Style
When visiting this past November, I spotted a number of streetwear trends that seemed to be a favorite amongst Londoners. As we get deeper into the winter months, colder temperatures require a major style adjustment. To get a better understanding of what’s trending now, I enlisted the help of styling duo May and Melinda. Identical twin sisters, these fashion lifestyle content creators are based out of London, focusing on pear-shaped styling.
Courtesy of May and Mel
East African-born, naturally pear-shaped, and lovers of fashion, they always found it difficult shopping ready-to-wear items that fit their shape. Beginning their careers a little over a year ago, they started May Mel out of frustration and wanting to help others who were also left out and ignored while bringing the latest trends to our social media feeds.
Like many parts of the world, the colder weather in London has May and Mel gravitating towards layering, which the fashion lovers say is a major key for staying warm without sacrificing style. The duo notes that plus knitwear and "good duvet coat" as winter wardrobe essentials. They tell xoNecole, "You have to start with a good base layer like a Merino turtleneck and thermal leggings. You can layer [them] with almost anything.”
In addition to Uniqlo thermal leggings, May and Mel also recommend "the ease and coolness" of a pair of oversized pants. "We recommend buying mid- or high-waisted pants for our curvy girls. This is for a better fit, plus the illusion of a slender hip and an elongated body frame.”
Courtesy of May and Mel
One way that May and Mel like to keep things sexy and cozy during the winter months is by introducing form-fitted items to accompany more oversized outwear. "If you follow our accounts you know we love a knitted midi bodycon; it is sexy, cozy, and classy. Playing with shapes, especially oversized outerwear, and fitted innerwear is an absolute favorite in the colder months. For instance, an oversized blazer paired with a tank or crop top and bottoms gives sexy and shows off your shape, whilst keeping you warm."
When it comes to UK winter fashion, there’s a mix of classic staples and throwback items seen on the streets every day. Keep scrolling to read what’s trending in London this season according to these ready-to-wear experts.
1. Shearling-Lined Jackets
Perfect for below-zero temperatures, I saw this cozy suede coat all over London. From street style to my Instagram feeds, this is one of the stylish winter items that look just as good as it feels warm.
2. Denim Corsets
The fashion girls love to layer and what better way to stay chic than with a denim corset as the final addition to a day or nighttime look? May and Mel suggest, “Corset tops with denim or cargos (or denim cargos). Still very Y2K, these are fun and look uber-feminine, paired with heels. Styling trick for our pears: try a corset with vertical stripes to help elongate your frame and lift the bust to give you a fuller-busted appearance.”
While fashionistas may have ditched this look opting to stay warm during the day, it's still a sexy staple for date night or out for drinks with the girls.
3. Tracksuits
Tracksuits are the cozy co-ord sets that are worn best with sneakers and a puffer coat. The key to surviving the below-freezing temperatures while boarding the London Underground or walking along Oxford street, this is the go-to daytime look to stay warm and cozy while out and about.
4. Longline Wool Coats
One of my favorite winter staples is a longline coat, transforming a subtle casual look into a major statement. May and Mel explain, “Londoners are great at taking simple and classic items and elevating them with trendy pieces like chunky knee-high boots or cargo pants.” They continue, “For pears, we’d recommend a belted wool coat which is uber chic and flattering, creating a balanced proportion between the shoulders and the hips, emphasizing your cinched-in waist.”
5. Headphones
The epitome of early 2000’s style, headphones are officially one of my favorite accessory trends of 2022-2023. Reinvigorated by Gen Z, headphones are no longer for just listening to music but have been adopted as part of the latest London cool girl aesthetic. Specifically, Apple’s AirPod Max has seemingly replaced ear muffs as the cozy girls' fashionable attempt to stay warm and antisocial.
6. Cargo Pants
The utilitarian trend can be spotted absolutely everywhere, reinforcing the oversized cozy look that is taking over the streets of London. Dressing the pants style up or down, the versatility is endless. “We’re obsessed just like every other fashion lover and most of London. Easily one of the biggest trends of the year, you can’t help but see them everywhere you go,” states May and Mel. “These are just too comfortable and cool not to own. We bought a pair from Local European that we love and wish we could live in them as they fit so well with their cinch-able waistband.”
7. Chunky Knit Sweater
Oversized knits are a necessity when bracing for winter London weather. With negative temperatures, the only way to stylishly embrace the cold is by layering cute and functional items. “This is an absolute staple in all Londoners’ wardrobes. We’ve seen a lot of bold and jumper-style knitwear this winter, alongside classics like turtlenecks,” says May and Mel. “This sweater style is the perfect addition to statement pants layered with a heavy-duty coat, running sneakers, and a crossbody bag. “We love a chunky knit, great for adding volume on the upper body; especially bright and textured knits like patterned fleeces,” they add.
8. Knit Dresses
Knit maxi dresses are the perfect balance of sexy, chic, and cozy. “We’ve seen lots of knit dresses; as they’re so easy, versatile, and chic. A winter staple, these dresses are perfect for any event, day to night, and suit everyone.” May and Mel continue, “For our fellow pears, we recommend styles that are belted at the waist or patterned on the top half. This is to draw attention to your smallest part and show off your curves.”
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Featured image courtesy of May and Mel
Winter travel brings challenges of its own when visiting colder parts of the world. Unlike summer vacation, cold weather means bulky coats, oversized knits, and chunky boots that take up a lot more space in your suitcase. For my recent trip to London, to alleviate the stress of packing and overweight baggage fees, I prepared in advance with a try-on haul of what I planned to wear each day of my trip. From shoes to accessories and bags, I captured a photo to reference each look while on vacation. Staying comfy, cozy, and chic was my main priority and I wanted to achieve that goal with the least amount of clothes possible.
Making a mental note of necessary items ranging from sneakers, boots, and coats to matching sets, I narrowed my options to one of each style that would complement the few statement pieces I purchased for my trip. In the end, I opted for five neutral-toned staples I could rotate from day to night throughout the week.
Keep scrolling to see the five minimal items that maximized my winter London looks.
1.New Balance Sneakers
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Sneakers are a must-have when walking the cobblestoned streets of European cities. When planning outfits for this trip, I wanted a pair of sneakers that were just as functional as they were stylish. New Balance sneakers were at the top of my list because of their comfort, sleek and minimal design. When packing, I intended to create multiple casual outfits that were easily paired with one sneaker. In addition to their lightweight feel, the mix of silver, gray, and light neutral tones was the perfect combination for effortless cold-weather outfits.
2.Mini Telfar Shopper
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It’s hard not wanting a bag from every Telfar release. With each drop, there's a colorway I envision sitting pretty in my closet. My cream mini Telfar shopper was the perfect accessory while out and about, matching every stylish moment. Small yet large enough to carry essentials such as my phone and wallet, I wore it with ease as a crossbody keeping my valuables close at all times. When traveling it's best to be more mindful when walking in large crowds and taking public transportation around the city.
3.A Matching Set
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Wearing a matching set was top of mind when shopping for my trip. I came across this sheer nylon set with graphics and knew it would be a casual chic choice for my London aesthetic. To extend my range of options throughout the week, I separated each piece of the set into individual outfits. I wore the asymmetrical long-sleeve top with a maxi denim skirt for a transitional day-to-night look then styled the matching skirt with a layered corset for another night out to the theater. A set is a convenient and practical chic choice for a variety of options.
4.Classic Khaki Trench
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A khaki trench coat is a classic staple that continues to stand the test of time. Typically cold and rainy this time of year in the United Kingdom, this coat was perfect for layering and protecting me from the day-to-day elements. Traveling with one large suitcase, I was able to minimize bulk by avoiding oversized coats that would take up more space than necessary. The perfect winter look, this outerwear trend is forever a stylish moment when worn with just about anything.
5.Comfy Chic Boots
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With so much to do in the city, I brought my faux leather square-toe Jeffrey Campbell boots for cute and casual moments. From shopping trips to date nights, the trendy sleek design was the perfect complement to dress up both my daytime and nighttime looks. With a chunky platform and bulky heels, these boots were comfortable enough for all-day wear.
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Fire signs may or may not do New Year’s Eve the best. From the festivities to the fashion, to the excitement for it all; you definitely want to go shopping with a fire sign or plan a night out with one. We also can’t forget that New Year’s Eve happens during Capricorn Season, and this is their time to shine as well and put on their best suit. This year when it comes to fashion, we have seen old trends come back such as long gloves and tall boots, and on a day like NYE, the classic and timeless little black dress is a moment as well. You will find many Sagittarius’ in bright colors, Aries in black, and Libra in gold.
Your zodiac sign is an expression of yourself and who you are, and New Year’s Eve is a night when you are shining in your unique style but with a little flare.
What an Aries Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: A Black Slip Dress
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For an Aries New Year’s Eve Look, something both sleek and powerful is their style. Aries has mastered the art of a simple look with a unique flair, and that’s the vibe we are going for this New Year’s Eve for them. A long black dress with a sequin bust and a thick choker is playful yet powerful, just like Aries. There is something so badass about Aries, and their looks will say that.
What a Taurus Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: Tall Boots
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Wearing a tall boot instantly gives you a new power in life. This aesthetic is top tier, not to mention boots can make any look 10x better. Tall black boots are the perfect statement piece for a New Year’s Eve look for Taurus. If a Taurus does decide to get out of their comfort zone this New Year’s Eve and go out on the town, they are going to go for something that is sexy and comfortable. A dress and some tall boots are easy to put together and trendy.
What a Gemini Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: A Silver Dress
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Metallics and air signs just go together, I don’t make the rules. A Gemini New Year’s Eve outfit is going to be ahead of its time, a little bit funky, and a little bit hard to get. They have connections with the designers or the associates in which they shop frequently, and might also be the designer themself. A Gemini has a creative spirit, and this energy goes into their fashion sense as well. This silver look with bold earrings is fun and engaging, just like Gemini.
What a Cancer Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: A Feather Dress
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Feathers have been making a comeback as of late, and they bring the perfect detail to any dress or look. Cancer closes out the year in something short, flirty, and fun! On most days of the year, Cancer prefers a neutral tone, and never shies away from black. However, on occasions, and especially celebrations, Cancer loves a pop of color and to wear something special. If it’s a really memorable night then they will keep that look forever, and feathers definitely give that wow factor to Cancer’s nostalgic heart.
What a Leo Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: A Faux Fur Coat
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute
You can always spot a Leo in a room by the confidence and warmth they exude, but also by what they are wearing. They always stand out in some way, and on New Year’s Eve, it is no different. A fur coat is a perfect way to make any outfit pop, and it gives you a feel of luxury as well. With a fur coat, you give your look a glamorous moment and it’s something unique to wear as well. This New Year’s Eve, Leo will be expressing their wild side and will be the show-stopper at any and every event they attend with a fur coat.
What a Virgo Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: A Black Dress
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Virgo is the Queen of less is enough. A Virgo’s New Year’s Eve look is refined, well-thought-out, and practical. A Virgo wants to look good but will also be taking their comfort into account as well. If they plan on going out dancing all night they will most definitely take that into account when choosing the appropriate shoes for the night. A little black number is a perfect choice for Virgo as it screams, “I look good for me, not you.” A Virgo is feeling confident and accomplished during NYE. I mean, let’s be honest, they’ve probably done more in the past 365 days than most- and their look is going to say it all.
What a Libra Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: A Gold Jumpsuit
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Libra exudes beauty. They know all about the divine feminine, and they embody this type of energy. The perfect NYE look for Libra has gold in it, and a jumpsuit gives a nostalgic moment for the occasion. A gold jumpsuit is one-of-a-kind and something that gives you a special quality for the night. Libra loves art and considers fashion an act of art, so their New Year’s Eve look is going to be something that’s timeless first and foremost.
What a Scorpio Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: Gloves
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Gloves have been a trendy statement piece as of late, and the glove look is a perfect choice for this coming New Year’s Eve. Scorpio loves a little mystery, and the gloves give a quality of power, beauty, and protectiveness. This energy aligns with Scorpio, and on New Year’s Eve- it’s a look. Complete the outfit with a dress that matches, heels short enough to dance in, and a sleek back hairstyle, and you have a look for Scorpio for New Year’s Eve.
What a Sagittarius Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: Sequin Dress
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There is no New Year’s Eve without sequins, and is there really Sagittarius without sequins, either? The Best Look Award for any NYE outfit is going to be Sagittarius every time, as this is their night to shine. A Sagittarius wears looks you could wear on NYE every day of the year, as they love to be the most fabulous person in any room. A sequin dress will have a Sag in the spotlight all night and will be the life of the party.
What a Capricorn Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: Blazer
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A blazer is a Capricorn's signature look, and no matter where they are, they always tend to have a sophisticated sense of style. A Capricorn invented business casual, and they know how to make a blazer into a moment. This New Year’s Eve, Capricorn is most likely getting off work right before the festivities begin, so this look is an easy transition for them. A sleek and sexy blazer is just how to end the year, and Capricorns are walking into the new year handling business as usual.
What an Aquarius Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: Leather Dress
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Aquarius has had a tough past few years. Saturn has been in their sign since 2020, and this is the last New Year’s Eve they will be spending with Saturn, a challenging planet, in their sign for a while. So for this New Year’s Eve, Aquarians are going all out. They are ready for a change of pace and are wearing their wounds on their shoulders as 24k gold metal. A leather look defines this type of victory, inner courage, and confidence that is perfect for an NYE outfit, and paired with some gold accessories, is excellence at its finest.
What a Pisces Would Wear for New Year’s Eve: Iridescent Dress
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A colorful mini dress is the perfect vibe for Pisces on New Year’s Eve. Pisces’ fashion is constantly changing, being a mutable sign, and on New Year’s they are looking for something fun, and something that makes them happy when they look at it. Pisces favors all things that inflict emotion, and an iridescent moment on NYE does just that. Paired with silver or black heels, and you are ready for the perfect night out.
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Featured image by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute
We spoke to NYC-based experience curator and owner of POP! by Yaz, Yasmin “Yaz” Quiles to help guide first-timers. According to Yasmin, an experience curator is “someone who not only focuses on an actual event but the entire experience and that can mean anything from the first point of contact, things from an invitation, a website, all the way to the end and after effects.”
If you are hosting the holidays in your home, it is important to touch on all of these points so that way your guests can have an experience to remember. Here are the steps to successfully host family and friends for the holidays.
1.Plan and Organize:
Before people start showing up to your house, you must plan out what you need and for how many people. It's also a great time to be creative. “The first part is the dream part because it’s the fun part. What do I envision my event to look like? What do I want my people to feel when they come to my space? Ask all of the questions for the first point of contact,” says Yasmin. “What kind of invitation [am I using?] Who am I inviting? What kind of music are we listening to? The food. So, you start thinking about what the vision is, and then after the dreaming, you organize your thoughts.”
That includes putting together a budget. “See what you have access to, what you need help with, and what you may need to outsource,” she advises. Meaning, this is the time to decide if you and your family will be cooking or if everyone will chip in to get dinner catered.
2.Repurpose Your Items:
Photo courtesy of Yasmin Quiles
As you continue to plan and organize, it's important to take stock of what you already have at home. This can also help you stay within budget. If you have a limited budget then start thinking about how to utilize what you already have in a innovative way.
“I also like to start with inventory. What [are] items in your house that you can use? That way you can determine what it is that you have to get,” she suggests. “I feel like a lot of people always put together a list and it's always 'buy, buy, buy, buy,' versus ‘oh, wait a minute, I actually do have some things that I can utilize and I can just use it in a different way.’”
For example, “Utilizing a console as a small bar area or creating fake fireplaces. I think there are ways to use items in your space so that you don’t have to continue to fill it up with new things.”
3.Make Your Guests Feel Like They Are at Home:
Ever heard the saying, "mi casa es su casa?" You want your space to make guests feel like a home away from home and having a cozy place to sleep plays a major part in that. Be realistic about how many people you can fit comfortably in your home. “Figure out how much space you have in your house and how many people you can truly accommodate,” she says. “What that means is even if you have a two-bedroom apartment, what are some creative ways you can create some space for them? Is it an air mattress or is it getting a hotel that is close to you; Airbnb's?”
You also want to provide your guests with the necessary accouterments and the gift of convenience. If you have certain rituals in your home, you want to make sure your guests can also participate in them. “What I love to do with my guests, I always love to make them feel like they're at home even when they are not, so I like to replicate the things I love in a hotel room. In our house we take off our shoes so we always have disposable slippers here that people can slide on or brand new socks in a basket,” she explains. “That way they can feel immediately comfortable the moment they pass the threshold in your house."
"And in the bathroom or if there’s a powder room, I like to put together a little welcome basket and it can be something as simple as here’s your towel, here’s your washcloth, all the little toiletries you may need," she adds. "I give them their own little stash, that way they don’t feel like they’re burdening me by asking, 'oh, do you have q-tips' or whatever it is. It’s all already set up there for them and it makes them feel so welcome and thought of.”
4.Food and Entertainment:
Photo courtesy of Yasmin Quiles
Along with welcome baskets, the Afro-Latina entrepreneur also enjoys putting lists together with a few of her recommendations. Think, welcome lists you receive at hotels and Airbnb. “I’ll put together a short list of my favorite restaurants, my favorite channels or shows to watch that way they can be entertained while I’m doing other things,” she says.
The holidays involve a lot of cooking and so going out to eat may not be an option. But neither is eating mac and cheese, collard greens, and ham all day, every day. So, it's best to provide options for your guests. “When people go to other people’s homes, they really want the house experience so eating out is great, it’s fine, but I think it really makes people happy when immediately there at home at your house," explains Yasmin.
"What I like to do is immediately have an assortment of snacks available and that means everything from the folks that are on a diet to folks who want to indulge and have a little bit of everything. That way we have a good selection. And [I like to have] things that can be left out for a couple of days as well so I’m thinking pre-packaged items that way [they can] 'grab and go.'”
5.Activities:
When having guests stay over for a few days, you should want to do more than just stay in and look at each other the whole time. Similarly to the way Yasmin advises providing a list of recommendations for eating out and indoor entertainment for guests, she suggests providing guests with a list of favorite stores or favorite markets with recommendations of what to buy.
This can also be a great time to show your guests where you live by going on walks or a scenic drive. "A lot of times these holiday celebrations happen when we are in the midst of planning and doing things and doing all the last-minute errands. Another thing I like to do is photo albums, people love photo albums.”
Yasmin recommends having a physical photo album that you and your guests can look through or a digital frame such as Aura Frames that holds photos online that you can continue to add to.
6.Music:
What’s left is providing the ambiance. One of the many ways that people do this is by having a playlist. Creating a playlist is fun but can also be time-consuming. Not only do you have to add your auntie's favorite Christmas song to the playlist but you may also want to take a trip down memory lane with your siblings and jam to a throwback from your childhood. Yasmin reveals a solution, which she refers to as an “elevated” experience.
“You can hire a DJ. They can do a set on Twitch,” Yasmin says. “There’s a chatroom function so you can put it on your TV, so all the guests who are there can listen to the music live but if there are guests who can’t make it for whatever reason, they can tune in and participate via the chat.”
The experience curator also suggests having a quiet space for those who are more introverted or need a break from the loud music and crowd.
7.The Breakdown:
Whether you and your family decide to cook together or hire a caterer, cleaning up after a big event is always a buzz kill. Yasmin recommends outsourcing help as a way to enjoy yourself and not worry about the aftermath. “Clean up can be a big hassle. It is okay to get a cleaning team. It is okay to hire a bartender. It is okay to hire anybody who can make your job easier,” she assures.
“The point of these events really is to connect and I feel we get so caught up in the doing that we forget that and the party ends and we’re like ‘dang, I didn’t get to have a conversation with my best girlfriend who I haven’t seen in six months.’ Give yourself permission to outsource so that you can have a good time.”
For more information about Yasmin, you can visit her website at yazquiles.com and follow her on Instagram @popbyyaz.
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Feature image courtesy of Yasmin Quiles
Lately, I’ve been into a much more minimal aesthetic, however, I love incorporating cool designer items that add even more character to my look. With just a handful of foundational items that are extremely versatile, I believe investing in quality, comfort, and fit can easily elevate simple wardrobe staples for years to come.
Keep scrolling to see how I wear my everyday items that are far from "basic” and key to looking and feeling stylish this fall.
Look 1: White Tee + Wide Leg Trouser + Trench Coat + Chunky Boot + Mini Shopper
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Oversized t-shirts have had me in a chokehold as of late, completely taking over as the main staple of my fall uniform. This season, I’ve been inclined to show less skin and achieve more comfort, challenging myself to create functional and stylish looks to go about my busy day. In addition to oversized tees, I love wide-leg trousers for just about any occasion.
For this look, I paired a men’s white t-shirt with these black satin-trimmed wide-leg Acne pants to add a cool approach to this relaxed look. Mixing high-priced items with high-quality basics can elevate a casual outfit instantly. For a wide range of options including this boxy fit, Uniqlo has a fantastic selection of affordable essentials.
Topping off this neutral look with a beige trench coat, chunky boots, and a mini Telfar shopper, I felt like the epitome of comfy chic.
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 2: Ribbed Tank + Denim Jacket + Tennis Skirt + Ankle Boots
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
A ribbed tank top is another great foundational item to include in your capsule rotation. Perfect to pair underneath lightweight jackets and knits, you can layer with just about anything this fall. I love this tank from COS as it's the perfect fit and length, providing the perfect quality, comfort, and silhouette.
For this weekend look, I paired a black pleated mini skirt along with an oversized unwashed denim jacket to incorporate a couple of the season's trends. Completing this look are the infamous ankle boots by Maison Margiela that are the perfect fashion-forward designer staple.
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 3: Cropped Button Down + Fitted Top + Leather Jacket + Pleated Midi Skirt + Knee High Boots
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Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Another one of my favorite staples to keep on steady rotation for fall is an oversized cropped button-down. Perfect for those of us that like to mix current trends with classic styles, layering this basic is a great way to effortlessly elevate a cute and casual look. I’m currently obsessed with the late 90s/early 2000s pleated midi skirt era, so I couldn't wait to style with a few of my favorite basics.
For an overall minimal approach, I went with neutral tones along with a black leather jacket, Agolde fitted top, square-toe knee-high boots, and black Gucci frames to complete this daytime look.
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
