Thursday, January 6, 2022

The Best Parkas Most Loved By Chic, Sub-Zero Folks

Are you feeling the nip in the air? The tingle in the breeze? The goosebumps on your skin? It means winter is rudely approaching and you best be prepared with durable outerwear that will keep you warm from the first snowfall to the still-frigid days in March (sorry).

Luckily, this year’s offerings of women’s parkas, down jackets, and winter puffers are impossibly stylish considering the sub-zero temps we’ll eventually have to deal with. And, if you’re looking for a crash course in parka jargon, here are the main details to know: “Down” refers to small, wispy feathers that are generally used in puffers, which have traditionally been sourced in cruel and inhumane ways (which is why looking for “responsibly-sourced” feathers or “down alternative” is crucial). “Fill” is a number that measures the “fluffiness” level of a down product (basically, the higher the number, the more insulating it is).

While many of these coats are inevitably stuffed with fluff-tastic down fill, you can be rest assured that none of these will make you look like a total marshmallow (although, we do encourage cloud-like softness whenever possible). Ahead, we present 15 super-warm jackets ranging from the “legacy” styles of The North Face and L.L.Bean to the sleek and chic silhouettes from fan-fave fashion retailers like Madewell and Aritizia. Go on and file these under “absolute best women’s parkas ever” because they also happen to be some of the highest-rated, most aesthetically pleasing styles that cold-weather people actually swear by. Now that’s chilling — in a good way!

ADALI by MACKAGE Down Coat with Signature Collar, $890

The Fashion Forward Parka
As the brand’s most fitted parka, this outerwear is designed to keep you supremely toasty (up to -15°C or 5°F) as it minimizes as much of the space between your body and its 90/10 duck down and feather filling. A funneled, high neck with a cowl hood also creates a super chic silhouette.
Best For: Splurging on a trendy but timeless parka
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 25 reviews on mackage.com
What They’re Saying: “This coat is so warm! Wanted to try something other than a Moncler so happy I got this!!!”

Columbia Peak to Park Mid Insulated Jacket, $119.99

The Classic (And Vegan) Black Parka
This can’t-go-wrong puffer has a water-resistant outer shell, a removable hood (with removable faux fur trim), “comfort cuffs” that keep your hands warm, and is filled with 100% synthetic down polyester—all at a reasonable price from a trusted outdoor gear brand.
Best For: Soggy, wintry weather
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 810 reviews on cabelas.com
What They’re Saying: “This jacket is everything I need it to be. I love how it covers my hips with ease; I find that fact alone adds a lot of warmth. It does a good job of blocking the wind and it stood up to a long walk at the beach in the rain. The water just beaded up. A surprising positive is the ‘comfort cuffs’ – they keep cold air from going up the sleeves and I find I don’t wear gloves as often. I appreciate how easy it is to remove the fur around the hood (not my style) but otherwise the hood is excellent, and easy on/off. The collar stands up nicely to block wind and eliminate the need for wearing a scarf. Lastly, even though this jacket is well insulated, it is still soft and easy to move around in.”

Nap Loungewear Lightweight Quilted Shell Down Coat, $139

The Chicly Oversized Maxi Puffer
Many of the parkas you’ll find in this roundup are serving warmth over serving looks — but, for shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice style, this popular puffer from Nap Loungewear is a golden choice.
Best For: A street style moment
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 36 reviews on naploungewear.com
What They’re Saying: “It is perfect for long walks on cold fall days, winter weekends spent playing in the snow and icy spring mornings when the sun is shining but the temps are low.”

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Women’s, $259

The Lightweight Sporty Parka
If you’re looking for a flattering parka that is specifically designed to keep you warm and keep you dry during sweat-inducing outdoor activities, this lightweight jacket from Arc’teryx is it.
Best For:
Wind protection and casual sports like running and hiking
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 296 reviews on arcteryx.com
What They’re Saying: “Don’t think twice and go for it! I wanted to pack light for my Alaska trip in August! It kept me warm wherever needed, I was on the front deck for three hours during our Kenai Fjord national park glacier cruise, it was super windy, cold around 45 degrees and it drizzled at times but this jacket was like my own superhero. I was just wearing a cotton tee beneath. I got so many compliments! Worth the money. Needless to say, I love Arc’teryx!”

Aritzia Summit Parka, $298

The Ultra Warm “Fashion” Parka
Aritzia’s warmest outerwear is this slim-fit parka — available in an assortment of colors — that is filled with 100% responsibly sourced, 700+ fill-power goose down.
Best For:
Temperatures down to -30°C / -22°F
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 191 reviews on aritzia.com
What They’re Saying: “Perfect coat for cold Canadian winters! I love this coat. Even if I’m only wearing a thin shirt underneath, it keeps me warm. If it’s really cold (-15 or colder) I wear it with a sweater and never feel cold. It’s not too bulky so it still looks stylish, and I’ve got several compliments on the colour (smoky emerald green). The hood lining is so soft and the magnetic snaps are super convenient. The pockets are soft and deep. I’m about 5’4” and 120 lbs and the small fit perfectly. The shipping was also very fast, it arrived 3 days after I ordered it. If you buy this coat, you won’t be disappointed!”

Jenni Kayne Puffer Jacket, $425

The Silky-Smooth Luxury Puffer
Elevated basics company Jenni Kayne may be based in Los Angeles, but the brand still sure knows how to make a warm parka for chilly nights. Fans most love this puffer’s sleek and luxurious hand feel.
Best For:
California “winters”
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 12 reviews on jennikayne.com
What They’re Saying: “This puffer is ultra-warm with a perfectly cozy shape. The black material is unlike anything I have ever seen, semi-glossed to perfection and silky to the touch. This is my new favorite cold-weather necessity.”

The North Face Gotham 550 Fill Power Down Hooded Parka, $250

The Low-Frills Hooded Parka
This parka boasts a 550-fill-power down insulation, making it great for super cold conditions. And, as reviewers mentioned, it’s not so puffy that it also allows you to be mobile while behind the wheel.
Best For: Sub-zero temperatures
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 434 reviews on nordstrom.com
What They’re Saying: “I got this for myself and started wearing it on Christmas day. It was 10 below zero. That weather continued for 10 days. Every part of me that was covered by the coat was warm. I knew it was cold because my legs and hands were cold but my body was warm. I couldn’t believe it. This is the best coat ever! I have been wearing it continually since Christmas and I have no complaints. And it is so lightweight and so easy to move in. Also so comfortable in the car.”

Madewell Holland Quilted Puffer Parka, $198

The Trend-Forward Parka
This puffer comes from Madewell, so you know it’s got some stylish features like dolman sleeves, patch pockets, and a secret pocket for your phone.
Best For: Eco-conscious shoppers (the insulation is made from 20 recycled plastic bottles)
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 30 reviews on madewell.com
What They’re Saying: “I have never written a review about anything ever but oh my god this jacket. It is a dream. I live in a freezing cold climate and this jacket keeps me dry and SO warm. And it is so stinking cute. Do yourself a favor and just buy it!!! I’m 5’7” and 140 pounds and the medium is definitely slightly large but I think that’s the style and I couldn’t go any smaller. I love love love.”

Alpha Industries Elyse, $250

The Flight Jacket-Inspired Parka
It’s all in the details — there’s a partial faux fur lining on the inside, a snorkel hood, a front storm flap, storm cuffs, tortoiseshell buttons, and Alpha Industries’ signature “Remove Before Flight” red tag on the sleeve.
Best For: Utilitarian features, extreme cold weather
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 6 reviews on alphaindustries.com
What They’re Saying: “The jacket is perfect for low temperatures. Very comfortable to drive, due to the style of its sleeves. Excellent quality! Very happy with my purchase.”

Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket, $159.99

The Amazon Parka With A Cult Following
With nearly 19K reviews and a rating of 4.4 stars, this Orolay jacket is a true runaway hit on Amazon. And, with a body fill of 90% duck down/10% duck feather and an extra-dense polyester density for windy days, it’s not hard to see why people can’t stop raving about this parka.
Best For:
A highly rated option from Amazon
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 18,979 reviews on amazon.com
What They’re Saying: “I love this jacket — no tightness, no wind getting from under the jacket, and no fabric stretching! I like the pockets, which can store my phone, purse, gloves, camera, and every other necessity for an outdoor trip. And it’s super warm. I wore it with only a t-shirt and leggings and went outdoors when there was moderate snow and the temperature was -3 Celcius or 27 Fahrenheit outdoors. The surface is water-resistant and the snow glides away on the surface.”

Fjallraven Singi Down Jacket, $599.95

The Premium, Cold-Weather Parka
The price tag isn’t cheap, but that’s because this durable parka is meant to keep you forever warm. Insulating materials include a G-1000 Original and G-1000 HeavyDuty shell (a blend of polyester and cotton), a 100% nylon lining, and a Supreme Micoloft polyester padding. To top it all off, 500-fill down is filled in between.
Best For:
A 500-fill down without the bulk
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 6 reviews on backcountry.com
What They’re Saying: “Love this coat, ordered it just in time to keep me covered for the long, below-freezing temps we’ve been having for weeks on end. Fit is spot on for me, I am 5’7″ 129 lbs and wear a medium in most tops and jackets. This thing left me with enough room for a sweater underneath without binding. It has a flattering fit also.”

Columbia Lay D Down II Jacket, $230

The Snow Athlete’s Down Jacket
Perfect for getting active in, this sporty jacket from Columbia is made with responsibly sourced 550-fill-power down, an outer shell with thermal reflective technology that is both breathable and waterproof, and underarm venting that lets you air out your pits.
Best For: Snowsports like skiing and snowboarding
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 176 reviews on rei.com
What They’re Saying: “I love the way this jacket forms to the curve of the waist so that it isn’t boxy, but very flattering to a female shape. I wore this jacket skiing at a temperature ranging from 15-40 degrees Fahrenheit; I was perfectly comfortable with a very light base layer under the jacket. I think the fur around the hood adds a classy touch and I intend to buy this jacket in another color. I am very impressed with the quality and price of this jacket.”

Burton Women’s Jet Set Jacket, $219.95

The Booty-Covering Snowboard Jacket
If you’re looking for an action-ready parka that extends past your hips and butt, this insulated bestseller from Burton is a great choice. It’s made with recycled insulation, a breathable and waterproof outer fabric, and plenty of nifty features like a removable waist gaiter.
Best For: Outdoor sporting, but with more coverage
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 117 reviews on burton.com
What They’re Saying: “If you like a longer jacket, this is for you. It’s perfect for not getting snow in anywhere. The hooded part when you zip it up even has extra so it’s not super tight in the neck part. Perfect for U.P. winters. All in all I 100% recommend for everyday use!”

The North Face Miss Metro II Water Repellent 550 Fill Power Down Hooded Parka, $224.97 $299

The Fleece-Lined Satin Parka
This mid-length parka is perfect if you can’t decide between a shorter jacket or a longer one. It’s stuffed with 500-fill-power down, has a fleece lining, hand-warming pockets on the side, and has a gorgeous overall satin sheen.
Best For:
A midi-length coverage
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 275 reviews on nordstromrack.com
What They’re Saying: “I needed a very warm jacket for a trip to Park City this January and this did the trick. It kept me perfectly comfortable in the cold weather, without making me sweaty hot. Plus side is that the pockets are lined with some kind of fleece that help to keep your hands warm, which is great as I have Raynaud’s and my hands quickly react to cold temps. Fit true to size — I am a size 4, and got the small. Still has plenty of room for big chunky sweaters underneath.”

L.L.Bean Women’s Winter Warmer Coat, $129

The Best Parka For Everyday Wear
Don’t be fooled by the non-bulky silhouette — this parka can still handle extreme wetness and wind, although, this is probably best suited for everyday errands rather than weekend hiking trips. And, when this coat needs cleaning, you can simply toss it in the washer and drier.
Best For: Light-to-moderate activities
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars and 2,750 reviews on llbean.com
What They’re Saying: “Loved it so much that I bought a second one for our second house in northwest Indiana. My first house is in Chicago so I can’t get away from cold weather. Comfortable for me from about 10°F to 50°F. When it is warmer I merely unzip the coat and it works just fine. As far as the zippers go, there was a bit of a learning curve. You have to match everything up carefully. My experience has been that any garment that unzips from the bottom is trickier to operate. Nevertheless, I find it very convenient, especially in the longer garments.”

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Tuesday, January 4, 2022

5 Brands Fashion Insiders Are Excited For In 2022

With the new year here, the style-loving crowd is on the hunt for 2022’s emerging fashion talent.

Last year, Markarian’s Alexandra O’Neill, Christopher John Rogers, and Sergio Hudson made headlines in January,  dressing First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former First Lady Michelle Obama for Inauguration Day. Later in the year, brands like Peter Do and Theophilio secured their spots as the most sought-after shows in town when New York Fashion Week made its IRL return in September, while Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton took a crew of emerging designers, including Kenneth Nicholson and Jason Rembert of Aliétte, to the 2021 Met Gala

This year, there’s a new crop of fashion designers to watch. At least, that’s the memo coming from the fashion insiders we surveyed recently. While the names ranged from new-gen couturiers to avant-garde ready-to-wear designers, there is a common thread among the picks for the year, with all choosing designers who put self-expression and community-building at the forefront of their brands. 

Ahead, five designers that fashion insiders are most excited about this year. 

Lùchen 

Launched by Parsons graduates Lu Chen and Jacky Luo, Lùchen debuted its first collection during the spring 2022 season, showcasing a lineup of deconstructed minimalism and ethereal whimsy. Take, for example, a tulle cape, worn on top of a structured menswear-inspired coat. Or: the gravity-defying tops that spring up like coral reefs in the ocean. It’s precisely this mix of softness and razor-sharp tailoring that made Chloe King, Amazon’s Brand Relations Lead, stop scrolling when she first saw the brand on Instagram. “I was blown away by the imagery of their first collection — sophisticated, artful, and surreal,” she says. “I always love a Schiaparelli reference.”

Miss Sohee

Offering a new take on couture with dramatic, sparkly garments seen on the likes of Cardi B, Bella Hadid, and Ariana Grande, Miss Sohee is designed by Central Saint Martins graduate Sohee Park. While the new-gen couturier has been making waves in the industry for the last two years, Park is showing her first IRL presentation during the upcoming Milan Fashion Week, a slot that’s on Paper’s fashion editor Mario Abad’s must-go agenda:  “Her work is already so impactful online, so to be able to see her go to the next level in that way is really exciting and is representative of her sheer creativity and unique point of view.”

Elena Velez

Rooted in her Midwestern upbringing, Elena Velez highlights the artisanal and industrial heritage of this region, focusing on craft and materials, as well as sustainability. In 2019, the designer was chosen as one of Teen Vogue’s Generation Next designers — a mentorship initiative for emerging designers — and has since gone to show her work during New York Fashion Week. According to fashion commentator and writer José Criales Urzueta, the designer’s emphasis on craftsmanship and community that sets her apart and promises a bright future in 2022: “Her work is informed by a myriad of references including a deep fashion knowledge and a love for craft and materiality, and it all comes through very harmoniously.”

Avavav

Avavav’s creative director Beate Karlsson has a knack for the surreal, having previously worked with conceptual artists Ida Jonsson and Simon Saarinen and on Pyer Moss’ debut couture collection. Karlsson’s spring 2022 collection tapped into everything TikTok’s fashion crowd loves: Y2K references, mesh tops, low-rise pants, and bubble shapes. But for Agustina Panzoni, Depop’s category manager of womenswear, Avavav’s magic is evident in the brand’s footwear. “Avavav’s monster shoes have an alternative edge that caters to the alternative fashion movement we are seeing with the re-rise of punk music and celebrities endorsing goth aesthetics,” she says. For proof, see the chicken leg-like shoes seen on Doja Cat at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards.

Wiederhoeft

An alum of Thom Browne, Jackson Wiederhoeft recently debuted his first ready-to-wear collection for fall 2022, filled with corset dresses, floral-printed hoodies, metallic quilted coats, and harlequin prints. But the brand has already established itself as a fantasy couture and bridal line that counts Lady Gaga and Jordan Alexander as some of its celebrity supporters. (The latter wore a white bustier to the Gossip Girl premiere last year that made me reconsider just how versatile lingerie can be.) Since then, the brand has continued making a name for itself with voluminous shapes, corseted numbers, and lots of tulle that isn’t just for brides. 

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A Petite Person’s Guide To The Best Jeans For Short Legs

As a person who stands at 5’3″, I understand firsthand the struggle of finding a solid pair of jeans that doesn’t need further alteration besides the usual cuff. While I’ve personally become very comfortable with buying regular-length denim and slicing the bottoms with a pair of fabric shears, I get that not everyone is into the frayed hem look. Additionally, not everyone has the budget or time to take their pants to a tailor who can preserve the original hem on their jeans.

You’ll always meet fashion people who swear by a certain style of jeans or only wear jeans from a particular brand, but even when you compare and contrast denim with other short-legged folks, the search for “The Perfect Pair” feels like a never-ending game of trial-and-error — after all, what works for one body type won’t necessarily work for another. (Though we always love to fantasize about a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment.)

So, ahead — at the recommendation of fellow short colleagues, friends, and shop reviewers — I pulled together a list of the best jeans for petite women. This isn’t a perfect or complete list by any means, but we did aim to cover brands that offer denim styles in an array of washes, fits, stretch levels, and silhouettes that are specifically suited for those who are 5’4″ and under. These jeans are also designed to be worn straight off the racks with no tailoring needed.

But, before you embark on your denim search, I highly suggest you first find your inseam and keep it handy in your Notes app — this number will be immensely helpful when looking at the size and fit details of a product. To determine your inseam, grab your favorite pair of (non-drop crotch) pants and measure the distance between the crotch and bottom hem. For a true petite style, this likely won’t be any longer than 27″ (most short folks I know have inseams in the 23″–26″ range). With this number, you’ll have the power to find jeans that’ll actually fit your bottom half; add an inch for a longer length or remove an inch for a high-water look. And be sure to flex the classic trick of searching for “cropped” or “ankle” length jeans at any retailer that offers those filters — y’know, the jeans that are cropped on taller folks but are full-length on petites. Consider this an easy hack to quickly sort the short stuff.

Everlane

Everlane The ’90s Cheeky Jean, $98
Everlane takes its jeans selection seriously — it even boasts a whole denim guide and fit quiz. While you can’t conduct a general search for petite jeans on the Everlane site, you can still find some pairs offered in an “Ankle” length (26.5″ inseam), like this ’90s Cheeky Jean, which the Refinery29 Shopping team has reviewed and loved. Length-wise, the petites highly approve of this Everlane bestseller.

Shop Everlane

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans, $89
A&F specializes in size-inclusive denim, with styles available in sizes 23–37 in short, regular, and long lengths. (You can read more about the brand’s much-adored denim rebrand in our review here.) For petites, this is great news. For instance, this TikTok fave comes in both “Short” (25.5″) and “Extra Short” (23.5″). Writes one 5’1″ reviewer, “The material is durable and thick but has a little bit of stretch to it which is my perfect combo. It’s enough to make you feel sucked in but stretchy enough to not have that rigid, stiff feel. Extra short is my perfect length and shows the perfect amount of my ankle so it works great with booties and boots that go a little higher up on the leg.”

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Madewell

The Petite Curvy Perfect Vintage Jean: Ripped Edition, $135.00 $98.50
If you didn’t know that Madewell has a whole Petite Perfect Vintage Jean collection (offering every kind of wash color imaginable), you do now. These best-selling petite-fit jeans come highly recommended by Refinery29’s beauty and wellness writer, Karina Hoshikawa, who raves about the perfect 25.5″ inseams and lived-in vintage feel.

Shop Madewell

J.Crew

J.Crew Petite High-Rise ’90s Classic Straight Carpenter Jean, $138 $48.99
J.Crew has a huge denim selection and an impressive filtering system where under the “Size & Fit” category, you can select “Petite,” or you can search by “Length” and select “Cropped” or “Ankle.” These very cute, very on-sale carpenter jeans come in a petite inseam of 25″.

Shop J.Crew

Levi’s

Levi’s High Rise Cropped Flare Women’s Jeans, $69.50
It’s safe to say that Levi’s is a tried-and-true heritage denim brand with rabid fans (hi, I am one of those people who pretty much wears vintage Levi’s exclusively). So, it’s no surprise that Levi’s also takes stock of its petite offerings, with styles filterable by length (the shortest inseam being 25″). These cropped flares are a customer fave, ranking 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Shop Levi’s

Lee

Lee Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean, $48 $34.90
Lee, another heritage denim brand, also offers petite inseams — but you’ll find that these petite lengths are slightly longer at 28″, which is ideal for those with longer legs or for people who want to wear full-length jeans with, say, heeled booties. Plus, as a few reviewers have pointed out, it’s difficult finding rigid denim jeans in plus sizes, and this classic style had a celebrated comeback. Writes one reviewer: “The 100% cotton construction is excellent! They are very comfortable. It is difficult to find plus sized jeans that are 100% cotton that also fit very well. I am so happy I was able to find them. Lee, thank you for bringing back these 100% cotton jeans.”

Shop Lee

Shopbop

AGOLDE Riley High Rise Straight Crop Jeans, $188
While Shopbop is a clothing retailer and not a denim brand, it still makes this list because of its detailed sizing measurements and easy-to-use denim filter: Under the “Clothing” category, you can sort its massive denim collection by “Cropped Jeans” or “Ankle Jeans.” One of Shopbop’s most popular denim brands is AGOLDE, and this cropped jean has a very specific 25.25″ inseam that petites love. “I’m 5’1, 34b, 123lbs (hips/butt) and a true size 27 in all the other denim I own,” writes one reviewer. “I think people need to realize, that Rise and Inseam will re-adjust your waist sizing so I’m thankful Shopbop lists both of those because they matter for petite girls like me […] Also, being 5’1 the inseam of 25.25 fits me like an actual pant (not cropped). Love the quality of this style and wash, you won’t be disappointed if you get your sizing right. Trust me!”

Shop Shopbop

RE/DONE

RE/DONE Ultra High Rise Stove Pipe, $265
RE/DONE is a denim brand that reworks and refurbishes vintage Levi’s into silhouettes that are better suited for now-modern body types. It means you can expect lots of ’70s-inspired rigid denim jeans on the site. This pair, with a 27″ inseam, comes recommended by R29 Affiliate Strategist Kate Spencer who has a particular affinity for high rises, a looser leg, and zero stretch.

Shop RE/DONE

rag & bone

rag & bone Rosa Mid-Rise Boyfriend, $225
One solid maker of premium American denim is rag & bone, which mostly releases skinny-to-baggy jeans with straight-ish legs in varying rises. There are plenty of “Ankle” and “Cropped” styles to be found in the brand’s jeans department, with a petite-friendly length of a 27″ inseam.

Shop rag & bone

Frame

Frame Le Crop Mini Boot Paton, $238
Unlike rag & bone, which tends to favor rigid denim, Frame is a premium brand that doesn’t shy from “super stretch denim” (this one’s for all you jeggings fans). This best-selling pair has a 26.5″ inseam and an adorable kick flare that can accommodate anything from sneakers to cowboy boots.

Shop Frame

Gap

Gap Sky High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans, $79.95
Don’t sleep on Gap jeans — they’re better than ever. Plus, you can filter your search by “Length” (select “ankle”) for easy browsing. You also have your choice of selecting Regular, Petite, or Tall on individual product pages. This slightly destroyed jean comes in a gloriously petite inseam of 24.5″. Writes one reviewer, “Perfect length. Hits above the ankle which is so hard to find.”

Shop Gap

Old Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted Slouchy Straight Cropped Distressed Jeans, $49.99 $35
Just like its “older sister” brand, Gap, Old Navy offers a similarly easy-to-use sorting system, which you can do so by “Length” (select “Ankle” and “Cropped”). This petite style has a 24″ inseam, which allows even the most petite of gals to experience some level of cropped-ness. Says one pint-sized customer, “I love these jeans because they are the perfect length for my short legs. I’m 4’11 so finding jeans that end right at my ankle is such a challenge.”

Shop Old Navy

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Petite High-Rise Boot Cropped Jean, $109
It’s easy to get lost in Banana Republic’s “The Denim Shop” because there are tons of styles available in all washes and shapes, from skinnies to flares. (For the petite goods, head over to the “Size” category and you have either the option of searching by “Petite” or by “Short”.) Once you start poking around, you’ll plenty of sleek styles such as these cropped jeans with a 25″ inseam.

Shop Banana Republic

Reformation

Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans, $128 $76.80
Reformation isn’t known for denim, but the brand’s “Petites” section is definitely worth a browse if you’re into trend-forward, going-out styles — without fail, there’s always at least one or two pairs of jeans waiting to be scooped up by those looking for a 27″ inseam.

Shop Reformation

AYR

AYR The Pop, $225
It’s quite rare for a denim brand to offer two petite lengths (let alone one), but AYR is all about providing options. Customers have their pick of a 25″ or 27″ inseam, which may contribute to this jean’s sell-out power. Currently ranking a 4.6 out of 5 stars from 679 reviews, petite denim lovers are saying things like, “These are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever tried on, and I have tried soooo many designer brands. […] I am 5’2” and 112lbs and I got a size 26 with the shorter inseam which is perfect. I am usually wearing leggings on the weekend but so happy that I have a pair of jeans that is just as comfortable!”

Shop AYR

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Saturday, January 1, 2022

7 Engagement Ring Trends That Will Be Big In 2022, According to Experts

Pairing the notion of a fashion trend with something as long-lasting as an engagement ring can seem counterintuitive — the latter is equated with timelessness while the former is usually thought of as fleeting. But in reality, everyone’s personal taste varies and what’s classic to one individual is out-of-date for another, which is why brushing up on the most anticipated engagement ring trends of 2022 feels like a worthy undertaking if you’re currently shopping around. 

“There’s always a reaction to every action, so we expect engagement rings trends to continue to evolve as a new generation comes of engagement age,” says Shelley Brown, The Knot’s Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor. 

According to Brown, personalization will continue to rank high when it comes to selecting a ring. “Couples want to invest in pieces that speak to their love and personal taste, which is manifesting in a few different ways,” she says. “Shape and setting are still the most important ring features, while [carat] size has actually become less important.” Though Brown says that diamonds remain the most popular stone, and round the most popular cut, there are less-expected design details that will garner attention — such as yellow gold settings, oval cuts, and lab-grown stones — this year. 

As for how to go about landing on a final decision? Catbird Chief Creative Officer Leigh Plessner says it’s all about the research. “Start taking screenshots of what catches your eye and put them in a folder,” she says. “It’s always helpful to see a collection of things you like to identify patterns and connections, like a little visual spider web.”

Ahead, seven expert-predicted engagement ring trends for 2022.

Oval-Cut Engagement Rings

Oval-cut diamonds lost little momentum last year and are expected to continue growing in popularity well into 2022. “We saw a rise in oval cuts with 2 percent in 2015 to 19 percent in 2021,” Brown says. The Clear Cut’s Founder and CEO Olivia Landau echos this sentiment, but with a small caveat. “People still love ovals  — and so do I! — but I think that they will be set a bit differently,” she says, referring to non-solitaire and east-west settings.

Bezel Set Engagement Rings

Landau foresees bezel settings as a noteworthy engagement ring trend this year. Also referred to as “rubover,” this type of setting can be identified by an encasing of metal that slightly overlaps the edge of the stone rather than the more ubiquitous prong setting. It’s a technique that dates back centuries but translates to a modern context extremely well thanks to its minimalist, chunky aesthetic. Also, it’s a good choice if you work with your hands a lot or tend to be rougher with jewelry because it holds the gemstone more securely in place.

Three-Stone Engagement Rings

Among the more talked about rings of 2021 was Paris Hilton and her three-stone emerald-cut diamond; a cultural moment that is likely to influence a bride or two when picking out their own style this year. “Her ring was timeless and stunning,” Landau says. “I foresee three-stone rings as a top engagement ring trend in 2022 because they are unique and great conversation starters.” Embrace the flexibility this style has to offer and pick your favorite diamond cuts and colors to make one unique ring. 

Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

If a colorless center stone has never appealed to you but you still like the idea of a diamond moment, you’re ahead of the trend. “Fancy yellow diamonds weren’t popular for about a decade, but now we are seeing a lot more requests for them,” Landau shares. “They are perfect for someone looking for something more unique [style] and a good value.” 

Toi Et Moi Engagement Rings

Among the more romantic engagement ring trends is Toi et Moi (French for “you and me”). The style is characterized by two complementary gemstones, often with a coil silhouette, and dates back to the 1796 marriage of Napoleon and Josephine. The symbolism of two gemstones coming together as one is well-suited for the sentimental couple, and it’s another engagement ring trend that Landau predicts will remain a popular choice in 2022. 

Ethical Engagement Rings

The desire to purchase more ethically has trickled into engagement ring buying, and many consumers are finding lab-grown diamonds (also known as synthetic and man-made diamonds) to be the answer. “An eco-conscious mindset is rising among couples, with 34 percent finding it increasingly less important that the ring’s stone be a natural stone, with Gen Z (28 percent) finding it less important than Millennials (35 percent),” Brown shares. “Dedication to sustainability is certainly up, as nearly one in four engagement rings in 2021 featured a center stone that was man-made.” 

Plessner is also seeing “significant” interest in recycled diamonds, or reclaimed diamonds — previously-mined stones, from an existing piece of jewelry, repurposed for another.

Non-Diamond Engagement Rings

Some are foregoing diamonds altogether. “We are seeing more brides select non-diamond gemstones,” says Brown. She says that moissanite — a cheaper, more brilliant gemstone similar in look to a diamond — is the top pick. The second most popular non-diamond gemstone? The sapphire.

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