TikTok’s Obsessed With Silk Scarves, Here’s How To Style Them 4 Ways

If you’re heading on summer vacation and trying to pack as light as possible, or have been influenced by all the recent styling videos on TikTok, then you’ll want to make a square scarf the hero of your wardrobe. Whether you’re drawn to luxe silk squares or classic paisley bandanas, summer scarves are great to have on hand. They’re lightweight, chic, and can be styled multiple ways ensuring they will level up your summer outfits. Based on recent Google searches asking “how to wear a scarf as a top,” as well as seeing countless fashion It girls styling scarves as belts, we thought it would be fun to find out for ourselves — and to share all the other ways we’re wearing scarves this summer, too.

If you’re looking to channel an Old Hollywood starlet on holiday or want an elevated alternative to a Labubu charm, a scarf can do it all. And since you can make good use out of this one accessory, it may be worth investing in a high-quality, classic silk design. But if you’re looking to add several trendy scarves to your collection, there are also many wallet-friendly options out there, which we also rounded up for you!

Read on to see how I styled large square silk scarves for summer activities — like beach days and al fresco dinners — in different ways to get the most bang for my buck.

How to wear a scarf as a top:

I was initially skeptical about wearing a scarf as a bandeau top — I’ve always admired the easy breezy look on others, but could just imagine it slipping down at any moment and exposing my chest. But I decided to put it to the test, risking it all with no-show nipple covers and nothing more. As one option, I folded a 25-by-25-inch scarf (most of mine come from Miami brand Sigal) from corner to corner to make a triangle. Then I pressed the folded edge across my upper chest and pulled the points behind my back to tie them into a double knot, for extra security, of course. Truthfully, I was shocked at how easy it was to tie, how well it snugly stayed in place all night (bonus tip: use fashion tape to ensure no slipping), and how flattering it looked. This has since become a go-to look on summer nights, especially when I don’t know how casual or fancy to dress. 
 
After seeing tons of videos of creators DIY-ing their square scarves into halter tops, I (again, skeptically) tested the look. The most popular option is to tie the scarf through a choker necklace. Despite my fear that this would pull on my puka shell necklace and shatter it (again resulting in a flashing situation), this is my new favorite hack! After folding the scarf into a triangle, I tied the points around my necklace, tucking the extra fabric underneath, then taking the other points to tie behind my back. It stayed in tact throughout a night out, plus I kept getting compliments on my “top,” before I shared the big secret. If you want an alternative halter option, you can also slip two points through a chunky ring, which will sit at the front bottom of your neck, before tying the points behind your neck.

How to wear a scarf on your head:

I really thought short hair and a headscarf wouldn’t look “right,” compared to how the accessory looks on people with long, luscious hair. But I was proven wrong, yet again! A headscarf can work on all types of hair; you just need to play with it a bit until you achieve the look you want. First, I tried folding it in half to form a triangle (like I did for my top) and slipped the two points under my hair, tying it at the nape of my neck. (For a variation, I also experimented with folding over the edge of the triangle several times to make a smaller triangle, making it the perfect size to tuck behind my ears and show off my earrings.) It felt pretty secure but I would recommend slipping bobby pins on by your ears — or the new trending hack of snapping hair clips at the top of your head before folding fabric over for a sleek, taut look — to really keep the scarf in place.

For another look, I watched this TikTok tutorial one too many times to try wearing my scarf like an elegant head wrap and, after several attempts, I figured it out. I really like how the scarf securely wrapped under my chin, and how there wasn’t too much excess fabric swaying behind me. When paired with statement sunnies, it created the ultimate “European summer” vibe.

How to wear a scarf as a sarong:

Your summer scarf can also serve as a trendy swim sarong… sort of! I grabbed my 29-by-29-inch silk scarf and took it to the beach. Again, I folded it in half diagonally, but this time, I tied the points around the side of my waist to create an asymmetrical design. It didn’t fully cover my bikini bottoms like a sarong would have, but it was a chic and unique addition to my beach look. You can also opt for a larger 45-inch or 90-inch square design to get more coverage. 

The same folding method also works for creating a faux belt to break up outfits or add a little flair. Everywhere I look, someone is wearing their scarf as a belt, and I’m often in awe of how effortlessly elevated it looks. I paired a statement scarf with an all-black outfit and loved the pop of color and waist-defining detail it delivered. It also looks great with jeans, maxi skirts, and just about any bottoms — especially if they’re high-waisted.

How to wear a scarf on your bag:

One of the simplest ways to upgrade your purse game is simply by tying a scarf in a knot around the handle. It’s a quick way to create a one-of-a-kind look (and one of my go-to styling moves, especially for my work bag and everyday crossbody bag). It’s also the perfect solution for people like me, who are guilty packing too many purses when they travel, whether it’s long international vacations or short weekend trips. Rather than cramming several handbags and bag charms into my suitcase, I can pack just one or two bags, along with a few square scarves to mix and match them for different occasions and outfits. 

To get more creative, I took inspiration from photos of scarves wrapped around purse handles, and tried a DIY approach. After folding my square scarf diagonally, I continued folding it until it resembled a thick band rather than a triangle. (I won’t lie and say that it looked perfectly neat, but it got the job done!) I tied a point around one end of my bag’s shoulder strap and began wrapping it all the way along the strap until I got to the other end and tied the corresponding point, too. It looked pretty stylish, and I definitely recommend trying it out on your own top-handle bags, woven basket bags, and beach totes to switch up your style in an instant.

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Lululemon’s New Arrivals Are Here — But Won’t Stay In Stock For Long

We’ve raved about Lululemon plenty on this site — and it’s because we’re genuine fans of the gear. From internet-famous accessories that make travel a breeze to yoga leggings we don't ever want to take off, the iconic athleisure label never disappoints. And as much as we hold room in our hearts (and closets) for our tried-and-true favorites — Align tights, Define jackets, Energy sports bras, and more — we can’t help but go gaga over Lululemon’s fresh drops that introduce innovative designs and fresh colorways.

As you know, the Lululemon hive is among the most loyal in the game — as such, the newest pieces also tend to be the ones that sell out the quickest. With all that in mind, we’ve corralled all of the shiniest new arrivals at Lululemon for your shopping delight. Watch this space!

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Fast Track Bag 2.0 9L

Travel in style with this chic and practical bag that converts from a backpack to a crossbody or shoulder bag effortlessly — meaning you can use it throughout your vacation, no matter the activity. It also features several interior and exterior pockets so it’s easy to stash away your travel essentials like your passport, water bottle, or on-flight snacks.

Lululemon Fast Track Bag 2.0 9L, $, available at Lululemon

Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short 2.5"

Lululemon always knocks it out of the park with supportive, comfortable, flattering activewear. Case in point: These light, flowy running shorts. They have a cult-like following in the Lulu community and are now available in new, late summer shades like burnt orange and dusky mauve grey.

Lululemon Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short 2.5", $, available at Lululemon

Bend This Scoop and Cross Bra Light Support, A-C Cups

Here’s the product you didn’t know you needed in your activewear arsenal: a sports bra that’s reversible and layerable with other styles — wear it as either a V-neck or racerback.

Lululemon Bend This Scoop and Cross Bra Light Support, A-C Cups, $, available at Lululemon

LuluLinen Oversized Blazer

Lululemon may not be known as a workwear destination, but prepare to be surprised — we think we might just have found the perfect summer blazer, made in a breezy linen to keep you polished yet comfortable enough for your longest work days.

Lululemon LuluLinen Oversized Blazer, $, available at Lululemon

City Essentials Small Shoulder Bag 3L

In our opinion, you can never own enough do-it-all crossbody bags, so we figured we’d put this new style on your radar. It’s spacious with several pockets, has an adjustable shoulder strap, comes in a water-repellent material, and is available in a range of wearable, neutral shades.

Lululemon City Essentials Small Shoulder Bag 3L, $, available at Lululemon

Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger Full Length

These comfy, lightweight pants flatter the body without clinging uncomfortably to your skin — making them perfect for travel, errands, and more.

Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger Full Length, $, available at Lululemon

Align High-Rise Skirt

An Align skirt is a summer essential, especially for festivals, concerts, and parties. They’re designed with built-in shorts to prevent chafing and are crafted from fabric that’s made to move and sweat in, but look super stylish when paired with baby tees and biker boots. Right now we’re coveting this new burnt orange shade.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Skirt, $, available at Lululemon

Women's Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe

These sneakers are designed to handle whatever workout and terrain you throw at them. They combine the bounce needed for running with the ample support required by cardio and strength training. Plus, they’re featherlight, so are perfect for casual walks or vacation packing.

Lululemon Women's Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe, $, available at Lululemon

Define Jacket Nulu

This forest green is one of several new color drops for Lululemon’s bestselling Define Jacket, so loved for its flattering, curve-hugging fit.

Lululemon Define Jacket Nulu, $, available at Lululemon

Organic Cotton Cinched-Waist Dress

ICYMI, Lululemon now offers casual wear pieces designed for outside of the gym, including this chic mini dress that solves all our “it’s too hot for real clothes” dilemmas. Made from a soft and lightweight cotton blend, it’s comfortable enough for all-day lounging or your daily commute.

Lululemon Organic Cotton Cinched-Waist Dress, $, available at Lululemon

Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant 25"

Lulu’s Align leggings already have cult-fave status for their buttery feel and second-skin fit, but the brand has just taken it a step further. The new seamless version ditches the crotch seam for a sleeker silhouette that’s even smoother — we can’t get enough of them.

Lululemon Align No Line™ High-Rise Pant 25", $, available at Lululemon

Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Spaghetti-Strap Adjustable Cami

The classic tank gets a sporty upgrade, thanks to this soft, supportive fabric with four-way stretch, and sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties.

Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Spaghetti-Strap Adjustable C, $, available at Lululemon

Maxi Satin Slip Dress

ICYMI, Lululemon now offers a slinky slip dress that solves all our “it’s too hot for real clothes” dilemmas. Made from a soft, lightweight, and shimmery jersey fabric that stretches slightly, this dress is comfortable enough for all-day lounging or all-night dancing. Cinching the deal? It has pockets, folks!

Lululemon Maxi Satin Slip Dress, $, available at Lululemon

Modal-Silk Twist-Back Short-Sleeve Shirt & Softstreme Kick-Flare Mid-Rise Short 4"

Lounge luxuriously this summer in an airy crewneck and shorts set made from a silky soft fabric. Not your average T-shirt, this style has a twist cut-out at the back that not only elevates the design but adds even more airflow.

Lululemon Modal-Silk Twist-Back Short-Sleeve Shirt, $, available at Lululemon

Lululemon Softstreme Kick-Flare Mid-Rise Short 4", $, available at Lululemon

Swiftly Tech Cropped Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0

Whether you’re chilling out with friends in the park, running errands, or actually just running, it’s always handy to have a simple white, cropped tee in your wardrobe. This one is lightweight, breathable, and is made from a fabric that is designed to stop bacteria growth (aka combats body odor, even on the hottest and sweatiest of days).

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Cropped Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, $, available at Lululemon

Classic Unisex Ball Cap Wordmark

The iconic baseball cap gets the Lululemon treatment with subtle logo detail — available in a range of new colorways to coordinate with any ‘fit. Our favorite? This on-trend butter yellow.

Lululemon Classic Ball Cap Wordmark, $, available at Lululemon

High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt Long

Get into the tenniscore trend with an easy breezy Lululemon tennis skirt (read: skort). This style has debuted alongside matching collared sports bras and tops to complete your preppy on-court look. Heading off-court? Pair with a graphic, oversized tee and chunky trainers for a trendy vibe.

Lululemon High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt Long, $, available at Lululemon

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The 28 Best Tote Bags For Work, Travel, Everyday & Beyond

Tote bags are a true MVP of your handbag lineup. While some say basic, we say essential — as useful for your office commute as they are for a weekend getaway, out-and-about strolls, a farmer’s market visit, or a day of antiquing. Plus, there are tons of on-trend styles from our favorite brands that make hauling your life around look effortless. 

Think of totes as emotional support in functional accessory form: always there when you need them, holding way more than you probably should be carrying, and just plain dependable. Leather tote bags help you get to and from work in style, zip tote bags keep your valuables (hello, laptops!) secure while traveling or on the go, and durable, lightweight styles make those days when you’re lugging your entire life around a wee bit easier.

Ahead, scroll to shop the edit with picks from Free People, L.L. Bean, Lululemon, J.Crew, Everlane, Dagne Dover, Madewell, and so many more.

Work Tote Bags

R29 readers can’t resist a good Everlane, Madewell, or Coach pick. From sleek leather carryalls to fashion-forward shapes like Polène’s structured stunner, these tote bags deliver on both office practicality and off-duty style.

Travel Tote Bags

These travel companions — which often come in washable or stain-resistant fabrics — are designed to keep your essentials secure. Don’t miss the beloved Lululemon multi-pocket tote and Free People cult-favorite quilted carryall in fresh, seasonal colors.

Errands & Everyday Tote Bags

Styles that flex from work to travel and errands? The true MVPs. Whether you’re opting for a taller and slimmer vertical silhouette of flap-top design or a luxe take on the staple in supple suede, a workhorse tote is one you’ll never regret investing in (or buying in multiple colors).

Durable & Lightweight Tote Bags

The vibe: utilitarian and low-key. These totes, crafted from nylon and canvas, are the ultimate anything-and-everything schleppers. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist option (peep Banana Republic’s new arrival), a playful print (see: Baggu’s signature XL market bag), or a custom style with cheeky embroidery or a timeless monogram, these are the sturdy go-tos for work, grocery hauls, the beach, travel — wherever!

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Iconic Duo Alert: LoveShackFancy Teams Up With Pink On A Dreamy Collab

Just days after Victoria’s Secret announced the return of its fashion show, there’s more excitement on the horizon. The iconic brand’s younger sister, Pink, is teaming up with vintage-inspired label LoveShackFancy on a Gen Z-coded collection. And we couldn’t think of a more iconic duo to bring us the whimsical, cheeky, and playful pink drop of our dreams. 

“It celebrates our shared love of frills, florals, and everything pink — and captures that fun, carefree energy of the early 2000s,” says LoveShackFancy founder and creative director, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, in a press release. “It’s playful, it’s feminine, and it brings our two worlds together in the most magical way.”

While nostalgia is at the heart of the collection, the campaign stars Gen Z influencers and talent who reflect both brands’ audiences — and their love for “the spirit of spontaneous fun and carefree celebration.”

President of Victoria’s Secret Pink, Ali Dillon, adds: “We’re excited to offer fan-favorite styles with LoveShackFancy’s signature romantic twist and bring back nostalgic pieces from our archives. Designed to spark joy and real-life moments, this collection is perfect for taking you from high summer fun to back-to-campus style.”

From party dresses and foldover flare leggings to varsity jackets and embroidered underwear, plus rhinestone-covered everything, the LoveShackFancy x Pink collaboration will have you ready for fun days out and cozy nights in.  

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This collection will be available to shop starting August 6 at 5 a.m. EST on VSPINK.com and LovwShackFancy.com. Prices range from $19 to $200, with apparel offered in sizes XXS to XXL. So set your alarm — these pink pieces are bound to go fast.

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I’m 5’1″ & These Ann Taylor Petite Pieces Are My Fall Workwear Uniform

As a team with several editors and contributors under 5’4”, we believe that good things can come in small packages. Check back for our go-to places and styling advice on petite denim, workwear, and so much more.

Being 5’1” has its perks: I get more leg room on flights (even in economy), don’t have to duck my head under low ceilings, and, in my book, no heels are too high. On the other hand, being  “petite” can be a nuisance when shopping for clothes that don’t drown my short-girl frame — especially when it comes to workwear.

Whether your 9-to-5 is in corporate, creative, or beyond, office attire generally follows an overall approach that achieves a “put-together” look. This often includes polished pieces like suit pants, button-up shirts, and blazers. If you’re 5’4” or under, you know the struggle of searching for said workwear staples that have lengths and hems that fit your height. Tailoring is an option, but one doesn’t always have the time or extra money to fix new purchases. With that in mind, finding brands with an extensive petite selection is key, and Ann Taylor offers a plethora of petite work styles.

If you haven’t heard, Ann Taylor got a revamp in the past few years. The go-to mall brand is staying true to its core mission, continuing to offer women sophisticated workwear, while incorporating of-the-moment trends into styles that feature modern silhouettes and quality fabrics.

Ahead, I’ve styled three office-ready outfits from Ann Taylor’s petite range, all available to shop for the upcoming season. Note: When selecting sizes, I found the petite size chart to be helpful as it’s separated by tops, bottoms, and dresses. I can attest that the pieces were true to size, with either 0 or XS working for me across the board. (For reference, I am a waist size 24/25, and a 34B in bust.) Shop my favorite Ann Taylor fall workwear for petites below.

Ann Taylor Petite Pants And Collared Shirt

A pair of sleek trousers and an elegant blouse are wardrobe staples that easily work in any professional setting. It’s often a struggle for me to find longline pants off the rack that don’t drag on the floor. Luckily, this wide-leg pinstripe design is offered in a 29” inseam — compared to the standard 31.5” measurement — that teams seamlessly with any pointed-toe pump (another workwear classic).

I chose this floaty, ruffled button-down with subtly puffed sleeves to add a hint of volume. The petite sizing of this top features a shorter torso length, making it easy to tuck into pants without extra, unnecessary bunching. I added texture to the look with an embossed belt boasting an organic-shaped buckle, a pair of rich brown straw pumps, and a woven clutch bag. 

Ann Taylor Petite Matching Set

There’s something about a coordinating set that instantly looks sleek. The second I saw this navy blue cropped jacket and matching flare pants with hems that perfectly hang at my ankles, I knew I would be swapping out my overworn black blazer pantsuit for this modern iteration.

Crafted from a smooth crepe fabric that is stretchy and soft, the suit doesn’t feel stiff — literally or aesthetically. I especially love the jacket for the unexpected short sleeves, pointed collar, large buttons, and front besom pockets. I accessorized the ensemble with silver jewelry and buckled slingback, square-toe pumps. 

Ann Taylor Petite Midi Dress

Never have I dared to even attempt to pair flat shoes with a midi dress — until now. Thanks to the petite length of this classic burgundy pleated style that actually hits my calves (instead of my ankles like most “midis” do), my 5’1” frame is not overwhelmed by an immense amount of fabric. Most importantly, I can wear these comfortable, eye-catching metallic mesh flats without my legs appearing shorter than they are, even with a full-skirted dress. Plus, the cinched waist and high-neck design are a bonus in giving the illusion of a longer torso. I finished off the look with an arched metal handle shoulder bag and tortoise shell eyeglasses.

Shop more petite styles from Ann Taylor.

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Issa Rae Found Joy Through Running & She Wants That For You Too

Issa Rae is learning how to slow down. And she wants other women to give themselves permission to do the same. Ironically, running is slowing down for the mogul. 

“It’s about feeling good and feeling your best. It’s not about being perfect,” she said in a Zoom interview. “That movement, and running especially has just felt like such a great release. It makes me happy. And that’s so weird to say, because it’s something my younger self couldn’t imagine finding happiness and in movement in that way. I’m not a dancer, I don’t consider myself athletic by any means. But this is mine.”

Her movement fuels her to create, prioritize wellness and find a moment to reconnect with herself amongst the hectic world around her. The “Insecure” and “Rap Sh!t” creator’s latest collaboration with Beyond Yoga is promoting just that. With the Seek Beyond collection, Beyond Yoga and Rae are celebrating the beauty of the journey over the vanity of results, looking one specific way. Rae penned Seek Beyond’s mantra, which encapsulates that.

“Not a single second has ever been wasted on joy,” she wrote for the campaign, which launched July 25. “And here’s the thing: you can have as much as you want. Take a second, a minute, an hour, a whole day and breathe.” 

With TV and film projects, Viarae prosecco, businesses around Los Angeles and a forthcoming book, slowing down takes intention for Rae. But she’s made movement a ritual as she builds her empire and cherishes the little moments.

In a conversation with Unbothered, the mogul dished on her collaboration with Beyond Yoga, how she redefines wellness for herself and the best business advice she has for Black women in 2025. 

Unbothered: Congrats on everything that you’re doing! You have your hands in so many pots, and they all seem to align with who we know you to be. How did this collaboration come about? How does it align with your personal mission?

Issa Rae: It just came at the perfect time. I’ve been focused on myself, how I feel in my body and how I want to present and feel in this next phase of my life. So it was just a super natural collaboration. I’m already wearing their clothes a lot. I’ve taken my passion for running and taking care of myself seriously. When the opportunity presented itself to be a part of the brand and write their mantra, I was basically talking to myself and thinking about what I wanted to hear and what I wanted other people, my friends, to hear, and the people who contribute to my own wellness. Like, what can I say to them? 

I tell myself I’m going to run, but I’ve never been a fan of running. How did you get into running? Are you doing long distances? What does that look like for you? 

IR: I started off as an early morning walker. That became like, ‘This is my time, and this is the least I can do for myself.’ There’s a little course trail in my area, and I got recognized looking really ugly early on. I was like, damn, I don’t want to stop walking in my neighborhood. So I bought a treadmill so that I could walk at any time of the day. And that turned into just trying out running. Then it turned into I want to run outside and try long distances. And it just became kind of a fun test of what I could do. 

And I feel you on getting caught slipping mid-workout. There was a point where I would just put on anything. Now there’s more of an emphasis, not only to get dressed so I don’t get caught slipping, but also, if I have on a cute set, I think it fuels that movement a little bit more. 

IR: You’re absolutely right. Not only that, now I want to kind of dress up and take care of myself. And it’s dressing up in a way where it’s still comfortable. Even with these, these new sets, I took them back to London after I shot the campaign because I was shooting something, and that kind of became my uniform. The wide leg pants I wear all the time. It bridges the gap between showing up any kind of way and showing up for myself.

I want to talk about that bridge between movement, wellness and creativity. I found that when I’m moving, I write better and I’m more focused. How does movement show up in your creativity? 

IR: We’re the same. Whenever I have writer’s block, whenever I feel overwhelmed by something I’m trying to accomplish in writing, I go and take a walk and literally try not to think about it. But you inevitably think about it, and then something comes. An idea comes just because I feel like I’m outside living, and I’m not putting too much pressure on coming up with the idea. There’s something about just sitting in the misery of a [writer’s] block and then actually walking off and literally getting your creative juices flowing and allowing that movement to complement the thoughts that you’re having in your mind. And it just helps to rev up the creative process in the best way. For me, it’s so necessary. 

I’d be remiss not to mention women in sports, not only on the court and field, but also behind the scenes. I love seeing your journey as part-owner of the San Diego Football Club. What has that experience been for you? Why did you decide to take on this venture?

IR: Sports in general, and women’s sports, the moment that they’ve been having over the last few years, has really thrilled me. It hasn’t been a model [like this before]. In the WNBA in particular, I love basketball, but there was always a sort of stigma against women’s basketball for some reason. And I think this new generation of players has just completely taken ownership of the image of what a female athlete looks like. I think that generation has grown up seeing women like Serena and Venus [Williams] and even these incredible, beautiful Olympic track stars, and just being like, I can own my definition of femininity and be athletic and be a boss and take on anybody in this profession. And it’s so beautiful to see.

I was just talking to the Washington Mystics the other day when they came to LA to play the Sparks. I was also curious about the other ways that they want to show up outside of being athletes. Everyone wants to kind of just show all parts of themselves and not be limited in that perception of being just in one lane. I’m not just an athlete. I’m more than this. I create, I make things, I have passions for this. That’s what it comes down to. And that’s where my passion comes, even in owning teams, it’s just like the stories of each of these individual players. 

Yeah, absolutely. I want to pivot to talk about some of the other things that you’re working on. What are you most excited about right now? 

IR: There’s too much. The several shows that I’m working on really excite me. Obviously, we’re working on the One of Them Days sequel, which is coming together great, and I’m excited to have news about that soon. But lots of things are in the works that I’ll be able to announce really soon. I do have a book coming out in August, I Should Be Smarter Now.

From what I’ve read, the book feels like such a good retrospective, from your first book, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, to now. Especially considering the business perspective that you give, and right now it feels so important. What is the best advice you have for other Black women when it comes to business in 2025?

IR: Try to find what your niche is in this particular marketplace. It sounds so obvious, but you’d be surprised. I think even in a culture of content creation, there are so many copycats, and we’re literally in an era of people repeating other people’s words or mimicking other people’s videos, and the originality is lacking in some cases. My advice is always just to find what nobody else is doing and what space you’re filling. And to also think about yourself because it really does start with you. Then find the community to build around that. 

Lastly, any new developments on the Sweet Life revival? 

IR: Not yet, but I hope people are watching it on OWN. But not yet. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

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Drenched in Denim: Shay Mitchell Models Gap x Béis Travel Collaboration

Traveling has never been more stylish, thanks to a new, highly anticipated collaboration that’s loading on the tarmac. Viral luggage brand Béis is teaming up with reader-favorite brand Gap on a denim-dominated travel bag and airport outfit collection. 

Co-designed and modeled by Béis founder, Shay Mitchell, the 25-piece capsule holds meaning for the actress. “I’ve been wearing Gap since I was a kid, so designing a collection that allows you to express your personal style while on the go feels like a full circle moment,” said Mitchell in a press release. “This line is for anyone who wants to look good, feel good, and travel in style.”

Since Béis is beloved for its chic luggage in trendy colorways, and Gap is known for easy, everyday essentials and effortless denim, the two brands have blended fashion and function for an ideal travel collection.

Some of Béis’ bestselling suitcases have been reimagined in a limited-edition light denim blue color, plus pieces like the weekender and travel backpack are available in actual soft denim. Meanwhile, some of Gap’s apparel styles have been dipped in popular Béis colorways like Berry Pink, and upgraded with details to make travel days more comfortable. Think: convertible cargo pants and even a hoodie with an inflatable neck pillow!

Mitchell stars in this campaign alongside her partner, Matte Babel, and their children, Atlas and Rome, to illustrate the “planning, chaos, and joy of travel,” according to the press release.

“Gap x Béis delivers a modern take on versatile travel wear, brought to life through a digitally led campaign that reflects the built-in memories of traveling with a family,” explained Gap president and CEO, Mark Breitbard, in the release. 

So whether you have your own international family vacation planned for the summer… or a road trip with your best friends… or a solo hotel staycation, this collection of travel-ready outfits and bags will get you from A to Z in style. 

Gap x Béis ranges between $8 and $128 for apparel and accessories, and $128 and $378 for luggage and bags. Shop the full collection on Gap.com — or luggage and select apparel on Beistravel.com — on August 1 at 9 a.m. EST.

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From Mesh To Mary Janes — Ballet Sneakers Are *The* Shoe Of The Summer

What do you get when you combine two beloved fashion items? Sometimes greatness (see: the skort, the jort, and the entire concept of athleisure), but often it results in bizarre flash-in-the-pan moments (remember the coatigan? No, neither did I until writing this piece). Thankfully, the latest hybrid trend taking over the fashion world sits firmly in the former camp. Say hello to the sneakerina, a mash-up that balances all the signature grace and poise of the classic ballet shoe with the comfort and grip of your favorite functional trainer. It’s a dream come true for those of us with fond memories of the 2010s twee phenomenon, but an adult need for more arch support.

Unsurprisingly, we can thank the queen of high femme fashion, Simone Rocha, for kickstarting the sneakerina trend back in spring/summer 2020 with her “ballet tracker” platforms. Since then, she’s been joined by both luxury designers and sports brands alike — from kitten heel sneakers at Miu Miu to satin-topped, trek-soled Aura flats at Rombaut, to sold-out collaborations between Sandy Liang and Salomon, Cecilie Bahnsen and Asics, and Onitsuka Tiger and Patou.

This year, the trend has truly exploded, fueled by several much-hyped launches: Adidas’ Samba Mary Jane and lace-up Taekwondo Mei, Puma’s Speedcat Ballet, and Louis Vuitton’s LV Sneakerina. According to fashion search engine Lyst, searches for “sneakerinas” are up 1300%, while StockX, an online marketplace for sneakerheads, has seen a 119% year-on-year increase for “ballerina”. The coolest celebrities are also fans — both Bella Hadid and Charli XCX have been spotted in VIVAIA’s satin Sneakerinas, while Chloë Sevigny is a repeat wearer of Ecco’s Biom C-Trails (a hiking shoe base with ballerina-style laces).

There are many different variations of the trend to satisfy every style — from dainty, satin slipper designs with grippy rubber soles to sportier versions with mesh panels, top-stitched detailing, elastic straps, turbo-charged platforms, eyelet lacing, and toe caps. Naturally, these come on the foot of last year’s coquette trend and, before that, the rise of balletcore, but they reimagine the hyper feminine look to be more functional. These shoes are made for city streets and long days on your feet. Essentially, it’s the viral “wrong shoe” theory in motion, wherein you purposely wear shoes that might be considered antithetical to your outfit to create a more interesting look. This time, though, it’s the shoe itself that is the contradiction.

Have I convinced you yet? If not, perhaps this selection will — all the best sneakerina shoes on the market at every price point.

 Mary Jane Ballet Sneakers

Prim and proper or punk and platform, the humble Mary Jane has had quite the moment in recent years, and that isn’t changing anytime soon, thanks to these sporty trainer-infused styles. Puma’s Speedcat Ballerina in particular is the third buzziest product of early 2025, according to the Lyst Q1 Index Report, and has the seal of approval from Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski. This design is the perfect balance of both styles: a classic ballerina silhouette adorned with sporty, racing shoe signatures (complete with an embroidered Puma logo). Opt for the silver colorway to tick off another key 2025 sneaker trend.

For a similar vibe, I found plenty of slim-fit options, from the luxury (Miu Miu) to the more affordable (Bershka). Alternatively, if you prefer a chunkier shoe, Ash’s Rolls Sneakers come out on top. They’re just like your typical techy, Y2K dad sneaker, but with that strappy, Mary Jane twist.

Lace-Up Ballet Sneakers

If the name doesn’t give it away, Adidas’ Taekwondo Mei Shoe (first introduced in 1988) is a reinterpretation of the original martial arts footwear. Functionally, taekwondo and ballerina shoes have always been very similar: slim-fitted with a slightly pointed toe, made with super-soft leather that molds to the foot, and designed to keep your soles close to the floor. Where this version differs from a modern-day ballet flat is that the rubber outsole better protects your feet from the ground, and the slightly padded, textile-lined insole adds more cushioning and support. Throw in the combination of lace-up fastenings and the brand’s iconic three-stripe design, and you have the ultimate all-occasions shoe that works equally well with a dainty dress for date night or with sweats when running errands.

Adidas isn’t the only destination for stylish, functional lace-up styles. From Axel Arigato’s chunky stompers to Lazy Oaf’s delicate treads, there are options out there for everyone — and you don’t have to opt for a lace-up-the-leg look either. JW Pei has created a stylish alternative that even the biggest ballet flat skeptic could love.

Mesh Ballet Sneakers

Mesh footwear was at its peak last summer, and it isn’t going away soon. This season, the light, airy, and breathable style lends itself perfectly to the sporty sneakerina trend. Unlike 2024’s sheer organza versions, many of this year’s designs feature a heavier, net-like weave.

Platform Ballet Sneakers

Adopting the statement soles and extra inches you usually find on chunky Y2K sneakers and utilitarian trainers, these sneakerina shoes give you all the boost you need, without compromising on comfort.

Satin Ballet Sneakers

Satin ballet shoes are perhaps the most archetypal of the style — conjuring up images of prima ballerinas performing in full costume as princesses, swans, and sugar plum fairies. It’s a tactile fabric that nods to luxury and glamour, and when paired with practical, sporty elements, it creates a pronounced juxtaposition. When choosing your outfit, let these satin sneakerina shoes do the work for you — they’ll make a statement no matter what.

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30 Years Later, Clueless Fashion Is “Still Totally” Iconic: Revisiting The Looks With Its Costume Designer

For Clueless costume designer Mona May, there’s a psychology to crafting a character’s wardrobe. “I think authenticity is one of the most important things when you design costumes, to make sure these characters feel real, and not just like talking Barbies,” she tells Refinery29. “You want the audience to leave the theater and feel like, ‘There was something about that character that felt like me.’” 

For a film as far-fetched as the 1995 classic, starring Alicia Silverstone as a spoiled Beverly Hills high school student, grounding the characters in reality was crucial. Yes, these affluent teenagers had access to runway fashion and daddy’s credit card, but May also wanted to portray girls who loved the mall and were youthful and vibrant. 

While May — whose book The Fashion of Clueless is coming out in October — had no idea what a cultural phenomenon the movie, which celebrates 30 years this month, would become, she knew the costumes were crucial to the storytelling. From the introductory shot — which showed a montage of glitzy high schoolers poolside, cruising in high-end cars, and shopping in their finest threads — fashion was the focus. “It was colorful, it was California, it was high-fashion, it was teenage fun. It had to immediately grab your eye,” she says. 

Pulling together thousands of costumes — 63 of them belonging to Cher (Silverstone) alone — on a $200k budget was no small task, according to May: “[We had to find] every headpiece, every backpack, every pair of sunglasses, every piece of jewelry seen. I don’t even know how I did it, seriously, but we just went for it.” She emphasizes that the film was made in the mid-‘90s, before social media made it easy to discover and access fashion. “It was just the beginning of computers and cell phones, so my research was different. People behaved differently. There was a certain kind of innocence to the time as well,” she says.

Because of that, May felt it was important to establish sartorial social cues (ie: graphic tees for the skaters, exposed slip and stockings with runs for a scattered teacher, etc.), as well bring attention to culturally relevant designer labels (the Calvin Klein slip dress that Cher’s dad refers to as “underwear,” and “totally important designer” Alaïa dress) to the audience not privy to Melrose Avenue.

Because the cast was fairly unknown at the time, there were no giant “PR machines” sending boxes from fashion houses to dress the actors. Still, May enlisted luxury labels for looks such as Cher’s iconic yellow plaid skirt set by Jean Paul Gaultier, along with pieces from Fred Segal and Anna Sui. She also pulled pieces from secondhand stores, army surplus shops, and then-popular mall brands: Body Glove, Roxy, BCBG, Gap, American Rag, Esprit, Vertigo, and Wet Seal (RIP). By combining designer names with mall mainstays, May says she was able to bring out the multifacetedness of each character. 

“Dionne [played by Stacey Dash] is a really good example of that. She wears a lot of different things, from high-end Chanel to the leopard jacket that was thrifted and the vinyl skirt that was from a rave store on Melrose,” May explains. Cher also embodied the juxtaposition, sporting preppy co-ords as much as she did cap-sleeved dresses, while also dipping into the soft grunge looks popular at the time, like her layered black sheer top and chunky jewelry. “She’s not just one kind of girl. She’s good-hearted, discerning, but can also be a bit of a mean girl, too.”

May believes the style holds strongly three decades later because, in many ways, the cult classic was ahead of its time. The movie was nuanced in its portrayal of teenage girls, who were fashion-obsessed and naive, but also quick-witted and opinionated. There was a complexity to them — one May felt a responsibility to translate through their clothing. “It was hard to make that movie,” she says. “[Director] Amy [Heckerling] said that many studios passed on it because they didn’t want girls to talk like this. They wanted movies about boys. It was important to introduce young girls speaking that way: being smart, being self-assured, and knowing what they want. Smart girls deserved smart clothes.” 

May made sure that the outfits reflected each of the characters’ personalities: Dionne’s bold accessories and prints spoke to her spunky personality, Cher’s meticulously coordinated shoes and outfits spoke to her perfectionism. Meanwhile, Tai (Brittany Murphy) had an evolving wardrobe — which went from baggy flannels and graphic tees at the beginning of the film to Cher-approved plaids and finally a happy grunge-meets-girly medium — that spoke to her journey of losing, rediscovering, and coming into herself.

With so many characters to dress, the looks had to work together as well, like Cher and Dionne’s coordinated school looks. On one hand, it brought to mind a familiar scenario of phoning your friend to plan outfits the night before school and, on the other, it symbolized that the two were counterparts. “Throughout the film, I wanted to make sure that they were equally fashionable, equally important,” says May.

Given that the film was set in Southern California, May felt it was important to also portray the many subcultures, from the posh upper echelon to skaters, stoners, and the business-casual kids who took themselves too seriously. Though they were all living in this platinum credit card world, Dionne’s and Murray’s style, for example, was culturally relevant for Black American teenagers at the time, with the Kangol hats, leopard print, and gold jewelry. May accomplished this authenticity by working with each actor to build the character’s wardrobe together. 

Dash, for example, was slightly older, from New York, and had a strong sense of personal style, which played a huge role in constructing her character’s look. In turn, according to May, “Murray [Donald Faison’s character] had to look really good too, because she would never date a slacker.”

The same care was extended to Christian Stovitz (Justin Walker), the suave transfer student from Chicago, who we later find out is gay. May wanted the clothing to lead with his personality and interests — like fashion, which resulted in him wearing hats, a blue tuxedo, and slicked-back hair — and not be a reductive version of what a gay character might “look” like (which wasn’t a given at the time for the industry). 

The fashion in Clueless cemented May’s signature style across all her works — which later included other cult classics like Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion and Never Been Kissed — and gave the movie its staying power. It’s the reason why not a single Halloween goes by without a Cher and Dionne recreation, why clothing collections in 1995 and thereafter exploded with Clueless-inspired threads, and why 30 years later, we are still celebrating the film that introduced Alaïa into many of our vocabularies. 

“It’s just incredible that this movie has lived in so many people’s hearts. It’s changed them and made them feel good. I’m so proud, I’ll have a pink bow on my grave.”

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