
Courtney Simpson is a dynamic writer with an affinity towards fashion and pop culture.
Keep up her daily looks on Instagram @hautecourtxo.
ElevateHer Is Back! Get Your Gifting On With 100 Black Women-Owned Products To Choose From
We’re pleased to announce that ElevateHer, your favorite online marketplace, is back and better than ever!
Launched in 2021 with the mission of connecting xoNecole shoppers to small Black women-owned businesses, the ElevateHer shop has returned with even more fly finds for the holiday season! As our tribe knows, xoNecole doesn't just talk about supporting Black women business owners, we infuse the love in everything we do. Our brand has always emphasized the importance of highlighting Black women entrepreneurs through our editorial platform and events, which is why we’re thrilled to bring back our newest ElevateHer Shop, powered by SheaMoisture!
Our 2022 iteration of ElevateHER showcases 100 Black-women-owned products that spark holiday joy in five curated collections. Our list includes self-care (Treat Yourself), cozy homewares (Dope Adobes), perfect presents for your significant other (It’s The You For Me), style (It’s A Lewk), and the best in beauty and skincare (Glowin’ & Poppin’) - we have it all!! No matter who you’re shopping for, you're guaranteed to find that wow factor in every gift!
To complement our ElevateHer shop, we’ve elevated the experience with a plethora of interactive moments. In partnership with SheaMoisture, we’ll be highlighting holiday hair stories that will inspire your next big 2023 look. We’ll also curate shopping guides for Black Friday, to make shopping for Black-owned products as easy as possible. And lastly, but most excitingly - for the first time, our team tapped 5 entrepreneurs featured in the shop to be our ElevateHer Ambassadors!
To get to know them better, each ElevateHer ambassador will represent a specific category, and xoNecole will highlight each ambassador’s inspiring story of success! And the good vibes don't stop there! Each ambassador will host an Instagram giveaway where you'll get a chance to win a product from their storefront as well as $100 worth of SheaMoisture goodies!
Shop with us. Read with us. Get inspired with us. And most importantly, Elevate with us!
Visit xonecole.com/shop to browse this year's collections.
There is something downright magical about New York Fashion Week in September. Unlike its February counterpart, the fall shows ooze a certain excitement and freshness to the week that remains unmatched. Coupled with the past two years of restricted access and virtual shows, it was reflected in the elevated standard of street style this year. While the designers were hard at work to showcase the best they have for spring, influencers, editors, and celebrities alike were giving stunning glimpses into what we can expect this year.
The good thing is, that there’s a major trend for every facet of the fashion spectrum. Gone are the days of a monolith trend that overtakes the shows, instead fashion is back in the hands of the people. Wearability was the common thread across the array of designers that showed at NYFW. If the remote days proved anything, it’s to not discount the need for comfort in fashion.
As with every season, trends are about what you make of them. Not every trend is for everyone, but I believe everyone can find a trend that aligns with their personal style and makes fashion fun again.
Basics - Ultra 90’s Minimalism
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
A notable trend making waves on the runways of cult favorites like Prada and Bottega Veneta is a nod to basics, literally. The looks focus on clean silhouettes that center on simple yet quality pieces, like a white tank top, classic pair of jeans, or nipped-tucked blazer. In lieu of the heavy layering that traditionally occupies the fall season, concentrating on accessories elevates the timeless look. Don’t get it twisted though, a basic doesn’t always mean basic. Like Abria, you can opt for a pop of color to modernize the trend.
Denim on Denim
David Dee Delgado/Getty Images
Coming off of the minimalist trend is the revival of denim-heavy outfits, a la the 2000s MTV Awards. Unlike early aughts though, the silhouettes are more modern, cleaner, and focused around dynamically playing with the traditional fabric. This trend is all about utilizing denim in a fun, innovative way, bringing the versatility of the fabric to the forefront.
Whether it’s pairing multiple denim pieces or rocking a maxi-length denim skirt, the options are limitless around this emerging trend. Whether you opt for an oversized shacket, a maxi skirt, or a patchwork handbag, this trend is easy to incorporate with anyone’s personal style.
The Longer The Better
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
If the first half of 2022 was dominated by the tiniest of mini skirts, expect the second half to be an ode to sweeping, floor-length hemlines. Suit trousers that brush past the bottom of your heel, maxi-length skirts that dust your ankles; fall hemlines are going to great lengths. Inspiring designers like Victor Glemaud, Hanifa, and Jovana Louis exhibited collections that dynamically played with the longer hemline, in some cases playing with the symmetry to add a subtle sex appeal. There are a plethora of ways to incorporate this trend easily, whether you opt for simple or statement is up to you.
Perfectly Pretty Pastels
Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
In an unusual twist this year, the pretty pastels and ultra-feminine silhouettes of spring are here to stay into autumn and winter. A trend that typically fades with the greenness of the leaves, expect to see more lace details, feathers, fringe, and more notably, pale pink. A sister to spring’s IT color, Barbie Pink, pretty pale pastels are involved in the fall collections of big and small design houses alike.
Return of the Goth
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
A stark contrast to the pastels of the Y2K, the resurgence of grunge is the silent star of the season. Following the viral “Teenage Garage Trend” on TikTok, the punk aesthetic of the 2010s is a microtrend that’s quickly gaining steam. Accessories like Doc Martins have been on the rise for years, but now designers are showing tons of distressed leather, harnesses worn naked, and smushed mascara. If you’re hesitant to embrace this new trend, pepper in pieces under layers or with more traditional silhouettes to experiment with the trend.
Nothing To See Here
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
There’s no escaping this trend because skin is really, really in. Dubbed ‘revenge dressing’ in certain instances, this trend has a global appeal that has been percolating all year long. For the better part of 2022, there was nary a red carpet without a slew of barely-there dresses, jumpsuits, and mini skirts. The trend has officially made its way to the streets of fashion week, thus revealing itself as a trend that’s here to stay.
According to global shopping platform, Lyst, searches for naked fashion pieces jumped 430% over the last three months, trompe l’oeil body prints (or body illusion prints) specifically. Of the trends listed above, it’s the easiest one to adopt due to the lack of accessories one needs to pull it off. You must simply just slip it on.
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Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
After two years of athleisure, oversized silhouettes, and video chats, destination dressing is having a welcomed comeback tour. As evident by the never-ending tap-worthy content of the girls this summer, there’s no expectation for this to slow down in the colder months. This year it’s all about making memorable IRL experiences, including dressing the part.
Falling in line with the rebirth of Bratz fashion, and ultimately everything related to Y2K style, platforms continue to be the IT shoe of the season for all parties involved. From Versace to Marc Jacobs to Valentino, you can’t throw a butterfly clip three feet without hitting a seeing a sky-high shoe of some sort.
According to global shopping platform, Lyst, platform boots were the top product for the first quarter of 2022, alongside the ankle-strap platform offered by Valentino. Last week alone, online searches for platforms were up 16% and chunky loafers were up at a higher rate of 23%. The versatility of the platform is what keeps the trend fresh, and effortless for a multitude of people with different styles. No matter the occasion, there’s a platform for you.
Keep reading to shop 7 trending pairs of platforms for fall, at every price point.
1.Flat Boots
The easiest and most comfortable option of the bunch, flat platform boots are an effortless way to incorporate platforms into your everyday wardrobe. Due to the trend being around for a year or so, there are plenty of options across many fabrics, colors, and heights. This boot saw a lot of action during the beginning of the year, but with a change in fabric and in darker hues, expect to see it twice as much.
2.Open Toe Heels
One of the more classic ways to rock the platform, but equally one of the sexiest. There’s no denying the (not-so) subtle sexiness that comes from a great platform heel. Anything that elongates the leg and creates a beautiful silhouette is an immediate yes. The Prada heel (pictured above) is having its moment in the sun, but there is a lot of variety out there. Glitter is optional of course, but, what’s the harm?
3.BRATZ-inspired Pumps
You’re living under a fashion rock if you haven’t seen the Bratz-inspired subset of this trend. Everyone from Gabrielle Union to Latto to Lil' Kim has been spotted slaying this style of the platform, often resulting in a new phenomenon of Barbiecore. As seen on our celebrity favorites, it’s often touted as a going-out shoe but Ramona (pictured above) effortlessly showcases how easy this trend can be paired with a casual outfit.
4.Heeled Boots
If you want to make a statement without overdoing it, a platform boot is for you. Tall boots have been trending for a couple of years so there’s a variety of options available. If a tall boot isn’t your speed, the ankle boot is also on its comeback tour.
5.Mules
While this presents as more of a summer trend, the mule is a great transitional piece for anyone’s wardrobe. It’s easily paired under wide-leg denim, can delicately compliment a simple slip dress, or elevate a simple monochromatic matching set.
6.Loafers
Another cool yet classic way to incorporate platforms into your wardrobe; the loafer is the silent winner of the trend. The Prada version is the strongest contender (pictured above), but plenty of designers are offering their own versions. This is a newer faction of this trend but it’s not expected to be a one-season hitter; expect to see her in 2023 too.
7.Goddess Strap Up
Lastly, another summer trend that’s transitioning into the fall months effortlessly. The gladiator sandal is on the verge of a resurgence, and this is just the first iteration of that. This fall must-have is the statement shoe for any after-hours party, house party, or even a cute, late-night date night. It’s giving an understated vibe; the girl is ready to have fun but as always, keeping it cute!
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Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
After another strenuous and stressful year, the determination to start 2022 with a positive outlook is non-negotiable. A fresh mindset, accompanied by new stationery and a meticulously detailed vision board, can make the start of the new year feel like your own personal playground. It’s a brand new year with new goals, new vibes, and new…whatever you want, really. Many of us thrive on the idea of a fresh start and the opportunities afforded with it; a way to put actions behind the self-work we did all year.
For many of us though, this can be achieved by implementing simple habits and routines that effortlessly enhance your day-to-day. An uncomplicated way can be by cultivating an everyday look that breeds confidence while maintaining a level of comfort. Especially if you’re still working from home, looking your best is a surefire way to feel good and perform at your best. A bright sweater on a rainy day or an oversized blazer on a meeting-heavy day can effortlessly uplight and enhance your mood.
Aligning the unique energy of each day with your wardrobe can make you feel prepared, self-assured, and focused. Keep scrolling to see a week of my life through outfits that make me feel ready to tackle the new year.
Monday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"Since my weeks start meeting-heavy, I gravitate towards looks that make me feel self-assured and put together. Nothing says that like tonal dressing, so I paired my favorite chunky knit with my favorite trousers for an elevated WFH ‘fit."
Where to Shop: Re Ona Sand Trousers (Black-owned), H&M turtleneck, Nike Air Forces, Telfar Mini Oxblood (Black-owned).
Tuesday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"For snow-filled days, the assignment is easy: Stay warm. So when I did venture outside, I reached for this baby blue puffer without hesitation. It’s pretty lightweight so I wore a thicker long-sleeve bodysuit underneath, paired it with faux leather leggings, and topped it off with the pièce de résistance: Oversized white combat boots."
Where to Shop: Express Faux Leather Leggings, Black bodysuit, Steve Madden Boots, Telfar Mini Cream (Black-owned).
Wednesday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"Causal vibes for humpday, especially when it’s below freezing outside. Since I opted for my satin blue joggers to elevate the look, I dressed it down with a white sweater and camel teddy coat. To keep an element of style to the look, I added my retro 1’s and Pillow Tabby Coach bag."
Where to Shop: TIER satin blue joggers (black-owned), H&M white sweater, Jordan 1’s, Zara Teddy Coat.
Thursday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"If I had a ‘winter uniform,’ this would be it. There’s something so simple and marvelous about a perfect pair of denim and a structured blazer. I opted for a cutout high-neck top and Doc Martin-style boots to add a bit of cool."
Where to Shop: American Eagle loose denim, Zara white blazer, All Saints Boots, Urban Outfitters top.
Friday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"Date night is here and sis is ready! I love to play with ‘less is more' during the winter, especially on date nights. I adore this peephole turtleneck for that exact reason. When paired with this midi-length faux leather skirt, the silhouette can’t be beaten. I added the leopard platform shoes for a bit of sass, and my Telfar mini to keep it all the way cute."
Where to Shop: Undra Celeste turtleneck (black-owned), SHEIN leather skirt, Jessica Simpson leopard platforms, Telfar Cream mini.
Featured image by Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
Finding your personal style seems like an easy feat, but start the journey and you’ll soon find it overwhelming with minimal initial reward. Since style is so intricately tied to the type of person you are, it evolves and changes as you do. The uncomfortable truth is, it can take years to cultivate and perfect your personal style. But that shouldn’t stop you from honing in on what you like and replicating that in your wardrobe.
It can seem like an arduous task, especially in a trend-crazed industry like fashion, but I promise it’s not. To help start your journey, I asked four wickedly talented stylists for advice and tips on finding your personal style.
Rasheena
"My journey to my personal style began in my teenage years as an act of rebellion. I experimented with opposing colors and patterns in this stage. However, my love deepened in my college years when I was able to wear clothes other than the 'required uniform.' I fell in love with aesthetics at this stage; the grunge, preppy, urban, and chic aesthetics literally stole my heart. As I developed in life, I found that my style constantly changed based on my personality and perception of life.
"If I had to describe my style right now, I would call it freedom. I freely explore all style aesthetics that excite me while staying true to my core aesthetics, or vibe as I call it; grunge, urban, chic and preppy. My style is my safe space to explore myself as a person and online shopping is my favorite destination for exploration."
Her Top Tips for Finding Your Style:
- Identify three character traits you'd like to embody.
- Find three stores that complement your body type and style desires.
- Try on everything that makes you uncomfortable! (It may surprise you!)
Derria
"I would like to attribute finding my personal style to my grandma. I grew up spending summers with her and we would always go to the mall and shop until we were absolutely tired. She also is one of the most stylish people I know and she owns it. She always gets tons of compliments when she is out and about and I've always admired that about her. I basically followed in her footsteps when it comes to my personal style.
"Throughout my childhood and adulthood, my style changed so much. I went from wearing matching plastic jewelry and Jordans to vintage jewelry and graphic tees with my favorite flats; all the way up until now my style is comfy chic. I will most definitely be wearing sneakers but I wear what is comfortable to me. Maybe that's a skirt or a jumpsuit. Then I add my own twist or edge to it. I love my style!"
Her Top Tips for Finding Your Style:
- Wear what you want! Don't worry about what other people think. Not your friends, family, or strangers. Wear what you feel comfortable in!
- Be open to trying new trends and/or starting your own! You never know who will be inspired by your style.
- Own it. People can definitely tell when you are uncomfortable with what you're wearing. So when you drape those clothes on your skin, make sure you OWN IT.
Malak
"I've always had a love for fashion but my true journey started when I was in college. It was a time that I became more expressive in my overall appearance and how I was feeling. I just felt so liberated! I would describe my style as being a girly tomboy. I love to wear heels and dress up but I also love a good t-shirt and sneakers. After my college experience came to an end, I began to take more risks with my style. I love to play around in color, stand out, but also be effortless and relaxed when needed.
"It's funny as I am talking about it, it truly makes sense that my personal style has continued to elevate and grow as I am growing into the woman that I am called to be. My style is only an expression of who I am today: I'm bold, unique, authentic, a risk-taker, and confident. My style will only continue to evolve as I evolve in this life. I'm fully embracing change and I am not afraid to step outside of the box."
Her Top Tips for Finding Your Style:
- Be authentic, be you! God makes us one of one and you should fully embrace that there is nobody like you. Your style should reflect you and only you.
- Designer is NOT style. Fashion is trendy and style is timeless. Style is your aesthetic choices: how you pull your overall look together down to the hair and outfit of choice.
- Be a risk-taker in the way that you think about your style. I truly believe that my best work with my clients has been taking risks instead of playing it safe. When you take risks with something as simple as your outfit, you naturally become more confident.
Tiffany
"I started off wearing my sisters' hand-me-downs but knew I wanted to dress in a way that expressed specifically who I am and what I knew looked right on me. So, I began to think about my body type and the clothing pieces that complemented my frame and found stores that sold pieces that worked for me. I started experimenting and eventually found what stuck. and what best mirrored my personality! Eventually, I started studying other body types and what pieces worked for them and began my personal styling journey, helping women dress for their body types and best express themselves."
Her Top Tips for Finding Your Style:
- Hire a stylist for an expert analysis of what style best reflects your style goals.
- Ask yourself questions about how you want to present to the world, and what clothing items best make that statement.
- Explore what clothing pieces make you feel most comfortable and like yourself.
Featured image by @tiffanystyledit/Instagram
Sustainability has been the buzzword for fashion brands over the past few years. Due to the highly visible spotlight of global warming, brands and consumers are a buzz to embrace more sustainable habits and processes. But it still leaves a lot of us thinking, what exactly makes a brand sustainable? According to the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, a sustainable brand features “local sourcing and production, transparency across the supply chain, traceability of work processes and raw materials, environmentally friendly raw materials, safe working conditions, and fair wages.”
As you can see, the inefficiencies in the industry not only impact the environment around us, it also influences the culture it employs; with an estimated labor force of 3.3 million people, the impact is substantial.
The fashion industry has many complicated issues that will only balloon in the coming years. With that though, comes a plethora of ways for us to course-correct if we’re willing. A few sustainable buying habits include embracing the rental market with programs like Rent the Runway or Vivrelle or purchasing secondhand clothing over new ones. But as consumers, one of the most impactful steps we can take is ‘conscious fashion.’ It’s the most popular example of sustainability that puts the onus on the consumer to not only avoid fast fashion but to also use sustainable efforts in caring for their garments.
We can all do our part to help the environment. Below are several sustainable brands that are stylish, ethical, and worth it.
1.Local European, a womenswear label based in Los Angeles with a focus on timeless silhouettes with modern touches.
Where to Shop:: https://localeuropean.com/
2.Reformation, a womenswear label with the mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone.
Where to Shop:: https://www.thereformation.com/
3.Madewell, a denim-focused brand that recently branched out to men’s apparel as well.
Where to Shop:: https://www.madewell.com/
4.Everlane, a brand that sources the finest materials and factories for timeless products.
Where to Shop:: https://www.everlane.com/
5.Girlfriend Collective, an athleisure brand using recycled, biodegradable fibers.
Where to Shop:: https://girlfriend.com/collections/all
6.Megan Renee, a Los Angeles-based unapologetically feminine and bold women's brand.
Where to Shop:: https://shopmeganrenee.com/
7.Quince, high-quality products at radically low prices.
Where to Shop:: https://www.onequince.com/
8.ABLE, an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty.
Where to Shop:: https://www.livefashionable.com/
9.Aday, a minimalist capsule brand for maximizing life.
Where to Shop:: https://www.thisisaday.com/
10.Aritzia, a design house with an innovative global platform.
Where to Shop:: https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/home
11.Eileen Fisher, a womenswear brand that effortlessly combines timeless and elegant lines.
Where to Shop:: https://www.eileenfisher.com/
12.Cuyana, a label with timeless collections for the modern woman through carefully selected fabrics, precise silhouettes, and attention to detail.
Where to Shop:: https://www.cuyana.com/shop
13.Amour Vest, womenswear specializing in luxuriously soft-tailored styles.
Where to Shop:: https://amourvert.com/
Featured image by Getty Images