If your outfits aren’t making you smile, it might be time to update your accessories collection. At least that’s what Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire believes, based on what customers are adding to their carts right now. The sartorial vibe for 2023’s jewelry trends, it seems, is happy, and nothing guarantees a good time like a bit of sparkle.
“Overall, we’re seeing a need for fun and functional styles that can be worn daily,” Maguire says. The right piece of jewelry in particular, she adds, can be just the thing to put the fun in functional. Think: a rule-breaking pair of earrings or a mood-boosting pop of color to decorate an otherwise-simple ensemble.
If bright hues and bold statement pieces aren’t quite right for your personal style, don’t fret. There is no one-size-fits-all answer in the jewelry department, and that has never been truer than for this season’s other top trend: barely there baubles that make a case for a less-is-more mentality.
Below, we’ve rounded up eight trending jewelry styles for the minimalist, the maximalists, and everyone in between.
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Jewelry Trend 2023: Not Your Grandma’s Pearls
Pearls aren’t going anywhere (thank you, Harry Styles). But with the turn of each season comes a slew of interesting new ways to wear them, so we’re predicting even bolder, even better takes on the trend are in store for us all. We’re talking unusual shapes, architectural embellishments, and materials that are anything but traditional — the kind of pearls that’ll have granny clutching hers.
Jewelry Trend 2023: Barely There Baubles
Considering the hashtag #nonecklacetrend has over 5.6 million views on TikTok, some would argue that the biggest jewelry trend right now is, well, no jewelry at all. However, if stepping out without even the slightest something feels to you like leaving the house naked, consider a barely there alternative instead. From chains so thin they’re almost translucent to “sweet nothing rings,” these styles are a minimalist’s dream.
Jewelry Trend 2023: Kid-Friendly
According to Maguire, finding an accessory that can add a pop of color and happiness to your look is key for the seasons ahead. “Shoppers are loving bright and festive charmed jewelry right now!” she says, pointing to brands like Vanessa Arizaga and Lauren Rubinksi as coveted examples. You could even borrow from the little ones in your life. Sharing is caring, after all.
Jewelry Trend 2023: Mixed Media
For an aesthetic that’s fit for maximalists and the indecisive alike, look no further than the mixed-media trend. Instead of choosing between pearls and silver, resin and rose gold, or whatever other materials set your sartorial heart aflutter, opt for a piece that combines them all at once. Break the rules. Mix those metals. The limit does not exist.
Since silver metallics and aluminum-like materials are all the rage thanks to their party-ready shine and futuristic feel, the trend has found its way into jewelry boxes, too. A statement silver piece adds an undoubtedly stylish touch to your ensemble and is the next best thing to wearingactualfoil.
Jewelry Trend 2023: Cuffs
In quintessential Y2K style, cuffs are back. A ubiquitous staple from decades past, this chunky accessory is the sweetest kind of arm candy no matter where on your appendage you choose to wear it (hint: upper arm cuffs are also cool).
Jewelry Trend 2023: Tennis Necklaces
Classic jewelry trends don’t ever go out of fashion, but each season one style among them tends to shine a bit brighter than the rest. Right now, it’s the tennis necklace that’s stealing the spotlight, and when real diamonds are out of the question (and by question we mean budget), lab-grown pieces from brands like Dorsey are an increasingly popular choice. Plus, there are always Cubic Zirconia styles to get the look without breaking the bank.
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We’ve already covered so many of the season's denim trends, including wide-leg jeans and mom jeans. Now, we’ve scoured our favorite retailers in search of the best boyfriend jeans. The style’s name suggests a worn-in, relaxed-fit pant that looks like you borrowed it from your boyfriend. Whether or not you have a boyfriend, the masculine silhouette can be found everywhere now. So while it would be lovely to snag a free pair of jeans from a man’s closet, we’ve looked online and curated boyfriend jeans for women (including best-rated styles). Because like Cher said, “A man is absolutely not a necessity.”
Read on to find a range of straight and plus-size jeans, faded washes and distressed denim, straight legs and baggier fits, and both low-rise and high-waisted options (because we know that low rise just isn’t for all of us). Many of the boyfriend jeans in our roundup also come in under $100, with some currently on sale. So, cart up your favorite styles while they’re discounted and in stock. Happy denim shopping!
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.
You can't get more '90s than these low-rise, gray-faded jeans. The unique shade stands out to us, as does the intentionally ripped hem that makes it look like you've actually worn these forever.
Zara Low-Rise TRF Boyfriend Jeans, $, available at Zara
AG Ex-Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
Eco-conscious brand AG Jeans brings us an "ex-boyfriend" style that we're obsessed with. It has a slimmer fit, distressed knees, and slightly slouchy silhouette.
We The Free Crossroads Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans, $, available at Free People
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
One of the hallmarks of boyfriend jeans is their low, slouchy waists. But low rise isn't for everyone, so this high-rise option is a flattering alternative.
Favorite Daughter The Otto High-Rise Boyfriend Ankle Je, $, available at Anthropologie
Eloquii Plus Size Classic Fit Distressed Straight Leg Jean
The "classic fit" here is perfect for those with an hourglass silhouette because of its defined waistline. The scattered rips and raw hemline will add a casual edge to an outfit.
Eloquii Plus Size Classic Fit Distressed Straight Leg Jean, $, available at Eloquii
Madewell The Slouchy Boyjean
These Madewell on-sale jeans are laid-back and slightly slouchy. The low-rise waist offers a relaxed fit, but the non-stretch denim gives a vintage look that can easily be dressed up or down. Plus, they're available in tall and petite sizes.
Madewell The Slouchy Boyjean, $, available at Madewell
Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Loose Ripped Jeans
A versatile color and classic fit will make you want to wear these cotton-blend jeans over and over, styled several different ways. It's the jean that keeps on giving.
Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Loose Ripped Jeans, $, available at Old Navy
Cos Denim Cargo Trousers
These aren't just any jeans — they're denim trousers. The cargo style features oversized flap pockets, pleats, and extra-wide legs that'll make a utilitarian statement in any outfit.
Boyfriend jeans and dad jeans are one and the same. Nostalgic and lived-in, this kind of style is perfect for a vintage look. The ripped knees and wide legs are the cherries on top.
Fitted at the hips and slouchy throughout the thighs and legs, this style is basically a relaxed boyfriend jean, and we love all the washes it comes in.
Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans, $, available at Reformation
Everlane The Rigid Slouch Jean
These mid-rise organic cotton jeans also have a slouchy, rigid look that's perfectly nostalgic. If you're familiar with Everlane's past boyfriend styles, you'll want to know that these have a slightly longer inseam for a more relaxed fit.
L.L. Bean Plus Size 207 High-Rise Boyfriend Vintage Jeans, $, available at L.L. Bean
BDG Logan Buckle Baggy Boyfriend Jean
We're loving these jeans that are the perfect blend of baggy, loose, and slouchy. But we also love that they're adjustable. They have a unique buckle detail at the back that allows you to cinch in the waistband for a snug fit.
BDG Logan Buckle Baggy Boyfriend Jean, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Avenue Plus Size Girlfriend Rip Jean
Boyfriend jeans can, in fact, be stretchy and breathable, as shown through this plus-size style. They're laidback yet chic and ready to jump into your closet.
Here's another classic boyfriend jean that we think would effortlessly fit into your wardrobe. The non-stretch, slightly distressed denim is versatile and the tapered hems can easily work well with different shoes.
Universal Thread Mid-Rise 90's Baggy Jeans, $, available at Target
Gap Mid Rise '90s Loose Carpenter Jeans
If your "boyfriend" is a carpenter, this is the style for you. With a straight-leg cut and handy side loop that can hold a hammer if needed, they're fashionable and functional.
Gap Mid Rise '90s Loose Carpenter Jeans, $, available at Gap
American Eagle Strigid Ripped Highest Waist Baggy Straight Jean
If you're wondering what "strigid" means, it's denim that's rigid in the front and stretchy in the back. Enjoy a comfortable waistline along with an ultra-distressed look.
American Eagle Strigid Ripped Highest Waist Baggy Straight Jean, $, available at American Eagle
G-Star Arc 3D Boyfriend Jeans
More of an architectural style than the slouchier denim in this roundup, these G-Star jeans have unique twisted sides and inseams that flare at the knees and taper toward the ankle.
NA-KD Super Low Waist Jeans, $, available at NA-KD
Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Straight Jeans
A versatile color and classic fit will make you want to wear these cotton-blend jeans over and over, styled several different ways. It's the jean that keeps on giving.
Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Straight Jeans, $, available at Old Navy
We The Free Moxie Pull-On Barrel Jeans
Get the look of a lived-in jean with a paint-splatter design. This rustic boyfriend pair runs large to sit low on your hips, so if you want a different fit, size down.
Boyfriend jeans can in fact be stretchy and breathable, as shown through this plus-size style. They're laidback yet chic and ready to jump into your closet.
Mara Hoffman, the brand frequently worn by celebrities and conscious fashion lovers, is inseparable from Mara Hoffman, the eponymous designer from Buffalo whose distinctive style has made her a fashion fixture in New York fashion since the early ’00s. With her name on every single piece of clothing she sells, Hoffman considers her brand a reflection of her impact on the world. That comes with responsibility.
Over the last decade, the 46-year-old designer has been lauded for her efforts to make Mara Hoffman ethical, which range from incorporating organic fabrics like cotton and hemp and recycled materials like nylon to providing fair wages and ensuring safe conditions for garment workers. This month, these initiatives culminate in Hoffman being awarded the CFDA 2023 Environmental Sustainability Award.
In addition to championing recycling and circularity programs — recently, the brand launched its own resale program — Hoffman is also a vocal advocate of legislation like the New York Fashion Act, which aims to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, and the FABRIC Act, a national anti-wage theft bill seeking to protect the rights of garment workers. The designer often speaks at and hosts press events on behalf of the bills — and calls on other brands to do the same. But while, in the last 10 years, sustainable fashion has become synonymous with the Mara Hoffman brand, it wasn’t always a focus.
After graduating from Parsons School of Design in 1999, Hoffman started making her own clothes and wearing them around New York. “I had no idea how I was supposed to fit into the [fashion industry] structure,” she tells me. After a chance encounter with Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Fields, Hoffman would find out. “She saw me and she loved what I had on,” she says. After buying Hoffman’s clothing for $250, Fields put used some of her pieces on the show and in her now-closed store in the East Village. “[Fields] carried independent weirdo designers. The drag queens, the outcasts, the eccentrics were all there. It was this ‘90s kind of club-centric place. And I was obsessed with it,” she says.
As Hoffman tells me this story, we’re sitting in her office, a white brick room in a building near the brand’s retail store on Lafayette Street in New York City. Before she lights some incense, she checks that the smoke won’t be a distraction for me (it isn’t). The neighborhood, which sits between Little Italy and SoHo and has been unofficially dubbed “Little Paris,” is fitting for the always-poised designer. Her clothing is effortlessly chic, with tailored denim and matching linen sets, but also full of vibrant colors and colorful patterns (many of which she designs herself) that the brand first became known for.
Hoffman was a dancer in her younger days, something that is evident through her social media, where she often posts videos of herself dancing in her designs. Growing up, she was surrounded by performance art; her father was a cellist in the Buffalo orchestra who “loved to have all these incredible performers over for dinner.” It’s because of this that she sees fashion as a medium for her to use as an artist. “I’ve always had a really easy accessibility to my very defined identity. [Design] was always in me. I think some people come in with a strong knowingness of direction,” she says.
In the early 2000s, Hoffman started her brand with handmade silk pieces she would sell in boutiques. “I’d paint, I’d sit, and I’d paint,” she says of the one-of-a-kind prints and patterns she created during the time. By 2005, the designs were getting mass-produced on other fabrics like jersey. “That grew into a much broader ability to sell and to distribute because I wasn’t handmaking everything,” she says. “Then, I introduced swim [in 2008].” This marked a turning point for the brand, with print-forward swimwear and vacation-ready dresses becoming a signature of the brand for the next decade. Celebrities du jour like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie wore Hoffman’s clothing, the brand’s Miami Swim Week fashion show appeared on an episode of MTV’s The Hills spin-off The City, and Mara Hoffman pieces were everywhere.
Popularity and trendiness are not things Hoffman holds onto tightly, though. “I know [when] it’s time to set the timer,” she says. After taking time to reflect on what it meant to make so much new clothing in a world where 100 billion garments are produced each year, millions of which are discarded, Hoffman knew she couldn’t continue operating in the same way. “Our collective attention span is shortening. Our hunger has increased so much that we can’t get full,” she says. That constant need to feed the consumer weighed heavy on her, especially after she gave birth to her son: “That was a big moment of being like, ‘I can’t do this. I can’t do it for him.’”
In 2014, she reassessed her business, everything from how much clothing she made to what materials she used and how the workers who made her clothing were treated. “The greatest thing you’re going to ever get [will come from] the things that make you so uncomfortable. They’re the things that make you turn right or turn left and change. And so my name was on all these clothes, and I was like, ‘This is what I’m doing? This is what I’m going to do is just stamp all this shit here, go and throw it out there,'” she says.
Now, Mara Hoffman releases collections in limited quantities, without following the seasonal fashion calendar or trends. The pieces, which range in price from around $200 to $1,200, are meant to live in your closet forever, rather than only be brought out while on vacation, though her popcorn dresses have become a recent wedding guest favorite and swimwear is still a part of the business.
While her name’s attachment catalyzed a major shift in her brand, something she’s brought up to me many times over years of interviews, initially she wasn’t even sure if she was going to name the brand after herself. “I encouraged her to use her own name because she embodies what she’s selling, and that’s where you start,” fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone, who has known Hoffman since their early careers, tells me on the phone. “She’s so authentic. She lives in a world we all aspire to live in the sense of consciousness and love and thoughtfulness and taking time in an industry and a world that is moving too fast for its own good. So yeah…” she says assuredly, “it’s all Mara all day long. It’s not easy to stick to your guns in this industry. Every turn is a temptation for a better bank account or more fame, and she’s really held on to her aesthetics and her ethics while pushing her consciousness and her intention through.”
Given the current climate crisis, this type of thinking should drive every fashion brand. But, as Cultrone points out, making clothing that is environmentally conscious, through lower production and better materials, and that prioritizes the safety and security of workers is not easy or cheap, making Hoffman’s efforts, as an independent brand, that much more noteworthy.
Hoffman says that while she appreciates the CFDA recognition, continuing the work for change and a more sustainable fashion future is what matters to her at this stage. “I feel honored to be seen through the same lens as these other large people who have received this award previously and felt a little bit like it was a joke or something. Patagonia got this [award], and so did the United Nations,” Hoffman says. “Then I sat with that, and I was like, ‘No… to show a version of it happening on a smaller scale, it affirms the importance of it happening everywhere.'” She adds that, while all brands should strive to do better, it’s especially crucial for bigger names to reduce their [environmental] impact. “If I can do it, people with the resources, you can do it. I like that they asked us to be the recipients of this because hopefully, it can be seen as ‘you have no excuse, get your shit together.'”
Recently, Hoffman reduced the footprint of her store, putting up a temporary wall in the center and splitting the shop with another brand. While it’s a move that certainly helps a small business financially (bonus: it makes her once-large store feel more intimate), it is also indicative of how she’s committed to running her brand — constantly evolving and not getting lost in “openness.” She sees this change in physical space as reflective of the way she changed her business a decade ago — a decision to pull back to achieve the type of growth that has nothing to do with volume or quantity.
“Sometimes you really have to contract to make something work. It’s the only way to achieve an expansion is through a preliminary contraction,” she says. “I tend to see my life works like that. Contractions come before expansions.”
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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