Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and so are the sales. Many of our favorite brands and retailers have already launched their MDW deals, and we’ve done the digging so you can shop effortlessly. If you’re in the market for big-ticket items like designer fashion, luxury beauty, and top-rated mattresses, or want to stock up on everyday products, now’s the time to make those purchases for less (and enjoy the long weekend relaxing instead of scrolling).
Read on for your one-stop guide to every worthwhile discount code and markdown from reader-favorite brands and retailers like Nordstrom and Vacation. So fill your virtual cart with summer staples while they’re at their lowest.
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Best Memorial Day Sale Quick Links
Abercrombie & Fitch: Take between 20% and 40% off almost everything. Plus, take an extra 15% off almost everything with stackable code AFSUMMER. Avocado: Take up to 20% off organic mattresses. Away: Take up to 25% off select luggage. Calpak: Take 20% off sitewide. Cider: Take up to 70% off select styles. Cozy Earth: Take 20% off sitewide or 25% off your order when you buy 3 or more items. DSW: Loyalty Members take 25% off full-price and clearance styles. Eberjey: Take an extra 20% off all sale styles with code GETAWAY26. Flamingo: Take 15% off sitewide with code LONGWEEKEND. Good American: Take 40% off all sale styles. Great Jones: Take 25% off sitewide. Hollister: Take between 25% and 50% off sitewide. Hutch: Take an extra 50% off markdowns with code SUMMERTIME. Ilia: Take 20% off sitewide (25% off for VIPs). Plus, get free full-sized products on $100+ and $175+ purchases. JC Penney: Take an extra 25% off select apparel, shoes, accessories, and fine jewelry with code GARDEN. J.Crew: Take up to 40% off your purchase of select items, and 50% off dresses. Plus, take an extra 40% off sale styles with code SUMMER. Jenny Bird: Take 15% off any two water-resistant pieces. L’Agence: Take 25% off sale styles and select full-priced styles. Levi’s: Take 30% off sitewide, plus an extra 40% off sale styles. Made In: Take up to 30% off summer cookware. Medik8: Take 25% almost everything (excluding kits, tools, and travel). Miraclesuit: Take 25% off select styles with code MDW. Nordstrom: Take up to 50% off clothing, accessories, and home. Nordstrom Rack: Take up to 60% off vacation styles and up to 75% off new markdowns. Nori: Take 25% off sitewide. Olaplex: Take 25% off sitewide. Parachute: Take 25% off sitewide and 30% off bundles. PinkCherry: Ttake up to 80% off select items, plus 40% off sitewide with code SCREAM. Purple: Take up to $700 off select mattresses or $900 off a mattress and base. Quince: Take 25% off bedding bundles. Ruggable: Take up to 25% off select products. Supergoop!: Take 20% off sitewide. Vacation Sale: Take up to 35% off select products, and get a free lip balm or lotion on $70+ and $90+ purchases. Wayfair: Take up to 70% off select homeware Zales: Take an extra 20% off clearance.
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Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales
Abercrombie & Fitch Sale
From May 20 through May 25, take between 20% and 40% off almost everything. Plus, take an extra 15% off almost everything with stackable code AFSUMMER.
From May 21 through May 22, take 15% off sitewide with code LONGWEEKEND.
Ilia Sale
Through May 28, take 20% off sitewide (25% off for VIPs) during the Friends & Family Sale. Plus, get free full-sized products on $100+ and $175+ purchases.
Medik8 Sale
From May 22 through May 28, take 25% almost everything (excluding kits, tools, and travel).
There’s something in the air this summer: a collective desire to stop shrinking, stop waiting, and step fully into the spotlight of our own lives. The Refinery29 Lookbook has always been about more than just trends — it’s about celebrating the creative visionaries who shape culture and collaborating with them to bring the season’s most inspiring fashion and beauty ideas to life. For Refinery29’s Summer 2026 Lookbook, we kept returning to one idea: the making of a star. Not perfection, not polish, but the transformation that happens when someone decides to be seen.
To bring that vision to life, we reunited some of the most iconic figures from America’s Next Top Model: Nigel Barker behind the camera, Miss J Alexander on set, and beloved stars Naima, Toccara, Mercedes, and Molly — women many of us grew up watching, admiring, and learning from. They taught an entire generation about fashion, beauty, confidence, presence, and what it means to command a room unapologetically. Having them together again felt electric, emotional, and honestly a little surreal.
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I grew up watching ANTM, and in many ways, I learned what it meant to be on set — what it meant to create fantasy, collaborate creatively, and build an image — from faithfully tuning in every Wednesday night. Sitting in the TV room of the New York City apartment I grew up in, I’d be on three-way calls with my two best friends during commercial breaks, doing immediate deep dives on everything we were watching unfold. Waiting until the next day at school to discuss it simply wasn’t enough.
Now, 20 years later, as the Chief Content Officer of Refinery29, I feel deeply affirmed knowing creative work can still give me that same buzz, that same electricity. And we hope you feel it too.
The result is a celebration of self-expression, glamour, and stepping into your power. Whether this summer finds you headed to the office, a wedding, a beach club, or simply becoming a new version of yourself, consider this your reminder: you are the star of the story. Take up space accordingly.
How Molly is maximizing her summer, going from daytime pool parties to late-night dancing.
This summer, we’re making the most of every moment out — and dressing accordingly. Think looks that move as easily as you do, transitioning seamlessly from sun-soaked pool parties to late-night dance floors like Molly, all with that effortless, “cool Phoebe Philo” energy, as stylist Ana Tess puts it.
Key makeup artist Alexis De La Isla channels the heat and glow of peak summer: “There’s beauty in imperfection — that’s how I imagine a true day-to-night look. Smudged liner, a sunburnt rosy flush, that just-left-the-beach sheen.” The key is keeping things simple, but never boring, like fresh, radiant skin and defined lashes that feels instinctively cool. “I often use Colorfix on the lashes because it’s waterproof,” says beauty entrepreneur Danessa Myricks. “And I’m a ride-or-die Maybelline fan — they can do no wrong when it comes to mascara.”
Meanwhile, for hair, embrace undone, beachy texture in the warmer months. “If you can just enhance your natural texture and your natural beauty, then you're not fighting against the natural elements,” says hairstylist Anike Rabiu.
The Resort Queen
How Toccara is beach club-maxxing all summer long.
Whether you’re a card-carrying member of a posh beach club or just channeling that energy, summer dressing is going full throttle on color and print. For this Y2K-leaning, maximalist moment, Tess’s directive is simple: “It’s either mini, layers of sheer fabric, or a dress with a really interesting print — think Pucci or Missoni.”
For makeup, De La Isla looks to other celebrity artists like Ngozi Edeme (who often works with Tyla) and Sophia Sinot (Zara Larsson’s go-to for glam) for their signature “high-exposure shine.” Expect glow dialed all the way up: “I see dimensional blush getting even bolder this summer,” adds Myricks, who recommends glazing cheekbones with a touch of holographic highlighter for a hyper-radiant finish.
Hair follows suit with an intentionally undone feel. “It’s effortless because you’re at the beach,” says Anike, suggesting you brush out your style, like she did on Toccara, so the texture feels loose, airy, and fully free-flowing.
The Office Siren
How Naima is serving office mermaid personality hire to make working in July more bearable.
The office siren is getting a sea-soaked update this season, reemerging as the office mermaid. The key, says Tess, is all in the mix: layering playful textures — sequins, feathers, flashes of metal — over the everyday staples already in your closet, like a classic white tee.
Bringing vacation energy to the 9-to-5 means leaning into unexpected texture: a crochet sarong tied over white capris, crystal-embellished Alexandre Birman heels, a structured blazer, and a DeMellier bag that says you mean business even when you'd rather be at the pool.
For De La Isla, it’s about bringing a hint of vacation energy to your 9-to-5. “I’d always rather be at the pool in the summer, so why not bring that light into the office?” she asks, pointing to a metallic lip as a modern twist on the classic red: “It’s a little nostalgic, a little forward.”
It’s the bride’s special day, but you can still bring your best look forward — even as a plus one. For summer weddings, garden parties, and everything in between, take cues from ’90s It girls with monochromatic makeup and polished updos that feel equal parts timeless and cool.
While a slinky silk slip dress will always hold its own, Tess suggests dialing up the interest with thoughtful details — think embroidery, prints, or a textural layer like the crocheted fringe shawl seen here on Mercedes.
“The makeup inspiration I drew from was a ’90s beauty campaign,” says De La Isla of the tonal look. “It felt like such a fun way to be sleek and classic — without veering bridal.” For hair, it’s all about reworking the classics. “For weddings, I was thinking an updo, right?” asks Anike. “But Mercedes is so fierce, we went with a ’90s French roll with a side part and a little oomph.”
Hot girl summer may come and go, but summer star energy is forever. So this season, whether you’re heading to the office, the afterparty, or somewhere in between, lean into shimmer, texture, and glow — and don’t be afraid to let your star shine.
MAKE-up provided by danessa myricks;
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Alexis de la Isla;
MAKEUP ASSISTANTS: Bri Swing, Grant Karpin;
HAIR STYLIST: Anike;
hair stylist assistant: Keila Rivera;
LIGHTING DIRECTOR & DIGITAL technician:
TOBY SPRAGUE;
Photo Assistants: Christian Ern, Tommy Kearns;
DIRECtor: Kathy Fusco; 1st assistant director: Jim Muscarella; 2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Kenny Williams; Director of Photography: Joe Victorine; CAMERA OPERATOR: Omar Guinier; 1st Assistant Camera: Jason Knoblock; 2nd Assistant Camera & Media Manager: Giacomo Novelli; KEY GAFFER: JOHN BUSCH; KEY GRIP: BROOKS TOMB; SOUND ENGINEER: Tara Sommer; PRODUCTION ASSISTANTs: Jordan Chavez Darquea, Eddie Claudon;
Production designer: Rae Godin; art assistants: Natalie Geldres, Goksu Kocakcigil, Madelyn Minicozzi;
VP, Creative: Praise Paige;
DIRECTOR, CONTENT PRODUCTION: LAUREN STAIR;
CREATIVE DIRECTORs: Madeleine Mogul, Heather Rosenthanl, Hayley Champoux;
VISUALS DIRECTOR: Breanna Hall;
Producer: Sharon Viera;
Talent Manager: Anne Marie Andrews;
Social LEAD: Taylor Loren;
Fashion: Victoria Montalti;
beauty: KARINA HOSHIKAWA;
Finding a handbag that feels timeless and of-the-moment is tough. No one ever wants to splurge on something that they'll get tired of looking at in a couple of months. Yet at the same time, it's natural to crave something that feels modernly cool. Well, I'm here to tell you that you can have your handbag and carry it too, especially if you add one of these coveted styles to your collection.
Ahead, you'll find the need-to-know totes, satchels, and more coveted styles that are quickly becoming modern-day classics, thanks to silhouettes that quietly command attention without the distractions of fleeting trends. What's even better? The versatility and seasonless curation mean you can carry these styles over and over again for years to come. In other words, the cost per wear is totally justified in the long run.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter. Summer is quintessentially synonymous with raffia totes. If you're thinking about investing in a style to take on every trip on your calendar, I suggest looking for options that come reinforced with quality leather — like the straps on this carryall by Saint Laurent. That subtle detail adds durability to the bags and polished touch to all your vacation outfits.
Saint Laurent Panier Raffia Tote, $, available at Net-A-PorterFor the minimalists who are looking for entry point luxury, you can never go wrong with a Coach handbag. Made with natural grain leather and a suede lining, it's the expertly crafted piece to add to your collection at a fraction of the price. Plus, the comfortable strap means no digging into your shoulders — an added bonus for wearing it on repeat.
Coach Chelsea Shoulder Bag, $, available at CoachThere's something about the summer that just makes me want to add more color to my wardrobe. One of the easiest ways to do so is with a soft butter yellow hue. It commands attention in the most subtle of ways and you'd be surprised how many outfits you could pair around the bag.
DeMellier London The Stockholm Shoulder, $, available at DeMellierConsider this your conversation starter. The crescent silhouette and intricate crochet work make it the kind of piece that sells itself, no outfit required. Wear it with a white maxi dress or a linen pant set and just watch all the compliments start rolling in.
Miu Miu Aventure Nappa Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueBaguette bags never really left. They just patiently waited for us to catch up. This neutral version threads the needle between vintage-cool and effortlessly modern. And that little gold charm detail is the kind of thing you notice on second glance and can't stop thinking about.
Jacquemus Le Bisou Perle Croc Embossed Suede Shoulder Bag, $, available at NordstromIf you're like me, and are having a Goth Girl summer, you need a classic black handbag in your collection. The pony hair adds rich texture that brings any minimalist outfits to life. While everyone else leans into color, this sleek east-west silhouette brings an ease and intention to any warm-weather look.
LIÉ STUDIO The Lou Calf Hair Bag, $, available at Net-A-PorterThis is the bag you pack specifically because it photographs well. Eventually, you'll realize how many outfits it actually pairs well with, from airy maxi skirts paired with swimsuits to vacation dresses. The graphic stripe pattern is summer in a bottle: bold, a little playful, and completely committed to the bit.
Loeffler Randall Bailey Crochet Clutch, $, available at NordstromDeep jewel tones in summer feel counterintuitive until you're actually wearing them. This burgundy crescent bag is the antidote to beige season, rich enough to feel intentional, compact enough to never weigh you down.
AMINA MUADDI Ami Bag, $, available at FWRDCrochet is always the moment, and this multi-color hue is the dopamine-inducing bag will that bring joy every time you reach for it. In a continued partnership with Paula’s Ibiza, Loewe continues to prove that you can't beat artisan-level quality. Wear yours with everything, from white jeans to a printed sundress.
Loewe Puzzle Edge Bag, $, available at Net-A-PorterNot every summer bag needs to shout. This slouchy olive hobo brings a cool, almost offhand energy to your rotation. Counting Dua Lipa as a fan, it's the kind of bag that looks like it's been everywhere and is ready for whatever adventure you're planning next.
The Attico La Passeggiata Suede Tote, $, available at Net-A-PorterThink of this one as the bag equivalent of a classic stripe linen shirt. It's eternally relevant, effortless to style, and somehow always exactly right. The graphic contrast stripe elevates a utilitarian silhouette into something you'll end up carrying everywhere.
Prada Route Tote Bag, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueKeeping logomania appreciation alive, Gucci's Giglio bag is the playful piece to have in rotation all year round. Carry it to the office in the summer or loop it over your carry-on while traveling the world. It's the versatile piece you won't want to put down.
