

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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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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Featured image by Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Shutterstock