The Summer 2021 Outfit Trend We Can’t Let Go Of For Fall
As a fashion writer and stylist, I enjoy keeping my finger on the pulse of the biggest outfit trends that come along each season. However, what's noticeably different this year is, people can't seem to get enough of their favorite summer 2021 aesthetics. Even as winter slowly makes its way into our lives, it seems the trends from early in the year are simply here to stay. As we get a taste of colder weather, I'm loving the transition of my summer favorites into the most coveted fall looks.
One of the ongoing trends of the year, two-piece matching sets made a major comeback this summer and are anticipated to continue indefinitely. From prints on prints to solid neutral tones, the ease of a pre-coordinated look is seriously unmatched. Personally, I'm not always in the mood to create an entire outfit, at times it's the lack of energy and creativity that leaves me questioning whether or not to leave the house. With a matching set, the work is already done, leaving the simple task of choosing which accessories to adorn for the day.
Keep scrolling to check out the effortless sets that I'm loving this fall.
Black and White Matching Sets
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
For this black and white zebra print cropped satin set, I paired a faux leather blazer to complete this fall look. Not wanting to overdo it, I wore a simple black mule to keep it simple yet chic. Accessorized with a fun statement earring, this is a perfect look for a night out any time of year.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
From Summer to Fall
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I bought this two-piece set this summer with hopes of transitioning this look into fall. Like matching sets, cutouts are another trend that is here to stay for 2021. While it's still sunny skies here in LA, for those experiencing slightly colder weather opt for an oversized cream blazer and matching boot to keep stylishly warm.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The Matching Midi Skirt
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
For the more subtle yet fashion-forward women, this is the perfect look that keeps on giving. I love that this set is not only a match made in heaven but both pieces can be worn interchangeably with other items from my closet. The side laced skirt details along with the scrunch cropped top are two great pieces to add to have within my wardrobe with the potential of being worn multiple times in various ways.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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 Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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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.
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Sheila Rashid's Androgynous Approach To Unisex Clothing Is A Lesson In Embracing Individuality
The ItGirl 100 List is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
For Sheila Rashid, it all started with some free-hand drawings and a few strokes of paint.
The Chicago-based clothing designer and creative director of Sheila Rashid Brand recalls using her spare time in high school to hand paint designs on t-shirts and distressed hoodies, distributing them to classmates as walking billboards for her art.
Rashid sought to pursue fashion design at Columbia College in Chicago but eventually took the self-taught route to build upon her knack for crafting one-of-a-kind, androgynous pieces.
Courtesy
Thanks to the mentorship of local designers taking her under their wings, Rashid was able to gain valuable experience in putting together collections and creating patterns; equipping her with them with the necessary skills to pursue her own collections.
After two years of living in New York, Rashid returned home to the Chi and uncovered the unique flair she could offer the city. “I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world,” she tells xoNecole. “That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
For the Midwest native, inspiration comes from her time around creative peers and the city’s notorious winters — known to be a main character in many Chicagoans stories. “It's a different perspective and mindset when I'm making stuff because of the weather here,” she explains. “When we get summer, it’s ‘Summertime Chi’ — it's amazing. It's beautiful. Still, I find myself always making clothes that cater to the winter.”
"I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world. That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
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Many designers have a signature aesthetic or theme in their creations. In Rashid’s design story, dancing between the lines of femininity and masculinity is how she’s been able to distinguish herself within the industry. Her androgynous clothing has garnered the eye of celebrities like Zendaya, Chance the Rapper, WNBA star Sydney Colson, and more — showing her range and approach to designs with inclusivity in mind.
“I think I do reflect my own style,” she says. “When I do make pieces, I'm very tomboyish, androgynous. My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes.” From denim to overalls, and color-drenched outerwear, Rashid has mastered the structure of statement pieces that tell a story.
“Each collection, I never know what's going to be the thing I'm going to focus on. I try to reflect my own style and have fun with the storytelling,” she shares. “I look at it more like it's my art in this small way of expressing myself, so it's not that calculated.”
"My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes."
Courtesy
Still, if you were able to add up all the moments within Rashid’s 20-year career in design, one theme that has multiplied her into becoming an “ItGirl” is her confidence to take up space within the fashion industry as a queer, Black woman. “Being an ItGirl is about being yourself, loving what you do, finding your niche, and mastering that,” she says.
No matter where you are on your ItGirl journey, Rashid says to always remain persistent and never hesitate to share your art with the world. “Don’t give up. Even if it's something small, finish it and don't be afraid to put it out,” she says, “It's about tackling your own fear of feeling like you have to please everybody, but just please yourself, and that's good enough.”
To learn more about the ItGirl 100 List, view the full list here.
Featured image Courtesy