Summer is officially here and I can’t wait to show off my hot girl outfits. With the world at our fingertips, 2022 is proving to be the biggest fashion awakening of our generation. Unlike the last two years of understated looks and neutral combinations, this season’s trends are brighter and bolder than ever. Reminiscent of the early 2000s, this year has become a revival of an era when fashion knew no bounds and pushed beyond our creative limitations.
Beyond style, the most fashion-worthy moments are the juxtapositions of an outfit. You may see the fashion girlies rocking a corset, cargo pants, and sneakers one day and a babydoll dress with platform wedges the next. From low-rise waistlines to never-ending hems, this is the season to put self-expression at the forefront by dressing how you feel even if it means doing the bare minimum. Regardless of the day’s mood, implementing just one of these summer trends gives major main character energy.
Scroll to see my top picks below.
1. Maxi Skirts
Courtesy of Brianna Monae
The feminine urge to wear summer maxis is in full effect and this time it's all about the bodycon silhouette. Dressed up or down, there's a maxi for any occasion. I love a beautiful maxi skirt paired with a chic top and a pair of kitten heel slides. Whatever combination, this style looks so classy and effortlessly dominates the room.
2. Cargo Pants
Courtesy of Blake Gifford / Photo Credit: Rachel Bires
There’s an obsession with cargo pants, I see them everywhere in L.A. Not that I don’t love the look, I could wear them every day. Worn high or low rise by gen z’s to millennials, I’m definitely a fan. A generational crossover, they have the cool and casual fashion that has women of all age groups in a chokehold. I give this summer staple a 10/10.
3. Cut Out Jeans
Courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed
I discovered cut out jeans on a trip to London this past spring and immediately wanted in on this eye-catching trend. This subtle pop of skin is such a compliment taking your denim look to another level. A hot girl summer includes taking risks so try this bold detail next time you're shopping for a fun pair of jeans.
4. Matching Sets
Courtesy of Flora
Matching sets are simply timeless so of course, it's one of my favorite trends this summer. This year we’re getting color, texture, and body. Skirt sets in particular are such a feminine touch, perfect for a European or tropical location. Pair with your favorite dainty gold jewelry and sunnies for a complete look.
5. Barbie Pink
Courtesy of Destinie Alexandria
Hot pink is the color of the season. A beautifully inviting hue, pink has been dominating the scene, especially when added as a pop to cool or darker tones. Worn from head to toe or as an electric accent, there’s always an excuse to implement in your everyday looks. Paired with a sneaker, this is the definition of casual cute.
6. Corset Tops
Courtesy of Mrs. Davis
Ultra-sleek and ultra-feminine, a corset top is definitely for the grown and sexy. I love a snatched waist and accentuated hip any time of the day or night. The versatility makes this lingerie turned ready-to-wear staple in a league of its own. Graceful in itself, dressed up or down, it brings the heat to any situation. I love mixing my favorite go-to’s, so this hot pink corset combination with the maxi skirt is winning.
7. Wrap Around Heels
Courtesy of L Y L E E H M
Believe it or not, wrap-around heels have been slowly making a comeback and now, they’ve finally arrived. Formerly known as “gladiators,” this season we’ll see a chicer more toned-down approach. The selections are endless with platform styles and sandals. Perfect for brunch or a girls' day out, this look is a summer statement.
8. Crochet
Courtesy of L Y L E E H M
The crocheted look is growing on me and I’m falling more in love with it every day. The summer looks are coming in and I’ve seen crochet grow from grandma sweaters to looks with sex appeal and a modest touch. Super chic, you can pair almost anything with this trend. Dress it up with your favorite accessories to really take it over the top.
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Featured image courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed/Instagram
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xoNecole sat down with Luke James to talk about his latest series and all the complexity surrounding it—from the challenges taking on this out-of-the-box role to the show's depiction of the perplexing history of the relationship between Black Americans and police. When describing the opportunity to bring Edmund's character to life, Luke was overjoyed to show the audience yet another level of his masterful acting talents.
"It was like bathing in the sun," he said. "I was like, thank you! Another opportunity for me to be great—for me to expand my territory. I'm just elated to be a part of it and to see myself in a different light, something I didn't think I could do." He continued, "There are parts of you that says, 'Go for it because this is what you do.' But then also that's why it's a challenge because you're like, 'um, I don't know if I'm as free as I need to be to be able to do this.' Little Marvin just created such a safe space for me to be able to do this, and I'm grateful for everything I've been able to do to lead to this."
Courtesy
Them: The Scare, like the first season, shines a light on the plight of Black Americans in the United States. This time, the story is taking place in the 1990s, at the height of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. While the series presents many underlying themes, one that stands out is Black people and the complicated relationship with the police. "For the audience, I think it sets the tone for the era that we're in and the amount of chaos that's in the air in Los Angeles and around the country from this heinous incident. And I say it just sets the tone of the anxiety and anxiousness that everybody is feeling in their own households."
James has been a longtime advocate against police brutality himself. He has even featured Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old Colorado man who died after being forcibly detained by officers, as his Instagram avatar for the past five years. So, as you can imagine, this script was close to his heart. "Elijah was a soft-loving oddball. Different than anyone but loving and a musical genius. He was just open and wanted to be loved and seen."
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Luke continued, "His life was taken from him. I resonate with his spirit and his words...through all the struggle and the pain he still found it in him to say, 'I love you and I forgive you.' And that's who we are as people—to our own detriment sometimes. He's someone I don't want people to forget. I have yet to remove his face from my world because I have yet to let go of his voice, let go of that being [because] there's so many people we have lost in our history that so often get forgotten."
He concluded, "I think that's the importance of such artwork that moves us to think and talk about it. Yes, it's entertaining. We get to come together and be spooked together. But then we come together and we think, 'Damn, Edmund needed someone to talk to. Edmund needed help... a lot [of] things could have been different. Edmund could have been saved.'
Check out the full interview below.
Luke James Talks Ditching Sex Symbol Status For "Them: The Scare", Elijah McClain, & Morewww.youtube.com
Featured image by Getty Images
