
Micro-Trend Alert: Here Are The 8 Fall/Winter Items To Wear Before It’s Too Late

Micro-trends make the world go around. Just kidding, but they are really fun and add a certain je ne sais quoi to one's wardrobe. As the seasons change, there's a short-lived fashion cycle of certain clothing and accessory trends that have a sudden boom in popularity which last at least 1-2 years. Thanks to the invention of fast fashion, in most cases, these seasonal items are loved by the masses just to be thrown to the back of our closets within the next few months.
When it comes to shopping, I do prefer items I can wear for years but I also love to mix and match fast fashion apparel for a bit of versatility and fun. From chunky loafers to puffer coats, these are the risk-taking winter items I'm currently obsessed with. And from style influencers and OOTD fashion experts, here's how to wear these trending items before they're a thing of the past.
1.Cut-Out Knits
One of my favorite styles of 2021, the cut-out trend continues to stay strong through the winter season. Transitioning into knits, I love the elevated appeal when it comes to cold-weather outfits. Pair with leather pants and calf boots for a cozy, edgy, and sexy look.
2.Lace-Up Booties
The lace-up bootie is making its way back onto our radar especially when it comes to achieving an ultra-chic sporty look. With the revival of Y2K fashion, I'm loving the modern designs that 2021 has to offer this throwback style. Pair with neutral basics for an elevated athleisure courtside look.
3.Chunky Loafers
Taking a trip to 90's greatest fashion hits, loafers are seeing a major resurgence this season. Take it up a notch with a chunky platform sole paired with your favorite stockings or white socks for a "cool girl" approach. To keep it subtle, wear a chunky loafer with straight-leg denim and a button-down top.
4.Sherpa Accessories
Every season sherpa makes its rounds with the cold weather looks we love. However, this year, it's the accessories made entirely of the soft fluffy fabric for me. From handbags to totes, there's a faux fur overload this season and I'm searching for all the non-traditional ways of wearing it. For warmer climates, sherpa accessories are a subtle pop of winter.
5.Puffer Vest
This year, the micro-trend to invest in during this fall to winter transitional outfit season is puffer vests. From long-lined to cropped lengths, the flyest vests come in a variety of styles and materials with a range of pricing that fits anyone's budget. Best worn layered over a long sleeve knit top while dressed up or down, versatility is my favorite aspect of this winter necessity.
6.Leather Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets come in a variety of styles but this year I'm loving the leather and wool combination. Also known as varsity jackets, these are a great addition to a super cool and chic casual look. Pair with denim or sweats for an effortless on-the-go look.
7.Extreme Scarves
For the person whose fashion sense knows no bounds, statement scarves are the quintessential winter accessory. Specifically, puffer scarves are my personal favorite. I love the drama of a super chic addition to a cold-weather outfit. Wear layered over a puffer coat and chunky leather boots for an effortlessly sleek ensemble.
8.Distressed Nylons
One of the worst feelings is ripping a pair of tights when you need them the most. Luckily, distressed nylon is having a major moment. In case you missed Gucci's $200 pair of ripped tights released this time last year, this is the perfect opportunity for an inexpensive DIY project.
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 Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
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 xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow