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Much like a little black dress, everyone should have a black purse in their wardrobe. It’s timeless, versatile, and the perfect staple for no-fuss accessorizing. Whether it’s the most casual everyday tote or the fanciest occasion bag, a black style will go with almost everything and serve you time and time again. So whether you’re searching for a black crossbody purse for running daily errands or a black tote to bring to the office, we’ve got you covered with styles that are anything but boring. They also happen to include the top handbag trends this year (i.e. top handles, woven fabrics, scoop tops, and forever pieces).
From classic shapes and timeless fabrics to unique sizes and trendy hardware, find some of the best black purses to add to your winter wardrobe.
Black Shoulder Bags
Shoulder bags are the perfect arm candy for elevating your night-out outfits. They may be on the smaller size, but their style can be impactful and the cherry on top of your look. We love black shoulder bags, and personally love baguette bags, and how they make us nostalgic for Y2K style. To amp up your black purse, play with texture by choosing high-quality, genuine pebbled or polished leathers or more affordable vegan leathers, nylon, and corduroy.
Black Crossbody Purses
Everyone needs a tried-and-true crossbody purse as a companion to get you through the day. You simply throw it on and go. And speaking of versatility, a lot of crossbodies have convertible features like adjustable straps or additional top handles that allow you to hold them in various ways if you don’t need a hands-free bag at all times. Here. we’ve included various styles like mini, flap-over, sling, and satchel styles to show just how vast the black crossbody purse options are.
Black Tote Bags
If small purses simply aren’t your thing and you prefer a lot of space and storage, we present you with black tote purses. Tote bags come in a whole range of styles, but we opted for sleek, durable, and designer purses over flimsy fabric bags here. Go for glam with a shiny woven tote, or go for sophistication with a chic leather bag. But if you are looking for a no-nonsense everyday style, try a slouchy faux leather tote or structured cotton or canvas totes.
Black Top Handle Purses
Top handle bags are great occasion bags when you don’t have a ton to carry or want an eye-catching accessory. They’re small, compact, and just so chic. We’ve included unique rounded styles, mini trunks, and puffy fabrics in the purse shape for you to play around with. And perhaps the best part about top handles is that many styles these days come with crossbody straps, making them more practical to carry around when you’re done taking your drool-worthy pictures.
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The weeks before the holidays are always an exciting time for fashion lovers. Upcoming celebrations mean festive outfits must be planned, and, for the style-loving set, that is just as joyous as finding that one gift you want under the tree on Christmas morning.
But any fashion-minded person knows it takes trial and error to achieve those looks. And that’s why the Refinery29 team has been busy testing some of the best winter fashion that would make the holiday season an effortless and stylish one.
From velvet bows that’ll revive your Christmas spirit and chunky boots you can pair with your ugly sweater to winter basics that will make the cold-weather season a joy, the Refinery29 team has tried it all. Ahead, take a look at some of the best picks we laid our eyes on this 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.
Jenni Kayne Oversized Crew Neck
“Is there anything more chic than a thick chunky sweater in the fall and winter months? I think not. This creamy slouchy crew from LA-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne has been a staple in my wardrobe since I got it a month ago. It’s made from recycled cashmere and cotton and is high-quality, super warm, and durable all at the same time.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Jenni Kayne Oversized Crewneck, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Charles & Keith Lula Boots
“These aren’t just boots, these are boots! So much so that the first time I wore them a woman (excitedly) screamed it at my face in a bar bathroom. Perfect for wet weather and sticky dance floors alike, these patent stretch heels demand the spotlight and they’re even comfortable to walk in — joy!” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Charles and Keith Lula Patent Block Heel Boots, $, available at Charles and Keith
Jennifer Behr Wide Velvet Bow
“This year, the bow trend is helping me channel my inner child. This one by Jennifer Behr is the perfect mix of childish and chic, making it easy to pair with just about anything for the holiday season. So far, I’ve styled it with a leather jacket and turtleneck for a holiday party, as well as a T-shirt, jeans, and blazer to sightsee during a recent trip to Portugal. You can count it’ll be on my hair all winter long.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Jennifer Behr Wide Velvet Bow Barrette, $, available at Jennifer Behr
Hey Harper Triple Hoops Set
"Although I’ve had my third lobe piercing for over a year now, I haven’t found the right combination of earrings versatile enough to work with any outfit. When this waterproof set of hoops from Hey Harper went on sale for Black Friday, I knew it would be the perfect everyday stack for me. I’m all about simplicity these days, so this set was a 10/10 buy." — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Hey Harper Triple Hoops Set, $, available at Hey Harper
“Athleisure has never been my thing, but since I’ve recently been working out more (due to taking up tennis), it’s become necessary to have items that are made to go from sweating to styled in no time. This pair of joggers from Abercrombie’s YPB line is exactly that — a pair I can play tennis in and later wear to brunch with a nice jacket.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Abercrombie and Fitch YPB Studio and Go Jogger, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Topshop Raw Denim Column Skirt
"Admittedly, while I’ve been banging on about denim midi skirts as a must-have wardrobe staple, I didn’t have my own until now. This Topshop column skirt is made from thick denim, has a back slit for easy strides, and is the perfect length for me (I’m 5’7 for reference). I am looking forward to wearing this skirt for years to come." — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Topshop Topshop raw denim column skirt in indigo, $, available at ASOS
Rixo Georgina Shirtdress
I’ve long been a fan of Rixo’s dresses thanks to the brand’s eye-catching prints. This midi — which can also double as a shirt dress and be styled more casually with a tank top and jeans — is just retro-looking enough without coming off as kitschy. — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Rixo London Georgina Midi Shirtdress, $, available at Rixo London
Maya Brenner Healing Retreat Necklace
"This necklace was thoughtfully gifted to me after I’ve had a difficult year, and it is one of those pieces you know you’ll have for a lifetime. Amethyst is meant to provide protection, balance, and healing, but whether or not you’re a crystal person, you can’t deny that this beautifully crafted necklace simply looks stunning on." — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
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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.
As a person who stands at 5’3″, I understand firsthand the struggle of finding a solid pair of jeans that doesn’t need further alteration besides the usual cuff. While I’ve personally become very comfortable with buying regular-length denim and slicing the bottoms with a pair of fabric shears, I get that not everyone is into the frayed hem look. Additionally, not everyone has the budget or time to take their pants to a tailor that can preserve the original hem.
You’ll always meet fashion people who swear by a certain style of jeans or only wear ones from a particular brand, but even when you compare and contrast denim with other short-legged folks, the search for the best petite jeans feels like a never-ending game of trial and error — after all, what works for one body type won’t necessarily work for another. (Though we always love fantasizing about a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment.)
So, ahead — at the recommendation of fellow short fashion colleagues, friends, and shop reviewers — we present a list of our current favorite petite denim styles. This isn’t a perfect or complete list by any means, but we did aim to cover brands that offer denim styles in an array of washes, fits, stretch levels, and silhouettes that are specifically suited for those who are 5’4″ and under. These jeans are also designed to be worn straight off the racks with no tailoring needed.
But, before you embark on your denim search, I highly suggest you first find your inseam and keep it handy in your Notes app — this number will be immensely helpful when looking at the size and fit details of a product. To determine your inseam, grab your favorite pair of (non-drop-crotch) pants and measure the distance between the crotch and bottom hem. For a true petite style, this likely won’t be any longer than 27 inches, although some brands like to think that 30 inches is a petite cut — which, ahem, it’s not. (Most short folks I know have inseams in the 23–26-inch range.) With this inseam measurement, you’ll have the power to find jeans that’ll actually fit your bottom half; add an inch for a longer length or remove an inch for a high-water look. And be sure to flex the classic trick of searching for “cropped” or “ankle” jeans at any retailer that offers those filters — y’know, the jeans that are cropped on taller folks but full length on petites. Consider this an easy hack to quickly sort the short stuff.
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans, $89 A&F specializes in size-inclusive denim, with styles available in sizes 23–37 in extra-short, short, regular, long, and extra-long lengths. No kidding! (You can read more about the brand’s much-adored denim rebrand in our review here.) For petites, this is great news. For instance, this TikTok fave comes in both Short (25.5 inches) and Extra Short (23.5 inches). Writes one 5’1″ reviewer, “The material is durable and thick but has a little bit of stretch to it which is my perfect combo. It’s enough to make you feel sucked in but stretchy enough to not have that rigid, stiff feel. Extra short is my perfect length and shows the perfect amount of my ankle so it works great with booties and boots that go a little higher up on the leg.”
J.Crew Curvy Vintage Slim-Straight Jean, $128 Naturally, we asked our friends at the aptly named Small Girls PR to tell us about the denim they swear by. Mary Whitlock, the VP of the fashion and lifestyle firm, dishes this J.Crew style is the one for her: “I am 4’11” and curvy, so I have a very hard time finding petite jeans and these are the only jeans that have fit me without needing to be tailored in all of my years on this planet.” Plus, the brand has an impressive filtering system where under the Size & Fit category, you can select Petite or you can search by “Length” and select “Cropped” or “Ankle.”
Maeve The Colette Denim Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans, $130
If you are looking for non-traditional, petite-friendly jeans, Anthropologie has quite a selection. The brand stocks plenty of fashion-forward styles like wide-leg paper-bag denim, dramatic boot cuts, and colorful cropped jeans. You can find plenty of standard options as well from house brands like Pilcro and beloved denim labels like Joe’s Jeans and Good American.
Madewell Petite High-Rise Stovepipe Jeans, $138 If you didn’t know that Madewell has a whole Petite Perfect Vintage Jean collection (offering every kind of wash color imaginable), you do now. These best-selling petite-fit jeans come highly recommended by Refinery29’s beauty and wellness writer, Karina Hoshikawa, who raves about the 25-inch inseams and lived-in vintage feel.
AGOLDE Riley High Rise Straight Crop Jeans, $208
While Shopbop is a clothing retailer and not a denim brand, it still makes this list because of its detailed sizing measurements and easy-to-use denim filter: Under the Clothing category, you can sort its massive denim collection by Cropped Jeans or Ankle Jeans. One of Shopbop’s most popular denim brands is AGOLDE, and this cropped jean has a very specific 25.25-inch inseam that petites love. “I’m 5’1″, 34B, 123 lbs. (hips/butt) and a true size 27 in all the other denim I own,” writes one reviewer. “I think people need to realize, that Rise and Inseam will re-adjust your waist sizing[,] so I’m thankful Shopbop lists both of those because they matter for petite girls like me […] Also, being 5’1″ the inseam of 25.25 fits me like an actual pant (not cropped). Love the quality of this style and wash, you won’t be disappointed if you get your sizing right. Trust me!”
Everlane The Way-High Jean, $118
Everlane takes its jeans selection seriously — it even boasts a whole denim guide. While you can’t conduct a general, one-filter search for petite jeans on the Everlane site, click around and you’ll see that many of the brand’s best-selling pairs are offered in a variety of lengths, like The Way-High Jean, which has an inseam option of 25.5 inches. Absolute chef’s kiss.
AYR The Pop, $225
It’s quite rare for a denim brand to offer two petite lengths (let alone one), but AYR is all about providing options. Customers have their pick of a 25- or 27-inch inseam, which may contribute to this jean’s sell-out power. Currently ranking a 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,350 reviews, the jeans have petite denim lovers saying things like, “These are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever tried on, and I have tried soooo many designer brands. […] I am 5’2” and 112 lbs. and I got a size 26 with the shorter inseam which is perfect. I am usually wearing leggings on the weekend but so happy that I have a pair of jeans that is just as comfortable!”
Gap High Rise Cotton ’90s Loose Jeans, $89.95$71
Don’t sleep on Gap jeans — they’re better than ever. Plus, you can filter your search by “Length” (select “Ankle”) for easy browsing. You also have your choice of selecting Regular, Petite, or Tall on individual product pages. This ’90s loose jean comes in a gloriously petite inseam of 27.5 inches. Writes one reviewer, “I was looking for a pair of loose/baggy jeans which is the new look. These were perfect since they are not overwhelmingly loose/baggy like many of the other designers are showing. These are very flattering and designed for those under 5’5″ who want the baggy style but cannot wear the baggy jeans designed for tall individuals. The side leg slit is an added design feature which is very flattering!”
Banana Republic The Slim Jean, $110 It’s easy to get lost in Banana Republic’s Denim Shop because there are tons of styles available in all washes and shapes, from skinnies to flares. (For the petite goods, head over to the Size category, and you have either the option of searching by “Petite” or by “Short.”) Once you start poking around, you’ll plenty of sleek styles such as these slim jeans with a 26-inch inseam.
Frame Le Pixie Slim Palazzo, $268 Unlike Rag & Bone, which tends to favor rigid denim, Frame is a premium brand that doesn’t shy from super-stretchy denim. (This one’s for fans of jeans that truly give.) For those who are on the shorter side, Frame even has a collection called Le Pixie, denim styles made for those 5’3″ and under. It’s a revelation, considering that petite folks rarely are able to find silhouettes like palazzo or super wide-leg — and Frame offers flares that can actually accommodate anything from sneakers to cowboy boots.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Non-Stretch Black Balloon Ankle Jeans for Women,$44.99$30.99
Just like its “older sister” brand, Gap, Old Navy offers a similarly easy-to-use sorting system, which you can do so by Length (select Ankle and Cropped). This petite style has a 26-inch inseam, which allows even the most petite of gals to experience some level of cropped-ness. Says one pint-sized customer, “I love these jeans, they fit beautifully at the waist and then don’t touch you anywhere else till your ankle. Perfect!”
Lee Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean, $44 Lee, the heritage denim brand, also offers petite inseams — but you’ll find that these petite lengths are slightly longer at 27.5 inches, which is ideal for those with longer legs or for people who want to wear full-length jeans with, say, heeled booties. Plus, as a few reviewers have pointed out, it’s difficult finding rigid denim jeans in plus sizes, and this classic style had a celebrated comeback. Writes one reviewer: “The 100% cotton construction is excellent! They are very comfortable. It is difficult to find plus-sized jeans that are 100% cotton that also fit very well. I am so happy I was able to find them. Lee, thank you for bringing back these 100% cotton jeans.”
Rag & Bone Wren High-Rise Straight, $255$126
One solid maker of premium American denim is Rag & Bone, which mostly releases skinny-to-baggy jeans with straight-ish legs in varying rises. There are plenty of Ankle and Cropped styles to be found in the brand’s jeans department, with a petite-friendly length of a 27-inch inseam.
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Women’s Jeans, $98 $69.98 Bianca Caampued, the five-feet-tall co-founder of Small Girls PR, tells us, “Before owning the agency, I was someone raised by and working at fashion magazines — in which Levi’s was always the editor-approved gold star of denim. Luckily for me, the brand adjusts by leg length and not just waist width, so I can browse by 26-inch inseams specifically.” Caampued has two immediate go-tos: the Wedgie Straight and the 501, both of which she assures no hemming or is cuffing needed.
Still Here Childhood Jeans, $235
Still Here jeans have an endorsement from R29’s very own Senior Partnership Manager, Kate Spencer, who stands at a petite but mighty 5’1″. She loves how “the co-founder/creative director, Sonia Mosseri, is quite petite and produces most of the brands’ styles down to a size 22, which is pretty rare in the denim landscape and wildly amazing for smaller-framed people.” If that isn’t a great endorsement for petite-friendly jeans, I don’t know what is. Kate also recommended the Tate as another petite-friendly option as it’s one of the brand’s more cropped cuts.
RE/DONE High Rise Stove Pipe, $265
RE/DONE is a denim brand that reworks and refurbishes vintage Levi’s into silhouettes that are better suited for modern body types. It means you can expect lots of ’70s-inspired rigid denim jeans on the site. This pair, with a 27-inch inseam, comes recommended by R29 Senior Partnership Manager Kate Spencer who has a particular affinity for high rises, a looser leg, and zero stretch.
Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans, $148
Reformation isn’t known for denim, but the brand’s Petites section is definitely worth a browse if you’re into trend-forward, going-out styles — without fail, there’s always at least one or two pairs of jeans waiting to be scooped up by those looking for a 27-inch inseam.
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.
Frost is nipping at our toes, and layering season is in full effect. Our first order of business? Curating a carousel of winter dresses to wear all season long. In most cases, winter dresses and fall dresses are pretty similar, with a few tweaks in terms of fabric and cut. A little extra weight to the fabric and a few extra inches of material in key areas will serve you well when you’re up against snow and sleet, or whatever else the season throws at you. Think sweater-like materials and yuletide prints, long sleeves, and high necks.
But how do you know which frock fits the bill as we enter the chilliest period of the year, keeping you covered for office wear, holiday parties, and everything in between? To answer this question, we turned to shoppers for their star ratings and reviews on dresses from all our reliable retail faves, including Free People, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and more. Scroll onward to see which dresses are earning customers’ approval this winter.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star-and-up club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
“For reference, I’m 5 ft 7, 118 lbs. This dress is a little thinner than most sweater dresses, but I love that feature as it will be easy to wear early fall through late winter,” shares a reviewer. “The colors are beautiful and unique, and the slits on the sides add a touch of sophistication and are quite flattering. As other reviewers have stated, the dress is long, and the sleeves are too (as they should be), but if you are tall like me or taller, it will fit you very well!”
The Best Cashmere Winter Dress The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars; 26 reviews on Quince
Treat yourself to a luxe cashmere dress this winter — without breaking the bank. Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere midi dress is priced just below $130 and comes in three neutral colors: brown, heather grey, and black. Reviewers have noted that the dress runs slightly large.
“Quince has won my heart again. This V-neck cashmere dress is soft, ever so versatile, and drapes effortlessly. It can be worn with boots or dress shoes and is an overall timeless silhouette,” shares one reviewer. “The dress hits at a comfortable mid-calf, a nice length for fall and winter. I took the large, and it’s not too tight. For reference, I normally wear a 12.”
The Best Colorful Winter Dress The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars; 164 reviews on Anthropologie
Who doesn’t love a good two-for-one deal? Anthropologie has crafted a one-piece that merges a cropped mock neck sweater with a woven midi skirt for a polished dress that requires no styling.
“This combination of a sweater top attached to a thin, pleated, flowy skirt is styled well! The sweater part fits small and has long sleeves that must be rolled or pushed up. I ordered the L and Xl and will keep the XL for a looser fit,” writes a reviewer.
The Best Winter Sweater Dress The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 31 reviews on Lulus
Oversized sweater dresses are the epitome of winter fashion, and if you add a turtleneck with a Fair Isle-inspired print to it, you’re perfectly outfitted for chilly season. This thick, stretch-knit sweater dress has a turtleneck and tying sash belt that keep you extra toasty while adding a bit of chic detailing atop the charming print. Since the dress has a column silhouette, reviewers recommend sizing down.
“I was truly surprised by how nice this sweater dress is. It is tightly knit, so it’s warm with no chilly air getting through, and you do not need a slip under it. I ordered my usual size of M, and the dress was not too tight or too loose. I do not like sweater dresses that hug my body too much, and this did not do that,” writes a reviewer. “It is long for us shorties, but with the included belt, you can shorten the dress to fit in the middle of your leg. I wore scrunchy knee boots, which set the dress off really well. Overall, a great dress that is very well made.”
The Best Winter Holiday Dress The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 4 reviews on Lane Bryant
As you gear up for dinner parties and Christmas events, spruce up your collection of holiday dresses with this shiny green satin V-neck dress. The smocked wrap skirt gives a flutter with every step, and the cinched wrists have button cuffs for a polished touch. The best part? The dress also comes with pockets.
“I absolutely love this dress! It’s a beautiful radiant green dress that is elegant and perfect for Christmas Day. The fit is perfect and the fabric is so glossy and soft. I took the model’s inspiration and styled my dress with a black belt too,” exclaims a reviewer.
The Best Winter Mini Dress The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 340 reviews on Tuckernuck
This lightweight mini dress is the perfect piece to pair with your tights, tall boots, and trench coats. It has a light shimmer to it — perfect for festive gatherings — and is easy to coordinate with accessories for upscale and laidback events alike. The mini dress falls a few inches above your knee and is slightly loose for a comfortable feel.
“This is an amazing dress; the 3/4 length sleeves and turtleneck make this look sophisticated, and the length is perfect. The fabric is warm and makes it a great winter dress. I’ll be wearing this to work all the time this winter,” raves a reviewer.
The BestWinter Midi Dress The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 16 reviews on FreePeople
This lovely mauve midi dress is laidback and cozy, but gives you shape with its fitted silhouette that hugs you in all the right places. Style it with black pointy ankle booties and a leather jacket or your favorite winter coat to top it off. The banded balloon sleeves and textured ribbed fabric add subtle detail to the one-piece, allowing you to fashion it however you please.
“This dress speaks volumes. It is comfortable and a great material with some stretch. It is a great addition to anyone’s fall/winter wardrobe, without over heating,” a reviewer shares. “At 5’5, the dress stops a little above the ankle. I plan on styling it with peep toes for fall and then cowboy boots for the winter. All I know is that I’m ready.”
The Best Casual Winter Dress The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 13 reviews on Saks Fifth Avenue
Hoodie season is the best season, and now you can enjoy an oversized version to wear with no pants at home — we’re not judging — or joggers and leggings for outside. Whether your preference of color is black, black, or black, or you’re a girly girl who lives in pink, UGG has both options available to shop.
“I’m obsessed with this hoodie. I have it in black, and I often wear it with tights and boots or a mix of joggers and sneakers. You can’t go wrong with it,” raves a reviewer. “Since I live in Missouri, it’s very warm, so I might wear a tank underneath and either a light jacket or no coat because it’s so warm. Don’t let me forget the pockets. I love pockets, and the hood is a nice feature, too.”
The Best Winter Date-Night Dress The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 64 reviews on Revolve
From Bardot, consider this bold, semi-sheer dress your one-and-only winter date-night dress. The figure-hugging statement piece is flirty with a crisscross design, front cutout, and ruched design that deserves all the attention in the world — and your date of course.
“This dress is incredible. I am a true pear shape, and it hugs my curves like a dream. The mesh and cut-out make it sexy, but the length is perfect to keep it classy,” a reviewer raves. “I’m a true size 4. I tried both small and medium and kept the latter. The small fit was a little shorter and tighter; the medium is more forgiving. Now I just need to be invited somewhere to wear it!”
The Best Winter Lounge Dress The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 1,496 reviews on Skims
Live out your most luxurious holiday dreams at home in Skims’ best-selling lounge dress. Imagine resting on your couch in the drapey slip with a nice mug of hot cocoa and “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” playing in the background. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, now you can bring it to life by prepping with the best winter lounge dress.
“I’ve been obsessed with Soft Lounge dresses for the past few months. The long-sleeved version of the slip dress is perfect for colder weather coming up. It can easily be dressed up or down and is just as comfortable as the spaghetti strap version. There are plenty of shades, and I chose Onyx, which is less sheer than the lighter colors,” writes a reviewer. “The only con I can think of is that it’s a bit challenging to wear a bra or bralette with this dress, so it may be too revealing. However, I don’t mind them and I wear them often. If you’re on the fence whether it’s worth it I wholeheartedly recommend buying it.”
When I first started hearing people rave about how good Abercrombie & Fitch’s new plus-size denim was, I was skeptical, to say the least. Like many women who grew up in the era of Abercrombie’s shirtless models store associates and low-rise jeans that didn’t go above size L, it seemed almost unfathomable that I’d want to shop in a place that had excluded me for so long. But as I learned about the changes in leadership and philosophy at the brand, and continued seeing some of my trusted plus fashion contemporaries become Abercrombie converts, I had to see for myself what the fuss was about.
Despite my initial misgivings, putting on my first pair of Abercrombie & Fitch jeans immediately had me excited to try more. So I was only too happy to wear-test three other pairs (and a bonus trouser) to see how they fit and feel on a size 18/20 with a belly. Ahead my thoughts.
“What jeans are trendy now?” is a perennial question, and one with a different answer depending on who you ask. If I had to choose a style that is perfectly now though, this relaxed-leg pair in a light wash would be it. Once you find a well-fitting style, this silhouette is surprisingly versatile and works with a lot of different looks as evidenced by its ubiquity on the streets of New York. Not only does Abercrombie offer these in plus sizes (up to 37/24W) but also in multiple lengths.
I wore these with a cropped tee (also from Abercrombie), a plaid car coat, and a chunky loafer for a casual look. I’ve also paired these jeans with platform Buffalo Shoes and a long-sleeve crop top for a night out, and I love the idea of adding a heel to these, too.
I’m typically between sizes as an 18/20, and decided to go with the larger size here for a little bit more room. I’d recommend erring on the bigger side for this style if you are unsure: This is a cut that looks better a little baggy.
I’ve personally enjoyed the shift from skinny to baggy denim, but, as a plus fashion blogger, I’ve seen a lot of concerns from readers who worry that this silhouette won’t be flattering on them. In my opinion, it’s all about the fit, and this pair from Abercrombie gets it right: The jeans are fitted through the waist and hips (but don’t squeeze), and seamlessly transition to lots of volume in the leg. I liked these so much I might have to get them in a medium wash blue, too.
I went with a tonal grey and silver moment for the styling, with metallic ballet flats and an oversized cargo satin button-down from Abercrombie’s recent (and excellent) collab with Harlem’s Fashion Row designer Nicole Benefield. I’ve noticed that Abercrombie has started introducing more XXXL top options with their collabs lately — something that I hope becomes standard practice across the board soon.
Though not technically denim, the leather pant in ‘90s-style straight-leg silhouette is well on its way to becoming a wardrobe staple in the same way. (Plus, it’s found under the denim category.)
For this pair, I wanted a slightly more form-fitting fit, so I went with the smaller of my two sizes, which turned out to be the right move. These pants have a nice amount of stretch without feeling flimsy (an important characteristic for good vegan leather, in my experience). The waistband fits comfortably without pinching (even after sitting for hours while working on my laptop at a coffee shop). The lining is also soft and warm, so do not be surprised to see me in this pair a lot as temperatures continue to drop.
As someone between sizes, I usually default to the larger size for most non-stretch denim, especially mid-rise styles like this one, since I have a higher waist. But, for this straight-leg style, I was aiming for a less baggy look, so I went with the smaller size in Abercrombie’s Curve Love cut. If you haven’t tried the line before, Curve Love jeans have the same waist circumference as their Regular cuts but with an additional two inches on the hips for each size. This helps eliminate the dreaded waist gap while also giving curvy hips room to breathe. The denim doesn’t have a ton of stretch, but it was still comfortable and did not pinch even after a long day of wear that started before 5 a.m.
I styled these jeans with an oversized crew neck sweater in size XXL, also from Abercrombie, paired with a longline trench coat and minimal mules. It was the perfect look for a day of showing my mom around some of my favorite places in New York City for her birthday.
Tailored trousers aren’t just for workwear anymore. I wanted to test this style to see if Abercrombie’s great plus denim fit carries over to pants. I’m happy to report that the answer is absolutely yes. The Sloane is one of Abercrombie’s signature styles, and I found that the Curve Love version fit me perfectly in my usual size. I wore them with an old collared crop top from Abercrombie (bring back this style please!), platform Buffalo Shoes sneakers, and a metallic puffer for the first wintry-feeling day of the year.
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 us. 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, we may earn a commission.
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Over the last couple of years, loungewear sets have won over denim devotees, luxury loyalists, and even the most suited and booted among us. And if you would love nothing more than to live in soft pants every day of the week, it's worth making sure that our pursuit of comfort doesn't hurt our planet.
Thanks to a slew of stylish and sustainable labels, your everyday loungewear needn't make you feel guilty. From Girlfriend Collective to Pact, here are the best sustainable loungewear brands we're wearing for winter and beyond. Think perfectly oversized crewneck hoodies, flowy wide-leg joggers, and super-soft, organic cotton separates for quiet nights in.
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 us. 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, we may earn a commission.
Pangaia has been leading the way in sustainability since 2018. Working with scientists and designers to use the most ethical, planet-friendly materials — think Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified cotton, seaweed fiber finishes, and cruelty-free flower down — the brand's contemporary basics are our go-to for guilt-free lazy days. Bookmark if you're a color-lover looking to inject some fun into your downtime wardrobe.
Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Track Pants, $, available at Pangaia
Ninety Percent
Not only does London-based womenswear brand Ninety Percent distribute 90% of its profits between its makers and charitable causes, but its sustainability credentials are impressive, too. Every piece is made in one of three of the world's industry-leading factories, using the most innovative materials, such as GOTS-certified cotton, EcoVero (a renewable harvested wood pulp), and Tencel. Shop for classic sweat separates in neutral tones.
Ninety Percent GINNIE SWEATSHIRT IN STONE, $, available at Ninety Percent
Girlfriend Collective
Wearing responsibly made lounge pieces is all too easy a sell when Girlfriend Collective is involved. Whether it's backpacks made from recycled water bottles or recycled cotton separates, the brand infuses sustainability, style, and size inclusivity in everything they do. One of our choice picks? These candy-colored cropped crewnecks (say that three times fast!) are made from 50% recycled cotton and 50% organic cotton.
Girlfriend Collective 50/50 Cropped Sweatshirt, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Outdoor Voices
The Austin-based movement-focused brand isn't just known for zippy leggings and sports bras. Proprietary textiles like RecFleece, RecPoly, and RecNylon are made from up to 100% recycled materials, making them a conscious (and cozy) choice for the planet. Plus, all orders ship in 100% recycled paper envelopes or recyclable boxes, and in-store purchases are bagged in reusable tote bags.
Outdoor Voices RecFleece Snap Jacket, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Everlane
The clothing startup founded on the idea of radical transparency has begun to use recycled materials where possible in select pieces — not that you would know, based on how soft and sturdy the stuff is. Case in point? This chic half-zip, which is made with 26% recycled cotton and 30% recycled polyester.
Everlane The ReTrack Half-Zip Sweatshirt, $, available at Everlane
Pact
Reader-fave label Pact (the name alone is a nod to the brand's commitment to sustainability) makes all of its pieces using organic cotton in accordance with Fair Trade USA, GOTS, and SimpliZero, so you can feel good about where you shop.
PACT Essential Loopback Terry Wide Leg Sweatpant, $, available at PACT
Tentree
For every item purchased, Tentree plants a tree to lessen its carbon footprint and provide planting jobs worldwide. The fact that you get an ethically made, organic, or recycled piece of clothing is simply, a bonus.
Tentree Ecoloft Teddy Jogger, $, available at Tentree
Mate The Label
Mate the Label is climate neutral and was founded on an eight-part credo that encompasses brand values like being plastic-free, GOTS-certified, and a B Corp.
Mate The Label Tencel Sleep Short, $, available at Mate the Label
Allbirds
Allbirds doesn't just make sneakers — the carbon-neutral brand's array of basics is made with the same Earth-friendly ethos as its recycled footwear. Think 100% recycled cotton tees like this easy, breezy one pictured here.
