The IG Lewks We Want To Copy As We Strut Into 2021
It's official. We made it to 2021 and we can't help but celebrate the dawn of a new day. Many of us opted for more casual get-ups during quarantine because it was ultimately more convenient. But we know that you supported Black-owned businesses on Black Friday and got some dope Christmas gifts, so now it's time to put those outfits into rotation. Stop saving your "nice" clothes for another day. The time is now.
Because last year taught us so much, we know that our lives won't go back to "normal" anytime soon but we are taking the time to give 2021 notice that we are determined to make it the best year no matter the circumstances. The fact that we made it to the new millennium is a flex alone. And like the go-getters we have always been, we are ready to create our new normal.
Leave it to Instagram to provide both levity and inspiration daily. Points are made, outfits are slayed and it's teaching us how to dominate the next decade. Here's to stylish women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. Ahead, find feasible looks to copy and paste in the new year irregardless of your aesthetic.
KVJ
All black get-ups will always be a mood. The structured top and textured skirt would be a fire look for socially-distanced drinks. Throw on your favorite winter coat and you have an outfit that would make Toni Childs smile from ear to ear.
Abigail
We love a good loungewear moment, no matter the setting. It's been especially critical for our quarantine style with its convenience and comfort. Abigail's particular set offers a plush feel with a soothing pink tone. You could easily throw on some heels or sneakers to make it your own.
Zviko
If you haven't copped a shacket yet, you need to do better. The shacket has to be one of the most popular trends of 2020 and we have no doubt that it will be a mainstay until the temperatures rise. Zviko's styling is A1 — the color palette is ultra-modern yet perfectly simple.
Cassandra
This Parisian beauty used her vest as the foundation for a vintage lewk fit for fashion "IT" girls around the globe. The way she curated this number encourages us to get dressed up just to maintain our new normalcy.
Breukelen
Spotted: the perfect cozy fit. Orange is such a stunning color on melanin so don't be afraid to play with all the shades in various styles. Our Brooklyn bae made sure to layer up the most fly pieces to leave a lasting impression and we absolutely love to see it!
Enocha
Whoever said you can't pair black with brown lied. Not only did Miss Encoha come through with a bomb look but she also delivert a word about being gentle with our bodies, especially the mamas. There's also something about her accessories. The beanie, the crossbody bag, the rings… *chef's kiss*.
Tawana
Is it us or is this pic giving, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner...especially in these Prada boots"? Tawana's baby doll dress and chunky boots couldn't be a better match. She also did the entire look justice by throwing her flowing box braids into a stylish bun.
Jess
She's the ideal mix of humble and pressure. This corset fitted hoodie and joggers set is proof that you can elevate a jogger set with ease. Every girl deserves a set like this and every girl deserves to feel like a babe while rocking it. Jess definitely produced an unbeatable duo with the set and feathered heels. She shoots...she scores!
Kia
Our favorite Kickfluencer is the queen of stylish comfort. Take this look for example. The Hanifa cardigan is already its own movement but the graphic tee, camo pants and Adidas sneakers build up to a picture-perfect ensemble. Also, the N95 mask is giving safety and we are all about it.
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured Image by @Br00klynbetty/Instagram
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
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.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage