

Fall is about more than pumpkin spice and the leaves changing colors. It's a whole revamp of energies, whisking away the carelessness of summer and ushering in the romanticism of winter. The fall transition period is always a favorite, for reasons like pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween, or the crisp, refreshing autumn mornings. More importantly, it's a season full of warmer tones, thicker fabrics, and statement accents.
This year is all about non-traditional and exaggerated suiting. Whereas traditionally it's more form-fitting with a more conservative necklines, 2020 suiting is all about revealing slivers of skin with higher waists and a trendier silhouette. A big trend on the runways for shows like Dior, Versace, and Pyer Moss, there's a variety of suiting pieces to play with than in previous years. Our favorite style icons like Rihanna, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Zendaya effortlessly slay this trend on the streets and virtual red carpets.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a lot of money to look like a proper businesswoman. You can make any ensemble look luxurious and expensive, thanks to a bit of tailoring here and there. The perfect suit is less about price and more about the proper way to tailor and fit pieces together.
From monochromatic tones to longer lined blazers to loose-fit trousers, suiting is a fall staple that will immediately elevate your girlboss wardrobe.
The ‘Sweet But Business’ Suit
Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
We all know monochromatic is the way to go if you want to stunt. Sage is the color of the year (especially for mental health purposes) and compliments every skin tone. While green symbolizes warmth, this particular hue is exceptionally calming and brings tranquility. As opposed to a longer set, the shorts set is more youthful and a better option in warmer climates. You can easily dress this down for a more casual vibe by pairing it with a t-shirt instead of the traditional blouse, and sneakers instead of ankle-strap heels.
The ‘Let’s Brunch’ Suit
Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
While everybody loves a good monochromatic moment, the most dynamic and stylish looks are mixed and matched. A cropped blazer is one of my favorite items in my wardrobe right now. The neckline is seductive yet not too revealing, while the structured shoulder adds a hint of professionalism. The high-waisted pants elongate the legs, while the exaggerated bell-bottom is very on-trend for fall/winter. Step out of your comfort zone and play with statement colors that elevate your look.
The ‘Off Duty’ Suit
Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
The transitional season is great for mixing your summer staples with new-in winter pieces, and this outfit is a prime example of that. The relaxed suit is a prominent piece in the A/W season and heavily influenced by the recent rise in athleisure. You can style up the pants by opting for a longer hem, which works perfectly with heels or fresh white sneakers. The asymmetrical crop is a summer favorite and necessary for defining your shape under the loose-fit blazer. This look is off-duty chic and gives off a relaxed, tailored vibe. Don't be afraid to play with neutrals, either! They aren't just for summer; winter white is a whole look itself!
What look suits you best?
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Featured image by Courtney Simpson for xoNecole.com
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole