Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks.
The arrival of summer means longer days, less clothing, and chilled wine (for me, at least). For some, summer is also the season for rebounding from awkward DIY hair experiments. Remember when growing out bangs used to be the biggest seasonal hair hurdle? Well, shout out to all the micro beauty trends on TikTok because now folx are growing out their very visible invisible layers or just realizing they took the butterfly haircut way too literally. Then there’s dealing with increasing temps and humidity in some locales. Help us!
Jennifer Behr. Gigi Burris. Eugenia Kim. Lele Sadoughi. If you know, you know. If you don’t, let me tell you. These names mean more hair accessory options: more headbands, head scarves, turbans, visors, and bucket hats. Headgear knows no bounds these days. The latest proof is the balaclava and ball cap being the hit cold-weather accessory of 2022.
But as peak wedding season arrives, headpieces are an alternative to stressing over the 'do, especially for the surrounding festivities. Add Free People, Zara, and A-Morir to your list for nuptial-friendly adornments. These pieces are more modern than fascinators, just as chic, and would make Isabella Blow proud.
Coachella kicked off festival season, and there’s nothing like starting your outfit brainstorm headfirst or punctuating a sweat-friendly look with festive and irreverent headgear, from macrame to straw hats. Milliners continue to bring heaps of imagination to straw hats and visors. Even luxury brand Eugenia Kim introduced a Mother’s Day-themed capsule collection with a lavish blush-colored straw visor.
You don’t actually need a reason to wear any headgear. It's simply another way to express your style and not think too hard about your hair, so say less. Find 12 of my favorite hair accessories — from ornate headbands and designer scrunchies to festival-ready bucket hats and more swoon-worthy headgear — well, ahead.
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. The 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.
Lele Sadoughi Jet Velvet Headband
Lele Sadoughi has the knotted headband game on lock. Nothing says "sophisticated," "proper," and "yes, I have my life together" quite like a black velvet hair accessory — even if you're totally faking it 'til you make it. This best-seller procured 5 out of 5 stars from 105 on-site reviews. Per one happy customer: "This is my go to headband everyday, it's so comfortable! I wear it with my hair up and down, makes me feel put together when I just need to get up and go!"
Lele Sadoughi JET VELVET HEADBAND, $, available at Lele Sadoughi
You Go Natural Paradise Open T-Shirt Turban
Whether you're rockin' fresh summer box braids or taking your 'fro out of hibernation, it's always helpful to have a colorful turban on standby. You Go Natural's T-shirt turbans are crafted from cozy jersey knit with protective satin lining. (Bonus: You have 18 colors and patterns to choose from.)
You Go Natural PARADISE OPEN T-SHIRT TURBAN, $, available at You Go Natural
Asos Design Crochet Bucket Hat With Happy Detail
New York-based stylist and fashion editor Rashida Meggett said it best — knitwear is, in fact, "warm-weather It wear." The fabric continues to dominate the fashion industry with groovy party dresses, funky tops, and now crochet bucket hats. The accessory may not protect you on rainy days, but it will elevate your summer 'fit.
ASOS DESIGN Crochet bucket Hat With Happy Detail, $, available at ASOS
Ganni Cotton Crochet Bucket Hat
Ganni's 100% organic cotton bucket hat is available in both a muted, earthy hue and an electric yellow, multi-colored one. Pop it on for a lovely picnic in the park or to make the most out of a bad hair day.
Bloomingdale's Cotton Crochet Bucket Hat, $, available at Bloomingdale's
Mango Raffia Beret
Yes, festival fashion also includes berets — specifically those of the palm plant variety. This straw hat is easy-going, delightful, and ideal for relaxed warm-weather fashion.
Zimmerman's crochet cap is a modern spin on the traditional straw hat, but it also makes for chic festival attire. Just replace the classic uniform weaving with unique crochet patterns, swap the original stiff structure with a relaxed fit, and shrink its size just a tad for a more casual appeal.
Zimmermann Zimmermann Postcard Crochet Hat, $, available at Shopbop
Fendi Hair Foulard
With the revival of Y2K fashion came an increased demand for frivolous accessories — Coco Chanel said to take one thing off before leaving the house. Meanwhile, the trends of the early 2000s promoted piling on 20 more bracelets. Take your teenage scrunchie game up a notch with a luxury silk Fendi hair tie and scarf combo.
Sometimes patchwork can be a little intense, but this Ganni bucket hat only flirts with the classic look. The contrasting denim and decorative stitching has us sold.
Ganni Patchwork Denim Patchwork Bucket Hat, $, available at Ganni
Gigi Burris Millinery Sharina
One does not add the best-selling Gigi Burris beanie to their carts for head warmth. Rather, one orders this unisex cap for its stylish structural flair and luxury craftsmanship. Often found atop the heads of celebrities (Billy Porter, Skepta, and Ne-Yo to name a few), the Sharina is a timeless, versatile accessory that's worth the investment.
Gigi Burris Sharina Punch, $, available at Gigi Burris
Jacquemus Le Bob Artichaut Hat
Looking like a fisherman sometimes comes with the bucket-hat territory — but, instead of rebuking the possibility, lean into the accessory's innate nautical charm with Jacquemus's cotton beach hat. The blue and yellow headgear features a quilted brim, adjustable chin strap with engraved silver hardware, and cotton lining.
Jacquemus Blue & Yellow 'Le Bob Artichaut' Hat, $, available at SSENSE
Ceremonia Frida Headband
Refinery29 knows and loves this Latinx-owned brand for its effective hair care, but also for its collection of adorable accessories — especially the Frida Headband. Come for the refreshing lilac hue and shiny satin finish; stay for the lightweight feel and comfortable, thick hair-friendly design.
Ceremonia The Frida Headband, $, available at Ceremonia
Eugenia Kim Arianna Headband
Eugenia Kim's understated straw headband Arianna doesn't dare to distract from or overpower your outfit. Add it to your closet, and it'll only complete your summer looks from here on out.
The beauty of Nordstrom Rack can also be one of its greatest pitfalls — the retailer’s inventory of discounted goods from a seemingly endless list of brands is so vast that it can wear out the most fervent of online shoppers. And for a limited time, you can save an extra 20% off on select already-discounted summer styles. But, instead of succumbing to its bottomless pit of sale selections, we decided to embrace it. Just in time for the warmer seasons, we pulled out our shopping magnifying glasses to suss out the best discounts that Nordstrom Rack carries. (Friends, it’s a lot.)
Although lackadaisically perusing those IRL aisles or clicking hours away online is definitely its own form of retail therapy, sometimes scoring the best price on the best brand in one fell swoop is just what the shopping doctor ordered. We narrowed our highlight reel down to 22 winning buys, including everything from pastel heels and maxi house dresses to cute swimsuits and comfy slides. Take a look ahead at all the must-have markdowns happening at Nordstrom Rack right this second — and pardon while we dive back in to search for more.
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.
Ray-Ban 54mm Polarized Wayfarer Sunglasses, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
VYB Gingham Strappy One Piece Bikini, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Steve Madden Dion Heeled Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Elan Spaghetti Strap Midi Slip Dress Cover-Up, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
BOHO ME Smocked Maxi Dress with Slit, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
We Wore What Scoop Neck One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Maaji Yellowstone Magnific Cover-Up Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Elan Smocked Waist Cover-Up Pants, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
VYB Solids Wide Band Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
RACHEL Rachel Roy Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Chloé 54mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Open your closet and take a step back. If the questions “What do I wear?” or “Did I have that on last week?” are lingering in the back of your mind, we feel you. Yearning for a seasonal fashion refresh is understandable — even if our bank accounts say otherwise. Luckily, rebuilding a summer wardrobe from top to bottom isn’t the only solution to this style conundrum; sometimes you just need one or two new foundational pieces to pull a fresh look together. Allow us to point you in the direction of Uniqlo, a trusty reader-favorite retailer known for its affordably priced and high-quality basics. For instance, you can easily find under-$50 staples like breathable flare dresses, perfectly cut cotton T-shirts, and effortless linen shorts — all available in a wide range of sizes (from XXS to XXL) and kaleidoscopic colorways (black and off-white are, of course, a given). Below, browse five excellent Uniqlo basics we deem more than worth keeping in your style rotation as summer-outfit building blocks. (The shimmering accessories and fashionable handbags can wait.)
The A-line style of this linen-blend frock is chic yet laid-back. Also, the shirring emits a fit-and-flare silhouette if you were looking for something beyond Y2K-inspired mini dresses. It comes in four playful colors — off-white, orange, green, and navy — so you can bring a little color to your wardrobe this season.
A cozy ribbed tank top is like a blank canvas. It opens the door to a world of creative style opportunities, and there is always room for more. Uniqlo’s Ribbed Henley Cropped Tank Top is designed to be your new treasured piece with its soft cotton fabric and variety of colors. After one wear, you won’t be able to help going back to collect the other summery options.
Introducing the shorts that’ll get you from the couch to the gym. There are no more excuses for ignoring your friends’ calls to come work out with them. These soft cotton-polyester bottoms are roomy enough to lounge at home in and then wear for a jog around the neighborhood. They’re a one-and-done piece without the need for an outfit change, and they have a sporty piping detail on the flat waistband. That way you don’t have to worry about them slipping down.
Imagine an effortless, relaxed-fit button-up that’s wrinkle-resistant. Sounds too good to be true, right? However, Uniqlo’s Rayon Short-Sleeve Blouse accomplishes that. The high-low top is easy to care for as it has a blend of rayon and polyester, so it’s smooth and has a snuggly feel. When it comes to appearance, it has a professional flair that works for the office and sophisticated weekend brunches.
Set aside your denim cutoffs for a different day, and look at these adorable paper-bag shorts, which offer a fashionable touch with the drawstring waistband. They don’t lose the styling capabilities your usual jean shorts deliver: The linen shorts cinch at the waist to give shape, while the wide-leg cut allows maximum air circulation. Breezy and easy.
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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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.
This Caribbean American Heritage Month, we rounded up some of our favorite Caribbean-owned brands and designers to celebrate their impact in the fashion space. From CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners to footwear brands reimagining espadrille sandals and metalwork, here are 24 labels you’ll want to know about.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
