Friday, April 14, 2023

These Colorful Socks Are My New Go-Tos For Spring

Socks — we love cozying up in them, gifting a pair to others, and miraculously finding a complete set after washing them. We all have our favorites that we put through the wringer, so it may be time to restock our sock drawers with fresh styles. I know it’s true for me. It’s why I was excited to be able to try Bombas socks, especially its best-sellers as well as its new spring arrivals. I’ve heard rave reviews about the brand’s socks (mostly from my mom because of their incredible support and comfort). The comfortable, ultra-supportive socks come in a broad range of casual everyday styles along with athletic styles. And now, there are even more bright and colorful Bombas socks available, perfect for the spring and summer.

If you’ve never heard of Bombas, the main thing you need to know is that its socks praised for being comfortable, supportive, and durable. So while you’re paying a tad more than normal for a pair of socks, the quality makes up for it. From their signature Honeycomb Arch Support System, which adds compression around the arch of the foot, to the unique small-medium-large size range, Bombas’ socks offer the perfect fit. The brand also pays close attention to details surrounding toe seams, sliding, sweat-wicking, contouring, and pilling. Say goodbye to shifting, sweaty socks, and say hello to non-budging, dry ones.

And because we know you care about where you spend your hard-earned money, you’d probably be thrilled to learn that for every pair of Bombas socks purchased, another is donated. Bombas’ mission is to give back to as many communities as possible, donating their socks to homeless shelters, rehabilitation centers, medical facilities, and more organizations. So when you purchase socks from Bombas for yourself, you’ll be spreading that joy to others too.

With all that said, here’s my honest review of five different everyday and active Bombas sock styles in size small, as a 7.5 size foot. Spoiler: My mom’s fave is also mine!

Stylish Spring Bombas Sock Styles

I often face the dilemma of needing support around the arch of my foot (thanks to annoyingly common plantar fasciitis inflammation) but also not wanting too-thick socks that make me sweat. When I tried Bombas’ aqua Flower Power Ankle Socks, I found that I got the best of both worlds. The Supima cotton is super-cushiony and slightly thick, and it has a light compression. After wearing the socks out for a day of errands, I was super-comfortable and not sweaty at all. The “anti-blister tab” at the back of the ankle was also a big bonus for me. And for those with sensory issues, the seamless toe area is a brilliant solution.

I also enjoyed Bombas’ cheery Days of the Week Lightweight Ankle Socks but for different reasons. This style was much thinner, airier, and more lightweight. I probably wouldn’t wear these on days I walk a lot, but I found them perfect for wearing around the house. And it’s truly the cutest and most playful design. While many colorways have sold out in this style, the tulip design is still available. And if you’re shopping for a toddler, there’s a seven-pair set for every day of the week.

The weather is a bit wild at the moment, with days bouncing between 60 and 80 degrees, o there’s still a need for socks that can be comfortably worn under booties. The Hybrid Ribbed Quarter Socks are the perfect height and weight for just that. The ribbed cotton is soft, and Bombas’ Stay-Up Technology did, in fact, keep them from falling down. While these were perfect under booties, I’ll definitely be wearing the purple socks with a pair of white sneakers for a trendy ’80s-esque look this spring.

Comfy Athletic Bombas Sock Styles

Now, my mom’s favorite Bombas socks are the All-Purpose Performance Ankle Socks. She wears them when she needs to be on her feet for long hours, and they keep her feeling supported while working retail shifts. As soon as I slipped these on, I was stunned by just how cushiony they really are. I also loved that, unlike most socks, these have a right and left side to them for the best possible foot contouring and fit. 

I wore these for a Zumba dance class, and they were oh so comfortable throughout the nonstop bouncing around. These socks are intended to wear for any type of physical activity and incorporate the brand’s Hex Tec technology for breathability and moisture-wicking. I feel like this helped keep my feet dry despite over an hour of my high-impact cardio session. I was really amazed by these socks, and I know I’ll be going back to them over and over again.

I also tried Bombas’ best-selling Running Ankle Socks. To be perfectly honest, I don’t run. But I do weight-train, and the All-Purpose Performance Socks are a bit too cushiony for lifting weights when I need to be extra grounded and stable. I wore the running socks for my workout and thought they were great. Like the all-purpose socks, these also have arch support, moisture-wicking properties, and right-left contouring. They’re just slightly thinner, which is supposed to help with flexibility and speed for the actual runners out there.

New & Best-Selling Bombas Sock Styles

In the end, I was really happy with each of these Bombas socks, with the All-Purpose Performance Socks and Flower Power Ankle Socks clinching first place as my new go-to spring socks. And knowing that five pairs of Bombas socks have been donated to people who truly need them, thanks to my purchase, is the cherry on top.

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 Best Chunky Jewelry To Upgrade Your Look — Starting At $30

Chunky jewelry is the ultimate easy cool girl trend, and we’re excited that it’s here to stay. It’s an impactful way to add some styling to a look in a flash. And as much as we love layering dainty jewelry, sometimes the look (or the clock) calls for a quick statement piece that gets you out the door fast. Of course, as the true maximalist knows, chunky jewelry can also be layered for a real show-stopping look. Whichever path you choose, you can’t go wrong. When your outfits need a bit more oomph, adding a chunky chain necklace or chunky domed ring always does the trick. The jewelry style ranges from costume jewelry to fine jewelry, and no matter the price, chunky jewelry is always playful and bold.

We’ve compiled the best chunky jewelry under the $300 mark across a range of styles, metals, occasions, and more. So if you’re looking to take on 2023 jewelry trends like statement silver, mixed media, and pops of color, read on to find statement pieces you’ll want to add to your spring and summer wardrobe. (And for the dainty jewelry inclined, there are more subtle chunky jewelry picks in the mix for you too.)

The Best Chunky Earrings

These chunky earrings aren’t your typical studs or delicate hoops. We picked chunky — and even “puffy” — jewelry pieces in a range of styles that could be worn to the grocery store or dressed up for a wedding. Consider adding a statement earring to your collection to help instantly transform your look into a fun and bold one.

The Best Chunky Necklaces

When we think of chunky necklaces, chain styles are the ones that come to mind. But they don’t just need to be gold or silver; resin and acrylic links are more whimsical options. Youthful styles like puffy initial necklaces and beaded friendship bracelet-type necklaces are also in right now.

The Best Chunky Bracelets

Bracelets are typically the jewelry piece we feel we can play with and switch up the most. You might as well go all out with the chunky jewelry trend. Everything from clear lucite to freshwater pearls to charms can be super cool and modern interpretations of what our everyday or statement bracelets can look like.

Chunky Rings

Chunky rings may have previously been reserved for cocktail parties, but the novelty style has become more everyday. Whether you want a classic and streamlined style or desire colorful and stackable baubles, there are so many chunky ring options out there that definitely don’t look like children’s costume jewelry.

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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Bridal Fashion Trends Are Going Bold For 2024 — Here Are The Top 6

Over the past year, bridal fashion trends have made a glamorous comeback. From feathers and high slits to party frocks, wedding style today is defined by over-the-top fashion fit for a celebration. And if 2024 bridal fashion trends — unveiled during New York Bridal Fashion Week this month — are any indication, aisle style is going to get even bolder.

Think: ’80s nostalgia (see: strong shoulders, bright colors, and draped details) and dramatic add-ons, as well as a departure from white. It makes sense: As weddings continue to be disrupted by the lingering effects of the pandemic (see: minimonies and elopements), more brides are looking for versatile styles that pack a punch and speak to their personal style. 

With brides having more control over what they get to wear on their special day, styles like black wedding dresses and pantsuits are disrupting a landscape previously ruled by centuries of tradition. And designers are here for it.

Ahead, take a look at the biggest bridal fashion trends for 2024 that are anything but traditional. 

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.

Capes 

Capes have long had a hold over the bridal world. Yet, as modular fashion takes over wedding style, they’re becoming increasingly popular as a way for designers to give their customers more ways to wear the same gown. Brands like Safiyaa, Sachin & Babi, and Self-Portrait included capes in their spring 2024 collections that ranged from short capelettes to frothy lace versions. 

Bold & Bright Colors

Wiederhoeft, Fall 2023, New York, Feb 15 2023

There’s no changing white as the official color of wedding style (yet!). But with brides looking to skip tradition, as well as adding other looks to their wedding day wardrobe, bold colors are becoming more popular in bridal fashion. Take, for example, New York-based label Honor, which included a slew of mini dresses and gowns in iridescent gold, pink, blue, red, and purple hues, or Vivienne Westwood, which featured green and red dresses in their lineup. Or: Wiederhoeft and Kyha Studio’s black numbers. Of course, the “something blue” was in the mix too, with brands like Markarian and Sachin & Babi endorsing the hue.

One-Shoulder Gowns

Asymmetrical details have been trending in bridal fashion over the past few years, from high-low hemlines to cut-outs. But for spring 2024, designers are taking on the one-shoulder dress in innovative ways. Take, for example, designers Nadia Manjarrez, who included a corseted one-sleeve gown in her lineup, and Markarian’s Alexandra O’Neill, who featured a gown with two different sleeves — one off-the shoulder and the other blooming from the neckline. 

Veils Made Modern

If there’s a bridal accessory that’s remained untouched over decades, it’s the veil. But bridal designers are seeing this traditional accessory — rooted in ancient Rome — become more of an add-on than a part of the look. This is why veils are becoming shorter, with designers like Wiederhoeft, Cinq, and Honor featuring versions that only reach the bride’s neck or waist, resulting in an avant garde look. For a dramatic approach, designers are also going for custom embroidery — see: Hailey Bieber’s Off White wedding gown — and making colorful veils. 

Minimal Trains

The spring 2023 ready-to-wear runways saw minimal trains become one of the season’s top trends. And bridal fashion, which has long exhibited flamboyant trains, is following suit. Whether it’s scarves that doubled as a train or sleek cuts of fabric that don’t touch the floor, wedding style is saying goodbye to the once-dramatic detail, as evidenced by designers like Markarian, Cinq, and Dana Harel. Even when the trains were long, designers like Nadia Manjarrez kept the fabric light enough for them to appear as if they floated away from the bride’s body. 

‘80s Vibes 

This particular decade is not necessarily remembered fondly in terms of bridal fashion. It was all about lace necklines, puffed sleeves, iridescent fabrics, and lots of tulle. While it’s now back in wedding style, it’s more subdued than you remember. Think: lace turtleneck gowns that include cut-outs, like the ones exhibited at Galia Lahav, as well as bold shoulders that hold back on volume, which were seen at Justin Alexander. 

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4 WNBA Players On What Inspired Their Draft Day Outfits

The WNBA draft brings together star basketball players from all over the world with immaculate collegiate careers at stateside schools to announce which professional women’s basketball team these stars will be drafted onto. For the 2023 WNBA draft, these talented ladies were welcomed to Spring Studios in New York City for a special night that many of them have dreamed of since they first learned how to dribble a ball. These athletes are known for their impressive basketball stats, awards, championship wins, and other high-level accolades, but we’d be remiss not to acknowledge that the draft is as much about the fashion as it is about the sport. Millions of eyes zero in on these players for arguably one of the biggest nights of their lives, and they’re sure to put their most fashionable foot forward as they walk the orange carpet before entering the studio to hear what will be a life-changing draft decision.

This year, the 2023 WNBA draftees didn’t disappoint; every outfit shows the stars that they are on and off the court. Bright colored suits, dramatic dresses, glitzy bling— each choice not only represented their personalities, but also served as odes to the communities that helped get them to this point. Ahead, we caught up with top draft picks Zia Cooke, Hayley Jones, Jordan Horston, and Brea Beal on the coveted orange carpet for a rundown on the deeper meanings behind their 2023 WNBA draft day looks.

Zia Cooke, South Carolina​​

Draft Pick: Los Angeles Sparks Guard; Round 1, #10

Vibe: Elegance 

It takes a village to accomplish many things, and Los Angeles Sparks newbie Zia Cooke called on hers from her hometown of Ohio to be her glam squad for the big night. Cooke shared that off the court, she’s super goofy and very family oriented, so it was no surprise that she recruited her friends and family to help come up with the vision for her show-stopping draft day look. 

I wanted to come very classy… It’s giving Grammys.

zia cooke

“My mom picked my hairstyle, and my friend Lauren [a Cleveland-based hairstylist] styled my hair,” explained of her glam team. “It was all them; I just agreed to the things that I liked, and they just sat me down and got me right.” Cooke’s hair was styled in sleek, soft curls and pushed into a messy bun that featured two face-framing curled pieces and a few loose curled strands around her head to achieve the messy look. As for her makeup, she decided to go for a more natural glam look to allow her dress to make the statement — a long, frame-fitting black gown with a peek-a-boo chest cutout featuring a skin-tone mesh guard boarded by large silver embellishment appliques. “I wanted to come very classy,” she said.” I told my team, ‘Let’s go very classy!’ It’s giving Grammys.” She played further into the upscale vibe by keeping her accessories more muted, opting for small Chanel logo earrings and a silver Cult Gaia clutch.

Cooke’s look may have wowed many on the carpet and on social media, but that’s normal for her; she considers herself a true fashion girl off the court. “I love fashion,” she shared. “My parents instilled a love of fashion in me, so I grew up watching them. I don’t often get a chance to tap into my fashion bag, so it always feels good when I’m able to show that real girly side that I have. When you play basketball, you don’t have a chance to do that, especially with how hard-working I am.”. Cooke has demonstrated that range through a number of beauty partnerships through NIL opportunities, and she hopes to secure more in the future. 

“That’s what I wanna get into more” said Cooke. “Being pretty is what I love, as is being around beautiful women, and I think we deserve to show ourselves, so definitely whatever companies decide to work with me, I’m going to give it my all and see where it goes.”

 When asked about why she chose black for the night, Cooke revealed that she originally wanted her whole family to wear black, and she’d wear a different color to stand out. But during the designing process, the black gown screamed “classy,” and that was the exact vibe she was going for. She’d been dreaming of this night since she was 6 years old, and being able to finally live that moment was truly special. “I cried when I saw myself because I had a vision,” Cooke admitted. “I’m really big on fashion, so when things don’t go exactly how I wanted, it hurts my feelings. I was really happy to see the look I had in my head come together.”

Standout: Cooke’s dress was custom-made by her stylist, Maddie Alexandria, who showed her six other options before landing on the now-viral sleek black gown.

Haley Jones, Stanford University

Draft Pick: Atlanta Dream Guard; Round 1, #6

Vibe: Sophisticated Chic 

Power suits were a common occurrence on the 2023 WNBA orange carpet, but there was none more eye-catching than Hayley Jones’ bright green three-piece skirt suit with velvet shoulder pads. “My favorite color recently has been green, so we decided to go with this spring look by Sergio Hudson,” she said. The look was paired with gold metallic shoes by Not Your Average Size, which Jones noted are “made for the tall girls.” Jones also decided to keep her hair, makeup, and jewelry very sleek and understated to ensure the fashion was the focal point. 

I was trying to show confidence. This is a power suit, and I feel like I’m about 70% legs, so I figured I’d show them.

haley jones

“I like beauty and fashion, and I felt like tonight was the night to really step out with a pop of color.” Jones offered. “I wanted the outfit to be the centerpiece of the look, and everything else was just an add-on. I have a little bit of bling and my nails are done, but the set is the main thing.” Her hair was in box braids that were framed away from her face and featured loose curls, and for her makeup, she opted for natural glam. (“I like to look glowy and to look like me, but a little elevated for the occasion,” Jones smiled.)

As for why she decided to pick such a unique suit set, Jones said that she was determined to make a statement. “I was trying to show confidence. This is a power suit, and I feel like I’m about 70% legs, so I figured I’d show them. My outfit really just shows that I’m confident, chic, and professional, but also that I can show a little skin and still keep that modesty to it.” 

Standout: Jones added a heart-warming sentimental touch to her big night look. “I’m wearing my great-grandmother’s rings to make sure she’s here with me today,” she said.

Jordan Horston, Tennessee 

Draft Pick: Seattle Storm Guard; Round 1, #9

Vibe: Sleek & Tailored 

Jordan Horston’s style is much like her personality: unique, outgoing, with a quiet confidence you can’t miss. She strolled onto the carpet in a head-to-toe sleek, almost all-black designer look, courtesy of Louis Vuitton. The look consisted of a black and gray checkered LV monogram blazer on top of a white button-up paired with black slacks and matching black LV monogram loafers. 

“My personal style is very unique. I’m different, I’m definitely a trendsetter, I’m a leader,” Horston answered passionately on the carpet.” Everything about me has a little spice to it. I’m like the seasoned chicken that your grandma cooked.” In other words, her taste in clothing is impeccable. (Although her orange carpet looked sharp and well-put together, she’d actually purchased it just the night before. “Honestly, it was last-minute thrown together. It was simple, but you can see it. I literally got it yesterday,” she admitted with a sheepish grin.)

My personal style is very unique. I’m different, I’m definitely a trendsetter, I’m a leader.

jordan horston

To add to the swag of her look, Horston styled her black and blonde-dyed locs in a half-up, half-down ponytail style and finished the look off, dripping in diamonds. She layered three different-sized diamond necklaces that matched a diamond bracelet and earrings supplied by Happy Jewelers. Horston defined her orange carpet fashion as “calm and clean” and revealed that she was styled by her stylist Chloe and her agents, Marcus and Brandon. Not to be forgotten, Horston’s manicure also took the look up several notches, featuring several designs like a matching checkered print, a red fire print, and bling. 

Horston’s swag and persona speak for themselves: “I’m different; I can switch it up; I can really put on anything and work it out.”

Standout: Horston revealed that her sleek, tailored Louis Vuitton fit was not pre-planned and was purchased the night before.

Brea Beal, South Carolina

Draft Pick: Minnesota Lynx Guard; Round 2, #24

Vibe: Pop of Personality 

Vibrant spring colors were a hit for a few of the WNBA hopefuls, and Brea Beal did not disappoint in a hot pink tailored power suit. Beal excitedly revealed that her favorite color is pink — so much so that when she got her individual lashes done for draft night, she made sure to request that hot pink strips be included in the set. Though she doesn’t necessarily identify as a beauty girl, Beal simply cannot go without one beauty essential: lashes. “I love lashes,” she said. “A lot of the lash girls know that when they’re off, you feel like a whole different person” For the rest of her glam, however, she wanted to lean into her preference for understated  makeup for her draft night. “I’m more of a natural girl, and if I do makeup, it’s more of like concealer because I feel like if I try to go for a full face, it would be a whole different shade than my neck.” She trusted her makeup artist fully, and they went for a soft glam look with a little smokiness at the lash line and a pop of pink to align with her outfit.

I love lashes… A lot of the lash girls know that when they’re off, you feel like a whole different person.

brea beal

To add drama to the more natural makeup, Beal picked out  a bralette that was covered in crystals on the cups and featured crystals dripping off asymmetrically. She also wore a custom diamond necklace that featured her initials, and she finished the look with black and silver blinged-out lace-up heels that added the perfect amount of sparkle to peek out from her perfectly tailored hot pink suit pants. Of course, everything was in her favorite color. “I love pink; in general, it’s like my favorite color, like hot pink, so I think my outfit will show personality.”

Standout: Beal added pink individual lashes to her set for draft night. Beal also swapped out the diamond necklace she usually wears sporting her boyfriend’s initials “JH” for a diamond necklace featuring her own “BB” initials.

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Target’s Designer Collab Is Full Of Plus-Sizes Pieces — Our Favorites From The Line

There are few things that get me as excited as a new Target designer collaboration. As a lifelong lover of a bargain, I relish the chance to add high-end labels to my wardrobe for a fraction of the price. As a plus size fashion blogger who has been advocating for more size-inclusive options for the last decade, I love being able to finally try brands I’ve always wanted thanks to Target’s extended sizing. And as a triple water sign (Cancer sun, moon, and rising!), this latest collection — designed in collaboration with Agua Bendita, Fe Noel, and RHODE — holds particular appeal, because it also contains my favorite category: swim wear.

Though the options for plus size swim are much better now than ever before, it can still be difficult to find stylish, well-fitting suits; all the parsing of size charts and guesstimating required for shopping swim online can be frustrating. Since the Target Designer Collections tend to sell out fast, I set out to try out swim pieces (available in xxs-4x) from all three of this season’s designers, so you can have the sizing info you need before the collection drops on April 15. 

As someone who has tried on hundreds — if not thousands — of plus-size bikinis over the years, I’ve learned that the swim category tends to run small, so I usually opt for the larger size if I am unsure. While I am typically a size 18/20, or a 1x/2x in Target’s designer collabs, in the spirit of erring on the side of caution, I got a 2x in almost all the pieces I tried here. Much to my surprise, I soon discovered that was not needed, as this collection is sized generously for plus. All to say: If you are waffling between two sizes, you might want to size down — but more on the fit below.

Read ahead for thoughts about each item I tried from the Target Spring Designer Collaboration collection.

Target x Fe Noel

Ever since Fe Noel’s stunning New York Fashion Week debut, I’ve been a fan of the brand. As someone who had their gorgeous puff sleeve bodysuit on my wishlist for some time now but was unable to buy it — it only goes up to an XXL — I was absolutely thrilled to see their name on the Target Spring Designer Collection lineup. 

The 38-piece collection stays true to Grenada-born designer Felicia Noel’s fashion-forward Caribbean aesthetic and includes faithful renditions of some of the label’s signature styles, like their voluminous Panty Pant, ruffle-adorned caftans, and metallic swim in innovative silhouettes. 

For me, it was a no-brainer to go for the puff sleeve cut-out one-piece, a near-dupe of the exact Fe Noel piece I’ve been pining for. This suit is a little big on me in the 2x, particularly around the waist cutouts; if I was ordering again, I’d likely go a size down for a better fit. But the rich metallic green hue and the dramatic sleeve are so spot-on that that bit of extra roominess doesn’t bother me — this is a #plussizeplease wardrobe want fulfilled.

I paired it with the high-waisted cargo pants, another near-perfect dupe of Fe Noel’s core collection. The only differences are that the $648 originals are made from 100% linen, not a blend like Target’s version, and the pant legs have more volume and an extra pocket — all sacrifices I am fully prepared to make to get the look at a $35 price point! If you are going to buy just one piece from this Target Designer Collection, I’d recommend these pants (also available in black). I’m wearing a size 20 here, and the fit is excellent and true to size.

From a practical standpoint, I wondered whether the artistic cut-outs on the asymmetrical one-piece would hold up to (and hold up) my natural curves, but it worked better than expected. The suit can’t fully defy gravity, so there was a bit of bust asymmetry on me, but the overall look was still very cool, and I never felt in danger of a wardrobe malfunction. This one was secure and comfortable enough for a full day at the beach — I might just skip any intense beach volleyball matches.

I was also excited about this floral bikini. Unfortunately, once I tried it on, I realized that it’s better suited for a smaller bust. Even after sizing up to a 24 in the top, the cup depth and spacing just did not work for me. The suit itself has a lot of thoughtful details that you don’t usually find at this price point, including a padded flat hook back closure and fully adjustable tie straps. Even though I’m sad this one isn’t for me, I think it is going to look amazing on someone with a more proportionate and wider-set bust.

Last and certainly not least is this ruffle-accented caftan in a sketch palm print, another piece that looks pulled from Fe Noel’s main collection. If you are looking for a coverup that exudes over-the top-luxury for $35, this is IT. I put it on and immediately felt ready for a week of island hopping on my non-existent yacht. I’m wearing the 2x and it is roomy, even for a caftan, so size down if you are between sizes. 

Target x Agua Bendita

Like all the brands in this season’s Designer Collection, Agua Bendita is women-owned, and Colombian designers Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza are known for their swim designs and resortwear in colorful prints and patterns that are meant to be mixed and matched. 

With that in mind, I started out by pairing the deep plunge botanical print maillot with the coordinating pareo. As with the Fe Noel swim, I found myself impressed with the fit features, like padded adjustable straps and removable cups. This suit has a deep plunge neckline, which meant significant cleavage on me, but the versatility of those features means that it should look great on smaller busts, too. I’m wearing the 2x here and found this style to be true to size, with a little more compression than the other pieces I tried.

The coordinating pareo is a chic way to accessorize if you want a cohesive look, but one thing to note is that it is a “one size fits most” piece; that said, as a size 18/20, I feel like I’m on the upper end of the size range that this would wrap comfortably around.

As a naturally pale, sunburn-prone girl, I’ve been thrilled to see more fashionable long-sleeve suits lately, and Agua Bendita delivers with this floral one-piece. It has a built-in shelf bra with soft cups and a scoop back with a decorative tie detail. It was comfortable, though a bit roomy, in the 2x, so I’d recommend sizing down if you are torn between two sizes for this one. For another fun co-ord moment, I paired the style with the floral wide-leg linen blend pants that are true to size and lightweight without being flimsy. I definitely see these being a go-to this summer and am considering buying the matching wrap top, too. 

I also tried this crop top-and-mini skirt combo, made from a linen blend, and I can confirm that it looks and feels way more expensive than its actual price point. It is true to size in a 2x, and the adjustable tie straps and smocked back mean it will work well for a variety of body types. Though I really enjoyed the vintage vibe of the sunny yellow ruffle strap one piece, it was simply too big on me in the 2x, with excess fabric throughout and a too-long tail on the self-belt. Of all the styles I tried, this one ran the largest, and I’d definitely recommend sizing one full size down from your usual size.

Target x RHODE

While both Fe Noel and Agua Bendita have established swim wear lines, RHODE’s Target collab marks the ready-to-wear label’s first foray into swim. The debut assortment has some great bikinis, but most of the string styles felt like they might be too insubstantial for my I/J cup bust.

This scallop detail number was the one exception, which coincidentally was also the swimsuit I was the most drawn to (scallop edges have always been a personal favorite). I loved the way this high-waisted two-piece looked on, but I would suggest sizing way up in the top if you have a fuller chest! I had to go up to a 24, and there was still a smidge of spillover (but nothing that would prevent me from wearing it). And even though this isn’t a bra-perfect fit for larger cup sizes, the padded detailing on the adjustable back closure (something you usually see on higher-end swim) meant there was no digging in or poking. 

There are also cute one-pieces in prints in line with RHODE’s color-forward apparel offerings. The floral pattern and piped edges of this halter suit read retro, but the fabric — a textured popcorn-like crinkle material — keeps it current. It is also VERY stretchy, so if I were ordering this suit again, I’d size down to the 1x.

Designers Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers are known for great matching sets, so this striped floral co-ord was at the top of my try-on list. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was a winner. It is somehow absolutely precious without being saccharine. The crop topmaxi skirt combo feels very of the moment, and the lightweight cotton makes it breezy enough for the hottest of summer days. It layers well with the scallop bikini for a beachwear ensemble, but also would look right at home at a downtown brunch or on a picnic in the park. Unless you are blessed with extra curvy hips, I’d say size down if you are between sizes. I typically size up with non-stretch cotton, but, after experiencing how roomy this style runs, I’d get a 1x if ordering again. 

All in all, I am really impressed with this Target Spring Designer Collection. The generously sized swim is good quality for the price point and stays true to each of the designer’s individual aesthetics. Each collection also has a fun assortment of pieces, including colorful sunnies, reversible bucket hats, summery crochet handbags, and even beach towels, just in case you want to accessorize all the way down to the sand. While I forgot to try out the collab’s accessories, I definitely won’t make that same mistake again: I already have my Target wishlist ready to go for April 15.

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