The icon started young as a model for houses like Mugler, in a time when fashion was deeply personal and intentional. Fashion of the 80s and 90s was built on core components of structure, lines, and silhouette. Tracee Ellis Ross experienced all of this firsthand in her formative years, and it showed in her style. It’s one of the many ways she maintains a level of relatability, especially in a saturated sea of superficial styles. The way Tracee charges everything in her life, especially fashion, with a breath of her spirit is remarkable, courageous, and inspiring. (So much so that Roku decided to build an entire television show around Tracee being Tracee, which is set to air in 2025).
Even though she shares a stylist with fellow uber-celebrity like Hailey Bieber, that doesn’t overshadow her taste and aesthetic. The purveyor of fashion exposition, Tracee has stylized her wardrobe much like her life: intentional, fun, and rooted in her. Despite the need for Gen Z to create brand aesthetics behind every look, Tracee’s street style cannot be boxed in or labeled. It borrows from each genre and era, meticulously put together with the threads of a tried and true style purveyor.
TheStewartofNY/GC Images
Be Intentional
If nothing else, Tracee has a clear intention behind every look, even the most casual-seeming. Behind each incredible vintage accessory and rare sneaker, there is a level of Tracee in it. A story, a feeling, an aspect of the design that speaks to Tracee’s personality. That very intention makes her style so relatable, especially in today’s society, where one of the most valuable forms of currency is relatability. A celebrity rarely possesses that, much less the child of an A-list celebrity.
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Make It Enjoyable
No matter what you do, always make it enjoyable. The founding concept of personal style is just that: style that inspires you. There’s an internal happiness that glows from within Tracee, and it is easily translated into her wardrobe. Each trend she incorporates or emerging designer that she wears is a nod to her enjoyment of fashion. Her style feels as though it’s not taken too seriously, with sacrificing the cohesiveness. There’s a story being told, whether that’s playful or businesswoman or beach babe. Her style feels good to watch, a very rare thing nowadays.
You Are The Best Accessory
At the end of the day, an outfit is entirely dependent on the wearer. No price point, TikTok trend, or Vogue stamp of approval can overshadow personal taste. This is something Traceee understands deeply, and the primary reason for her fashion transcendence over the years. Even her most casual of street looks put glossy editorials to shame. She has a keen self-awareness of her style and what she feels good in, that no matter what, she will also be her best accessory.
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Featured image by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
From quiet luxury to neon monochromatic and everything in between, it can be difficult to nail down the ultimate resort wear style. So many trends, so little time.
With the ushering in of warmer weather comes a similar sentiment of light layers and colorful palettes. To help inspire your forthcoming vacay looks, we tracked down our favorite traveling ladies and dove into all things resort wear for 2023.
Achieng
@noordinarynoire
Courtesy of Achieng @noordinarynoire
Credit: Jon Navas @itsjdn
Q: How would you describe your vacation style?
A: My vacation style is clothing that feels like a second skin, clothing that is airy and light and just falls so effortlessly on the body. Satin slips, silk two-piece sets, crochet and mesh pieces, kaftans, and headwraps [are] where it is at! I also lean mostly towards bright jewel tones because how are you going to really live your best vacation life in a world that is not vibrant?
Q: What three items are you adding to your resort wardrobe this year?
A: 1.) 100000% a statement bag! Really loving the versatility of colorful straw totes or statement bags from Cult Gaia! 2.) A cute gold hoop that can take a simple outfit from 0 to 100! And finally, 3.) a little black dress that I can dress up or down on any vacation I go to!
Q: What's the biggest resort wear trend you're looking forward to in 2023?
A: One trend that I expect to be popular in 2023 resort wear is definitely vibrant and bold airy knits and crochet pieces. We have seen brands such as Cult Gaia, Simon Miller, and Hanifa really kill it on that end. Another trend that is expected to be big in 2023 is the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in resort wear. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious [of] the impact of fashion on the environment, and many designers are responding by creating resort wear collections that are made from recycled materials or materials that have a lower environmental impact.
Q: Favorite resort wear brand or place to shop?
A: Fe Noel and Cult Gaia and Shopbop for all the fabulous accessories!
Q: If you can only pack one item on vacation, what is it?
A: Sunscreen, 'cause honeyyyyyy this skin has to be protected!
Ebony
@fashioncrave
Courtesy of Ebony @fashioncrave
Credit: Luna @womaninmotion
Q: How would you describe your vacation style?
A: My vacation style is a mixture of pops of vibrant colors, flowy, lightweight fabrics like linen, silk, chiffon, wide-leg pants, exaggerated sleeves, maxi dresses, and detailed accessories.
Q: What are three items you're adding to your resort wardrobe this year?
A: I am most definitely adding corsets/bustiers, exotic floral prints, and [I] can’t forget the sheer flirty silhouettes.
Q: What's the biggest resort wear trend you're looking forward to in 2023?
A: I am a colorful, print-obsessed girlie as soon as I am in warmer weather! So I am, of course, super excited for all the vibrant printed pieces that will be on trend for this year’s resort wear collections.
Q: If you can only pack one item on vacation, what is it?
A: A linen oversized button-down, it's lightweight, breathable, and the versatility with styling is endless!
Marie Zoumanigui
@petitemarienyc
Courtesy of Marie Zoumanigui
Q: How would you describe your vacation style?
A: When it comes to vacation style, I have a bit of a dilemma: how can I pack all of my favorite clothes into one tiny carry-on? But in all seriousness, I'd describe my go-to vacation style as effortless and breezy. I love slip dresses for their versatility and comfort, and I always make sure to pack a blazer or two for those unexpected chilly nights. And, of course, a great pair of denim.
Q: What are three items you're adding to your resort wardrobe this year?
A: I'll definitely be adding some peek-a-boo knits for a touch of playful sophistication, tailored suit looks for their sleek and polished vibe, and, of course, some versatile and comfortable slip dresses.
Q: What's the biggest resort wear trend you're looking forward to in 2023?
A: I've been noticing a lot of white resort wear trends popping up lately, and I must say they are definitely catching my eye. I usually tend to avoid white clothing like the plague because, well, let's just say I can be a bit of a walking disaster. But I'm feeling bold this year, and I think I'm going to take a risk and try on some of the stunning white pieces I've seen around.
Q: If you can only pack one item on vacation, what is it?
A: I'm sure you won't be surprised by my answer - a slip dress, of course! It's my go-to piece for any occasion.
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Featured image by Jon Navas @itsjdn
For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick history of how IVY PARK came to be.
Where IVY Park Began
GiphyBeyoncé created IVY PARK in 2016 with Phillip Green, the mogul behind TOPSHOP. Beyoncé was able to launch IVY PARK to her global audience with an international company like TOPSHOP, but amidst scandal in 2018, Beyoncé acquired full ownership of her company. A year later, Beyoncé announced a position as a creative design partner with ADIDAS and subsequently decided to relaunch IVY PARK under its umbrella, championing it as the "partnership of a lifetime."
In 2020, the first collection was released, featuring gender-neutral clothing and four footwear styles, celebrating "power, freedom, and individuality for anyone who has the confidence to take chances and live unapologetically." The brand handed Beyoncé full creative control and a nice $20 million annual paycheck, with the hopes of replicating the success of Kanye West's Yeezy but appealing to women.
The Demise of IVY PARK
GiphyTo the average consumer, IVY PARK seems like a cash cow for the sneaker brand, but unfortunately, that was not the case. Despite the iconic iconography and cult social moments that accompanied each IVY PARK drop, only 5 of the 6 collections (not including this year's) sold roughly half of the merchandise that was produced. In fact, in February, ADIDAS reported a 50% loss over the last year for IVY PARK. Ultimately, with Beyoncé's contract set to end this year, the teams agreed to part ways with the future of IVY PARK to be determined.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Beyoncé and ADIDAS creative teams disagreed on how to label and market their products, with ADIDAS pushing for IVY PARK to align more with the overall aesthetic of the brand. It could be argued that this shift, to make IVY PARK fit in rather than stand-out, led to the demise of the brand. If a consumer can shop the same look for less on the ADIDAS website, why wouldn't they do that? The strategy seemed to dismiss the very reason IVY PARK catapulted to success; losing that unique and innovative feeling of its past.
Another significant element to the demise of this partnership was Kanye West, and the void left when ADIDAS released him in late 2022. The Void of Ye and ADIDAS' failures with their overall business and marketing strategy resulted in IVY PARK being overpromised and under-delivering. In trying to mitigate the loss gap, prices for IVY PARK have increased over the year, with the highest-selling item increasing to $600 versus $300 with TOPSHOP.
A Monumental New Beginning
GiphyThis recent deal, and her subsequent announcement with Balmain, put a huge spotlight on an ongoing conversation within the luxury fashion industry: the expectations of a Black creative’s profitability. Too often, the measurement of success placed on Black people far outweighs those of their white counterparts. One could point to as recently as 2021, when Rihanna paused her luxury line with LVMH “pending better conditions,” despite the line only launching in 2019.
Even further back in the history books of fashion, one could point to Anne Lowe and Jay Jackson; two Black designers responsible for some of the most iconic looks of the 20th century, with little to no mainstream recognition at the time. The constant dismissal of Black talent led to overlooked appointments and expedited tenures, which created the incessant void of Black and brown people in the luxury space.
It’s a trope we’ve seen time and time again, which is why the news of Balmain and Beyoncé co-designing is so monumental. To see a project born from love and intentional on celebrating the Black creative, as opposed to profiting off of them, is a surreal experience. This collection screams authenticity in a way IVY PARK couldn’t anymore, and potentially never could again. The inspiration was her, the vision was hers, and the consumer buy-in was for her; it had nothing to do with ADIDAS.
This collection is more than optics, though. When announced, Oliver said, “this appears to be the 1st time that a Black woman has overseen the couture offering from a historic Parisian house.” Balmain wanted to pay homage to the illustrious house while honoring the heritage of this magical performer. Keep scrolling to see more images from this historic and iconic collaboration.
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Featured image by Mason Poole/Parkwood Media/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal
As soon as I sat down to chat with jewelry founder Kimberly Fomby Jefferson, there was an energy takeover, seeming new yet very familiar. It wasn’t but a few moments later that I recognized where I felt that feeling before; it’s the same one I experienced when I came in contact with Sucré Couture, the proactive and nostalgic jewelry brand founded by Kimberly. Over the past year alone, Sucré Couture has been featured in ESSENCE, British Vogue, and New York Magazine, to name a few.
It was my pleasure to sit down with Kimberly during one of her busiest seasons to chat with her about the why behind her brand, her key tips for successful marketing in today’s saturated world, and a few tips for others who battle with imposter syndrome. If you’re unfamiliar with this powerhouse, here’s your chance to find out more! You can also shop this amazing brand in our ElevateHer xoNecole shop here!
Kimberly Fomby Jefferson
Credit: Valley In Film
xoNecole: For our readers who aren't familiar, can you give a bit of backstory on your journey to becoming a jewelry designer?
Kimberly Fomby Jefferson: My journey to becoming a jewelry designer humbly began in 2011 with $79 worth of jewelry supplies and wholesale jewelry, a Wix website, and a camera phone to take photos in a DIY lightbox made from cardboard. Between being a mom, getting an MBA, and going to a part-time marketing job, I'd be pulling together collections, promoting on social media, and selling a few trunk shows here and there.
Year after year, I'd keep at it, meeting people who eventually became amazing friends and mentors who encouraged me to continue growing Sucré Couture in the most authentic way possible.
The more I grew and gained an appreciation for my gifts, culture, style, and upbringing, the more I evolved as a jewelry designer.
xoN: What was the motivation behind launching Sucré Couture in 2011?
KFJ: Jewelry has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. As young as six or seven years old. My mother always told me to keep a pair of earrings on, or my grandmother and great-aunt would gift me dainty gold and white gold necklaces and rings as keepsakes. Even the men in my family, my father, and grandfather, were really keen on thick gold chains, heavy rings, watches, and nugget bracelets.
Naturally, my exposure and affinity for jewelry followed me throughout my life, including when I decided to launch the brand at the tail end of my residency in New Orleans. I was fresh out of college, expecting a child with my now husband, and wanting to do something creatively fulfilling. I also come from an entrepreneurial family. It's no surprise to many that I followed suit.
xoN: From the jewelry to the social media content to the editorial shoots, the Sucré Couture vibe exudes effortlessly across the board. In a world where marketing is key to any e-commerce success, what are the three strategies you've implemented to ensure seamless branding?
KFJ: Know your brand and whom you're creating it for. While, at the same time, remaining authentic to the brand and why you launched it. Because truthfully, the right people will fall in love with your brand anyway.
Be as organized as possible. Keep all of your assets and content in one place for your team. Make it easy for yourself or anyone to grab what they need to produce good content.
Lead with a campaign strategy that sets clear creative expectations at the very beginning and keep everyone informed on it.
Kimberly
Credit: Valley In Film
xoN: What does success look like to you?
KFJ: I love this question. Especially since it's come up so much for me within the last few months. Success looks like a beautiful community of heavily engaged people, a brand legacy that continues well into the future, and Sucré Couture editorial jewelry and other items that people have coveted as souvenirs of our collections for decades.
xoN: What has been your biggest challenge as a Black woman entrepreneur?
KFJ: Hmmm, my biggest challenge, and win at the same time, as a Black woman entrepreneur, has been the journey. It's no secret that Black-owned businesses, and even more so those of Black women, do not have the same access to resources as others. So I've had to get creative and roll up my sleeves to make things pop off and shine. With my knowledge bank, talents, and with the support of my team and community, Sucré Couture has managed to navigate challenges gracefully.
xoN: What has your biggest failure in this industry taught you? Please give us a brief scenario of the failure and how you found the lessons within that.
KFJ: Fortunately, through the support of a fantastic community of other entrepreneurs, friends, and family, I do not perceive anything I have encountered in the industry as failures — only lessons. A wise woman once told me, "Write off failures as professional development." As an entrepreneur, you must be willing to fall and get scraped and bruised up, only to get back up and try your best not to make the same missteps.
On this note, my biggest lesson has been checking all the facts and not skipping steps. Check your contracts and plan, plan, plan because, baby, the devil is in the details.
xoN: What is the #1 piece of advice for anyone who wants to start and launch a successful jewelry brand?
KFJ: My number one piece of advice for anyone wanting to start and launch a successful jewelry brand is to do it from the heart. Make wearable art with the same love you have for the brand. Get personal and vulnerable by how you engage with building it. Sit with it. Pick it apart. Don't be afraid to start anew and rebrand. Be genuine, and the rest will flow through your product and storytelling.
My second piece of advice is to get your feet wet in every single part of your business. From digital marketing to operations to photography to web design and development, good business owners, in general, should be able to roll their sleeves to pitch hit to keep the momentum going, if necessary.
A third piece of advice is to be coachable. Don't be afraid of constructive criticism—especially from a qualified source. If you have some good business advice that makes sense, I'll surely listen. In adjunct to this, you can't take everyone's advice either. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones. Trust your gut. You know your business better than anyone else.
Credit: Valley In Film
xoN: As someone who has been in the industry for over a decade, I'm sure you've had times when you felt stagnant, complacent, or overlooked in regard to your brand. What is the #1 piece of advice for anyone who feels like potentially giving up because they haven't reached 'success' yet?
KFJ: Girl! Keep pushing. My great Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jean, more than a decade ago, told me that it would take a minimum of 5 years to see a business bloom into its full potential and to keep chipping away at the brand. That's a gem that I always hear in the back of my mind. I'm glad I listened. Paying it forward to whoever is reading that needs to hear the same thing.
xoN: Why was it essential for you to have an all-woman team behind Sucré Couture?
KFJ: Women naturally possess an innate sense of eros, which must be reflected within the brand. Sucré Couture is deeply rooted in a love of self and love of Black culture, and our all-women home team got that down to the core. It's been tilled and nurtured by gifted hands.
xoN: What's the future look like for Sucré Couture? Any new exciting projects our readers should know about?
KFJ: The future for Sucré Couture is about to get more experiential and profound than ever. While I can't share all the details, provocative, nostalgic, and raw art is central to the experience. And more Sucré jewelry, of course!
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Feature image by Valley In Film
Since the debut of spring/summer collections last year, sheer clothing, or the ’barely there’ aesthetic as it’s being called, has been on the radar of fashion insiders for months. But after it was catapulted into the spotlight following buzz sparked around Ciara’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party look, it’s clear that the sheer aesthetic will be one of 2023’s hottest trends.
Ciara attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party wearing a sheer dress from Dundas.
Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
Perfect for warmer temperatures, the minimalist trend packs a maximum punch no matter which way one decides to wear it. On the red carpet, on the beach, or at your local cafe, the limit is nonexistent, which is why this trend will dominate in 2023.
And while it’s not a new trend (hello, Lil Kim and Naomi Campbell in the 90s), it’s definitely been modernized this season.
Lori Harvey wears sheer top, skirt, bag, blue heels outside Tory Burch during New York Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Does the rise of “free the nipple” have anything to do with the rise of sheer, barely there dressing? It could be argued one influenced the other, but that’s not the chicken-egg battle we’re discussing today. Designers are pulling out all the stops to capitalize on this trend; from all-sheer dressing to a more demure nipple slip, it’s an accessible and scalable trend.
It’s all about showcasing as much or *as little* as you want. This is an updated way to incorporate last year’s reigning trend: cut-outs.
If you’re interested in trying out this trend, keep reading for effortless ways to incorporate sheer dressing into your wardrobe.
Bare It All
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
This aesthetic lends favorably to the risk-taker in us all. This style of dress is effortlessly transcending beachwear for everyday wear, even emerging into the echelons of cocktail and formalwear. If you’re comfortable baring it all, you can easily do that with a sheer dress and nothing else. But fear not, this trend is easily complimented by a structured long blazer or a belt to provide some wanted coverage.
Peek-A-Boo
Myha'la Herrold wears green sheer blouse, gray shorts during the Paris Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Maybe full sheer isn’t your thing, and that’s what makes this trend so exciting. This is what I call the peek-a-boo method. Opt for a brightly colored sheer top to pair under a more neutral blazer or jacket for a very IT-girl moment. If you want to take even more of a risk, opt for a sheer shirt to pair with shorts and a trench, a la our girl Myha'la Herrold. The juxtaposition of textures and lengths is the perfect element for an understated but sexy moment.
A Touch Of Bling
Ari Lennox attends 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch.
Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation
When in doubt, go embellished! This is an easy (and sparkly) way to create coverage without sacrificing the barely there element of sheer clothing. Whether you adorn yourself with a jewel-encrusted sheer dress or merely layer jeweled accessories on top of a black dress to elevate the look, it’s the perfect combination for any GNO.
A Feminine Dream
Amina Ladymya wears a sheer embroidered dress during Milan Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
What is spring without a bit of pomp and circumstance? The lace detailing is a stylish way to elevate any piece of sheer clothing, especially for the spring and summer seasons. If you really want to lean into the renaissance aesthetic circling the runways, add ruffles and floral appliques to elevate this look.
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Featured image by Getty Images