Fall is debatably the best time of year to get dressed. Cooler temperatures allow us to really play with our clothes, layering and mixing and matching different fabrics and textures. And yet, however much creative potential the season may bring, the typical offerings (and corresponding color palettes) tend to skew dark and, well, pretty bland. But according to Kahlana Barfield Brown’s recent collaboration with Target, this definitely doesn’t have to be the case.
Part of Target’s new, first-of-its-kind Future Collective — which will feature ongoing design partnerships with a rotating roster of style experts — the beauty-editor-turned-style-expert describes her collection as one for “fly girls who celebrate their personal style with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.” It comprises pieces meant to stand out rather than blend in (think: bold track pants, multi-print blazers, graphic sweaters, and neon mini bags).
There’s a unique “wink” to each piece, explains Barfield Brown. “Whether the silhouette is asymmetric or there's a belt that can accentuate the waist, or there’s a stripe down the side of a blazer, there’s something that elevates it from just being basic,” she explains. While elevated, the collection is still timeless, designed to be worn together or styled in seamlessly with customers’ existing wardrobes — so you can still feel like yourself, just with some added flair.
Overall, whether you're in a style rut or just looking to spice things up, this collection is sure to break you out of your comfort zone this fall. In partnership with Target, we asked Barfield Brown to walk us through the 10 boldest pieces from the collection. Ahead, learn more about her design process and the many different ways you can wear each piece.
Mid-Rise Cargo Jean
Barfield Brown didn’t want to create your typical wide-leg, light-wash cargo pants, so she went for an acid-wash version with cinched bottoms — a bolder iteration that she says works well for the XXS to 4X sizes that the collection accommodates. “A cinched bottom is a flattering silhouette on most body types,” she says. “And if you’re shorter, a tapered pant leg is a great option, as wide-leg styles can be too long and drown you.”
As far as styling goes, Barfield Brown notes that she’s seen the piece worn in varying ways: “I’ve seen them worn very loose and low on the hip, but others choose to wear them more fitted, which I think is really cute and sexy,” she says. “It’s all about versatility for me.”
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Mid-Rise Cargo Jeans, $, available at Target
Long Sleeve Utility Denim A-Line Dress
In Barfield Brown’s eyes, leopard print is a neutral. “Some people love polka dots, some people like stripes, I love leopard because I feel like the pattern complements pretty much anything,” she muses. Even so, it’s still an attention-grabbing print.
And not only is this denim mini dress versatile enough for year-round wear, it can even be styled as a jacket: “Open it up, let the belt hang in the back, and layer pieces underneath,” she says. She also designed the dress to be especially flattering, including a matching belt that can be used to accentuate the waist “so you can really play with your proportions."
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Long Sleeve Utility Denim A-Line Dress, $, available at Target
Long Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt & Knit Mini Skirt
Matching sets are great in that they're essentially several outfits in one, as you can wear the pieces together or separately. As for this neon striped top and mini skirt combo, Barfield Brown wanted it to be a “fun, sexy addition” to the collection. In the case of the mini skirt, while it’s intended to be a little more out-on-the-town than sitting-at-a-desk, it’s still a pretty versatile piece. If you’re looking to err on the side of conservative, she suggests pairing it with a looser top. “This way, you’re not wearing tight fabric on tight fabric,” she says. “If you pair it with a collared shirt, it feels a bit more business casual.”
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Long Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt, $, available at Target
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Knit Mini Skirt, $, available at Target
High-Rise Overlap Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Barfield Brown admits that crossover jeans aren’t exactly new, but she wanted to recreate the popular style at a more attainable price point to allow more people to step up their denim game. “I think people need black jeans in their wardrobe, but sometimes black can seem so basic. I wanted the jeans to be interesting, and the asymmetrical crossover detail, to me, takes the jeans into a much more stylish territory.” The high waist makes them perfect for pairing with crop tops or half-tucking in a loose, oversized button-down — but really, you can wear them with just about anything.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown High-Rise Overlap Waist Straight Leg Jeans, $, available at Target
Handbag With Braided Handle
“I love the daintiness and feminine touch that mini bags can add to an outfit, so this was my take on that,” says Barfield Brown, adding that she wanted to ensure her version was also functional. She and her team tested the size to make sure it could comfortably fit a wallet, rather than just some cash and loose credit cards like most other styles out there. It also comes with two different straps, enabling it to be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody. And its standout feature: the electric lime hue that will add a major pop to any outfit, she says.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Handbag with Braided Handle, $, available at Target
Crewneck Slouchy Pullover Sweater
Now that we’re in October, sweaters are pretty much the only thing we want to wear, so why not go for something fun? This optical checker-print number can serve as the finishing touch to an all-black getup or be worn with classic denim — and if you’re not afraid to dabble in print, consider pairing it with the matching midi skirt. Barfield Brown likes styling hers over an oxford shirt, allowing the shirt bottom to hang out beneath the sweater. “This sweater is great because it’s thick enough to keep you warm but not so thick that you can’t layer underneath,” she says.
And she also designed this sweater to be flattering for whatever aesthetic you want to achieve. “If you want a more fitted look, you can go true to size; if you wanna go oversize to get that grandfather sweater feel, you can size up,” she says.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Crewneck Slouchy Pullover Sweater, $, available at Target
Long-Sleeve Drawstring Blouse
If you’ve been looking to infuse some color into your fall wardrobe color palette, look no further than this in-your-face orange and red striped crop top. Featuring a scrunched drawstring design, you can easily toggle the fit between loose and tight.
We’ll admit, crop tops may not always be the most work-appropriate silhouette, but Barfield Brown stands by wearing this one to both the office and the bar — so long as you style it appropriately. For the latter, pair it with jeans to allow the top to really shine, and for a more conservative look, Barfield Brown suggests a high-waisted pant or skirt. “That way, it shows a bit of skin but it’s not, you know, full belly out,” she adds.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Long Sleeve Drawstring Blouse, $, available at Target
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Were you excited for the onset of sweater weather, only to be left distraught when you peered into your closet? Maybe you found out your favorite sweater got snagged on a hanger, or your favorite apple-picking dress is now beyond repair after countless washes. Even worse, perhaps your go-to jeans are nowhere to be found. There's no need to fret, since Amazon Prime's Early Access Sale is brimming with seasonal buys. The Prime member-only sale is the perfect way to curate a whole new wardrobe of chunky knit sweaters, rib-knit dresses, the latest jeans, and more. Oh, and they'll be at your doorstop before the weekend.
So while you're busy adding beauty items and all of Amazon's trusty gadgets to your cart, don't forget to peruse our extensive list of autumnal apparel to up your fall fashion game. You can find the staples of fall fashion, such as quilted jackets, coats, and cardigan sweaters in burnt orange, browns, and deep greens. The only thing we can't guarantee is how long the clothing will be in stock, so hurry and get shopping.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff—and, while we do receive commission from Amazon, all of the goods linked to on our site are independently curated by our Most Wanted shopping team editors. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication.
Dresses
Floerns Mock Neck Long Sleeve Floral Print Ruffle Mini Dress, $, available at Amazon
PrettyGuide Turtleneck Sweater Stretch Midi Bodycon Dress, $, available at Amazon
The Drop Renata Rib Midi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Exlura Tie Back Ruffle Lantern Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at Amazon
Sweaters
Prettygarden Rib Knit Pullover Sweater, $, available at Amazon
NIASHOT Crewneck Long Sleeve Side Slit Tunic Sweater, $, available at Amazon
The Drop Vivienne Padded-Shoulder Balloon-Sleeve Sweater, $, available at Amazon
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Lightweight Long-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater, $, available at Amazon
Evaless Waffle Knit Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater, $, available at Amazon
Cardigans
Zesica Open Front Leopard Print Knitted Cardigan, $, available at Amazon
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Vee Cardiga, $, available at Amazon
Kirundo Open Front Long Sleeve Knitted Slouchy Cardigan, $, available at Amazon
The Drop Brigitte Chunky Button Front Pocket Ribbed Cardigan, $, available at Amazon
Jeans
Levi's Women's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $, available at Amazon
Amazon Essentials Women's Skinny Jean, $, available at Amazon
Luvamia Women's Ripped Flare Bell Bottom Jeans, $, available at Amazon
Lucky Brand Women's Mid Rise Sweet Straight Jeans, $, available at Amazon
Outerwear
Prettygarden Shearling Lapel Coat, $, available at Amazon
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket, $, available at Amazon
Levi's Women's Original Trucker Jacket (Standard and Plus), $, available at Amazon
Daily Ritual Women's Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized-Fit Lapel Jacket, $, available at Amazon
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J.Crew is headed to Paris. At least, that’s the memo coming from the American brand’s latest collaboration, which features a lineup of French girl essentials from Paris-based Marie Marot. On Tuesday, the two announced their first collaboration, a fall-ready collection that highlights the button-down shirt as the must-have item of the season, thanks to both brands’ knack for shirting.
Beyond shirting, the collaboration includes an assortment of suiting and scarves, as well as a pair of black loafers. On the shirting front, the styles range from pastel pink and purple numbers with white collars and wrist details, as well as include striped and monochrome versions. There’s also a polo shirt hybrid that could double as outerwear.
The collection represents the continuation of a new era for J.Crew, which has been heralded by Gayot, who started as the company’s head of womenswear in 2020. Gayot’s style, which consists largely of suiting, classic shirts, and loafers, has heavily inspired the brand’s aesthetic move away from the embellished jackets and bold statement jewelry it was known for back in the 2010s.
The J.Crew x Marie Marot collection, ranging from $59 to $348, is now available online and in stores.
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For a long time, Free People has been synonymous with boho-chic wares. If you ever needed a flowy maxi dress or a cowboy-inspired fringe vest, FP had the goods to unleash your inner bohemian. But over the past few years, the fashion retailer has also proven to be a destination that fits all kinds of lifestyles. For creatures of comfort, there’s the in-house loungewear and undies line Intimately. For the sporty folks, you can never go wrong with the activewear from FP Movement. And for those who are always in a paradise state of mind, FP Beach is a way to look like you’re on permanent vacay. With endless style options now available, Free People has become an all-in-one shopper’s hub — and we here on the Shopping team are obviously all about it.
In celebration of the cooler temperatures that are now descending upon the East Coast (where most of our team is located), we drummed up a few of our favorite transitional-weather styles that we’re adding to our fall/winter fashion wishlist. Ahead, our editors are fiending for trendy pieces like cropped cargo pants and metallic ballet flats, cozy standbys like a matching sweater set or a drapey onesie, classic wardrobe staples like a pair of overalls and a super-warm fleece jacket, and the stuff that can make you feel in charge at the office like power suits and sharp blazers. Shop these staff-approved picks below, or, better yet, peruse the rest of the Free People site for the style gems that speak to you.
“I’ve been a real cargo pant girl the past two years but, surprisingly, don’t own a black pair (which this style comes in). I like that these don’t look excessively baggy but are still loose enough to be comfortable to wear all day long. Catch me on the couch working from home and also out to dinner wearing these.” —Kate Spencer, Senior Strategist
“Last year, I was on the hunt for a knit balaclava but just never found the right one. I’m determined to figure out the situation this year. This hood-like option from Free People is a good place to start. It comes in four colors, but I’d go with black because it will pair best with most things in my wardrobe. Plus, I feel like you could layer a beanie under it on especially cold days. Keep that noggin warm, people!” —Kate Spencer, Senior Strategist
“For transparency purposes, I was gifted this fleece jacket last year, and it surprisingly became one of my most worn fall/winter items. It’s really SO warm, the perfect boxy, almost balloon-like, cut that makes it super-easy to layer under or over, and it oddly goes with everything. I’ve worn it with denim, trousers, a skirt — you get the idea. Truly my most versatile and useful jacket.” —Kate Spencer, Senior Strategist
“One item on my fall/winter wishlist is a pair of overalls. Normally I’d opt for simple dark wash denim overalls but this corduroy number is also speaking to me…loudly. I’m loving the rich emerald hue and the simple straight-leg silhouette.” —Jinnie Lee, Freelance Affiliate Writer
“I simply cannot deny a matching sweater set. It looks suuuuper comfy! The slouchy top, the cropped pant, the waffle texture, gah! Plus, this set looks a hell of a lot more wearable, put-together, and forgivable for public settings if you ask me. Maybe I’d wear it with crew socks and a pair of kicks (like this model does here) or dress it up with loafers or Mary-Jane ballet flats.” —Jinnie Lee, Freelance Affiliate Writer
“I’m a huge fan of the oversize maxi dress — it’s close to wearing nothing at all. Okay, so this one is admittedly a little sheer (and it’s already getting cold), so you’ll need a unitard or some kind of layer underneath. As for layering things over it, I think a ’90s moment is in order: combat boots, a flannel shirt or jacket, a beanie, and maybe an attitude. Easy.” —Jinnie Lee, Freelance Affiliate Writer
“Okay, I know I’m gonna get some flack for talking about the holidays already, but these ballet flats make me goo-goo gaga for winter festivities.” —Jinnie Lee, Freelance Affiliate Writer
“I go weak in the knees for a good sweatshirt. I probably wear sweatshirts more frequently than I do sweaters in the fall since I don’t have to be as precious with sweatshirts. Also, they tend to look way better over time when they’re tattered and worn to death. This Free People style, as it turns out, already comes in its most slouched-out form with the inside-out look, the ripped seams, and dropped shoulders. I’d wear this all the way to Comfy Town.” —Jinnie Lee, Freelance Affiliate Writer
“I’m all about easy, chic basics that I can wear with any outfit, and this long-sleeve tee fits the bill perfectly. The square neck elevates it from your everyday crew, and the fitted shape and silky-soft fabric add a bit of a flirty vibe. I, personally, think it’s perfect all on its own, but something tells me I’ll also be layering it underneath chunky cardigans and blazers this season…” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer, Affiliate
“I love a two-piece set for a couple of reasons: It’s an instant outfit and one that requires virtually no planning on my part, at that. In lieu of matchy-matchy everything, this FP Beach set is making it easy to try some on-trend colorblocking this fall. Plus, the boxy knit sweater tee and matching joggers are perfect for transitional dressing and can be worn together or with existing pieces in my closet. I had trouble picking a favorite from the four colorways, but something is pulling me toward the dreamy oat milk hue (which this set also comes in) that screams California chic.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer, Affiliate
“Little known fact: Next to the dictionary definition of ‘cozy’ is this luxe knit romper. Okay, maybe not…but it should be, right? Everything about this garment is utter perfection for the perfect night in or lazy Sunday. The slouchy silhouette and long sleeves are basically like wearing a blanket but make it actually sexy (!) thanks to a low, button-front neckline and lace trim on the cuffs.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer, Affiliate
“A blazer…but make it soft. As of late, one day it’s 70 degrees and the next it’s 50 degrees and windy — keeping a slouchy blazer like this one is easy to layer and style for those unpredictable weather days. Plus, I love the three chunky buttons on the sleeves.” —Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
“Sweater vests are officially, in my eyes, a wardrobe staple. This fuzzy wool-blend moment opts for a true-to-size fit as opposed to the oversize silhouette I’ve seen floating around, which I like. You will see me sport this to the office with a structured blazer or simply by itself on those random 70-degree fall days.” —Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
“A coworker of mine actually sported a fluffy oversize puffer jacket in the office, and I was sold. I have a coat similar to this, but the sleeves make it hard to maneuver, and I don’t necessarily want to work in it. A vest allows for ample movement without sacrificing warmth. Plus, it’ll keep my neck warm! This vest is truly the way to go.” —Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
“When the crisp fall breeze comes around, I run straight to my wardrobe and start pulling out items from my collection of denim. If breezy linen jumpsuits are my go-to for the warmer months, structured yet casual overalls are my designated one-piece for stylish fall ‘fits. However, I haven’t found a pair yet, and I’m falling head over heels for these sapphire blue ones.” —Vivien Lee, Fashion Writer, Affiliate
“Wait, a green leather coat?! I’ve never seen a green tea-colored faux leather coat before — usually, they’re the typical black or tan, so you’d see how I was surprised to see how elegant this peacoat looked in the pale shade. As a color enthusiast who adores pastel hues, I must say, as usual, I’m eyeing this one to add to my fall lineup. I’m always up for a styling challenge. Also, those oversize side pockets and the double-breasted closure? Obsessed.” —Vivien Lee, Fashion Writer, Affiliate
“The power that a tailored suit brings is unbelievable. One second you’re in your PJs in a drowsy morning rut, and the next, you’re stepping out the door decked out in a suit with complete confidence, ready to tackle the day. Well, that’s what I envision for these burgundy plaid co-ords. The relaxed-fit silhouette seems like a keeper. Should I commit and bring it to life?” —Vivien Lee, Fashion Writer, Affiliate
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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