The holiday vibe is already feeling way more electric this year — perhaps you too are sensing the extra-festive spirit in the chilly air? With larger gatherings being (safely) organized once again, we’re long overdue to glow up at all the office soirees, family reunions, and Friendsgiving dinners that await our RSVPs. And, if you’re the type to impress the crowd with a head-to-toe look, we’ve got quite the selection of holiday dresses for women ahead. You can expect plenty of vampy velvets, sheeny satins, sparkly sequins, and glammy gem tones in frocks that are trimmed with this year’s top dress trends, so you can expect plenty of puff sleeves, cut-outs, and cottagecore in the frocks ahead. Just be sure to add-to-cart ASAP so that your outfit arrives in time — that is, in time for your grand entrance, wink wink.
While you may already have a summer slip dress in your closet, this one is decidedly winterized thanks to a longer hem, heavier satin, and gorgeous cowl neck.
Okay, so the price tag on this holiday dress is steep, but just think how you’ll wear this at literally every single winter event, now until the end of time.
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Confession: I’ve somehow made it through 36 years of life without interacting with an Ugg — the Australian-born, shearling-lined suede boot synonymous with cozy comfort and just a little bit of camp. So, when I was tasked with assembling a list of the brand’s holiday must-haves, I had to consult an experienced teammate who hails from the ancestral epicenter of the shoe’s popularity: Southern California.
“Uggs were a status symbol in my hometown when I was in middle school,” writes SoCal born-and-raised Alexandra Polk, Refinery29’s very own lifestyle writer (and, lucky for me, unabashed Ugg stan), over our private Slack convo. “There were people who wore the short ones, the taller ones, the fake ones, and that was when I first grew attached.”
When I ask Alexandra why she thinks Uggs have had such staying power, she tells me, “The classic Ugg boot is so simple and is perfectly designed for what they’re meant to do: keep my feet warm.” (She also adds that she likes to wear hers “with sweats, leggings, and all things comfy — I haven’t tried pairing Uggs with real clothes since I was 12.” Respect.)
And, though I have yet to slip my own feet into these shearling-lined fluffer nutters, what I do know as a fashion writer is that people from all walks of life go hard for these softies — it seems like every iteration of the Ugg shoe, no matter how kooky, achieves top seller status. In addition, thanks to their sublime coziness and genre-transcending chonk, Uggs also make for perfect cold-weather gifts, whether the recipient is a fashion magpie or a comfort-seeking auntie who’s blissfully unaware of the brand’s many hype collaborations.
“Uggs are just comfy bedding for your feet,” Alexandra adds when I ask her to describe the experience of wearing them. “The fleece lining is the luscious down comforter, the suede outside is the chic duvet cover, and my toes are the real winners at the end of the day.” (Although I’d bet the runner-up would be the person who unwraps a new pair of these Aussie plushies this gift-giving season.)
Ahead, find some of this year’s most unique and highly-rated Uggs that will please any biped on your list this holiday season.
The Y2K “Let’s Hit The Club” Boot
Remember all the club-hopping heiresses and reality stars in the early aughts? Many of them were unabashedly doing so in these classic puppers. Available today in seven colors in various shades of browns and neutrals (and one in lavender), this is the starter Ugg for those who have never worn the sheepskin boot before. Plus, this can be worn up the calf or rolled down to the ankle with some of the fluffy stuff exposed. Best For: The Newbie The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 3,162 reviews on nordstrom.com
What Fans Are Saying: “Bought these boots for a trip to DC in the winter and were the only shoes I ended up using. Super comfortable and kept my feet nice and toasty. Highly recommend them if you need to do a lot of walking in a colder climate. If you have larger calves like I do, I suggest going 1/2 a size up instead of down. I’m normally a 7 1/2 and the size 7 fit just fine but if you like your boots to be a little roomier in the calf area you won’t regret sizing up.”
The Short Stack
It’s the classic Ugg boot, trimmed. This boot would be ideal for the person who already has the tall version and now wants to add a shorter, more vibrant color to their wardrobe. Best For: Main Character Energy The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 1,265 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “The mini size is great and much more versatile than the OG size. These are super lightweight and keep my feet comfortable and warm on these cold winter days, perfect for indoor wear, but wear them cautiously outside as they aren’t waterproof (suede).”
The Fashion Girl’s Ugg
You can say this is Ugg’s response to the chunky loafer trend of 2021 — and even I have to admit that it’s pretty darn cute. So far, the style has only racked up four reviews; but each of them are effusive and glowing, earning this style a spot on our list. Best For: The Trend Chaser The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 4 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “These arrived just in time for fall. I cannot wear socks or stockings due to neuropathy so the plushness of the inside is oh so heavenly and my toes stay warm on cool mornings. They are so comfortable and I like not having shoe strings so they are easy on and off.”
The PrincesscoreUgg
The classic mini in shocking Schiaparelli pink? Never has a shoe so successfully put the the “x” in both “luxurious” and “extra.” It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to level up their at-home routine. Best For: The Hostess The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 3,645 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “Received them as a gift after wanting them for years but not wanting to bite the bullet myself. They are so comfortable and have not thinned out since getting them (almost six months!). I recommend them to everyone I know!”
The Boot For Cold-Feet Dudes
Though this is sold as a men’s shoe, there are also plenty of women who have reviewed this boot and are enamored with how versatile it is for the outdoors (just order two sizes down). Best For: The Soft Guy The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars and 3,349 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “My husband is bougie AF and wanted these to wear as house slippers. I finally caved and got them for him and he hasn’t taken them off! Both my daughter and I have a pair of Uggs and love them. These are so different! Soft, warm and comfortable.”
The Inside-Outside Mule
So often, the winter calls for a house slipper that can also hold up during a quick outdoor errand. And, with its extra thicc platform sole, this shoe is it. Best For: When Every Day Is A Lazy Sunday The Hype: 3.9 out of stars and 60 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “These are aggressively ugly in the green which may be the point. They are sooo comfortable though! A keeper. I may turn down the temp so I can wear them now!”
The Ugg As A Space Boot
If the metallic boot — a must-have for greeting celestial out-of-town visitors — is not your speed, this clompy zip-up style is also available in simple black or army green. But, many kudos to the person who specifically seeks out this silver fox-y lugsole and wears it with absolute gumption. We see you (from outer space). Best For: Being Extra The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars and 94 reviews on zappos.com What Fans Are Saying: “This is Ugg’s answer to the combat boot. Although the shaft is not as high as the Doc Martens these boots are SUPER COMFORTABLE!! True to size — 7 is cozy, warm and I can walk in them for HOURS. Where are the colors, Ugg?? Please make them in more colors??!!!! PLEASE.”
The Fireside Slipper
Picture the man in your life — it could your an S.O., a dad, brother, or friend — wearing this cushy loafer, wrapped in a flannel robe, and snoozing in a comfy chair by the fireplace. All that would be missing is a slinky cat purring on his lap. Best For: The Homebody Guy The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 3,499 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “I purchased Men’s UGG Slippers for my son about three years ago and was delighted at how much he loved them (it’s a bit difficult to find Christmas gifts that he needs and wants). So, when I noticed recently that those slippers were looking pretty worn, I asked if he’d like another pair this Christmas. He was very enthusiastic about getting another pair, and I was happy to be able to give him something he really wanted and needed. These slippers are absolutely fantastic, (I wish UGGs would make a smaller exact version for women). The lining is really soft and thick, the leather is soft but long-wearing, and the rubber soles are perfect for the guy who forgets he has slippers on when he heads out the door to the garage.”
The Instant UGGalosh
Exclusively sold on ugg.com, these trending shoe protectors turn any Ugg boots with a “classic” outsole — i.e. the Classic Mini, Classic Short, Neumel, and others — into waterproof galoshes in a pinch. They come in a collection of six fun mix-and-match colors, and as of this story’s publish date, almost 5,000 folks have checked out this product in the past 24 hours. Best For: Puddle Hoppers The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 13 reviews on ugg.com What Fans Are Saying: “I gave five stars for the genius idea alone. Fits my size 7 women’s Molly Goddard [shoes, with] no issues with the fit. The galoshes are a smart idea that customers must have been asking for, my only complaint is the sole should be thicker and the cleats should be thicker. I can see stepping on a stone or piece of glass and the thin silicone getting pierced. Given that $45 is a bit on the high side, but I will wait to see how they work.”
The “Secret” Ugg
Honestly, these insoles are great for people who refuse to wear Uggs, but secretly want to live that sheepskin shoe life (without anyone knowing). And separately, these pancake-y layers are exactly what true Ugg-heads need if they’ve stomped their beloved insoles to crepe-level flatness. Best For: Sheepskin Steppers The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 448 reviews on nordstrom.com What Fans Are Saying: “My Uggs were in good shape on the outside even after a year of daily use but the inside was worn down. These inserts have made my Uggs like new. Wonderful And toasty warm again — a pleasure to wear.”
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In a time when our FYPs are inundated with the same ramen hacks and tortilla origami, it’s hard for creators to carve out a space in food social media. But if you’ve ever watched Connie Jackson, better known as Chef Lovely,seasoning sushi rice or grilling jerk chicken, usually set to a throwback bop, you’ll instantly recognize that this is someone who’s completely at ease in the kitchen and, more importantly, with herself. (You don’t make eye contact with the camera like that if you’re insecure.) In partnership with Torrid — whose clothes are designed to fit your curves so you feel empoweredand sexy at any size — we had Chef Lovely tell us, in her own words, how she has achieved that feel-it-through-the-phone confidence.
I fell in love with cooking at a very early age, just being in the kitchen with my mother. So, immediately my connection to food was about family, friends, fun, and communicating with one another. And it gave me confidence because I saw her be a businesswoman while taking care of her family, putting wholesome and nutritious meals on the table every night and packing our lunches. I was able to see a real-life superwoman in action. My mother would repeat affirmations to me, “You’re smart, you’re a good person,” which laid a character-building foundation in me.
One of my other close mentors is Gordette Brent, a dance instructor I met when I was 3 years old. She would say, “Lift up your chin! Is there money on the ground? If there isn’t money on the ground, don’t look down.” She encouraged us to show our best selves at all times, to always be prepared, to love yourself no matter what.
I remember the exact moment when I recognized the impact of her teachings. I was 16, and at the end of every year we had a dance recital, and we’d have to get fitted for costumes. I was usually the curviest girl in my class; I could see that my classmates looked different from me. But I was always in the front of all my dances, and that’s when I realized it wasn’t about how I look or the size and shape of my body — it was about my attitude and the hard work I put in. I was the first one in class and the last to leave. I’m so happy I was able to come to that realization at such a young age, and I’ve carried it with me my entire life. I’ve also been able to share it with so many students I’ve taught dance and cooking to.
My confidence continued to grow over the years from working with culturally diverse chef-mentors, earning three degrees in culinary arts, and making a lot of mistakes in the kitchen. When I was earning my first degree, one of my teachers said, “Walk four blocks outside, and you’re going to bump into at least 10 or 15 restaurants — what’s going to set you apart?” It was important for me to learn as much as I could about this industry so I could not only put my best foot forward, but I could also open the door for other young Black women coming behind me. Female chefs in general still don’t have the full respect male chefs have, so by accumulating knowledge, I felt that would set me apart from the competition. People will say to you: “I didn’t know you knew that.” “Yes I did. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
But don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s a humbling experience, and that’s how you can reposition yourself to continue to learn. One memorable mistake was when I was preparing shrimp and grits at a fundraising event. I grabbed the wrong container and ended up simmering vegetables in white wine instead of chicken stock, but with no extra food and the clock running out, I had to make it work — and it was delicious. That night, I accidentally created a new cooking technique that actually made my signature dish even better. Being able to share mistakes like these is also very important. On my TV show Lovely Bitesor when people ask me questions online, I like to recount my mistakes so they don’t make the same ones. There’s no such thing as a loss — there’s only a lesson. Learn from your mistakes, and share that knowledge to help others around you.
That’s why I started making videos — because I wanted to give my fans and followers a little bit more of myself. As a chef, I’m focusing on people’s health, making sure things are perfect, and managing a staff, but people don’t get to see that I’m enjoying myself behind the scenes. I turned to social media, so I could give everyone a peek at what I’m doing. I just turned on the camera. I didn’t think about it, I didn’t rehearse — I just started cooking. Every time I filmed a new video, I got increasingly more comfortable. People told me I was relatable, and I’m happy they picked up on my vibe. I love that I get to connect with people all across the globe (Australia, Germany, Nigeria, Barbados), who tell me they’ve tried my recipe. I’m like, “Girl, you’re all the way in Barbados and you’re cooking my food?” It’s really cool knowing that even if I’m not in Barbados, my recipes are, so my essence is there, too.
If you can stay true to yourself, everything is going to be okay. No one can deny authenticity, no one can deny confidence, no one can deny boldness. My sauce is going to be different from your sauce, but that’s what makes me beautiful. That’s what makes me sexy. So anyone’s who’s feeling low or at a crossroads or having a down day, just remember that whatever you love to do, nobody’s going to be able to do it like you. So move forward with that at the top of your mind, and slowly, it’ll help you build up the confidence to say, “If no one’s going to do it like me, let me give it 150,000% and really show everybody what I got.” Never forget that: Your sauce is boss. And no one can touch it.
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY: Linda Evangelista walks the runway at the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1992-1993 fashion show during the Paris Fashion Week in January, 1992 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Since first entering the fashion lexicon in the 1920s, thanks to Chanel, the skirt suit underwent little change over the years. In fact, it wasn’t until the ‘90s that the two-piece set, long seen as the epitome of ladylike fashion, got its first makeover when Chanel (this time with Karl Lagerfeld at the helm) revitalized the look for the MTV era. For the spring 1993 collection, the designer sent out tweed looks styled with belted chains, fishnets, and leather gloves. At the same time, celebrities like Princess Diana and model Naomi Campbell modernized the style by pairing it with cinched waist belts, over-the-knee socks, and black stockings.
This season, contemporary brands took liberties with what has often been considered a conservative style. New York’s Sandy Liang showed a light pink neoprene version with a lopsided hemline, which the recent Target collaborator delightfully paired with sneakers. Meanwhile, Versace offered a black patent leather version, with a mini skirt so short the jacket might as well have been styled as a dress. As if the choice of fabric and cut weren’t daring enough, the look was paired with Bratz-like platforms more suited for a nightclub than a social luncheon. Then, there’s Miu Miu, which showed a lineup of Y2K-era micro-mini, midriff-baring skirts with unfinished hemlines alongside preppy blazers that only the students at Constance Billard would dare to wear past the school entrance.
This movement follows other dress code-busting trends that have emerged, like the blazer, which is also undergoing a NSFW transformation of its own. The trend is also in line with the great shrinkage in fashion, where no hemlines are safe from scissors. But whereas the barely-there pieces of fabric disguised as skirts with equally revealing tops (a la Kim Shui) may not be for everyone, the suit offers a more wearable alternative with blazers that cover the arms.
So, where do you wear this trend?
While in the past, the skirt suit might have been a staple of afternoon tea get-togethers and fundraising committee meetings (see: Gilmore Girls’ Emily Gilmore or Sex and the City’s Bunny MacDougal), spring 2022’s version can be worn anywhere from a night out to a weekend brunch. For more modern styling, look to designers who showed skirt suits with bralettes and crop tops, a look that’s perfect for transforming the mini skirt suit from daywear to night attire. Or a two-piece in a less formal fabric, like neoprene or leather, paired with a casual shoe, like a sneaker or a flat boot, for a Saturday brunch with friends.
No matter where you choose to wear the modern skirt suit, it’s a guarantee it’ll be short and a little inappropriate for office dress codes. But who wants to be there anyway?
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