FASHION WORLD: 03/20/23

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Dresses	Dresses	Designer Piece	Kurtas & Kurtis	Kadda	Sarees	Jewellery	Ethnic Wear	Designer	Women's Shoes	Sportswear
Kurtas	Western Wear	Jewellery	Salwar Suits	BangleSet	Printed Sarees	Earnings	Sarees	Dress Material	Jewellery	Sports & Shoes
Jackets	Tops	Bangles	Tops	Pendants	EmbellishSarees	Bangles & Bracelets	Kurtas & Kurtis	DesignerSaree	Fashion Jewellery	Gold jewellery
Tops	Ethnic Wear	Coin & Bars	Leh Cholis	Kadda	Handbags & Clut	Rings	Salwar Suits	Blouses	Bridal Set	Pumps & Pee
Skirts	Salwar Suits	Earings	Western Wear	Acessories	Bags & Luggage	Jewellery Sets	Chunnis & Dupattas	Gowns	Jeans	Spectacle
Jumpsuits	Sarees	Chains	Dresses	Earings	Top-Handle Bags	Sunglasses	Bottom Wear	T-Shirts & Shirts	Jeans & Jeggings	Nightwear

Monday, March 20, 2023

7 Shoe Trends To Up Your Footwear Game In 2023

If your Spring wardrobe calls for a seasonally appropriate update, the best place to start is from the bottom. Solid style choices begin with a fashionable foundation, so what better way to step into a series of fresh ensembles this year than in one of the biggest shoe trends of 2023?

Maybe you’re contemplating a pair of sneakers to kick things off but have no idea if something dad-approved, chunky, or classic white is the way to go. Perhaps you’re in need of a trusty winter boot but are unsure if it should land above, below, or right around the knee. Toiling over whether or not giant platform heels are really worth the inevitable tumble?

Ahead, we’ve got answers to all these questions and more. And while the best fashion trends will always be whichever ones are worthy of your very own style moodboard, let this be an accessory guide for what the sartorial savants are adopting this season, should you wish to follow in their footsteps.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Shoe Trend 2023: Mary-Janes

The appeal of preppy attire has yet to fade in 2023, but when it comes to the aesthetic’s favored shoe style, don’t settle for a plain old Mary Jane. The latest twist on this trend takes the classic silhouette up a notch, sometimes even literally with chunky soles and sky-high heels. Think: luxe fabrics, bold patterns, multiple straps, and pearly embellishments.

Shoe Trend 2023: Knee-High Boots

In the same way skirt hems are (somewhat) believed to rise and fall with stock prices, certain boot lengths are favored over others depending on the mood of each season. A good-looking boot never really goes out of style, but as we look ahead at the start of a new year for trends to come, our footwear preferences are following suit. Not as low as a bootie but not as tall as its over-the-knee counterpart, the knee-high boot is the perfect in-between option no matter what color, fabric, or heel you pair it with.

Shoe Trend 2023: Magenta

Pantone revealed Viva Magenta to be the official color of 2023, meaning a magical melange of crimson red, hot pink, fuchsia, raspberry, and maroon will be making its way into our closets in the form of one bright, bold hue. There’s no wrong way to wear this mood-enhancing hue, which can give everything from sneakers and flats to heels an extra punch.

Shoe Trend 2023: Fancy Flats

As much as platform soles are having a moment right now, so, too, are flats, from ballerina styles to the pointy-toed tips that were peak Y2K. But don’t confuse these flats for commuter shoes, because what they lack in height they make up for in sparkle. These are fancy flats fit for dance floors and fabulous fêtes.

Shoe Trend 2023: Moto Boot

Biker fashion is officially in thanks to motorcycle-inspired everything on the spring/summer 2023 runways. There were buckles and gloves and leather galore, with protective pants and moto jackets cementing the aesthetic as a style staple. You don’t need to be racing to appreciate what the trend can add to your winter wardrobe, and dipping your toe in with a chunky boot is a good place to start.

Shoe Trend 2023: Bow Ties

As much as we love chic suiting, this dazzling trend has nothing to do with tuxedos. Instead, think of your feet as gifts to be wrapped, your toes as tiny presents you can tie right up in a bow. That’s the signature look of up-and-coming brands like Mach & Mach, founded in 2017 by a pair of Tbilisi-based sisters on their way to having their biggest year yet.

Shoe Trend 2023: Hybrid Sneakers

What happens when you cross the always-cool sneaker silhouette with a practical, winter-proof shoe? Believe it or not, you get an ultra-trendy hybrid model that can take you from outdoor excursions to indoor reservations — no footwear change required.

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The 33 Best Sandals To Strap Onto Your Feet This Spring

The spring equinox has arrived baby, which means sandal season is going to be in full swing. While trends come and go, sandals will always be a warm-weather must-have. From strappy, barely there sandals to chunky wedges, there’s a pair for every style, outfit, and budget. Overwhelmed by all the options? We’ve consolidated several of our favorite comfortable sandal brands and styles into a best sandals guide (and included a few other trends we’re loving for our feet).

To make the list, we looked at a number of factors, including overall comfort level, trendiness, price point, and use. For instance, we love that our readers are the types to need hiking sandals in the morning and heeled wedding sandals in the evening. Or, perhaps there’s a practical need for a chic waterproof sandal that’s appropriate for both a beach day and a rainy dinner date. Maybe you’re a prudent shopper in the market for sensible (and obviously cute) orthopedic sandals or travel shoes that won’t cramp your OOTD. Whatever kind of sandal you need, the internet shall deliver.

One major thing to keep in mind is that we are talking shoes, which means that depending on the sandal, a break-in period is absolutely necessary and to be expected. But once that’s done, you’ll have that perfectly molded-to-you shoe. Ahead, our sandals guide provides you with some of the best toe-wiggling, pedicure-friendly styles.

Best Sandals For Walking

Whether you’re looking for a go-to walking shoe to help get all of your errands done or searching for the most foot-friendly option for some summer sightseeing, there are plenty of options. These options have extra sole support and thick straps to keep you feeling secure all day long. Plus, they’re beloved by those who already wear them.

Best Platform Sandals

Let’s get high — off the ground, that is. Platform sandals continue to be a favorite summer shoe style because these height-boosters are generally more comfortable than actual heels. Plus, the chunky sole can provide cushioning between you and the hard floor or sidewalk. Check out platform sandals (and flatform sandals) with thick soles made from lightweight natural cork or natural rubber.

Best Closed-Toe Sandals

One of the biggest closed-toe sandal trends is the fisherman sandal, which is ideal for anyone who wants to go a little longer between pedicures. Another classic staple in this category is huaraches, which are hand-woven braided sandals originating from Mexico. Also, consider classic espadrilles that’ll keep you covered and comfortable.

Best Slides

For the ultimate out-the-door-in-seconds shoe, it doesn’t get better than the slide. It’s such an easy and effortless silhouette that you’ll find it everywhere. Your fave activewear brand likely has its own version of the slide sandal, as does your fave shoe designer. We pulled a few unique styles that also include decent arch support, here.

Best Heeled Sandals (That Are Actually Comfortable)

Comfortable, cute heels aren’t an oxymoron — if you know what to look for. The key is finding shoes with trendy details that still keep you (relatively) close to the ground, like sandals from “comfortable shoe” brands like Camper. Prefer a chunkier step? A heeled platform clog, like this style from Boden, will give you a lift without any of the pain.

Best Cheap, Under-$15 Sandals

Sometimes we just need an unfussy pair of affordable sandals to get us through the season. Luckily, the internet has plenty to offer via fashion heavy hitters like Asos and Forever 21. At such gentle price points, you won’t be shy about wearing them to death.

Best Sandals for Hiking & Sports

Fabulous for hiking, camping, or general sporting, these strappy waterproof sandals are designed to stay secure on your feet at all times — no matter if you’re wading in a river or hitting the trails. In terms of being nature-friendly, the best outdoor sandals check all the boxes: They’re quick-dry, have grippy traction soles, and boast comfy EVA-cushioned footbeds.

Best Orthopedic Sandals

Somewhere along the way, orthopedic shoe brands like Dr. Scholl’s have become ultra-stylish and trendy. (And, no, not in an ironic way.) Depending on your foot preferences, seek out squishy EVA footbeds that can help absorb your steps. These comfort-focused brands also offer good arch and ankle support, and they are a great all-day option for travel or work.

Best Luxury Sandals

Because we love an extra moment, anytime, anywhere, we conclude this best summer sandals guide with a few luxury sandal styles that also double as statement shoes. Colorful espadrilles, thong-styled sandals, trendy puff sandals — bring ‘em all on, and step forth in confidence!

Best Wide Fit Sandals

Wide-feet shoppers know that finding a stylish brand that also offers extended-width shoes is no easy task. Fortunately, we can look to trustworthy wide-width shoe brands. Retailers like Amazon and Zappos also have God-sent search filters, so only wide and extra-wide sandals are pulled up.

Best Waterproof Sandals For The Beach Or Pool

Chances are you’ll be hitting the pool or beach before summer ends, and you’ll need waterproof sandals tasked to take you there and back. Look for PCU or a synthetic material that dries fast and won’t warp or get soggy when wet. Molded footbeds and fun patterns and designs also help these utilitarian shoes have a bit of style. For a day-to-night waterproof sandal that makes you look even more put-together, opt for a pool shoe with a slingback strap.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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24 Caribbean-Owned Fashion Brands To Shop Now

When you hear “Caribbean style” you might think of sandals, beach hats, and maxi dresses. But luxury fashion has a long history of drawing inspiration and borrowing techniques from the region and its diaspora.

Take, for example, small independent brands channeling the flags and slang of their home countries or established fashion designers that make sartorial springboards of their childhood memories, like legendary designers Oscar de la Renta and Isabel Toledo, who often cite their Caribbean home countries as reference.

But a new generation of talent is spotlighting the Caribbean landscapes and histories through clothes and accessories. And, thanks to organizations like the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which has supported emerging Caribbean-American designers through the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and the Latin American Fashion Summit, which recently held a three-day conference, titled "Raíces" in the Dominican Republic, many of them are getting their flowers.

We rounded up some of our favorite Caribbean-owned brands and designers to celebrate their impact in the fashion space. Here are 28 labels you’ll want to know (and shop!) in 2023.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Luar

Dominican-American designer Raúl Lopez is the designer behind Luar, a brand that's become one of the buzziest labels in fashion. A winner of the 2022 CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year Award, Lopez draws inspiration from his upbringing between New York's Williamsburg, where he grew up, and the Dominican Republic, where he spent his summers as a kid.

*Shop Luar.*

Lemaris Lorenzo

Puerto Rican designer Lemaris Lorenzo returned to her home island after years in Paris to launch her own store, atelier, and design school — all with a sustainable, slow approach.

*Shop Lemaris Lorenzo*.

**Merch Carnival**
Merch Carnival is an apparel and accessories brand and online retailer dedicated to celebrating Caribbean heritage through fashion that’s sourced from a wide range of designers. Born in St. Croix, founder Ashleé Douglas launched the e-retailer in 2012 with a mission to support West Indian designers and artisans. This is your source for “Island Gyal” merch and “Bush Tea” mugs.

*Shop Merch Carnival*

**Bien Abyé**
Bien Abyé, which means “well dressed” in Creole, is a ready-to-wear and accessories brand inspired by Creole culture in Haiti. Massachusetts-born designer Dayanne Danier focuses on recreating traditional styles like beaded bags and colorful scarves that live up to the brand’s name.

*Shop Bien Abyé*

**Bori Socks**
This Puerto Rican brand’s sole mission is to elevate the island’s culture through clothing, releasing limited-edition items each season. From T-shirts and hats to socks and swim trunks, the brand finds a way to connect people to Puerto Rican culture with its use of symbols and slang terms that are uniquely Boricua.

*Shop* *Bori Socks*

**Brandon Blackwood**
Born and raised in Brooklyn, the Jamaican-Chinese handbag designer creates trend-forward pieces that somehow feel like classics. Launched in 2015, the brand’s handbag styles are named after some of Blackwood’s closest friends and collaborators.

*Shop Brandon Blackwood*

**Fe Noel**
The Brooklyn-based brand is inspired by the founder Felisha Noel’s Grenadian heritage. The uplifting assortment of casual yet elegant clothing, accessories, and swimwear are a celebration of culture and glamour.

*Shop Fe Noel*

**Isleñas**
Launched in 2018, Isleñas is a sustainable footwear brand known for its color-blocked espadrille sandal styles. The line also runs a training and manufacturing program helping women through the non-profit Centro Sor Isolina Ferré in Puerto Rico.

*Shop Isleñas*

**Jam+Rico**
As its name suggests, Jam + Rico is an accessories brand influenced by its founder’s Jamaican and Puerto Rican roots. Finding inspiration in the lush nature of both islands, Brooklyn-raised designer Lissette Scott focuses on translating the colors, shapes, and symbols found in the Caribbean into bright and bold metallic accessories like shell-structured bracelets and sun-shaped earrings.

*Shop Jam+Rico*

**Krystal Paniagua**
Knitwear designer Krystal Paniagua is a favorite of Kylie Jenner. The Puerto Rican designer makes sculptural knitwear, including ruched asymmetric tops and uneven skirts, all made by hand in her London studio.

*Shop Krystal Paniagua*

**Lights Label**
Influencer and beauty blogger Kathleen Lights launched her apparel brand Lights Label last year. The collection of apparel, accessories, and bags, which draw from her love of astrology and many of which feature modern blobby designs (think of trendy novel covers), is influenced by Lights’s Cuban heritage and Miami lifestyle.

*Shop Lights Label*

Maylé Vásquez

Based in the Dominican Republic, Vásquez adds a minimalist aesthetic to Caribbean design, with pieces ranging from two-piece midi skirt sets to swimwear and fringe cover-ups.

*Shop Maylé Vásquez.*

**Los Tejedores**
Los Tejedores is a brand created by Natalia Ortega Gómez and Ricardo Ariel Toribio. Mostly composed of hats (there’s also an eyebrow-raising “disciplina” fly swatter), the line fuses weaving traditions with a modern aesthetic. The two Dominican designers work closely with artisans in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

*Shop Los Tejedores*

**Luiny**
Jewelry line Luiny, a standard bearer of bold minimalism, was created by self-taught Puerto Rican designer Luiny Rivera. The brand is now based in New York City, where Rivera designs accessories in intricate shapes and textures inspired by her travels and her time at home.

*Shop Luiny*

**Luz Ortiz**
Dominican-born designer Luz Ortiz creates accessories mixing her Caribbean upbringing and the modern, industrial, and organic shapes that surround her in New York City, where she lives. Each piece is handcrafted in Ortiz’s studio using precious metals and natural stones.

*Shop Luz Ortiz*

**Mateo New York**
Jamaican-born Matthew Harris moved to the United States as a 16-year-old, eventually becoming a self-taught jewelry designer. His label Mateo New York now carries both jewelry and handbags, and became a 2016 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist.

*Shop Mateo New York*

**Nina Rios**
Puerto Rican jewelry designer Nina Rios is trained in metal smithing, creating accessories with a vintage finish. Launched in 2016, her New York City-based brand is focused on communicating the designer’s experiences living in New York’s urban landscape and the lush Caribbean island she grew up in.

*Shop Nina Rios*

Sol Weavings

Founded by Haitian-Salvadoran designer Cristina Baussan, Sol Weavings is a jewelry line that's merges the worlds of journalism, poetry, and fashion. Baussan, a freelance journalist and poet, has embedded her words in some of the pieces she's created for brand, which is handmade in Paris.

*Shop Sol Weavings*.

**Olette**
Launched in 2020, Olette is a line of chic basics in solid colors and organic fabrics. Dominican designer Carolyn Compres-Diaz worked on the brand for years before launching during the pandemic with a core collection of items such as high-waisted pants and shorts, as well as off-the-shoulder tops in white, cream, and green hues.

*Shop Olette*

**Pantora Bridal**
Pantora Bridal is a Brooklyn-based special occasion brand designed by Andrea Pitters, who is of Jamaican descent. The brand specializes in wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, as well as ready-to-wear garments and marriage merch including nuptial face masks.

*Shop Pantora Bridal*

**Pyer Moss**
Since 2013, Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss has become a mainstay in the fashion world, launching collaborations with Reebok and Brother Vellies. The Haitian-American designer is a master at injecting social commentary into his collections and making headlines with his fearless and impactful truth-telling within the fashion industry.

*Shop Pyer Moss*

**Theophilio**
Edvin Thompson’s Theophilo carries his Jamaican DNA throughout the line. Named after the designer’s middle name, the brand is full of vibrant mesh and leather pieces. The Brooklyn-based designer is also a 2021 CFDA/Fashion Fund winner and a CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year.

*Shop Theophilio*

**Santos by Mónica**
Made from cactus fibers, the Santos by Mónica bags are a collection of sustainable vegan leather handbags known for their unexpected shapes and vibrant colors. Designer Mónica Santos hand crafts each order from her studios in New York City and Puerto Rico.

*Shop Santos by Mónica*

**Xio by Ylette**
Named after the designer’s grandmother, Xio by Ylette is an online jewelry brand by Cuban influencer Ylette Luis. The brand’s collection is full of zodiac-themed necklaces and ‘90s-inspired accessories.

*Shop Xio by Ylette*

Yayi by Yayi Pérez
Founded by designer Yayi Pérez, the Puerto Rico-based brand is known for its sustainable approach to fashion, producing capsule collections inspired by Caribbean living, including maxi dresses, short-sleeved button-down shirts, and delicate tops.

*Shop Yayi by Yayi Pérez*

AnOnlyChild
The brainchild of former Public School co-designer Maxwell Osborne, AnOnlyChild is a contemporary label that’s rooted in the designer’s Jamaican roots, with a debut collection that featured breezy two-piece sets and silk dresses, as well as monochrome suits and mesh tank tops.

*Shop AnOnlyChild*

Santana & Co.
Founded in 2021 by influencer Gabrielle Santana, Santana & Co. is a jewelry brand focused on bringing Puerto Rican heritage to the accessories world, including thick chains, bedazzled hoops, and an azabache necklace.

*Shop Santana & Co.*

Fanm Mon
Launched in 2013, the luxury womenswear brand is designed by founder Sophia Demirtas, who is a Haiti-born, Turkey-based creative and entrepreneur. The line is known for its bold prints and casual dresses that are fit for a day at the beach of a cocktail party.

*Shop Fanm Mon*

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24 Matching Sweatsuits Worth Living In

Pandemic trends may have come and gone (RIP, many, many sourdough starters), but there are a few that never left. A slew of outfit phenomenons (the beloved nap dress) has proven just too cute and comfortable to leave behind, and there's one, in particular, that I’ll remain grateful for: the matching sweatsuit set.

As a freelance fashion writer, I was always a big fan of sporting my pajamas while conducting phone interviews and writing stories from the comfort of my own abode. Although matching sweatsuits are nothing new, they got a total rebrand back in 2020 and elevated our WFH wardrobes beyond the "I just rolled out of bed look." And now that in-person meetings, events, and coffee dates have replaced Zoom calls, these matching sets are transitioning from stay-home staples to chic streetwear. One reason they're not going anywhere? The comfy sets are endlessly iterable and can be updated to match the current season, trending colors, and more.

Ahead, find 24 stylish sweatsuit sets that are so cozy you won’t want (or really need to) take them off.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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