Friday, December 29, 2023

17 Puffer Jackets That Make Being Bundled Look Chic

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.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, and my dear, it's time to bundle. Yes, winter is full throttle, and it's time to make room in your closet for coats that actually keep out the chill. Frigid temps and maybe even snow blizzards have begun to make their mark, and sadly, your thin quilted jackets alone aren't enough to brace against the cold. Instead, it's time to bring out the trusty queen of winter outerwear: puffer jackets. The fluffy padded marshmallow outerwear is the most reliable for frosty weather. Whether it means upgrading your much-loved Patagonia or browsing for more luxe styles like the Moncler puffer jacket, we've got you covered. 

Once the unofficial uniform for hitting the slopes and grabbing a cocoa après-ski, puffers are now a fashion trend prioritized by everyone from North Face to Acne Studios. The stylish outerwear is far from the simplicity of its '80s and '90s stylized predecessors. The modern puffer jacket is bigger, better, and bolder, featuring new additions like glossy silhouettes, color block options, and details like built-in ties that'll cinch your waist. That goes to say there's nothing wrong with the loyal all-black puffer jacket. Embrace your coziest winter ever in one of the best puffer jackets up ahead.

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The Trusty All-Black Puffer Jackets


When all else fails, rely on your classic black puffer jacket that'll never go out of style. I mean, if you don't have a black puffer, do you even live in New York?

Shop Vuori

Vuori Hudson Insulated Jacket, $, available at Vuori

The North Face Plus 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Stay warm with a classic black North Face puffer.

Shop The North Face

The North Face Women’s Plus 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, $, available at The North Face

H&M Puffer Jacket


Hit up H&M for a simple black puffer under $50.

Shop H&M

H&M Puffer Jacket, $, available at H&M

Abercrombie & Fitch Mini Ultra Puffer


Abercrombie & Fitch doesn't just have your back for summer staples; its extensive outerwear collection has you covered (literally!) for cold weather with this wind and water-resistant cropped hooded puffer.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Mini Ultra Puffer, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Patagonia Silent Down Jacket


Made with 100% recycled down (duck and goose down reclaimed from down products) in a Fair Trade Certified factory, Patagonia's puffer is a feel-good purchase. 

Shop Patagonia

Patagonia Women's Silent Down Jacket, $, available at Patagonia

Colorful Puffer Jackets


There is never too much color when you're battling the winter blues.

Shop Marine Layer

Marine Layer Archive Après Sunset Down Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket


Red is always the color to wear, so why not invest and channel your inner child from The Snowy Day.

Shop Quince

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Jacket, $, available at Quince

MadhappyxColumbia Wallowa Puffer Jacket


Everyone's favorite design company now makes outerwear, and you bet they're stylish. We love this caterpillar green puffer filled with 100% Responsible Down Standard certified down to keep you as snug as a caterpillar in its cocoon.

Shop Madhappy

Madhappy x Columbia Columbia Wallowa Puffer Jacket, $, available at Madhappy

Stoic Printed Quilted Puffer


Add a little spring to your step with this floral puffer.

Shop Stoic

Stoic Printed Quilted Puffer, $, available at Back Country

The Very Warm Realtree EDGE® Anorak Puffer


Sometimes, you just want to be one with nature. A camo puffer can help.

Shop The Very Warm

The Very Warm Realtree EDGE® Anorak Puffer, $, available at The Very Warm

Summersalt The Colorblock Eco Puffer Jacket


Keep your neck cozy in this maroon puffer that features an oversized collar for extra warmth.

Shop Summersalt

Summersalt The Colorblock Eco Puffer Jacket, $, available at Summersalt

Columbia Plus Size Puffect™ Color Blocked Jacket


Black color-blocked puffers need love, too.

Shop Columbia

Columbia Women's Puffect™ Color Blocked Jacket - Plus Size, $, available at Columbia

Glossy Puffer Jackets


If you want to add a little joyful spunk to the dreary outdoors, opt for a glossy puffer jacket that'll make you shine with every step.

Shop Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga Stunner Puffer Jacket, $, available at Alo Yoga

Lululemon Insulated Long Blanket Wrap


She's sleek and she's chic — she is a blanket wrap puffer.

Shop Lululemon

Lululemon Insulated Long Blanket Wrap, $, available at Lululemon

FP Movement Scrunchy Glossy Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket


From the makers of the R29-reader favorite Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket comes an even puffier version that we are sure you'll love just as much.

Shop FP Movement

FP Movement Scrunchy Glossy Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket, $, available at Free People

Moncler Avoriaz Quilted Metallic Shell Down Jacket


Not all things that glitter are gold; sometimes they're silver. But they look just as stunning.

Shop Moncler


Moncler Avoriaz Quilted Metallic Shell Down Jacket, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Aritzia The Super Puff™


This jacket is called the "Super Puff" for a reason.

Shop Aritzia

Aritzia The Super Puff™ Goose down puffer jacket, $, available at Aritzia

Puffer Jackets With Detail


Are you a trendsetter who won't settle for an ordinary padded jacket? For those who live and breathe statement pieces, you'll be obsessed with the following jackets that feature details like chic self-tie belts and whimsical designs.

Shop Free People

FP Movement Printed Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket, $, available at Free People

The Frolic Plus Belted Collared Puffer Jacket


Shop The Frolic

The Frolic Plus Belted Collared Puffer Jacket, $, available at ASOS

Daisy Street High Neck Puffer Jacket In Black Floral


Shop Daisy Street

Daisy Street High Neck Puffer Jacket In Black Floral, $, available at ASOS

Lululemon Wunder Puff Waist Jacket


Shop Lululemon

Lululemon Wunder Puff Waist Jacket, $, available at Lululemon

Michael Kors Faux Fur Belted Hooded Puffer Jacket


Shop Michael Kors


Nordstrom Rack Faux Fur Belted Hooded Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom Rack


Wild Fable Long-Sleeve Zip-Up Puffer Jacket, $, available at Target

Tommy Hilfiger Retro Colorblock Logo Puffer Jacket


Shop Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger Retro Colorblock Logo Puffer Jacket, $, available at Tommy Hilfiger


TNA Long, Goose-Down Puffer Jacket, $, available at Aritzia
— PAID —

The longline metallic design is already super special, but then you find out this coat comes with a pair of detachable mittens and interior straps that allow you to wear it like a backpack (!!).

RUDSAK Milani Metallic Down Puffer, $, available at RUDSAK


Everlane The Re:Down® Sleeping Bag Puffer, $, available at Everlane


Ganni Askja Down Jacket, $, available at Need Supply


Weekday Noor Quilted Lightweight Coat, $, available at ASOS


The Frankie Shop Reversible Leopard Hooded Puffy Jacket, $, available at The Frankie Shop


Urban Outfitters Oversized Faux Leather Puffer Coat, $, available at Urban Outfitters


Topshop Boutique Quilted Coat, $, available at Topshop


Sandy Liang Catan Puffer, $, available at Sandy Liang


Oysho Water Repellent Padded Jacket, $, available at oysho


Violeta By Mango Plus-Size Detachable Hood Quilted Coat, $, available at Mango


Zara Sorona Dupont Water Repellent Coat, $, available at Zara


Nanushka Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nanushka


J.Crew Chateau Puffer Jacket With PrimaLoft®, $, available at J.Crew


Bershka Hooded Puffer Coat, $, available at Bershka


& Other Stories Drawstring Waist Puffer Jacket, $, available at & Other Stories


We11done Beige Down Belted Anorak Jacket, $, available at SSENSE


Nasty Gal The Answer to Our Layers Padded Jacket, $, available at Nasty Gal


COS Cropped Puffer Coat, $, available at COS


Rains Puffer Coat, $, available at Rains


ASOS CURVE Curve Fleece Puffer Jacket, $, available at ASOS


Monse Plaid Puffer, $, available at Shopbop


Free People Weekender Puffer Jacket, $, available at Free People


The Arrivals Aer Parka, $, available at The Arrivals


Abercrombie & Fitch Mini Puffer Jacket, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch


Patagonia Raven Rocks Hoody, $, available at Reformation


Fjällräven x Acne Studios Reversible down jacket blue, $, available at Acne Studios


Lucky Brand Short Puffer Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

The Internet’s Best Winter Dresses, According To Warm & Happy Customers

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

Frost is nipping at our nose, our winter jackets are full in rotation, and we might not see a sundress again till April, pending the predictions of a weather-predicting groundhog. But that doesn’t mean it has to be all pants and jeans until then. Our first order of business? Curating a carousel of winter dresses to wear all season long. In most cases, winter dresses and fall dresses are similar, with a few tweaks in terms of fabric and cut. A little extra weight to the fabric and a few extra inches of material in key areas will serve you well when you’re up against snow and sleet, or whatever else the season throws at you. Think sweater-like materials and seasonal hues, long sleeves, and mock to high necks. However, we didn’t forget to include some winter-ready mini dresses that can be paired with the season’s best knee-high boots and oversized scarves.

But how do you know which frock fits the bill as we enter the chilliest period of the year, keeping you covered for office wear, winter soirées, and everything in between? To answer this question, we turned to shoppers for their star ratings and reviews on dresses from all our reliable retail faves, including Free People, Anthropologie, Quince, Abercrombie & Fitch, and more. Scroll onward to see the best winter dresses for women that are earning customers’ approval this season.

Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star-and-up club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.

Athleta Cozy Karma Sweatshirt Dress, $119

The Best Errand Winter Dress
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 423 reviews on Athleta

Meet the sweatshirt dress that’ll take you from chilly morning walks with your fur babies to post-gym workouts and midday coffee or errand runs. The long-sleeve mini has a soft plush interior for extra warmth and convenient thumbholes to hold sleeves in place with side zip pockets to hold your phone, wallet, or other essentials. Sorry, hoodie and leggings, you’ve been replaced by a fashionable and warm winter dress.

“OK, I love this dress. It’s soft and cozy and warm, with a great length and neckline. The dress is perfect for throwing over after a gym or just having a day where you’re being incredibly comfy. I’ve debated it for a while and regret not making this purchase sooner,” writes a reviewer.

Shop Athleta

free-est Hailee Sweater Midi, $98

The Best Winter Midi Dress
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 116 reviews on Free People

This deep wine knit midi dress is laidback, cozy, and perfect for those I-can’t-be-bothered days. Style it with your favorite chunky lug sole boots and winter coat or faux fur jacket. The slightly oversized sleeves, scoop neckline, and button-front detail add comfy, homey vibes to the one-piece, making it a wardrobe staple you’ll never want to take off. 

“It’s everything I have been searching for. The fit is perfect. Although it runs large, it has just enough looseness to flatter my figure and still allow me the cozy feeling of comfort and warmth… I only just received my first one today and have already ordered another in a different color. I’m even wearing it now because I love how it feels. I highly recommend this dress to all,” raves a reviewer.

Shop free-est At Free People

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $99.90

The Best Cashmere Winter Dress 
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 533 reviews on Quince 

Treat yourself to a luxe cashmere dress this winter — without breaking the bank. Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Sweater Dress is priced just below $100 and comes in eight cozy neutral and pigmented shades. The price is truly unbeatable for a cashmere dress, and shoppers agree.

“Ever mindful of ordering online, and with the ever-present low expectations of the final product, for the first time ever, I would rate it a 20 on a scale of 1 to 10! This dress is not just as described, but better. The cashmere is so very soft, obviously high quality, and the fit (both sleeves and lengths – I’m 5’2”) is perfect. I couldn’t be more pleased with this dress. I highly recommend it,” exclaims a reviewer.

Shop Quince

Abercrombie & Fitch Stretch Satin Column Midi Dress, $130 $91

The Best Statement Winter Dress 
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars; 24 reviews on Abercrombie  

For an “all eyes on me” ‘fit, glide into Abercrombie & Fitch’s Satin Column Midi Dress. The glossy dress has ample stretch and is meant to sculpt your body for a figure-hugging look. You can’t ignore that thigh-high leg slit and spaghetti straps, too, as they add to the sultry vibe. While, in our opinion, the shiny silver is too beautiful to pass upon, the midnight black and romantic burgundy hue is a stunner as well.

“If you can find this dress, make space in your closet! I watched this dress go in and out of stock and finally got my hands on it! This dress has so much given that, based on reviews, I sized it down. I think the fit is so much nicer, sized down, and more ‘Va Va Voom.’ Even though it’s fitted, the dress is so comfortable to move around in,” raves a reviewer.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Hill House Home The Persephone Dress, $198 $158.40

The Best Formal Winter Dress 
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 533 reviews on Hill House Home

The modern mock neck, cinched balloon sleeves, and flared swing skirt exude elegance and grace for a timeless piece you can wear to countless events — weddings, holiday parties, dinners, dates, and more. Since the fabric is a bit on the heavier end, you know you’re in for a warm winter.

“Absolutely LOVE Persephone! This dress has not gotten the attention it deserves. It fits in all the right places, looks super sleek, and is the perfect weight for the winter months (I’m in Canada, and it can get cold). I’m not a pants girl, so I love finding comfortable and warm dresses for the winter months. It’s a heavy-weight knit fabric and just beautiful,” shares a reviewer.

Shop Hill House Home

French Connection Babysoft Square Neck Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $98

The Best Winter Midi Dress To Layer In
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 24 reviews on Nordstrom

Just because it’s wintertime doesn’t mean figure-hugging dresses get tossed out the window and into the snow. Keep it modest in the front with a square neck, but with a pop of the peek-a-boo leg slit. Despite its minimal details, the beautiful olive-green hue leaves room for you to freely accessorize. Whether you’re heading to a dinner party or soirée, slip into an ankle or knee-high bootie and, for that bit of sparkle, add a chunky cuff bangle and your best pearl jewelry. 

A reviewer writes: “The colors are beautiful and unique, and the slits on the sides add a touch of sophistication and are quite flattering. As other reviewers have stated, the dress is long, and the sleeves are too (as they should be), but if you are tall like me or taller, it will fit you very well!”

Shop French Connection At Nordstrom

By Anthropologie The Thea Twofer Sweater Dress, $180

The Best Colorful Winter Dress 
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars; 180 reviews on Anthropologie

Who doesn’t love a good two-for-one deal? Anthropologie has crafted a one-piece that merges a cropped mock neck sweater with a woven midi skirt for a polished dress that requires no styling. Thank you!

“I ordered this is two colors and ended up keeping both! Have gotten so many compliments on this dress and it can be styled so many ways — also very comfortable!” writes a reviewer.

Shop By Anthropologie At Anthropologie

Lulus Chilly Forecast Multi Knit Turtleneck Sweater Midi Dress, $69 $55.20

The Best Winter Sweater Dress
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 33 reviews on Lulus

Oversized sweater dresses are the epitome of winter fashion, and if you add a turtleneck with a Fair Isle-inspired print to it, you’re perfectly outfitted for chilly season. This thick, stretch-knit sweater dress has a turtleneck and tying sash belt to keep you extra toasty while adding a bit of chic detailing atop the charming print. Since the dress has a column silhouette, reviewers recommend sizing down.

“I was truly surprised by how nice this sweater dress is. It is tightly knit, so it’s warm with no chilly air getting through, and you do not need a slip under it. I ordered my usual size of M, and the dress was not too tight or too loose. I do not like sweater dresses that hug my body too much, and this did not do that,” writes a reviewer. “It is long for us shorties, but with the included belt, you can shorten the dress to fit in the middle of your leg. I wore scrunchy knee boots, which set the dress off really well. Overall, a great dress that is very well made.”

Shop At Lulus

Lane Bryant Textured Satin Long-Sleeve Wrap-Skirt Midi Dress, $119.95 $53.49

The Best Winter Holiday Dress
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 4 reviews on Lane Bryant

As you gear up for dinner parties and events, spruce up your collection of holiday dresses with this shiny green satin V-neck dress. The smocked wrap skirt gives a flutter with every step, and the cinched wrists have button cuffs for a polished touch. The best part? The dress also comes with pockets.

“I absolutely love this dress! It’s a beautiful radiant green dress that is elegant and perfect for Christmas Day. The fit is perfect and the fabric is so glossy and soft. I took the model’s inspiration and styled my dress with a black belt too,” exclaims a reviewer.

Shop Lane Bryant

Tuckernuck Pomander Place Hazelwood Vivianne Dress, $128

The Best Winter Mini Dress
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 405 reviews on Tuckernuck

This lightweight mini dress is the perfect piece to pair with your tights, tall boots, and trench coats. It has a light shimmer to it — perfect for festive gatherings — and is easy to coordinate with accessories for upscale and laidback events alike. The mini dress falls a few inches above your knee and is slightly loose for a comfortable feel.

“This is an amazing dress; the 3/4 length sleeves and turtleneck make this look sophisticated, and the length is perfect. The fabric is warm and makes it a great winter dress. I’ll be wearing this to work all the time this winter,” raves a reviewer.

Shop Pomander Place At Tuckernuck

UGG Aderyn Hoodie Dress, $118

The Best Casual Winter Dress
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 13 reviews on Saks Fifth Avenue

Hoodie season is the best season, and now you can enjoy an oversized version to wear with no pants at home — we’re not judging — or joggers and leggings for outside. Whether your preference of color is black, black, or black, or you’re a girly girl who lives in pink, UGG has both options available to shop.

“I’m obsessed with this hoodie. I have it in black, and I often wear it with tights and boots or a mix of joggers and sneakers. You can’t go wrong with it,” raves a reviewer. “Since I live in Missouri, it’s very warm, so I might wear a tank underneath and either a light jacket or no coat because it’s so warm. Don’t let me forget the pockets. I love pockets, and the hood is a nice feature, too.”

Shop UGG At Saks Fifth Avenue

Bardot Aliyah Midi Dress, $109

The Best Winter Date-Night Dress 
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 66 reviews on Revolve

From Bardot, consider this bold, semi-sheer dress your one-and-only winter date-night dress. The figure-hugging statement piece is flirty with a crisscross design, front cutout, and ruched design that deserves all the attention in the world.

“This dress is incredible… The mesh and cut-out make it sexy, but the length is perfect to keep it classy,” a reviewer raves. “I’m a true size 4. I tried both small and medium and kept the latter. The small fit was a little shorter and tighter; the medium is more forgiving. Now I just need to be invited somewhere to wear it!”

Shop Bardot At Revolve

Skims Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress, $88

The Best Winter Lounge Dress
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 1,517 reviews on Skims

Live out your most luxurious winter hibernation dreams at home in Skims’ best-selling lounge dress. Imagine resting on your couch in the drapey slip with a nice mug of hot cocoa and “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” playing in the background. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, now you can bring it to life by prepping with the best winter lounge dress.

“I’ve been obsessed with Soft Lounge dresses for the past few months. The long-sleeved version of the slip dress is perfect for colder weather coming up. It can easily be dressed up or down and is just as comfortable as the spaghetti strap version. There are plenty of shades, and I chose Onyx, which is less sheer than the lighter colors,” writes a reviewer. “The only con I can think of is that it’s a bit challenging to wear a bra or bralette with this dress, so it may be too revealing. However, I don’t mind them and I wear them often. If you’re on the fence whether it’s worth it, I wholeheartedly recommend buying it.”

Shop Skims

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Levi’s X Barbie Ferreira Features Plus-Size Denim — Here Are My Favorite Pieces

From ruling the #styleinspo reblog scene on Tumblr as a teenager to her star-making turn as Kat on Euphoria, Barbie Ferreira has long embodied cool-girl style. Her strong sense of personal style and steadfast refusal to be pigeonholed into safe, boring clothing made her a fashion icon for the plus community, too; Ferreira has inspired countless women, including me, to express themselves with style at any size. So when I learned of the Barbie Ferreira x Levi’s collaboration, I was immediately intrigued. 

When working on the collection with the denim brand, Ferreira says that a more inclusive size range was a priority for her. “I wanted to make sure as many people could get it as possible,” she tells Refinery29. “Levi’s was on the same page, and we spent a lot of time with fit models trying to find the best way to go about it.” The resulting collection goes from sizes xs up to 3xl and includes the type of edgier styles often missing from plus-size collections: a lace-up corset, an acid green pleated skirt, a sheer top, etc.

“A lot of what inspired me was based in dark, campy, cult classic movies,” says Ferreira. “It’s somewhere in The Craft, Twin Peaks world, mixed with a more modern flair. I wanted to capture something dark and gloomy.”

Meanwhile, I wanted to try it all on. 

Levi’s x Barbie Ferreira Review

As someone who already loves Levi’s and wears the brand’s 501s and Wedgie jeans regularly, I had a solid base for sizing reference. While I go between a size 18 and 20 (or 2x) in most brands, in Levi’s, I typically wear a size 20 in denim (with the occasional exception of wearing an 18 for stretchier styles like its High Rise Flares). As soon as I received the package, I was excited by the quality. Levi’s is known for their denim weight and durability, and the Levi’s x Barbie Ferreira collab is no exception.

The first item I gravitated to in the collection were the ’90s 501s jeans with a distinct grunge-goth vibe, in both the cut and the abstract bunny sketch (a Ferreira favorite) rendered in a bleach spatter effect. In terms of fit, this pair feels noticeably tighter than my other 501s. This might be because this zero-stretch style needs a breaking-in period (something I’ve found with other non-stretch Levi’s as well), but even after a few wears to try to loosen them up, I would not describe this pair as a “loose fit.” I’ve since been able to wear them out and will continue to do so in shorter spurts until they mold to my body because this style is just too good to pass up. But if, like me, you have a belly at all, I’d recommend sizing up if you don’t want to deal with the breaking-in process.

I styled the 501s with an abstract-print mesh top. I really like the colorway — there is something very fun and unexpected about acid green and blood red together — and the Craft-like thumbholes and lettuce edges. I found this one to be true to size in a 2xl.

The matching black denim corset top was also a success. The smocked back and fully adjustable lace-up front will work for a variety of body types. I got this top in a size 2xl and, some bust tightness aside, found it to be true to size. This one will be in regular rotation in my wardrobe. The acid green denim pleated skirt was another piece that I was excited to try, but I found this one to run smaller. I can wear it, but I have to pull it high to my natural waist to close it, so the hemline lands mid-thigh, rather than above-the-knee as shown on the models. I’d recommend sizing up on this one if possible.

The long-line denim Dress Coat, on the other hand, is sized very generously. It is meant to be oversized, but I want to be clear: Even if you are sizing up in the other items, you do not need to do so for this one! Ferreira says that the jacket is her personal favorite from the collection: “[I]t’s perfect for anyone. It’s baggy and distressed in the best way.” Between the denim weight and the faded black denim, I have to agree. It’s like the ultimate vintage find, but in sizing that would fit up to a 4x (something all too rare with actual vintage, as any experienced plus thrifter can confirm). 

I topped this look off with the denim bucket hat. Do I think it’s fun and cute? Yes. Did I feel like a yassified Paddington Bear when I put it on? Also yes. This piece isn’t for me, but if you are a hat person, I recommend it. 

I was also very excited about the lace-up flare jeans, but unfortunately, this style runs small and did not fit me. I tried loosening up the corset lacing on the sides, but even then I couldn’t even get this pair pulled up all the way. This item sold out right away on the Levi’s website, so I can’t exchange it for a size (or two) up like I’d like to. (It’s still available here though if you’re interested.) 

All in all, Levi’s x Barbie Ferreira stays true to Ferreira’s style and offers options not often found in plus collections. I also appreciate that this collab works as a complete capsule: All of the items can be worn with any of the other pieces for a cohesive outfit. The layering potential is there, too: For example, I will be wearing the corset over the mesh top as a vest. I do wish the size range was a little broader so more plus-size people could shop it, but hopefully, this is the first Levi’s x Barbie Ferreira collab of many.

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

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

From Barbiecore To Bows: How The Girls Won Fashion In 2023

The girlies won fashion in 2023. In a year marked by “girl trends” — from girl math and girl dinner to the pop culture frenzy of the Barbie movie — 2023 fashion seemed to give femme people the empowerment to embrace their girliness and scream about it at the top of their lungs. Or at least, wear it head to toe. 

“Because we’re going through a time that is so difficult for girls, they are kind of having a cultural moment by reclaiming the word ‘girl,’” says Agustina Panzoni, Depop’s Trend Specialist. “‘Girl’ also has become a communal element.” 

And when it comes to fashion, there was no bigger style icon in 2023 than “the girl,” a somewhat stereotypical concept that we’ve all been programmed with since birth, complete with lots of pink and ultra-femme styles, from the runways and red carpets to social media feeds. There’s Margot Robbie’s entire Barbie press run, which included custom-made outfits that featured pumps, glamorous hats, bandage dresses, and lots of pink, all inspired by vintage Barbie looks. There’s the return of the headband as the It accessory of the year, endorsed by celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Jennifer Lawrence. And, of course, the Eras Tour, in which friendship bracelets became a communal experience and Girl-icon Taylor Swift revisited nearly 20 years of her career by dressing up as her past selves. 

While the hyper-feminine styles of the Y2K phenomenon were already influencing fashion, other trends like balletcore, the coquette aesthetic, and Barbiecore made fashion fans flex their girliness. “What we see happening is [girls] taking the playfulness of girl culture, but putting it into established narratives as a way to subvert them,” says Panzoni. Past fashion trends have seen women embrace masculine ideals, like the emergence of the power suit in the ‘80s, to assert their own. But this time, there’s a sense that tapping into our “girliness” — and therefore, self-acceptance — is where true power comes from. “I think that comes from the need to reclaim femininity away from the negative connotation of ‘girly’ meaning ‘frail,’” says Panzoni. “Now it’s reclaimed as a way of empowerment; ‘girl’ sounds more like a sign of rebellion.”

Take the balletcore trend, which had been brewing for years but claimed its hold on fashion in 2023. Inspired by the uniforms of ballet dancers, as well as the fantasies portrayed onto the discipline, balletcore made everything from ballet flats and leg warmers to wrap crop tops and tulle skirts fashionable once again. Designers like Sandy Liang, Miu Miu, and Acne Studios also played into this style, while brands like J. Crew and Reformation partnered with the New York City Ballet to create collections. While the trend may be inspired by the world of ballet, it has little to do with its actual reality — grunt work, lifelong discipline, and murky body standards among them. Instead, girls are getting to live their ballet fantasy on their own terms. 

Pink is also a trend that, thanks to all the buzz around the Barbie movie and its feminist undertones, subverted all our narratives about girliness in 2023. Although Barbiecore had emerged ever since set photos of the Barbie movie were first released in 2022, the trend took a different turn this year. It was less about wearing hot pink and more about embodying the Barbie aesthetic: headbands, tights, and knee-high socks were some of the year’s trendiest items — all evoking girliness in their own ways. When it came time for the Barbie movie to hit theaters, people were ready with their outfits, sourcing vintage Barbie merch, as well as dressing up as different Barbie archetypes.

On the runways, subverted girlhood was also center stage. Miu Miu’s fall 2023 collection, for example, took on the nerd stereotype, juxtaposing sheer polka dot dresses with conservative cardigans and eyeglasses. Sandy Liang’s fall 2023 lineup contrasted witchy red hues with demure pink in dresses that also included rosettes and bows. Mirror Palais’ spring 2024 collection, on the other hand, embraced details like bows, ruffles, and corsets, presenting them through the female gaze rather than sexualized styles.

The numbers also speak to a resurgence of girliness in fashion. Personal shopper Gab Waller says items like the Valentino bow mules, as well as the classic Chanel ballet flats in pink were some of the year’s most requested items. Waller also says that Louis Vuitton limited edition Speedy bag in pale pink was one of her most requested pieces this year: “People went crazy,” she says of the reaction when she first posted the bag on Instagram. Meanwhile, Depop reported a 135% increase in searches for Barbiecore, while Lyst revealed it had a 56% spike in searches for ballet flats. Brands like Tory Burch and Poster Girl, which have had a strong focus on girliness over the past few years, were highlighted as some of the most buzzed of the year by Lyst. 

Panzoni says that looking to 2024, she sees girl trends evolving — less pink, more cherry red, for example. “There’s a movement looking into maturing femininity a little bit more as we stop taking girlhood as a prepackaged aesthetic” she says. Looking through pink-colored glasses may have served its sartorial purpose in 2023, but perhaps the best way for the girlies to win is to just be themselves, no matter what that looks like. 

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