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
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Layover. Although it isn’t exactly “music to our ears” whenever we hear the word, it doesn’t have to be a tremendous burden if you know some tricks of the trade that will make a layover more bearable. Luckily, I’ve got 10 that could actually make this your best year for summer travel yet, y’all!
10 Layover Travel Tips You’ll Be Glad You Know
1. Research Best Layover Airports (Yes, There Is Such a Thing)
GiphyIf while planning your trip, if it looks like a layover is going to be more than 90 minutes, it never hurts to research the airports that are the most user-friendly as far as layovers are concerned. From what I can see, several studies reveal that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas) gets a lot of props, thanks to the food options and the amount of frequent flyer miles that you can stack up.
Some other airports that top the list include Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Denver International Airport. If you want to save money on your travel by having a layover, purposely landing in these cities can make the wait much more pleasurable for you.
2. Download Your Airline’s App
Whatever airline you plan on flying on, make sure to download its app before heading to the airport. There are many reasons why this is a solid hack including the fact that:
1) you can check-in and get a mobile boarding pass; 2) you can get real-time travel updates; 3) you can utilize the entertainment options that they have (including the airline’s Wi-Fi); 4) you can see how to best navigate through various airports; 5) you can easily contact their customer service support; 6) you can oftentimes track your checked baggage, and 7) some apps (like Delta) can even help you to store where you parked your car (if you put it in long-term parking) in your smartphone, so that you can easily find it upon your return.
3. Also Download Your Entertainment Beforehand
GiphyIf you happen to be on a flight that either doesn’t have Wi-Fi or charges for it, you can still enjoy your movies ‘n stuff by downloading them before you leave. This can also come in handy at the airport when their internet access is running hella slow because so many people are accessing it.
4. Choose a (Layover) City Where You Have a Friend
Although I don’t hate to fly, I wouldn’t exactly say that it’s my favorite thing to do. And so, back when I used to fly to South Africa to see some family, it was common for me to stop over in London for a couple of days because it’s the halfway mark for me — and seven hours on a plane is a lot easier to endure than a whopping 14.
That said, if you’re planning on an international trip, you’re not the biggest fan of flying yourself or, again, you want to save a few coins by booking a flight that has a layover or two — why not use this as an opportunity to hang out with a family member or friend in another city? That way, you can get a break from air travel and get in some quality time with them as well.
5. Pack Some of Your Own Snacks
GiphyIf you’ve ever wondered why airport food is so damn expensive, one of the main reasons is how much it costs for each restaurant to rent their space is completely insane. Plus, there are things like vendors, commission costs and all kinds of other “blah, blahs” that make the mark-ups so crazy. That’s why it can never hurt to bring some snacks along — non-liquid items that you can pack in your carry-on that will get you through your layovers without you breaking the bank in the process.
6. Put an Empty Recyclable Bottle in Your Carry On
Since a lot of airports have water refills stations available, you can stay hydrated while also keeping coins in your pocket by packing an EMPTY recyclable bottle in your carry-on too. Most TSAs will totally allow it. As far as refills on actual drinks, some airports allow those as well (after you purchase one drink from them, of course); never assume, though. Ask before making the purchase.
7. Have a Portable Charger in Tow
GiphyMaybe it’s just me but, even though airports seem to be filled with charging stations all over the place, it’s like only half of them actually work (and I’m being gracious on that!). That’s why it’s also a good idea to invest in a portable charger. I don’t know what took me so freakin’ long to get myself one; however, it’s basically my BFF at this point.
The one that I will cosign on is the ANKER Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 30W Max Fast Portable Charger. It charges pretty fast and I’ve been able to get about three full charges on my smartphone before needing to charge the portable one all over again. Such a lifesaver!
8. Get Some Lounge Access
If almost everything about airports gets on your very last nerve, you definitely need to get some airport lounge access. It’s quiet(er); you have lots of room to stretch out; the food and drink that they have to offer is typically free; many lounges have spaces that are designed and designated for children; there are convenient work stations, and some even feature spas and showers (I know, right?).
And just how do you get your hands on all of this? You can do so by flying first or business class, using your frequent flyer miles, presenting your military ID or purchasing a membership or even a day pass access into your airline’s lounge.
9. Cop Some Duty-Free Samples
GiphyIf you are going on an international flight, make sure to take advantage of the duty-free shops, not just because you are usually able to purchase items from there without paying local taxes but they oftentimes have free samples that you can stock up on as well; this is especially the case when it comes to beauty-related items.
10. Stay over a Night
Since a fair share of my friends are in the entertainment world, they tend to travel a lot. What is always funny to me is how most of them talk about flying to almost every city in the country while only actually visiting a handful of them. My point here? If you are headed one place and you decide to not have a direct flight, if the city where you are having your layover is one that you’ve always been interested in, stay over a night or even two.
You can find some hacks for how to find cheap hotel rooms by checking out “Hot to Get Cheap Hotel Rooms: 20 Tips and Tricks” on Travel Mums’ site.
BONUS: Get an Exit Row Seat
GiphyIf one of the things that you hate about changing planes is how uncomfortable the flights can be, space wise, ask to be put in an exit row seat. You will automatically have so much more room without having to pay what first class passengers do. Brilliant. Happy (and safe) travels!
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