

3 Fall Suits That Immediately Elevate Your Style
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).
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'Power Book II: Ghost' Star LaToya Tonodeo Talks Breakout Role And Shooting Her Shot At 50 Cent For An Audition
Actress LaToya Tonodeo demonstrated the power of speaking up as she recently recalled how she secured her breakout role in Starz's Power Book II: Ghost.
The hit show, a spinoff of the original series Power, follows the journey of college student Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) as he tries to escape his father's tainted image while running a drug operation.
In Power Book II: Ghost, Tonodeo portrays the role of Diana Tejada, the daughter of former kingpin Lorenzo Tejada and Monet Tejada, played by Mary J. Blige.
The series debuted in 2020 and became an instant hit as viewers were glued to the screen weekly due to its captivating storylines. Power Book II: Ghost is currently in its third season and has been renewed for a fourth.
Although Tonodeo has been a part of the entertainment industry for over a decade by appearing in various television shows and films, the 26-year-old's star shined a lot brighter after landing a role in Power Book II: Ghost.
In an IG Live with xoNecole, Tonodeo opened up about how her dream opportunity came to fruition and the rumor that she boldly asked Power's executive producer, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, to participate in one of his projects.
LaToya On Previously Working With 50 Cent
In last month's discussion, Tonodeo revealed that before landing Power Book II: Ghost, she was already working alongside Jackson for his Sony/Crackle series The Oath.
In the show, the actress played the character Tara Byrd. Tonodeo shared that as the red carpet premiere for the first season of The Oath occurred in 2018, she missed her opportunity to connect with Jackson because she was working on another project. But as fate would have it, The Oath was renewed for a second season.
In 2019, as Tonodeo reprised her role in the show and attended the red carpet premiere for the second season, she briefly chatted with Jackson, who at the time acquired the rights to the BMF story.
"Well, what's crazy [is] I was already on a 50 Cent show. So at that premiere, it's called The Oath. It was the season two premiere of The Oath on Sony/ Crackle, and he was there," she said. "Season one, there was a premiere, and 50 Cent attended. I wasn't there because I was doing The Fosters, and I'm like, 'man.' When I got to go to the season two premiere, I saw him, and it was around the time when he got the rights for the BMF story."
The Bold Move That Helped 'Powerbook' Star LaToya Tonodeo Land the Role
LaToya On Asking 50 Cent To Audition For a Role And Landing 'Power Book II: Ghost'
Tonodeo explained that during her conversation with Jackson, she congratulated the mogul on obtaining the rights to the BMF story and expressed her interest in wanting to be a part of the project.
Tonodeo added that although she is unclear if Jackson remembered their encounter or "if it meant anything," when a Power Book II: Ghost role came along, she auditioned and landed the job.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, like I want to be a part of it.' But I don't know why I did it. I just walked over there, and I was like, 'Hey, congratulations on getting the rights. I would love to audition.' I don't know why I did that. I don't even know if it meant anything or if he remembers or not. I do know that I did my thing in the audition, so yeah, we are here now," she stated.
Either way, with that story, Tonodeo has displayed the perfect example of "closed mouths don't get fed."
Power Book II: Ghost is now streaming on Starz.
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Feature image by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for STARZ