiting up a notch with runway-favorite tuxedo details, opt for a pop of color in the form of accessories, or find a less-is-more dress that offers up a surprise thanks to an eye-catching detail. If head-to-toe velvet or sequins aren’t your thing, ahead, seven trends and styling tricks that will boost your look from been-there-done-that to a head-turning holiday outfit.
Waldorf, for example, didn’t stop dressing for her inner child every single Thanksgiving, no matter how many schemes and only-daughter complexes exploded at the dinner table. In Season 3, we see her sport that gorgeous brocade frock while getting angry at her mom for her supposed pregnancy while Jason Derulo’s “Whatcha Say” plays in the background (that last detail is essential to this scene, I promise). By Season 4, she’s about to fly off to Paris to visit her dad wearing an orange plaid dress and sheer black tights when she gets derailed to see her best friend Serena in rehab. Every year, there she is, styled up with the best of intentions to celebrate her favorite holiday, including references to children’s clothing that somehow look chic on a 20-something. While she should know better by now, why waste an opportunity to create an unbelievably impossible fantasy? Or even dress up for it?
TikTok creator Jessica Britvich also saved her Vera Bradley bags. In one video, she calls her duffle bag “old faithful.” Now 30, Britvich recalls being introduced to the brand in middle school when girls wore the tote bags to carry their books. “Every year, that would be like the back-to-school thing, to get a new tote bag from Vera Bradley,” she says. Later, in college, the duffle bag started gaining traction, prompting Britvich to go back to Vera Bradley for the bag she still owns today: “Love or hate the patterns, they are good quality and can hold your life in there.”
As a newly-engaged fashion writer, I have switched my holiday wish list priorities this year. While in the past I would’ve wanted a new pair of fancy shoes or a luxury face mask, I’m now craving presents that will be part of my upcoming nuptials (hint hint).
Part of that has to do with the fact that weddings are expensive. And while brides want a say in big purchases — like a gown or bachelorette dress — style-forward, nuptial-minded products will be a welcome surprise for all who are planning on walking down the aisle. These can vary from earrings to wear on one of the many occasions leading up to the wedding to a robe (or a bridal jersey!) to get ready in day-of. As a bonus, in addition to treating your soon-to-be-married friend in the moment, choose right and you may see the gift part of the big day. A beauty gift set could never.
Ahead, fashionable gifts that a bride like me wouldn’t mind finding under the Christmas tree this year.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For The Sporty Bride
For brides-to-be who love sports, this “wedding jersey,” from Australian brand Kyha Studios, gives the sporty staple a bridal twist.
Heading somewhere warm for the bachelorette trip? A bucket hat is a more unexpected alternative to a “Bride” baseball hat or T-shirt.
Rime Arodaky Bob Runway, $, available at Rime Arodaky
The Bridal Scrunchie
Silk scrunchies are one of the most sought-after hair accessory trends of the year. So, why not give the soon-to-be-wed recipient a trendy accessory that’s both versatile and elegant?
Maryam Nassir Zadeh White Carnation Scrunchie, $, available at SSENSE
Something Blue To Wear Forever
A “something blue” heart-shaped ring is a great gift option that a bride-to-be can wear now, on her wedding day, and beyond.
Kay Jewelers Aquamarine Heart Ring, $, available at Kay Jewelers
Tie It With A Bow
The many activities preceding a ceremony require a wardrobe of accessories and clothes. A fashion-forward, yet classic hair bow — also one of the year’s trendiest items — is a great way to relieve some of the stress around bridalwear.
Jennifer Behr Tulle Bow, $, available at Jennifer Behr
For The Lipstick Lover Bride
For the bride who wants a chic way to carry their lipstick after hours, this pearl design is everything.
With every new wave of fashionable social media stars, there’s been a common theme: democratization. Back when bloggers first emerged in the ’00s, it was all about showing everyday style from everyday people outside of the mainstream fashion industry. With Instagram, it took an aspirational twist, as photos became posed and feeds curated with immaculate detail. The idea was to showcase a lifestyle others would desire. That rarely included public transportation. But for many TikTok users, style creators in impractical, luxury outfits — the kind that would require a car — have become as cringe as side parts and skinny jeans. “For me, it’s not very authentic,” says Zhang. “I think [the subway videos] are resonating with people because people feel empowered by it.”
Minor spoilers for Lessons in Chemistry ahead. In Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry, brilliant scientist Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larsen) turns her love of chemistry into a popular cooking show, Supper at Six. Following a rough start in episode five, the exacting culinary artist finds her recipe for success, teaching her fellow multitasking women how to prepare inventive meals — all while spreading the gospel of science. As she inspires her fanbase to dream bigger than the patriarchy-established societal standards of the early ’60s want them to, Elizabeth wears a cinched-waist lab coat, dazzling with emerald paillette and sequin embellishments (photo above) — a departure from the uniform of plaids she wore at the Hastings Research Institute.
Early on, costume designer Mirren Gordon-Crozier used the fall-favorite pattern to highlight Elizabeth’s status as the lone female lab assistant. Her dark A-line tartan skirts, plaid button-downs, and conservative knitwear connect her to the scientists, less capable men who bark coffee orders at her. Her all-business aesthetic also alienates her from the other women on staff, secretaries who dress in soft pastels with prim details, like scalloped collars and flouncy ribbons.
“I really wanted her to be differentiated from the other secretaries, but also fade away a little bit into [the crowd of] the male scientists,” says Gordon-Crozier. “Plaid is more of a traditionally ‘masculine’ print, also. It’s not like florals or ditsy prints.”
Plus, neither pattern style would resonate with Elizabeth’s regimented and analytic mindset, which prefers her music to be “predictable” and not “cluttered.” (Until her late soulmate and professional partner Dr. Calvin Evans, played by Lewis Pullman, warmed her to jazz, that is.) “Elizabeth Zott would be drawn to plaids, which are very angular, square, and [have] defined angles,” Gordon-Crozier confirms. “It’s a pattern that would sum up her personality.”
After Elizabeth is forced to leave Hastings, plaids take on a different meaning and illustrate the special bond between her and her daughter Mad (Alice Halsey), who’s likewise gifted, headstrong, and sharp. During a grocery store run, Elizabeth, in green-and-red madras pedal pushers, comforts Mad, looking adorable in a glen check wool coat. “Mad’s a little bit of a mini-me to [Elizabeth]… they’re so close,” says Gordon-Crozier. “She really looks up to her mother.” Mad’s Sherlock Holmes-ian mix of prints also feels on-point as the resourceful eight-year-old begins investigating the background of her father, who died before she was born.
At one point, Elizabeth supports herself and Mad by charging her former colleagues for problem-solving and perfecting their lab findings. Her new work uniform features pieces like a masculine-inspired argyle sweater vest, a green buffalo check shirt, and high-waisted pants. “At Hastings, it was a requirement for women to wear skirts… [so] it’s a power move in a way,” says Gordon-Crozier. “The [men] are asking her for help. She can wear whatever she wants. She doesn’t have to dress up for the men anymore.”
For the scene where Elizabeth demolishes the kitchen and rebuilds it into a laboratory, Gordon-Crozier outfitted Larsen in utilitarian jeans. The costume designer meticulously sourced “broken-in and lived-in” jeans from Etsy, eBay, and costume rental houses. “The best thing is getting that unicorn pair of jeans,” she says of mid-century design elements, like front patch pockets, side zippers, and ultra-high waistlines. “I was on the hunt for the most interesting worn-in jeans, hoping for ones with paint, ones with marks of character,” says Gordon-Crozier. “I really thought she would start wearing that kind of workwear garb when she’s doing construction on her kitchen.”
For more intimate scenes, like when Elizabeth imagines having a conversation with the late Calvin while sitting on her kitchen floor, Gordon-Crozier clad Larsen in a collegiate argyle knit (worn over a white short-sleeve shirt), cuffed dark jeans, and sneakers.
“I love vests on her and a lot of the scientists did wear a vest underneath their lab coats,” says Gordon-Crozier, who hunted through the boys section of thrift stores and costume houses for the look. “It does bring interest and texture to a bland white palette. But especially for her, it’s unique and you don’t see a lot of women wearing them [at the time.” Plus, Gordon-Crozier imagined that Larson’s character would shop secondhand (an activity that began gaining in popularity in the mid-’50s), which fits the scientist’s pragmatic values and tight budget. “That was my backstory to her choosing her garb,” says Gordon-Crozier.
After begrudgingly accepting to host a cooking show, Elizabeth struggles in a studio-mandated pink floral dress, featuring a capelet that restricts her hand movements and a frilly Pepto Bismol-hued apron during dress rehearsal. The later gets ditched when Elizabeth points out that “a lab coat has more surface area than an apron.”
As the show goes on, like its wearer, Elizabeth’s trademark apron-alternative undergoes an evolution, leading to the aforementioned bedazzled style, which bookends the series. For inspiration, Gordon-Crozier looked to the all-white haute couture room of the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibit. “It’s so beautiful. All these [test garments] are different shapes and silhouettes, but they’re all in one color palette,” says Gordon-Crozier. “That really gave me the idea to do these couture lab coats for her.”
The varying silhouettes of lab coats boast interchangeable and modular capabilities that even a non-fashion-minded character like Elizabeth would appreciate. For instance, the New Look-esque cinched-waist jacket features removable paillette-embellished collars (with coordinating sequin belts) in green, blue, and black. “We started embroidering her initials to give it more personalization,” says Gordon-Crozier.
In the finale, Elizabeth urges an audience member to follow her ambitions while looking commandingly chic in a longline monogrammed blazer-esque lab coat, with a silk chiffon scarf threaded through the lapels. “That was everyone’s favorite coat,” says Gordon-Crozier, who took inspiration from an early-’60s jacket with a “big grommet” on the collar. “You could tie the scarf, so many different ways as well, or put another color scarf through it. It’s very versatile, so that was the fun of it, too.”
The elaborate experimentation with her previously stark work attire also represents Elizabeth reaching a turning point where she can finally take a breath and revel in her accomplishments. “As a woman who was trying to blend into the background at work, she’s now able to peacock and have fun with it,” says Gordon-Crozier. “She can appreciate fashion within its restrictive form of the lab coats. We just wanted to show that she has a lightness to her as well.”
The result is a feast for the eyes.
Lessons in Chemistry airs on Fridays on Apple TV+.
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Minor spoilers for Priscilla ahead. With his flashy onstage costumes and larger-than-life fashion, Elvis Presley influenced a lot of the ‘60s and ‘70s style. But in Priscilla — the Sofia Coppola film starring Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and his ex-wife, based on Priscilla Presley’s book Elvis & Me — the clothes tell a more understated, intimate story of a woman crafting her own identity.
For costume designer Stacey Battat, who also worked on Coppola’s The Bling Ring and The Beguiled, Priscilla’s costumes started with a 1970 photo of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, where, according to her, it was noticeable that the two had diverged, not only in style but also in real life. “I think early on Sofia and I looked at that photoand noticed how she just looks so uncomfortable,” says Battat. “I think that photo just informs so much of how we saw them later in the movie.”
At the beginning of the film, viewers meet 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, who is living in Germany with her family on a US Army base, wearing pastel-colored cardigans, cutesy A-line skirts, and a heart choker necklace. In preparation, Battat and her team researched fabric choices and silhouettes of the late ’50s and early ’60s, looking to old issues of Vogue and Harper’sBazaar for inspiration. They also looked at a real-life photo of Priscilla waving goodbye to Elvis as he left Germany for the United States, wearing a plaid dress and a sheer scarf worn over her head, which they recreated for the film.
Later, Priscilla moves to live with Elvis in Memphis, Tennessee, where she undergoes a makeover, going from plaid skirts and hair bows to opera gloves and glamorous mini dresses. When the couple goes shopping, viewers see Elvis telling Priscilla what she should wear. “That obviously inform[s] the costumes that she wears later,” says Battat of the scene, where Elvis also requests Priscilla dye her hair from brown to black and start using eyeliner. From then on, we see Priscilla in a revolving door of Elvis-approved blue and pink outfits (no prints or browns that Elvis hates).
While much of Priscilla is told through more intimate moments between the couple — like at home where Priscilla wears pastel-colored lingerie sets and nightgowns — the film does show the couple’s 1967 wedding. For the looks, Battat worked with Chanel and Valentino, who made Priscilla’s gown and Elvis’ suit respectively. True to the photos from the Las Vegas ceremony, Battat and Chanel’s Virginie Viard created a long-sleeved, lace-embellished A-line dress for Priscilla, paired with a tiara and waist-length veil. “The [look] had references of the original dress,” says Battat. “And then we kind of adapted some of the stuff just to fit Cailey’s [five-foot-one] frame.” Similarly, Battat recreated the outfit Priscilla wore after giving birth to their daughter, Lisa Marie, staying true to the original with a bubblegum pink dress.
The last half of Priscilla sees Elvis Presley at the height of his career in Las Vegas and Priscilla alone in Los Angeles. As the two grow apart, they also dress differently. The singer-actor trades his leather jackets and evening jackets for vibrant jumpsuits — for which Battat worked with BK Enterprises — while Priscilla embraces the freer nature of ‘70s style in pants and prints and her natural brown locks.
“We looked at historical images of Elvis and Priscilla and thought about what was the image which they projected out into the world,” says Battat. “I think he became so much more theatrical and masked — a lot of makeup, jewelry, big sideburns. She becomes unmasked.”
Priscilla is now in theaters nationwide.
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In the early 2000s, Hoffman started her brand with handmade silk pieces she would sell in boutiques. “I’d paint, I’d sit, and I’d paint,” she says of the one-of-a-kind prints and patterns she created during the time. By 2005, the designs were getting mass-produced on other fabrics like jersey. “That grew into a much broader ability to sell and to distribute because I wasn’t handmaking everything,” she says. “Then, I introduced swim [in 2008].” This marked a turning point for the brand, with print-forward swimwear and vacation-ready dresses becoming a signature of the brand for the next decade. Celebrities du jour like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie wore Hoffman’s clothing, the brand’s Miami Swim Week fashion show appeared on an episode of MTV’s The Hills spin-off The City, and Mara Hoffman pieces were everywhere.
Martin’s strategy is in line with a broader phenomenon in the bridal industry. For starters, the pandemic shifted what people consider as bridal fashion, disrupting the traditional dresses with styles that fit a bride’s personal style. There was also a big transition from large wedding celebrations to micro-weddings and elopements, while for those who still wish to have a traditional wedding, the span of activities — from bachelorette trips and rehearsal dinners to day-after brunch — continues to expand even more. On the style front, this means that brides need nuptial outfits that go beyond the altar, which has resulted in trends like feathers, latex, cut-outs, and black wedding dresses. But there’s also a shift in the wedding dress shopping experience. While Say Yes To The Dress-style shopping ventures were once the standard, brides are favoring ready-to-wear brands available online, as well as shorter production timelines (the standard is usually four to eight months for a dress to be made and shipped).
So imagine my surprise when I saw Zardoya dressed in shades of navy, pale blue, and brown for Aritzia’s new campaign, featuring the brand’s signature Super Puff coat, which will also include influencer Emma Chamberlain, first female Arab-American Nascar driver Toni Breidinger, and California-based model Gabbriette Bechtel. “It’s so comfortable,” she says of the coat, which is known for its subzero temperature resistance and is now available in six new styles, including a cinched version. “I feel like I’m wearing a duvet.”
The imminent holiday season doesn’t come without some wardrobe anxiety, as we go between wanting to shop for dopamine-boosting festive styles to mark the occasion and investing in closet staples that we can re-wear once the new year begins. All with the reality of limited budgets.
Luckily, the Refinery29 team has been busy trying out some of the season’s best arrivals, ranging from shiny vinyl coats and platform shoes to Y2k-inspired crystal-embellished belts. There are also investment pieces like suiting and jewelry, as well as lounging essentials for days when the weather calls for soup and a movie.
Ahead, take a look at some of the best fashion items our team tried and loved last month.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Zara Mid-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans
“My ninth-grade JNCO jeans-loving self would love my latest Zara purchase. What’s more is that the trendy denim style is super versatile: I can take these jeans from day to night by simply adding an oversized blazer and heels.” — Carli Whitwell, Senior Editorial Director
Zara ZW Mid-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans, $, available at Zara
Argent Plaid Blazer and Maxi Skirt
“I’ve been on the hunt for a good skirt suit for a while. Just in time for fall, I got my hands on this plaid number from Argent, the brand known for its hot pink pantsuits worn by celebrities like Kerry Washington and Sophia Bush. The fabric is thick enough to be worn on its own on a warm-ish fall day but thin enough to be layered under coats and jackets later this winter. I also love that the midi skirt features side slits that allow a peek at the shoes.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Argent Patchwork Peak Lapel Blazer, $, available at Argent
“Mary Jane shoes are one of the year’s top shoe trends, so it makes sense that this pair by Charles & Keith has become one of my favorite footwear styles this year. The platform and curvy silhouette give this otherwise classic style an edgier look that still works for both day and night. For styling, I’ve loved pairing it with denim shorts (pictured here) for a casual look, as well as a bubble hem dress to attend the New York City Ballet gala. The options are endless.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Charles & Keith Pixie Platform Mary Janes, $, available at Charles & Keith
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6″
“When I’m not wearing these shorts on the yoga mat, I’ll pair them with a sweater and plonk myself on the sofa. The buttery soft and weightless fabric means they hug your legs without suffocating them, and the fabric material gives the shorts a breathable and sweat-wicking quality. When you want to feel put together but actually comfortable, these are your go-to. Plus, they make your bum look great! — Kelly Washington, UK Social Editor
“I’ve always loved Buck Mason for its high-quality vintage-inspired pieces and shop this brand when I’m looking for basics. This long-sleeve tee is the perfect weight for layering — aka it won’t make you overheat under a thick sweater and coat — and comes in an array of neutral shades from smokey ash to oyster. Plus, the tee’s blend of cotton, bamboo, and wool makes for a buttery soft feel.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Buck Mason Cloud Jersey L/S Slim Crew, $, available at Buck Mason
Sézane Basile Cardigan
“With temperatures dropping, I went in search of the ultimate cozy cardigan and came across this perfectly chunky Sézane knit. Made from softest wool, this button-up knit is ideal for keeping me warm at my desk, with the slight balloon sleeve keeping it feeling fashionable rather than frumpy (see: Mrs Doubtfire).” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
“I’ve been long searching for the perfect pair of black loafers and always seem to come back to Vagabond. I already own a pair of knee-high boots from them that I love and wear often so I can vouch for both their quality and comfort.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Vagabond Shoemakers Kenova Loafer, $, available at Nordstrom
Aligne Kier Wool Wrap Skirt and Kyla Asymmetric Waistcoat
“I’ve been infatuated with this set ever since I saw it. Aligne makes beautiful, sustainable pieces that are built to last so this worn together is an investment in my formal office wear, but the pieces also work separately. I’m particularly fond of the asymmetric hem on the waistcoat and the buttoning detail on the skirt.” — Sadhbh O’Sullivan, Health and Living Editor
Benedetta Bruzziches Belt
“I am in my belt era. In the last few months, I bought a few investment-worthy belts to use as statement pieces to accessorize my more simple looks. This crystal belt — which I bought during a super sale that’s no longer going on — is the perfect accessory to dress up a little black dress or a casual jeans look. I brought it with me on a three-week work trip for which I only packed one suitcase, wearing it with blazers and T-shirts, as well as sweater dresses to make them a little more special.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Benedetta Bruzziches Venus Crystal-Embellished Belt, $, available at Farfetch
Nia The Label Devon Mini Skirt
“I’m so late to the mini skirt party that, by now, maxi skirts have taken over, but I don’t care because this pleated number from Nia The Label has been my weekend go-to for a few weeks now. My main issue with mini skirts has always been feeling like they’re just way too short or tight to move freely, yet this one is completely the opposite. I love the wrap-style silhouette that allows me to adjust it however I feel like.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Nia The Label Devon Skirt, $, available at Nia The Label
Kitri Dominique Chocolate Vinyl Coat
“Chocolate brown is in for spring/summer 2024, so it makes sense that when I saw this coat from Kitri, I fell in love. Big, brown, and boxy, it’s even better IRL. I guess fall weather isn’t so bad when you can wear outerwear like this.” — Kelly Washington, UK Social Editor
Kitri Studio Dominique Chocolate Vinyl Coat, $, available at Kitri Studio
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag
“Every bag I own is black, so I figured it was time to change that. I’m a big fan of Massimo Dutti for the brand’s simple and timeless pieces, and this bag is no different. It can be worn as a cross body, shoulder bag, or clutch, making it suitable for a wide number of outfits and occasions. I also think the gray-blue color is a nice addition to my closet — versatile enough without making too much of a statement.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag with flap, $, available at Massimo Dutti
Diamond Store Lab Emerald Ring
“Who said you have to wait to get engaged to own something sparkly? This lab-grown emerald and diamond halo ring gives all the glimmer of luxury jewelry while being both consciously made and lower-priced. Plus, the gorgeous green makes even unmanicured hands look party-ready.” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
The Diamond Store Astra 1.50ct Lab Emerald And Diamond Halo Shoulder Set, $, available at The Diamond Store
Colorful Standard Organic Oversized Shirt
“Colorful Standard has really mastered the basics. Their pre-washed organic cotton shirts are a dream to wear and come in a delightful array of colors. I particularly like the cedar brown as a fall staple for when I want to look a bit more put together.” — Sadhbh O’Sullivan, Health and Living Editor
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Last September, during New York Fashion Week, New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck closed the Adeam fashion show with a surprise performance. Her fouettés followed a lineup of asymmetrical leg warmers, tulle-decorated skirts, and soft pastels, a collection that the brand’s designer Hanako Maeda says was inspired by “the idea of ballet as a performance art and as a sport.”
“The collection combines the romanticism and couture-like craftsmanship that you see in ballet costumes with a more modern, sporty mood,” she explains to Refinery29. “I also added a touch of rock ‘n’ roll edge with the accessories.”
As a former dancer, I know all too well the fantasy side of ballet — Christmas season Nutcracker performances, frothy tulle skirts, pastel-hued pointe shoes, etc. — which has long served as inspiration for fashion. Designers, ranging from Claire McCardell in the 1930s to John Galliano in the late ’90s, have included ballet elements in their collections. In more recent years, names like Maeda, Esteban Cortázar, Raf Simons, Christopher John Rogers, and Wes Gordon have created costumes for ballet companies like the New York City Ballet. Meanwhile, products like Jacquemus’ ballet slides and Miu Miu’s satin bow ballerina flats have become some of the most popular items of 2023, according to Lyst.
The most recent collection to come out of the recent balletcore craze, Reformation x New York City Ballet is inspired by Jewels, a show choreographed by the ballet company’s founder George Balanchine, and includes pieces suited for ballerinas, as well as guests looking to attend a ballet performance. “We leaned into classic ballet-inspired elements that emulate traditional practice attire, including bodysuits, wrap sweaters, silk skirts, leg warmers, and, of course, ballet flats,” says Lauren Caris Cohan, Reformation’s chief creative officer. The campaign — shot at New York City’s Lincoln Center, where the company performs — features models sporting leotards and sweaters, paired with leather jackets, looking like they’ve just come out of rehearsal and are ready to loosen up their ballet buns.
The latter is interesting to note because, while there have been plenty of literal ballet uniform interpretations in the past, what’s different about the recent display of balletcore — a trend that’s dominated fashion for the past two years and only continues to grow — is the rebellious side that has been reimagining the ballet fashion stereotypes.
On TikTok, the balletcore hashtag has over one billion views, with creators wearing everything from ballet flats and leg warmers with jeans to outfits inspired by films like Black Swan and Center Stage that employed fashion as a tool to express opposition to ballet’s rigid standards. On the runways, designers like Givenchy, Simone Rocha, and Christian Siriano have reimagined the ultra-feminine dance staples into darker, edgier pieces. Siriano, for example, reworked ballet-style pink ribbons on club-ready mini dresses and added ballet tights underneath wide-leg trousers for his spring 2024 collection.
“I think there’s this desire for people to want to tap into the fantasy of ballet,” says Caroline Reznik, a Milan-based fashion designer, who quit her career as a ballet dancer at the Australian Ballet to work in fashion. “But they also see the off-duty ballet dancer as being something that can be adapted into their own wardrobe because of the functionality that comes with it.”
Reznik’s work takes from her own desire for creative and personal expression outside her ballet studio. “The way that I explore dance archetypes in my work is kind of that rebellion that I grew up with,” she says. “I was always longing to go against the grain because there are so many standards that were once in place to be recognized at the company.” In turn, Reznik, who has dressed artists like Doja Cat and Rosalía, shies away from the typical balletcore styles and silhouettes, while still employing some of its defining elements, like tulle and bodycon knits. For resort 2024, she featured a tulle skirt with a studded leather harness, as well as a cut-out leather bodysuit with beaded fringe details. “I always had this fire in me that was like, ‘I want to do the opposite, but still be like within this realm,’” she says.
That rebellious spirit is also something that Maeda wanted to celebrate in the Adeam’s spring/summer 2024 collection. She used materials like floral organza and pastel-colored tulle as nods to ballet costumes but included tailored suiting, punk-inspired mini skirts, and sheer opera gloves to contrast the stage-ready details. This juxtaposition is also inspired by Maeda’s own views of ballet’s traditional ideals. “I think ballet culture has progressed in a way that feels more empowering, and I also feel that there is more fluidity in the standards of beauty,” she says. “The athletic prowess that you see in ballet movements is very powerful and inspiring.”
As more brands jump on the balletcore trend, which character will you embody: principal dancer or ballet dissident? It’s up to you.
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