The Ready To Wear Swimsuit Trend You’ll See Everywhere This Summer
Coming in hot this summer are multifunctional swimsuits that can easily transition into a ready-to-wear look when out and about during this warm weather season. Whether you're island hopping or mentally on vacation, there's a new trend this summer that gives more life to your favorite swimwear pieces. I have the most fun mixing items up within my wardrobe. Experimenting with clothes you already own, not only helps your bank account but refreshes styles you may have forgotten about or feel uninspired to wear.
This summer's dress code is exposed skin; however, here are some classy ways to refresh new and/or old swimsuit styles worn other than by the pool. Get inspired to try old pieces in ways you've never worn before with these luxe swim looks.
Everyday Resort
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
With so many outdoor events and passport stamps to catch up on, now that lockdown has been lifted, nothing says chic like a fiery orange wrap around ruched skirt. This vacation-ready look is made from a luxe ruched fabric that is ultra-flattering, complimenting your natural shape while serving resort luxe no matter your location. Paired with a modern cut out bodysuit, this is a stylish addition to a quintessential summer piece.
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
On the Outside
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
An all-time lover of a cropped look, this criss cross halter swim top paired with my straight leg 90's jeans and oversized button-down is perfect for casual daytime festivities. Whether music festivals or Sunday Farmers Markets, easily swap the thong mini heel for flat sandal for all-day comfort. I love this fun summer look because it can easily transition from day to night.
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
In with the Old
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
A traditional scoop neck is a common choice when shopping for classic swimsuits. As my swim collection grows, I'm finding new takes on old styles I once thought to have outgrown by finding creative ways to extend their life in my wardrobe. I choose this deep tangerine orange bikini top hiding in the back of my closet as a substitute to a traditional bralette layered underneath a lightweight summer blazer.
Bought several years ago, I revived this basic swim piece by putting it to work in a much more fashionable way. Adding a complimentary multi-colored scarf blended with the perfect cool hues for summer, I created a tied skirt for another resort chic outfit along with my favorite summer accessories to match.
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Sheila Rashid's Androgynous Approach To Unisex Clothing Is A Lesson In Embracing Individuality
The ItGirl 100 List is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
For Sheila Rashid, it all started with some free-hand drawings and a few strokes of paint.
The Chicago-based clothing designer and creative director of Sheila Rashid Brand recalls using her spare time in high school to hand paint designs on t-shirts and distressed hoodies, distributing them to classmates as walking billboards for her art.
Rashid sought to pursue fashion design at Columbia College in Chicago but eventually took the self-taught route to build upon her knack for crafting one-of-a-kind, androgynous pieces.
Courtesy
Thanks to the mentorship of local designers taking her under their wings, Rashid was able to gain valuable experience in putting together collections and creating patterns; equipping her with them with the necessary skills to pursue her own collections.
After two years of living in New York, Rashid returned home to the Chi and uncovered the unique flair she could offer the city. “I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world,” she tells xoNecole. “That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
For the Midwest native, inspiration comes from her time around creative peers and the city’s notorious winters — known to be a main character in many Chicagoans stories. “It's a different perspective and mindset when I'm making stuff because of the weather here,” she explains. “When we get summer, it’s ‘Summertime Chi’ — it's amazing. It's beautiful. Still, I find myself always making clothes that cater to the winter.”
"I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world. That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
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Many designers have a signature aesthetic or theme in their creations. In Rashid’s design story, dancing between the lines of femininity and masculinity is how she’s been able to distinguish herself within the industry. Her androgynous clothing has garnered the eye of celebrities like Zendaya, Chance the Rapper, WNBA star Sydney Colson, and more — showing her range and approach to designs with inclusivity in mind.
“I think I do reflect my own style,” she says. “When I do make pieces, I'm very tomboyish, androgynous. My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes.” From denim to overalls, and color-drenched outerwear, Rashid has mastered the structure of statement pieces that tell a story.
“Each collection, I never know what's going to be the thing I'm going to focus on. I try to reflect my own style and have fun with the storytelling,” she shares. “I look at it more like it's my art in this small way of expressing myself, so it's not that calculated.”
"My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes."
Courtesy
Still, if you were able to add up all the moments within Rashid’s 20-year career in design, one theme that has multiplied her into becoming an “ItGirl” is her confidence to take up space within the fashion industry as a queer, Black woman. “Being an ItGirl is about being yourself, loving what you do, finding your niche, and mastering that,” she says.
No matter where you are on your ItGirl journey, Rashid says to always remain persistent and never hesitate to share your art with the world. “Don’t give up. Even if it's something small, finish it and don't be afraid to put it out,” she says, “It's about tackling your own fear of feeling like you have to please everybody, but just please yourself, and that's good enough.”
To learn more about the ItGirl 100 List, view the full list here.
Featured image Courtesy