That Vogueprintcover featuring Kamala Harris caused quite the stir after it leaked on January 9 — people found it lazy, underwhelming, and certainly not on par with the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American to be elected vice president of the United States. Following the mixed reaction, Vogue is turning the public’s preferred digital-only cover into a piece of print history, too. “In celebration of this historic moment, we will be publishing a limited number of special edition Inauguration Day issues, featuring Vice President-elect Kamala Harris,” Vogue wrote in an Instagram caption alongside the announcement.
You blew it. Disrespected our new VP. It’s really not cool. The light blue suit cover is so much more appropriate. I love Kamala and how cute she looks in the chuck Taylor’s, but it’s not appropriate for our new VP at this moment in our history. Shame on Vogue.
The digital cover, also shot by Mitchell, began circulating online the next day. In contrast to the print cover, this one showed the Vice President-elect in a more presidential light, with her wearing a light blue Michael Kors suit, an American flag pinned to her lapel. According to Vogue, both looks were self-styled. But while the outfit featured on the print cover was selected by Harris, the photo itself was not — or at least it wasn’t the one her team selected as their choice for the cover. Rather, as reported by the Associated Press, it was the digital cover shot that was supposed to be the February 2021 cover — full stop. If her team had gotten its wish, as Refinery29 writer Kathleen Newman-Bremang stated in her initial coverage of the leak, “the discourse would probably have been very different.”
Shortly after the leaked artwork went viral, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour shared a statement with The New York Times, stating that it was not her intention to “diminish the importance of the Vice President-elect’s incredible victory.” Wintour also confirmed that the digital cover image was the one agreed upon by both Harris’ team and the Vogue team, though Vogue later opted to use the more casual cover, instead.
Now, at least for a limited time, Vogue is taking back that decision. Starting Tuesday, the printed Inauguration Day issue, which features the photo of Harris in her blue Michael Kors suit, will be available for purchase in the U.S. for $7.99 via Vogue’s website. Be on the correct side of history and order a copy.
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Weddings, like school, work, and restaurant dining, look different than they did a year ago. Celebrations with 300-person guest lists aren’t just unpopular, but, as a result of the pandemic, currently unsafe, too. In their place are “minimonies,” or intimate ceremonies that take place in backyards and on rooftops, and are streamed over Zoom. In turn, the wedding dresses worn for these occasions also look different. “With scaled-down weddings, the dresses have become relaxed and understated, as opposed to the opulence of the past,” Lisa Ruffle, Moda Operandi's buying manager, tells Refinery29.
Brides have also become more experimental with their wedding looks. “As much as 2020 sucked, it also gave couples the chance to reevaluate their wedding day priorities and think outside the box, focusing on what's most important to them,” bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz tells Refinery29. Because of that, she says the biggest 2021 wedding dress trend is “anything goes.” Instead of wearing traditional white ballgowns, in 2021, brides are more likely to play with colors and silhouettes and opt for ready-to-wear pieces rather than bridal collections.
With the future of big events still uncertain, Hurwitz believes that “brides are also curating a wedding wardrobe with pieces that work even if plans change.”
Click ahead to read more about the wedding dress trends that are set to appear on brides everywhere in 2021.
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.
Wedding Suits & Separates
According to wedding experts, brides in 2021 want their nuptial wardrobes to extend beyond the wedding events. Instead of buying dresses specifically for receptions, ceremonies, bridal parties, and so forth, brides are purchasing items that can be worn for other occasions. (Example: Keira Knightley’s wedding dress, which she wore once before her wedding, to a pre-BAFTAs dinner, and once after, to a London charity event.) By opting for a jumpsuit, pantsuit, or top-and-skirt duo, your opportunities to recycle your wedding look increase tenfold.
“Our clients are seeking separates and suits because they want their [wedding] wardrobe to work twice as hard,” Ruffle says. “Wedding attires are no longer one-and-done — [brides] can mix and match [their] wedding pieces into future outfits.”
Sleeper Party Pajama Set With Double Feathers, $, available at Sleeper
Eloquii Lace Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, $, available at Eloquii
Rasario Puff Sleeve Bow Embellished Jacquard Top & Skirt Set, $, available at Moda Operandi
Minimalist Wedding Dresses
When your wedding consists of 10 people in a backyard, wearing a gown with a voluminous skirt and a cathedral-length veil could feel a bit, well, much. (Though, if that’s what you want to wear, it’s your day.) That’s why many brides are leaning toward understated and modern dresses that feature clean lines, structured fabrics, and architectural draping, according to Lori Conley, the general merchandise manager at BHLDN. At Moda Operandi, Ruffle says that “simple, elegant slip dresses are among their top sellers” right now.
Coyan Made-To-Order Seta Gown in Black & Ivory, $, available at Coyan
Reformation Prosecco Dress, $, available at Reformation
Short Wedding Dresses
According to Conley, the rise in elopements and courthouse-style weddings have caused many brides to ditch long hemlines and opt, instead, for mini- or midi-length dresses that feel “effortless and chic.” As experts pointed out earlier, by deciding to wear a dress closer to a cocktail-length, rather than a maxi one, brides also give themselves the option to wear a dress they already own or purchase a new (and probably more affordable) ready-to-wear dress. Plus, as Conley points out, it also opens up the possibility of wearing a statement shoe that people can actually see.
Valentine Avoh Bridal Ava Dress, $, available at Moda Operandi
Brandon Maxwell Silk Faille Mini Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Amsale Bow Back Shift Dress, $, available at Amsale
Regency Era-Inspired Wedding Dresses
One bridal trend not directly tied to the pandemic is the rise of Regency era-inspired wedding dresses. And Bridgerton, and before that Emma, are to blame. Both the TV show and film contained dreamy and romantic wardrobes featuring empire dresses, elbow-length gloves, and corsets that were beautiful and over-the-top. It’s no wonder that wedding dress designers would take inspiration from them. According to Conely, the trend has resulted in “puff sleeves, empire waistlines, sleek corsetry lines, and luxe fabrications like satin and velvet.”
Katharine Polk Gwen Gown, $, available at Katharine Polk
Fame & Partners Gathered Drop Waist Gown, $, available at Fame & Partners
Danielle Frankel Ruby Tulle-Trimmed Wool And Silk-Blend Satin Gown, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Cottagecore
Wedding Dresses
If you thought cottagecore would disappear with 2020, you were wrong. Rather, it’s only grown stronger roots, especially in the bridal department. Now that more weddings are taking place outside, brides are dressing for the occasion, wearing ethereal dresses, detailed with lace, flowing ruffles, bows, and micro florals, that match the surroundings. Think: Taylor Swift’s bridal-looking dress from the “Willow” music video.
Selkie Collection The Ivory French Puff Dress, $, available at Selkie Collection
Melissa Sweet Lace Plus Size Wedding Dress with Trimmed Capelet, $, available at David's Bridal
Hill House Home The Caroline Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
Sleeved Wedding Dresses
Whereas a winter bride could once wear a strapless dress down the aisle without a second thought, now, with many celebrations taking place in open-air locations during colder months, wearing a weather-appropriate wedding dress is becoming increasingly important. With a stylish selection of long- and three-quarter-length-sleeved bridal dresses on the market right now, you wouldn’t want a strapless gown even if you could wear one.
Jenny By Jenny Yoo Karina Gown, $, available at BHLDN
Amsale Satin One Sleeved Dress, $, available at Amsale
Emilia Wickstead Sharonella Open-Back Wool Crepe Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
‘20s-Style Wedding Dresses
Like during the Roaring ‘20s (following the Great Depression), in 2021, we’re all eager to let loose and have some fun once it's safe to do so again. In turn, many bridal experts are predicting a surge in popularity of ‘20s trends, when the “appetite to party was greater than ever,'' as Conley puts it. For brides, that means beaded dresses, fringe, and sparkle.
On Monday, Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes was seen shopping in Manhattan wearing an outfit not unlike those worn by her character Joey Potter (and others on the show) in the fictional seaside town of Capeside, MA. For the occasion, the actress wore a black, double-breasted coat, jeans, and loafers paired with black socks. What gave her casual look the Capeside touch was the cream-colored, fisherman-style sweater she wore tied around her shoulders.
Capeside, though not a real place, was inspired by Cape Cod. As such, Breton shirts, collegiate crewnecks, and J.Crew sweater sets were a common sight on the show. In fact, in 1998, the preppy retailer featured the cast of the show, including Holmes, James van der Beek, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson, in one of its catalogs. In it, the cast wore J.Crew’s signature cable-knit sweaters and button-downs while rowing a boat. Though not included in the catalog, Holmes’ around-the-shoulders fisherman sweater would have undoubtedly fit right into the editorial.
Capeside wasn’t the only place where we saw sweaters mimicking scarves in the late ‘90s and ‘00s. Throughout the show’s run between 1998 and 2003, the style hack appeared in other TV shows and films and pop culture in general. Selma Blair frequented them in nearly every movie she starred in during the two decades, including Legally Blonde and Cruel Intentions. Autumn Reeser from The OC — which ran a little later, from 2003 to 2007 — frequently wore her lime green and pink cardigans tied around her shoulders, too.
Though slightly preppier than what we’ve grown accustomed to seeing Holmes in lately, given that the back-to-school look is on the rise again (think: Bella Hadid’s recent varsity jacket and the return of Gossip Girl), it’s really no surprise that the actress would borrow a signature styling trick from her fictional hometown. Now, we’ll be recreating the look, too.
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February 14 can feel like a money pit. Regardless of how you spend the holiday (Takeout dinner? Homemade cocktails? Living room dance party?), you’re going to be spending on the holiday. And lest you forget, it’s nice to have a new outfit. While you could just recycle that little black dress you’ve worn for five years straight, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress to impress — whether you’re fancying up for your partner or hosting a Zoom movie marathon with your three best friends.
But pulling out all the stops for a jaw-dropping look doesn’t necessarily mean pulling out all the cash in your wallet. To prove it’s easy to look great without draining your piggy bank, we rounded up a selection of stylish dresses that each ring in under $150. Click through now to find the one that will make your Valentine’s Day that much sweeter.
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, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Reformation Jennie Dress, $, available at The Reformation
UO Ballina Tie-Shoulder Mini Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
