Style
When thinking of basics, I tend to think of a plain white, neutral or black staple that can be worn with just about anything in my wardrobe. From white tees to denim jeans, these are the type of classics most of us already own which means it's time to think outside the box when refreshing our mix of summer basics. After a tumultuous 15 months, I'm seeing a new trend emerge in the world of everyday fashion that I can only attribute to the excitement of getting dressed with somewhere to go. One of my favorites this season, the asymmetrical knit has been on my radar for the past few months and I'm loving how this simple yet chic detail can quickly elevate a look especially when paired with other cool basics.
This season is an era of sexy "basics" reminiscent of the early 2000's fashion evolution, full of risky decisions yet quirky perspectives on styles, brands today are redefining what it means to wear basics. Gone are the days of blending in, these are the knit basics that will effortlessly stand out.
Now Trending: White on White
One of my favorite looks this season, this white on white combination is an effortlessly sleek look with a one shoulder knit tank paired with super lightweight utility pants. Both top and bottom from Black-owned lifestyle brand, Local European, are a reimagining of classic staples. I love the combination of an asymmetrical design and knit tank top.
The lightweight wide leg bottoms are a trend on the rise as we transition from oversized knit sweatpants for a cooler summer option. Paired with another summer must-have, a black thong sandal is the last and final touch.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Now Trending: Wide Leg
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Another chic and easy way to pair an asymmetrical top this summer is with a wide leg denim jean. The perfect casual look when out and about town or heading to a local farmers market, I decided to wear a fun one-toe flat slide for an even more stylish approach. With a pop of color and my go-to square sunnies, this is one of the most comfortable chic looks.
Now Trending: Maximalism
All basics may not be created equal but there are options for everyone, including maximalists. For those that need color in their everyday lives, this vibrantly orange one shoulder knit is a fierce choice for an edgier take on a casual look. Pairing this new age asymmetrical knit top with a classic cargo is a balanced approach to this season's one shoulder trend. Having fun, I added a yellow thong sandal to complete this color-blocked look.
Read all about fashion and style here.
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Images by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I remember when, I remember when, I remember when I lost my mind as I was approaching 30. Entering into a new decade of life after my 20s terrified me because like most women, I was obsessing over all the things I hadn't accomplished instead of celebrating all the things I had. A month before I walked into 30, I did just that – I wrote down 30 things I had accomplished and it gave me all the conviction I needed to make the next decade the best decade. And the truth is, I love it here.
My 30s are proving to be the best years and I believe it's because I let go of what society defined as successful and started living the life I wanted and deserved. In your 30s, you find that it's all about stability and consistency. Those principals apply to every aspect of your life, including your style. When it comes to reliability, it's important to have fundamental items that lay the foundation for your trousseau.
We tapped Tenicka Boyd to talk more about why staples are important and which pieces are must-haves. "Staples are really what ground the outfit. These are the items that live beyond the trends, the cool aesthetics, and fast fashion. Staples are items that will last for years if you invest and take care of them," she explained. "Not just staple items but a staple silhouette are important."
"Staples are really what ground the outfit. These are the items that live beyond the trends, the cool aesthetics, and fast fashion."
The fashion storyteller resides in New York, NY, and wears all the hats, including National Organizing Director and Political Director at the ACLU. Her style and infectious personality displayed in her world-famous Instagram Reels made her the perfect woman to spill the tea on how to make the fashionable transition from your 20s to 30s.
Keep reading for this thirty-something's style gems.
The style staples every woman needs:
"I think every woman needs a good blazer, a great dress that instantly raises her mood, a good comfortable pair of heels, a great pair of trousers, and a beautiful bathing suit that allows her to feel confident."
The one style tip every twenty-something should keep in mind:
"Shop fast fashion in moderation. When I was in my twenties, that was really at the height of Forever 21, so we thought we would be 21 forever. And our style reflected that. I should have focused more on quality rather than quantity. So although I don't think I was in a financial situation to do that well, I wish I would have incorporated that way more."
Her style mantra to live by:
"God created black people, and Black people created style" — George C. Wolfe.
To help you add some of these staples to cart, we have rounded up some principal pieces from Black-owned brands!
Hanifa Jade Linen Blazer in Bright Lime
Hanifa
Blazers are quintessential for your wardrobe. It's definitely the versatility for us because you can style this bad boy with a midi dress or with a graphic tee and biker shorts or with matching flared pants. Either way, you'll be serving up a clean aesthetic that can be elevated on your terms.
RE ONA Joey Suit Trousers in Sand
RE ONA
These trousers are an instant enhancement. The masculine, femininity in the construction is what sets these bottoms apart from others. We see you rocking these to an interview and to brunch because you can do both. The most important key in finding your perfect pair is to dress for your body shape.
Andrea Iyamah Sol Dress
Andrea Iyamah
Every now and then you gotta go in the back of the closet and pull out that freakum dress. Don't even put it in the back anymore, sis. Keep it on ready because you need to be your own hypeman in a dress that makes you feel like Beyonce.
Aminah Abdul Jillil Soleil Slingback Tan Heels
Aminah Abdul Jillil
High quality equals longevity. With this in mind, your heels will require more coins. Not every pair in your closet needs to be high-end but we want to encourage you to make some high and low purchases when your budget allows.
Bfyne Ayeza Swimsuit
Bfyne
We love that Tenicka recommended investing in a swimsuit because we are manifesting luxurious vacations all year. Not to mention, you can also rock this badass bathing suit with some denim and give everything it's supposed to and more.
1929 Char Hoops Textured
1929 Galore
There's nothing a Black woman can't do when she puts on a pair of gold earrings. Accessories are the glue that hold an outfit together and gold hoops exude the confidence you need to ask for a raise or shoot you shot with that special someone.
Brandon Blackwood Cara Mini Duffle Bag in Black
Brandon Blackwood
Handbags speak louder than words. One way to make sure you're speaking volumes, is to rock a leather tote. Every style decision you make is a statement and once you make it to the 30, you want to ensure your handbags say, "I have arrived." This bag by Brandon Blackwood will elevate you to that status.
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Featured image courtesy of Tenicka Boyd
If it feels like you've been living under a rock these past 15 months, you're not alone. While the world has been in an uproar, staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends may not be high on the list of priorities. The sudden shift within the fashion industry early into the pandemic left many designer brands on life support. With all of the major setbacks due to a sluggish economy and overall uncertainty, many designers decided to push through fashion fatigue, continuing to encourage major style moments, bringing a pulse back to this season's runway.
These collections, created during the worldwide stay-at-home orders, gives us a sense of each designer's creative imaginations running wild with chic possibilities, setting the bar high with iconic trends for spring/summer 2021. Many of the season's independent and designer brand collections from names such as Hanifa, Versace, Christopher John Roberts, etc. are giving exciting silhouettes along with mixed patterns, one-of-a-kind prints, vibrant colors, features of nature and drama as fashion is finally seeing a playful resurgence.
Picking up where we left off last spring, here are the top runway trends you'll want to implement into your wardrobe this summer season.
Asymmetrical
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
A favorite throwback 90's trend, the ultra sleek asymmetrical design detail is tailor made for the chic minimalist. Complementing the body's natural shape, this particular cut immediately elevates everyday staples to a timeless silhouette with a dose of edginess. From one shoulder necklines to unbalanced hems, this trend is one to buy into this summer.
Backless
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Bronx & Banco
A bare back is one of the latest trends turning heads this season. While we've been hibernating indoors with oversized knits for the past year, skin is finally having its breakthrough moment in 2021! With its chic approach to long sleeve knits, this trend gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "business in the front, party in the back."
The Blue Hue
Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Color is a priority this summer. One of the most stand-out colors this season, blue is making an appearance on almost every runway this season. Mixed and matched with designer details paired with complimentary colors, there are so many ways to experience its many shades.
Peek-a-Boo
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
As we become more adventurous with our style, post-COVID lockdowns, exposed skin is making yet another attempt at mainstream fashion. While leaving plenty to the imagination, a little bit of skin goes a long way. Sheer styles are a chic addition to any look.
Sheer Enough
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Flying Solo
For a sexy night out, slinky sheer fabrics are super chic when in the mood to feel absolutely fabulous. From bodycon to oversized fits, this trend was made for the bold. My favorite sheer look this season is the gray trouser by Acne Studios. The long tailored pants are the perfect silhouette for a sleek ensemble effortlessly transitioned from day to night.
Under the Sea
Handout/Versace Press Office via Getty Images
The most exciting ready to wear summer trend, 'escapism' was a major theme on this year's runways. My favorite demonstration of nature in design, Versace had the best whimsical flair bringing to life the ultimate under the sea fantasy with literal starfish prints and mermaid styles. While many of us have been looking forward to our perfect beach getaway, it's no wonder designers are making our island fantasies come true. With beachy nets and shell accessories, I'm most excited to see this trend in action.
Applying Texture
Estrop/Getty Images
There is a new era in fashion and we're beginning to have fun with our wardrobes again. This season is all about texture. In addition to the summer trends, this season almost every designer has implemented drama and texture with a 3D element tempting one to look as well as touch.
Heavy on the Prints
Mike Coppola/Getty Images For NYFW: The Shows
This year's uniform are the iconic neon floral prints of designers such as Christopher John Roberts and the lucid geometric designs of Mugler. For a major mood boost, bold retro patterns and mixed prints are a feel-good goal this summer. As this pandemic comes to an end, it's exciting to get back to fashion.
Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
As the world slowly begins to reopen from the devastation caused by the novel coronavirus and the subsequent pandemic, many of us are beginning to revisit the clothing we've set aside. As our everyday lives shrunk to the confinements of our own home, our staple wardrobe was slowly replaced by a leisure lifestyle dominated by our favorite oversized t-shirts and cozy knits. With denim jeans being the most abandoned, they're now creeping back onto our wardrobe radar.
Here are four examples of how you can jump into those neglected jeans once again, confidently conquering the outside world (or the inside world) like never before.
Look 1
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
As we begin to dine at our favorite restaurants, straight leg denim jeans are versatile for any outfit in mind. With knits being a current staple of our quarantine style, we can comfortably transition this lovable trend by throwing on a matching lightweight blazer which is perfect for a patio lunch date.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 2
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
While most of our social lives have dwindled significantly, we are anxiously awaiting the moment to reunite with our loved ones. Ideal for a night on the town, destroyed denim is the chicest of them all. Get dressed pairing a white tee along with a stylish mule and pillow clutch as we once again enjoy a casual chic night out on the town.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 3
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
If being indoors has taught us one thing, it's increased our admiration for the outside world by sparking a desire to spend more time in nature. Wear a wide-leg cropped denim pant paired with a short puffed sleeve crop top to enjoy a cute outdoor picnic. Add a pop of spring with a brightly colored wrap-around sandal, another exciting element to this casual look. A small step into post-quarantine, this outfit will enhance a delicious stress-free picture-perfect reintroduction into normal life.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 4
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Satin is the perfect lightweight material to enjoy a silky green puff sleeve paired with a mom jean. The perfect high waist denim for crop tops, this pair of jeans allows maximum coverage with a conservative pop of skin. By pairing this ensemble with a flat sandal, this look is the ideal cute and casual outfit for a romantic stroll to your local farmers market.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Originally published on May 21, 2020
