The imminent holiday season doesn’t come without some wardrobe anxiety, as we go between wanting to shop for dopamine-boosting festive styles to mark the occasion and investing in closet staples that we can re-wear once the new year begins. All with the reality of limited budgets.
Luckily, the Refinery29 team has been busy trying out some of the season’s best arrivals, ranging from shiny vinyl coats and platform shoes to Y2k-inspired crystal-embellished belts. There are also investment pieces like suiting and jewelry, as well as lounging essentials for days when the weather calls for soup and a movie.
Ahead, take a look at some of the best fashion items our team tried and loved last month.
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.
Zara Mid-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans
“My ninth-grade JNCO jeans-loving self would love my latest Zara purchase. What’s more is that the trendy denim style is super versatile: I can take these jeans from day to night by simply adding an oversized blazer and heels.” — Carli Whitwell, Senior Editorial Director
Zara ZW Mid-Rise Loose-Fit Jeans, $, available at Zara
Argent Plaid Blazer and Maxi Skirt
“I’ve been on the hunt for a good skirt suit for a while. Just in time for fall, I got my hands on this plaid number from Argent, the brand known for its hot pink pantsuits worn by celebrities like Kerry Washington and Sophia Bush. The fabric is thick enough to be worn on its own on a warm-ish fall day but thin enough to be layered under coats and jackets later this winter. I also love that the midi skirt features side slits that allow a peek at the shoes.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Argent Patchwork Peak Lapel Blazer, $, available at Argent
"Mary Jane shoes are one of the year's top shoe trends, so it makes sense that this pair by Charles & Keith has become one of my favorite footwear styles this year. The platform and curvy silhouette give this otherwise classic style an edgier look that still works for both day and night. For styling, I've loved pairing it with denim shorts (pictured here) for a casual look, as well as a bubble hem dress to attend the New York City Ballet gala. The options are endless." — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Charles & Keith Pixie Platform Mary Janes, $, available at Charles & Keith
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6"
"When I’m not wearing these shorts on the yoga mat, I’ll pair them with a sweater and plonk myself on the sofa. The buttery soft and weightless fabric means they hug your legs without suffocating them, and the fabric material gives the shorts a breathable and sweat-wicking quality. When you want to feel put together but actually comfortable, these are your go-to. Plus, they make your bum look great! — Kelly Washington, UK Social Editor
“I’ve always loved Buck Mason for its high-quality vintage-inspired pieces and shop this brand when I’m looking for basics. This long-sleeve tee is the perfect weight for layering — aka it won’t make you overheat under a thick sweater and coat — and comes in an array of neutral shades from smokey ash to oyster. Plus, the tee's blend of cotton, bamboo, and wool makes for a buttery soft feel.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Buck Mason Cloud Jersey L/S Slim Crew, $, available at Buck Mason
“I’ve been long searching for the perfect pair of black loafers and always seem to come back to Vagabond. I already own a pair of knee-high boots from them that I love and wear often so I can vouch for both their quality and comfort.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Vagabond Shoemakers Kenova Loafer, $, available at Nordstrom
Aligne Kier Wool Wrap Skirt and Kyla Asymmetric Waistcoat
“I’ve been infatuated with this set ever since I saw it. Aligne makes beautiful, sustainable pieces that are built to last so this worn together is an investment in my formal office wear, but the pieces also work separately. I’m particularly fond of the asymmetric hem on the waistcoat and the buttoning detail on the skirt.” — Sadhbh O’Sullivan, Health and Living Editor
Benedetta Bruzziches Belt
“I am in my belt era. In the last few months, I bought a few investment-worthy belts to use as statement pieces to accessorize my more simple looks. This crystal belt — which I bought during a super sale that’s no longer going on — is the perfect accessory to dress up a little black dress or a casual jeans look. I brought it with me on a three-week work trip for which I only packed one suitcase, wearing it with blazers and T-shirts, as well as sweater dresses to make them a little more special.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Benedetta Bruzziches Venus Crystal-Embellished Belt, $, available at Farfetch
Nia The Label Devon Mini Skirt
"I'm so late to the mini skirt party that, by now, maxi skirts have taken over, but I don’t care because this pleated number from Nia The Label has been my weekend go-to for a few weeks now. My main issue with mini skirts has always been feeling like they're just way too short or tight to move freely, yet this one is completely the opposite. I love the wrap-style silhouette that allows me to adjust it however I feel like." — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Nia The Label Devon Skirt, $, available at Nia The Label
Kitri Dominique Chocolate Vinyl Coat
"Chocolate brown is in for spring/summer 2024, so it makes sense that when I saw this coat from Kitri, I fell in love. Big, brown, and boxy, it’s even better IRL. I guess fall weather isn’t so bad when you can wear outerwear like this." — Kelly Washington, UK Social Editor
Kitri Studio Dominique Chocolate Vinyl Coat, $, available at Kitri Studio
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag
“Every bag I own is black, so I figured it was time to change that. I’m a big fan of Massimo Dutti for the brand’s simple and timeless pieces, and this bag is no different. It can be worn as a cross body, shoulder bag, or clutch, making it suitable for a wide number of outfits and occasions. I also think the gray-blue color is a nice addition to my closet — versatile enough without making too much of a statement.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag with flap, $, available at Massimo Dutti
Diamond Store Lab Emerald Ring
"Who said you have to wait to get engaged to own something sparkly? This lab-grown emerald and diamond halo ring gives all the glimmer of luxury jewelry while being both consciously made and lower-priced. Plus, the gorgeous green makes even unmanicured hands look party-ready." — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
The Diamond Store Astra 1.50ct Lab Emerald And Diamond Halo Shoulder Set, $, available at The Diamond Store
Colorful Standard Organic Oversized Shirt
"Colorful Standard has really mastered the basics. Their pre-washed organic cotton shirts are a dream to wear and come in a delightful array of colors. I particularly like the cedar brown as a fall staple for when I want to look a bit more put together." — Sadhbh O'Sullivan, Health and Living Editor
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“Are mom jeans in style?” “How to style mom jeans.” These are the inquiries shoppers have been googling recently, and we’re thrilled to confirm that, yes(!), these relaxed-fit jeans are back. “With no signs of '90s nostalgia slowing down, the quintessential mom jean is seeing a resurgence within the ultimate denim wardrobe," Nordstrom Editorial and Content Director Kate Bellman told Refinery29.
The iconic high-waisted, loose-hipped, and tapered-leg pants (which stand apart from baggier boyfriend jeans) that were in your mom’s '90s wardrobe can now live in yours, too. I personally like a mom jean on my curvier body shape and find that it strikes the perfect balance between straight-leg jeans and baggy jeans. Plus, I love the vintage feel of their silhouettes and denim washes.
Styling mom jeans may feel like stepping into a ‘90s sitcom, but there are ways to make your outfit feel fresh and current. For a daytime street style look, Levi's Global VP of Women’s Design Jill Guenza suggests pairing mom jeans with a crop top, bodysuit, and dad sneakers for an “ironic yet seriously feminine” outfit. But what if you want something less casual and more refined? Anthropologie Head of Styling Kyla Flax tells Refinery29, "For a night out, I’d try a black voluminous top, mid-wash mom jeans, and black loafers."
We can personally get behind versatile mom jeans (and all their iterations) that will serve us time and time again. So we're going shopping for some holy grail high-rated jeans right now. If your interest has also been piqued, click on to find 24 trendy pairs of mom jeans in straight- and plus-size options.
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 or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Just over two years ago on my birthday, my sister surprised me with a gift that I wasn’t too sure about. In my inbox was a year long subscription to Nuuly — a sustainable clothing rental service — but at the time, I really hated clothes. Due to the perfect storm of a wildly fluctuating weight, a meager paycheck, and a long bout of untreated depression, I’d stopped shopping completely and let my entire closet become a few oversized sweaters and threadbare leggings. My sister thought a monthly clothing rental subscription would be a fun, no-strings way to try out some new styles and refresh my closet. But I wasn’t too sure. Still, I charged forward, figuring after I hit my year mark, I’d phase Nuuly out and start purchasing more permanent items for my wardrobe — or I’d be able to go back to my well-loved leggings and sweaters. Well, I just reached year two with Nuuly, and I’m still faithfully renewing my subscription with no end in sight — and here’s why.
While year one was about putting care into my appearance for the first time (at least in a long time), my second year of clothing rentals was all about reclaiming a love of shopping and going wild with experimentation. There’s not a piece of clothing that scares me anymore, from trendy fall sweaters to glittering concert wear to quiet luxury. That’s because, with each new month and the opportunity to try out six new styles, I’d started to love clothes. It’s true: my formerly shopping-avoidant self now finds the utmost joy in picking out my rental box, and even more joy in wearing the contents. My exuberance has turned out to be contagious, and I’ve had multiple friends sign up for their own Nuuly subscriptions as a result. Nuuly’s e-shelves are fully stocked with not only a wide variety of styles and sizes, but they’re constantly changing to keep up with current style trends, events, and even awkward transitional weather.
The concept of Nuuly isn’t revolutionary by any means. Clothing rental services have been around for a while, but while many focus on designer frocks for special occasions, Nuuly is filled with more accessible brands. Owned by URBN, Nuuly’s inventory is like walking around a really nice mall with all your favorite stores’ newest styles available. Anthropologie, Free People, LoveShackFancy, and Selkie are just a few of the hundreds of available brands that you already know and shop.
Nuuly’s model is simple and effective. For one monthly fee, you can pick out six items to rent, then send back in the bag they arrived in with the included prepaid label. Once your items are received, you do it all over again. Or, if you really love an item, you can purchase it for a discounted rate. Sounds pretty easy, right?
If you’re a born shopper, it’s stupidly easy, especially given the ample plus-size options, as well as maternity and petite-specific clothing. And though in year one I was a little gunshy about shopping, this year, I leaned all the way in. The shift in my excitement happened during the coldest months of the year, which is why I feel like the second year of my journey began amid Nuuly’s coat and jacket section.
As someone who grew up watching Blair Waldorf’s neverending fabulous wardrobe on Gossip Girl, I really love a coat. Being able to rent one (or sometimes more!) a month during the fall and winter was revolutionary. The idea that I, too, could have an entire closet of coats to pull from gave me a thrill I can’t even begin to explain. I already knew that Nuuly possessed a wide range of classic styles like belted trenches and standard (but always chic) black wool coats, but I was excited to see that it also trendier coats like the cozy shearling jacket I’d spotted on celebs all fall long, the fringed suede coats I’d lusted after in the Daisy Jones and the Six Free People collection — even Evermore-esque plaid peacoats. Not only that, but it was the perfect way to transition in and out of warmer weather with a light jacket.
That is really when I think I fell in love with shopping. You see, I live in a NYC apartment with my equally clothes-obsessed girlfriend, and we don’t have the space to store coats (which arguably take up the most room of all the clothes). Adding one to the closet was fairly doable, though. I also learned how the right outer layer can completely make an outfit. During the fall and winter, it can be difficult to stay warm and look cute, especially if you’re wearing the same coat every day. The ability to constantly switch it up made me feel like a model stomping on the catwalks of fashion week. I also appreciate that Nuuly allows me to see how much the pieces of clothing retail for. Especially since coats tend to lean toward the pricier side, I love knowing how much I’m saving with my monthly flat fee of $98. (Seriously, take a look at the retail prices to see exactly how much you’ll be saving—it’s wild!)
From there, I went trend-happy. In my Nuuly clothing rentals over the last year, I have tried out so many styles that I never would have glanced at in the store before. I’m talking everything. Pleated miniskirts, tube tops, cargo pants, fuzzy cropped sweaters, wide-leg jeans, plaid everything — I even went full Y2K throwback with a hot pink Juicy Couture velour tracksuit one month. And I cannot begin to tell you how much joy it brought me.
I was shocked at how much I started to enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone. If I had reloaded my closet with more permanent items, I probably would have stuck to basics, but because I was only renting the clothes for a few weeks, I felt more comfortable taking more risks, especially with trendy seasonal items. It also gave me the opportunity to wear brands that are usually out of my price range, all for the same monthly cost.
If you’re a person who wants to try out trends without committing to them (or relying on cheap fast fashion items), this is a really great way to enjoy trends affordably. Not to mention, I started loving the sustainable fashion aspect of clothing rentals. While I’d never really thought about it before (I seriously wore the same three pairs of leggings for a decade, okay?), wearing clothes and cycling them to someone else made me feel a lot better about trying out new items, too. For those who are interested in sustainability, Nuuly is a great way to go. By using a clothing rental service, you extend the life of any piece of fashion, but Nuuly also has an upcycling program to repurpose damaged clothes and also offers options to thrift styles at a low, low price once they go out of circulation.
Another sustainability factor that I hadn’t considered Nuuly for was event shopping. Though it doesn’t have a ton of formal options (though there definitely are a few!), Nuuly has created style recommendations for me in several categories they just knew I needed. I was able to rent a fall wedding guest dress, as well as a Lover-themed outfit for the Eras tour, and even the base for my Halloween costume, all within my monthly rental subscription. Prior to Nuuly, I would have relied on the fast fashion items I’m trying to avoid these days or simply not dressed up at all (and who doesn’t want to dress up?!). Not only did this save me a ton of money, but I also looked (and felt) fabulous while being budget and environment-conscious. A triple win.
As I load my closet with more trends and look ahead to the upcoming season’s packed schedule and changing weather, I’m saving cozy sweaters, more fall wedding guest dresses, velvet everything, and yes… coats upon coats to my virtual closet (I’ve linked some of my faves below).
Mainly, I love that there’s no limit on what I can wear now, and I’m fully taking advantage of that. Nuuly has options for comfort, holiday dinners, changing bodies, diverse body shapes, and so much more. Try it out, or do your friends and fam a solid and gift them a Nuuly subscription — the holidays are rapidly approaching, and it’s a thoughtful gift that will keep on giving (it’s seriously one of the best gifts I’ve ever received!). I’ll be re-upping my subscription for another year and will continue to smile about it. I can’t wait to see what my fashion journey looks like in year number three!
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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“The collection combines the romanticism and couture-like craftsmanship that you see in ballet costumes with a more modern, sporty mood,” she explains to Refinery29. “I also added a touch of rock ‘n’ roll edge with the accessories.”
As a former dancer, I know all too well the fantasy side of ballet — Christmas season Nutcracker performances, frothy tulle skirts, pastel-hued pointe shoes, etc. — which has long served as inspiration for fashion. Designers, ranging from Claire McCardell in the 1930s to John Galliano in the late ’90s, have included ballet elements in their collections. In more recent years, names like Maeda, Esteban Cortázar, Raf Simons, Christopher John Rogers, and Wes Gordon have created costumes for ballet companies like the New York City Ballet. Meanwhile, products like Jacquemus’ ballet slides and Miu Miu’s satin bow ballerina flats have become some of the most popular items of 2023, according to Lyst.
The most recent collection to come out of the recent balletcore craze, Reformation x New York City Ballet is inspired by Jewels, a show choreographed by the ballet company’s founder George Balanchine, and includes pieces suited for ballerinas, as well as guests looking to attend a ballet performance. “We leaned into classic ballet-inspired elements that emulate traditional practice attire, including bodysuits, wrap sweaters, silk skirts, leg warmers, and, of course, ballet flats,” says Lauren Caris Cohan, Reformation’s chief creative officer. The campaign — shot at New York City’s Lincoln Center, where the company performs — features models sporting leotards and sweaters, paired with leather jackets, looking like they’ve just come out of rehearsal and are ready to loosen up their ballet buns.
The latter is interesting to note because, while there have been plenty of literal ballet uniform interpretations in the past, what’s different about the recent display of balletcore — a trend that’s dominated fashion for the past two years and only continues to grow — is the rebellious side that has been reimagining the ballet fashion stereotypes.
On TikTok, the balletcore hashtag has over one billion views, with creators wearing everything from ballet flats and leg warmers with jeans to outfits inspired by films like Black Swan and Center Stage that employed fashion as a tool to express opposition to ballet’s rigid standards. On the runways, designers like Givenchy, Simone Rocha, and Christian Siriano have reimagined the ultra-feminine dance staples into darker, edgier pieces. Siriano, for example, reworked ballet-style pink ribbons on club-ready mini dresses and added ballet tights underneath wide-leg trousers for his spring 2024 collection.
“I think there’s this desire for people to want to tap into the fantasy of ballet,” says Caroline Reznik, a Milan-based fashion designer, who quit her career as a ballet dancer at the Australian Ballet to work in fashion. “But they also see the off-duty ballet dancer as being something that can be adapted into their own wardrobe because of the functionality that comes with it.”
Reznik’s work takes from her own desire for creative and personal expression outside her ballet studio. “The way that I explore dance archetypes in my work is kind of that rebellion that I grew up with,” she says. “I was always longing to go against the grain because there are so many standards that were once in place to be recognized at the company.” In turn, Reznik, who has dressed artists like Doja Cat and RosalÃa, shies away from the typical balletcore styles and silhouettes, while still employing some of its defining elements, like tulle and bodycon knits. For resort 2024, she featured a tulle skirt with a studded leather harness, as well as a cut-out leather bodysuit with beaded fringe details. “I always had this fire in me that was like, ‘I want to do the opposite, but still be like within this realm,’” she says.
That rebellious spirit is also something that Maeda wanted to celebrate in the Adeam’s spring/summer 2024 collection. She used materials like floral organza and pastel-colored tulle as nods to ballet costumes but included tailored suiting, punk-inspired mini skirts, and sheer opera gloves to contrast the stage-ready details. This juxtaposition is also inspired by Maeda’s own views of ballet’s traditional ideals. “I think ballet culture has progressed in a way that feels more empowering, and I also feel that there is more fluidity in the standards of beauty,” she says. “The athletic prowess that you see in ballet movements is very powerful and inspiring.”
As more brands jump on the balletcore trend, which character will you embody: principal dancer or ballet dissident? It’s up to you.
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.
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The fashion industry is currently obsessed with wearability, making uniforms and capsule wardrobes the biggest fall “trends.” But the latest utilitarian style to make waves might just be one of the most practical and ubiquitous items in our everyday rotation: keys.
But instead of using padlocks as fanciful embellishments and adornments, these past few seasons saw designers making a case for the accessory in a realistic way. Like the models at the Miu Miu fall/winter 2023 show, I’ve held my keys in my hand while walking home at night — sometimes for safety but other times for pure convenience. Because who among us hasn’t spent minutes that feel like hours searching for keys in their bags while standing outside the door in the rain or in the cold, or with hands full of groceries?
The recent interest in wearable clothing, as well as “relatable” creators (see: Tube Girl, who has become known for showing off her ‘fits while on public transportation), only makes it natural for designers to take inspiration from the everyday people. This has translated into runways filled with wrinkled clothing, smudged glasses, and overflowing handbags. In line with that, a bunch of metal keys is exactly the kind of on-the-go portrayal that most of us can relate to.
If you think the look is giving superintendent vibes, there are ways to make this trend chic that doesn’t involve carrying a circle of keys. Creator Chloe Hayward often hangs keys from her belt loops or handbags. Other styling ideas from street style include hanging them on a leather strap as a necklace or on hoops to make into earrings. You don’t need to wait to unlock this trend either: While some buzzy styles require investing in a brand-new closet, this look can be achieved after a quick visit to the Home Depot. Bonus: You’ll never lose your keys again.
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.
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