Friday, March 10, 2023

Build Your Capsule Wardrobe With Pareto’s Collection Of Timeless Staples

While we associate spring cleaning with a deep cleaning of our homes, it’s time to sift through your filled-to-the-brim wardrobe. The first section to tackle? It’s your most worn section: everyday basics. Basics are like the expendable clothes on that secret chair in your room that grows into a monster of items you forget to organize. However, what if we told you that you don’t need to waste money on cheap staples that only last a few wears anymore? Pareto has timeless minimalistic clothing you’ll fall head over heels for, resulting in its own special drawer. These aren’t your everyday basics; the carefully curated wardrobe essentials are explicitly designed to be forever pieces with sustainability at their core.

Quality over quantity is the belief that Pareto instills in every garment it makes. As soon as you enter Pareto’s site, it states that “women wear 20% of their closets, 80% of the time,” and you can find that 20% here. The label only releases six to eight additional styles per year — brands tend to launch collections every season — and spends a year perfecting all the details. On top of that, Pareto understands how the fashion industry harms the planet and strives to be transparent in its manufacturing. Pareto works hand-in-hand with everyone involved in creating its clothing, from the cotton growers to sewers. (Every item also has a tag showing where it was grown, spun, knit, dyed, and sewn.) 

Along with individual staples like a romper and a field jacket, the retailer sells three curated bundles. If you need an immediate upgrade of fresh clothing and want to try multiple fashionable styles, this is the route. Also, for the people who aren’t fashionably inclined, Pareto sends outfit inspirations to your email on how you can style the piece you bought. How thoughtful!

Scroll ahead, to see the few Pareto styles we believe that people need ASAP and find the color you’re missing in your wardrobe.

The Only Crewneck Sweater You Need

How many basic long-sleeves do you have that shrank in the dryer, or after a few washes, the black hue turned into a heathered shade? Instead of pining over the piece, say your goodbyes and turn toward Pareto’s Your Crewneck Sweater. It’s a cozy top made from organic cotton French terry that’s designed to be built to last.

The sweater has minimal pilling and won’t fade, no matter how often you wash it. Plus, the top has been thoughtfully designed with everything from the snug crewneck that isn’t too tight to the flattering tapered side seam, comfortable fitted sleeves, and polished hem. It’s a piece you’ll always gravitate toward and appreciate.

Reviewers have even mentioned how they loved it so much that they bought other shades (navy, charcoal, stone gray, ivy green, and burgundy). “Everything is right about this sweater: the fit, the fabric, the weight. I found myself consistently choosing it to layer and wear with everything. So much so that I have ordered another one in the same color: black,” raves a reviewer. “This is a great value with the high quality; it wears well; washes well; come[s] out of a suitcase looking great and is very comfortable yet, not baggy.”

The Office-Approved Sweatpants

Imagine if you could wear sweatpants to the office. Well, now you can live out your dreams of being comfy at work with Pareto’s elevated sweatpants. The polished mid-rise bottoms have a straight hem and tapered legs for a trouser flair, which is professional for work-related events and even dinner dates.

“I keep reaching for these instead of yoga pants or skinny jeans. I packed all three bottoms for a long weekend and only wore the Pareto pants,” exclaimed a reviewer. “The pants are easy to dress up, crazy comfortable, perfect rise, a cute capri length on me (5’11″/ size small), and you can sit with your phone in the front pocket without it falling out! 10/10 would recommend it.”

The Tank Top You Can Wear With Ease

Tank tops are a bit iffy to wear on their own. They could be uncomfortably tight, with straps that don’t stay on, and the issue with the underarm coverage is so real. Pareto flushes all those pre-determined thoughts out of your mind with its Your Tank Top. The breathable jersey top made with organic cotton has shoulder straps that will hide all straps, an approachable V-neck, secured underarm coverage, and a stylish drapey look. 

“This tank top works on EVERYONE. Yet again, Pareto makes an item with a woman’s body in mind. It follows your natural curves without being skin-tight or too flashy. Just go ahead and buy everything Pareto makes. You won’t regret it,” promises a reviewer.

The Elevated Comfy T-Shirt Dress

T-shirts are great, but T-shirt dresses are a whole different story. The breeziness and ease of slipping into a comfy style are best for those days when the temperature suddenly spikes and you don’t want anything restricting or trapping excess heat. Thankfully, Pareto has embodied that feeling of the usual boxy T-shirt dresses into its slim tapered Your T-Shirt Dress. The frock has a smooth neckline and a comfy length that won’t have you pulling it down after moving an inch. We won’t judge if it becomes your warm-weather uniform. 

“I am now the proud owner of three different colors in this dress. They have become my summer staple, and they make for easy packing when traveling,” shares a reviewer. “My Pareto dresses and a couple of pairs of pants — done! The dresses are so simple, flattering, and versatile. The items are not only my favorite, but now they pop up on my friends too. Nice job, Pareto!”

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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We Tried Bebe’s Flared Jeans — & R29 Readers Score 40% Off The ’70s Styles

Super Sale Alert: Get 40% off two different flared jeans styles from bebe with exclusive promo code SHOPBEBE, now through Friday, March 17, 11:59 p.m. EST.

While reports of the death of skinny jeans have been greatly exaggerated, there’s no doubt that pant legs are continuing to flare out again. We spotted several flared jeans walking down the recent Autumn/Winter 2023 runways, and Gen Z scream queen Jenna Ortega rocked a pair for some Scream promo just this week. The groovy style is definitely back, but with a firmly 2023 sensibility.

Flare jeans may solely remind you of the ‘70s, but the wide-leg jeans style has had a facelift since then. The over-exaggerated bell bottom hemline has become more streamlined, with most modern interpretations offering a more subtle flare. This provides a fun, figure-hugging, and flattering style that lengthens the look of your legs. And it’s one of this year’s top denim trends, so you’ll be sure to start seeing them (and hopefully wearing them) more often this spring.

When a nostalgic trend is taken on by a nostalgic brand, it makes it even better. You may associate bebe with Y2K fashion, but the 1976-founded brand is embracing the decade of its birth. Bebe made a fairly recent resurgence when the younger generation discovered its style (and its iconic rhinestone-embellished logo shirts), and plenty of people who rode the first wave of bell-baring syles are back for a second helping. The brand has a stylish, all-new spring denim collection, which features some ’70s-inspired flare jean styles.

Some wide-leg skeptics on the R29 Shopping team put the brand’s new high-waisted wide-leg jeans to the test to see if they’re truly wearable and worthy of a spo in our wardrobes. Both the wider flared dark wash style and the vintage-inspired light wash style are available for 40% off exclusively for R29 readers, now through Friday, March 17.

High Waist Button Detail Wide Leg Jeans, $119 $71.40

These flared jeans could have easily been seen on the likes of Farrah Fawcett skateboarding in Charlie’s Angels, or Diana Ross dancing at Studio 54. The sleek style comes in a true blue wash that’s just barely faded, giving a slightly lived-in, vintage look. The gold buttons and stitching also give them some extra flare (get it?!). Made from bebe’s newest denim material, Heritage Denim, the 98% cotton and 2% spandex blend slightly stretches to offer a figure-hugging and curve-defining look.

Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

“I’m not usually a flared jeans wearer, but I decided to give these a try —because why not! When I put these jeans on, the first thing I noticed was 1. How comfortable they were, and 2. The bright blue wash is perfect for the summer.

The jeans had great stretch and were not overly stiff, giving them a comfortable, worn-in feel that is perfect for 24-hour comfort. Lengthwise, the jeans were just right for me, hitting right at my ankle when wearing boots to polish off the look. I can’t wait to pair these jeans with a crop top, my hat, and some boots for the Houston rodeo next year!”

Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

“When it comes to denim, I’ll admit that I was pretty set in my ways for a long time. I thought that since I’m petite (a strong 5’2, to be exact), I couldn’t pull off a flare style. Wrong! This pair of bebe jeans feature a super-high waist and button detailing that is giving me major Daisy Jones energy. They’re also just the right amount of stretchy while still holding their shape — and surprisingly comfortable!

I will say, they do run a bit small in the waist, so you may want to go up a size if you’re in between sizes. (I also had to get mine hemmed because I’m short, but if you’re an average to tall height, then you’ll be just fine.) Other than that, I will definitely be wearing these all spring long with light, breezy sweaters and crop tops.”

High Waist Wide Leg Jeans, $119 $71.40

If you’re looking for some extra character, this style has it. From the stone-washed fade to the prominent front seams to the thick waistband, these are sure to be the statement piece of any outfit. Less flared than the first style, this hemline may be a bit more subtle and practical for everyday wear. The brand’s vintage stretch denim also offers the feel and texture of high-quality vintage jeans, but with added stretch (which was not at all common) for those of us who favor comfort.

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 28 Best Beach Hats That Don’t Look Over The Top

If you plan on hitting the beach or pool in the coming weeks, we recommend a few crucial essentials for your look: a swimsuit, some sunglasses, sandals, and a good sun hat. Sure, a hat may seem like a superfluous accessory since you’ll also be slathering on the SPF — but, on top of adding an additional layer of sun protection, hats can help keep you cool while pulling your whole beach getup together. The trouble is finding the best beach hats that don’t look over the top. Good thing there’s a sea of chic-and-affordable options floating around the internet, so we were able to pull together a guide to some of the best low-key beach hats that are cute, comfy, and easily packed. Think everything from classic baseball caps for the athletic types to straw hats for those who want to channel a Euro-boating look and even printed silk headscarves that your great-grandmother would stan — plus, a handful of other perfect top-offs for your beach-ready noggin. Keep scrolling to shop.

The Best Straw Hats

Free People Sublime Straw Bucket Hat, $68
Shop Free People

Straw hats are the ultimate summer headpieces — they’re lightweight, quick-dry, and come in an array of fabulous silhouettes. Plus, the wide brim slouches ever-so-perfectly to keep your face shaded from the sun. If you’re limiting yourself to just one beach hat this summer, we recommend going with one made of good-ol’ straw.

The Best Bucket Hats

Lululemon Women’s Wide Brim Logo Bucket Hat, $58
Shop Lululemon

We’re certainly not mad at seeing this throwback hat — inspired by the fishermen’s go-to topper — return for another moment in the sun. The bucket hats we’re seeing these days are wonderfully floppy, gender-neutral, tie-dyed, embroidered, and made to fit our adult-size heads.

The Best Baseball Caps

Anthropologie Linen Baseball Cap, $42
Shop Anthropologie

You can’t go wrong with a classic dad hat or baseball cap. These beach hats are super-casual, super-affordable, and super-low-maintenance — and add just a hint of effortless cool to any outfit.

The Best Visors

Alo Solar Visor, $54
Shop Alo

The visor is the ultimate lightweight beach hat. These breezy hats are best suited for sporting activities like frisbee and volleyball because the band keeps eyes shaded and soaks up sweat while still allowing for plenty of ventilation.

The Best Head Scarves

Free People Lotus Paisley Print Bandana, $30
Shop Free People

For a more romantic beach look, opt for the fluttery silk headscarf or bandana. You can style it by tying it around your head like a babushka or headband, or use it to hold your ponytail together. For a complete day-to-night transition, tie it around your neck after sundown.

The Best Cooling Hats

The North Face Women’s Horizon Breeze Brimmer, $45
Shop The North Face

Need an even sportier option? These breathable performance sun hats are specifically engineered to cool you down. A few impressive technical details: The sweatbands have a cooling lining. There are strategically placed mesh ventilation holes everywhere. And the UPF 50+ protective brims are made to resist ultraviolet rays.

The Best Extra-Wide Brim Sun Hats

San Diego Hat Co. Oversized Floppy Straw Hat, $85
Shop Anthropologie

If you’re simply not a “summer person” and prefer to go incognito all season long, we’ve got the perfect hat style for you: the oversized, extra-wide brim sun hat. A little ridiculous maybe? Sure. But, good luck to the sun — nothing’s getting past this statement hat.

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 37 Best Oscars Looks Of All Time


For decades, A-listers have glammed up for the Golden Globes, mellowed out for the SAGs, and pulled out almost all the stops for the Grammys. But the mother of all award shows is the Oscars, where the all-star Hollywood glamour always comes out to play.

From couture gowns to custom-made looks, the red carpet at the Oscars showcases the best of fashion, guaranteeing some unforgettable moments. Who can forget Audrey Hepburn's white Givenchy dress in 1954? Or the Dior gown Jennifer Lawrence wore to accept her first Academy Award? Then, there are the outfits that push the limits of red carpet fashion: Take, for example, Sharon Stone's 1998 shirt-and-skirt combo or Ariana De Bose's crop top-and-pants look, which she paired with a long train, in 2022.

In an effort to document Oscars fashion history, we're taking a trip down memory lane and reminiscing on the best red carpets of the past decades. See which celebrities made the cut by clicking through the throwback looks ahead.

Audrey Hepburn, 1954


It never took much to make the late Audrey Hepburn look glamorous, but in this Givenchy gown, Hepburn, glowing from winning an Oscar for Roman Holiday, is nothing short of perfection.

Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy.Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.

Grace Kelly, 1955


Designed by arguably the most famous costumier in history, Edith Head, Grace Kelly's Oscars look was, like most Grace Kelly looks, an absolute winner.

Grace Kelly in Edith Head. Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Madonna, 1991


Dripping in Old Hollywood glamour, there's nothing we'd rather see Madonna wearing to the 63rd Annual Academy Awards than this Bob Mackie ensemble.

Madonna in Bob Mackie.Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage/Getty Images.

Winona Ryder, 1994


Who doesn't love a Gatsby-esque gown at the Oscars? Photo: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.

Elizabeth Hurley, 1995


Head-to-toe white? Sweetheart neckline? Floor-length sequins? Check! Check! Check!

Elizabeth Hurley in Versace.Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty Images.

Winona Ryder, 1996


While we're used to seeing '90s-era Winona Ryder donning all-black ensembles, it was an unexpected surprise to see her donning this champagne-colored vintage gown.

Winona Ryder in a vintage champagne gown. Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty Images.

Courtney Love, 1997


The queen of grunge got all dolled up by Versace for the 1997 Academy Awards — and we support it 100%.

Courtney Love in Versace. Photo: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty Images.

Sharon Stone, 1998


We would normally advise against wearing Gap at the Oscars — but when it's combined with Vera Wang and draped on Sharon Stone, it's hard not to be convinced that the casual brand right where it belongs.

Sharon Stone in Gap and Vera Wang.Photo: Mychal Watts/WireImage/Getty Images.

Celine Dion, 1999



A suit on the red carpet is hardly a nuanced idea in 2021. But, in 1999, and worn backward of all things, well, let's just say our fashion minds were blown upon seeing Celine Dion in this John Galliano set.

Celine Dion in John Galliano.Photo: SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 1999


Pretty In Pink might have starred Molly Ringwald, but Gwyneth Paltrow (that year's Best Actress winner for Shakespeare in Love) looked the part in this bubblegum pink number by Ralph Lauren.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren. Photo: Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty Images.

Queen Latifah, 2000


Blue is definitely Queen Latifah's color.

Queen Latifah in a blue dress. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images.

Renée Zellweger, 2001


A long way from donning PJs all day and micro-minis at work in her role as Bridget Jones, Renée Zellweger classed up for the red carpet in a vintage yellow frock by Jean Dresses.

Renée Zellweger in a vintage dress by Jean Dresses.Photo: Chris Weeks/Getty Images.

Halle Berry, 2002


To become the first Black woman to win Best Actress, Halle Berry eliminated her competition — both on the red carpet and the stage — in this Elie Saab gown.

Halle Berry in Elie Saab.Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images.

Charlize Theron, 2004


Is Charlize Theron ever not glowing?

Charlize Theron in Dior.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Beyoncé Knowles, 2005


There to perform not one, not two, but three songs, Beyoncé went with a black velvet number that was made for her. Thanks, Atelier Versace!

Beyonce Knowles in Atelier Versace. Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images.

Michelle Williams, 2006


Accompanying her then-boyfriend, the late Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams was a shining ray of light in this yellow number by Vera Wang.

Michelle Williams in Vera Wang.Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Nicole Kidman, 2007


Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga would hardly be our first choice in 2021, but after seeing the Oscar-winning Australian actress in this red hot gown, we promise to never doubt the combination again.

Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga.Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Anne Hathaway, 2009


Is it just us, or does Anne Hathaway look like an actual Oscar in this fitted Armani Privé dress?

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé.Photo: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images.

Cate Blanchett, 2011


In this lavender Haute Couture gown by Givenchy, Cate Blanchett wasn't just an award-winning actress — she's a damn fashion icon.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture.

Michelle Williams, 2012


Wearing red on the red carpet isn't for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, Michelle Williams, nominated for her role as Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn, made it look like the easiest task in the world, thanks to one hell of a pixie cut and 300 hours of work in the Louis Vuitton Paris atelier.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton.Photo: Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images.

Angelina Jolie, 2012


No one does a high slit quite like Mrs. Smith herself, Angelina Jolie, who generated one of the greatest Oscar memes ever with this pose.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace. Photo: Donato Sardella/WireImage/Getty Images.

Jennifer Lawrence, 2013


En route to accept her Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence had all eyes on her in this pastel-colored Dior gown. It was pretty chill, even for her.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior. Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images.

Lupita Nyong'o, 2014


Lupita Nyong'o — who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave — lit up the sky in this baby blue Prada gown.

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada.Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Zendaya, 2015


For an Oscars newbie, Zendaya looked anything but out of place in this Vivienne Westwood stunner of a gown.

Zendaya in Vivienne Westwood.Photo: Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty Images.

Sienna Miller, 2015


For his red carpet debut designing for Oscar de la Renta, Peter Copping made quite the impression with this bow-embellished, square neck gown on Sienna Miller.

Sienna Miller in Oscar de la Renta.Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images.

Olivia Wilde, 2016


Olivia Wilde going backless in Valentino Haute Couture? We'll take it.

Olivia Wilde in Valentino Haute Couture.Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images.

Taraji P. Henson, 2017


Taraji P. Henson blew us back to the 1950s in this Alberta Ferretti Old Hollywood-esque velvet gown. And that necklace? Whew, we're getting excited just thinking about it.

Taraji P. Henson in Alberta Ferretti. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Naomie Harris, 2017


Of the four Moonlight stars dressed by Raf Simons for Calvin Klein, this white sequin frock on Naomie Harris took home the prize (for best-dressed) in our book.

Naomie Harris in Raf Simons for Calvin Klein.Photo: George Pimentel/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Saoirse Ronan, 2018


A long way from dress shopping at a Sacramento thrift shop! This bubblegum pink frock on Lady Bird lead actress Saoirse Ronan is one for the record books.

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein By Appointment.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Margot Robbie, 2018


Margot Robbie was a breath of fresh air in this showstopping white gown courtesy of Chanel.

Margot Robbie in Chanel.Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.

Gemma Chan, 2019


Hot pink came out running at the 91st Annual Academy Awards. But if you ask us, Gemma Chan won the marathon in this neon, tiered Versace dress.

Gemma Chan in Versace. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Cynthia Erivo, 2020


From the extra-high slit to the asymmetric neckline, this custom Versace gown includes everything that's good in the world.

Cynthia Erivo in custom Versace.Photo: Rick Rowell/Getty Images.

Scarlett Johansson, 2020


It's the peek-a-boo corset for us.

Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Beanie Feldstein, 2020


We'll never grow tired of Beanie Feldstein wearing Miu Miu on the red carpet.

Beanie Feldstein in custom Miu Miu. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Regina King, 2021

According to styling duo Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, Regina King's winged, custom Louis Vuitton gown includes 6,000 crystals. (Casual.)

Regina King in custom Louis Vuitton.Photo: Chris Pizzello-Pool/Getty Images.

Zendaya, 2021


Between the midriff cut-out, the 183 carats of Bvlgari diamonds, and the homage to Cher, Zendaya's 2021 Oscars look will go down in history. Did we mention that it glows in the dark? Yeah, it's that good.

Zendaya in custom Valentino. Photo: Chris Pizzello-Pool/Getty Images.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.

Ariana DeBose, 2022


Sure, a gown is all good. But Ariana DeBose challenged the award season dress code with this pantsuit and cape combo that made the Oscar winner a red carpet victor.

Ariana DeBose in Valentino. photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.

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