Basics Are Trending For Fall: Here's How To Make Them Stand Out
'Tis the season for fashion-forward basics and I can’t get enough. Closet staples are one of the biggest trends of 2022 and I’m challenging myself to turn a simple wardrobe into a fall uniform made up of everyday essentials that combine comfort, warmth, and style. When it comes to your wardrobe this season, it’s what you buy and how you wear it that makes these timeless pieces effortlessly chicer than the rest.
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
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 2: Ribbed Tank + Denim Jacket + Tennis Skirt + Ankle Boots
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 3: Cropped Button Down + Fitted Top + Leather Jacket + Pleated Midi Skirt + Knee High Boots
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage