Tuesday, July 11, 2023

How To Style The Same Wedding Guest Look For Different Dress Codes

If your itinerary of weddings to attend shows no sign of slowing down this summer, you might feel like you’re going through wedding guest looks faster than swimsuits. With every occasion a direct reflection of the couple and their tastes, no two affairs — or dress codes — are the same. But while venues may range from an indoor ballroom to a beach wedding within a single month, and clothing suggestions from black-tie to tropical cocktail to match, there’s no need to shop for a new look every time an invitation lands in the mail. Instead, invest in a few good dresses that you can see staying in your closet for a while, and give them a second (and 10th and 20th) life by rotating the accessories.

To answer the question “can I wear the same dress to different weddings,” I styled three popular wedding guest looks — a bodycon dress from eco-conscious brand Mara Hoffman, a silk-and-lace slip gown from Australian label Sir (which is also a bridesmaid favorite!), and a floral high-low dress from Hill House Home (the brand’s beloved Nap Dress would also work here) — for casual and formal scenarios. Ahead, how to wear the same dress for every occasion.

Mara Hoffman Sloan Dress: Casual Wedding Look

For a beach wedding, play up the fun factor of the Mara Hoffman bodycon popcorn midi by adding thematically appropriate accessories. Think: a raffia bag and platform flip-flops, both from the Mango x Simon Miller collaboration, maritime-inspired jewelry, and summertime extras like printed bandanas, anklets, and sunnies.

Mara Hoffman Sloan Dress: Formal Wedding Look

To elevate the look for a more formal affair, keep the dress the sole color focal point and round out with solid-colored pieces. To keep the all-black accessories from looking boring, I went for ones with interesting details, like a tuxedo-style blazer with silky lapels (see top photo), a handbag with crystal fringe, and heeled sandals featuring a taxi-shaped heel.

Sir Aries Gown: Casual Wedding Look

To tone down a silk dress like Sir’s popular Aries gown for, say, a barn wedding, enlist casual-leaning accessories like a straw hat, flat sandals, and sunglasses. Rather than reaching for a clutch, opt for a more laidback style like a shoulder or bucket bag. I lined mine with a scarf to both match my hat and be used in case of a night chill.

Sir Aries Gown: Formal Wedding Look

Metallic accessories instantly glam up a look. In this case, I opted for on-trend silver metallics in the form of crystal sandals and clutch, though gold or bronze would complement the brown hue of the dress just as well. For extra wow factor, opt for a pair of dramatic opera gloves.

Hill House Home Matilda Dress: Casual Wedding Look

Embrace the sweetness of a floral dress for an outdoor wedding venue and double down with unabashedly feminine accessories like the trendy ballet flat, a cutesy bag, and pastel-hued sunnies. While the exact colorway of my Hill House Home dress is currently sold out, the other two botanical-inspired prints would work just as well.

Hill House Home Matilda Dress: Formal Wedding Look

To dress up a floral look, opt for luxe materials like satin and jewel tones in the form of stilettos and a clutch. To finish the look, take a cue from Bridgerton fashion and accessorize with ribbon bows, a silky shawl, and, should the weather allow, sheer gloves. Added bonus: This dress can be worn sleeveless, which creates plenty of room to add pearl jewelry.

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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7 Engagement Ring Trends That Are Defining 2023 According to Experts

Unlike popular runway styles, engagement ring trends tend to move on a slower, subtler track (there’s not a wedding ring equivalent of a butterfly top or leather harness, after all).  Even so, options are still diverse and run the gamut, ranging from traditional designs like solitaire settings all the way to modern interpretations like black diamond ring rings or bezel-set bands. This year, experts are pointing to a similarly varied array of ring trends that will be seen everywhere, with options that both die-hard minimalists and those with bolder tastes can envision slipping on their fingers.

If you happen to be in the market for an engagement ring and find yourself overwhelmed by choosing one style to wear for the rest of your life — don’t. “Often people put a lot of pressure on an engagement ring, thinking they have to love it forever, so they end up choosing something traditional,” Meadowlark co-founder Claire Hammon says. “But things change, and you can remodel your ring in the future as your style evolves.”

When looking for an engagement ring that resonates with your personal style, designer Ashley Zhang says to begin with a digital mood board of sorts. “Save screenshots of any and all styles of rings you like. After a few weeks you might be surprised to find that a few of them have similar looks or elements,” she says. Once you have a general sense of the vibe you’re going for, according to GIA expert Nellie Barnett, you should focus on the center stone, asking questions like: “Are you a dazzling diamond type of person or attracted to a pop of color using emerald, morganite, or a different kind of gemstone?” From there, she adds, look for a gemstone with a report. 

All of this to say, choosing an engagement ring that’s right for you isn’t a perfect science. It’s a mix of gut instinct and what’s available in the current market. If you’re not sure where to start, ahead, seven trends that are taking over 2023. 

Rings With Colored Stones

Non-diamond center stones have steadily climbed in popularity over the last few years and experts point to this trend as one that will only grow through 2023. “Colored stones will be going strong for a long time,” Hammon predicts. Zhang notes that her team has also been receiving more requests for colored stones than ever before. “These can either be as the center and main stone or as accents,” she says. “Using colored gemstones is a great way to have a unique look… These rings still feel bridal and special but also bold and different.” 

Yellow Gold Bands

While Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw had a bone to pick with her yellow gold engagement ring band, the trend has become a preferred option in recent years. “Yellow gold is our most requested metal,” Zhang says. “I think this choice in settings will stay strong. The contrast of the yellow with white diamonds really makes them pop.” If you’re going especially unique, consider mixing silver and gold metals when choosing a wedding band to complement your stone. 

Chunky Bands

Though dainty, delicate rings have been in favor for seemingly forever, the pendulum is beginning to swing in the opposite direction. “Bold pieces will grow in popularity,” Marrow Fine founder and creative director, Jillian Sassone, says. “Metal-heavy chunky settings have been requested the most in 2022, and I don’t see that slowing down. If anything, our brides and grooms are doubling down on that by adding cigar bands and other statement-making wedding bands to their bridal sets.”

Vintage-Inspired Rings

A “vintage-inspired” engagement ring can mean a lot of things from types of settings (e.g. Art Deco) to cuts (Old European), but a general sense of old-meets-new is permeating current trends. “I’ve seen an increase in demand for reimagining heirloom stones into new designs that feel more aligned with the bride’s or groom’s style,” Sassone notes. Zhang has also seen an uptick in old gemstones. “Old-mine cut diamonds and antique cushions are the most desired request we get,” she says. “These stones are rare and extremely difficult to find. Mined and cut over 100 years ago, they have such a unique sparkle.” 

Non-Traditional Rings

You might think of engagement ring bands as falling into three main categories: gold, rose gold, and silver. But this year, that might change. “Our popular Til Death band is ideal for our brides and grooms who want to make a big statement about their love,” Sassone says about the black enamel band emblazoned with the words “til death.” “It feels like a Victorian throwback while the old English type brings an edge that is resonating with couples wanting a bold non-traditional wedding band.” Other materials such as tungsten carbide and teakwood also lend unexpected elements to otherwise-traditional settings. 

Step-Cut Diamond Rings

For brides with pared-back style, Sassone says to watch out for step-cut diamonds — a square or rectangle stone with parallel facets on all four sides, resembling steps — as a trend in 2023. “I love a step-cut diamond for a minimalist,” she says. “The clean architectural lines are perfect for someone with style but who doesn’t want a lot of flash.” 

Pear and Oval Rings

While celebrity engagements don’t always move the needle for trends, Sassone says Sydney Sweeney’s mega-round brilliant was noteworthy. In addition to classic round shapes, both oval- and pear-shaped rings will continue to trend next year. “Hailey Bieber’s oval engagement ring is still a piece that clients reference,” she says. “Pear and oval shapes elongate the finger and look spectacular on any hand.”

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.

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Friday, July 7, 2023

The Best Amazon Sunglasses From Under-$20 To Designer Pairs

Summer fashion has sprung — and the promise of beach days, park picnics, and backyard BBQs are at our fingertips. With all these outdoorsy activities at hand, it's only necessary that you reach for a pair of cute sunglasses to shade your eyes from what are soon-to-be long, ray-filled days. And as luck would have it, we happen to know a certain dotcom destination that’s a veritable treasure trove for Insta-ready accessories: Amazon.

We're no strangers to Amazon’s surprisingly cool eyewear offerings — our editors have previously bulk-bought trendy throwback styles and earned plentiful IRL compliments on wire-rimmed blue-light-blocking specs. From oversized frames to classic cat-eyes, ranging from under-$20 budget pairs to designer investment shades, scroll ahead for the best sunglasses on Amazon. And, as a PSA, don’t forget to read the fine print and make sure the sunnies you choose are protective enough for your optical needs!

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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Racico Vintage Cat Eye Sunglasses


These oversized vintage sunnies will have you feeling like the coolest cat on the block.

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racico Vintage Cat Eye Sunglasses Women 2-Pack, $, available at Amazon

AIEYEZO Retro Oval Sunglasses


If oversized lenses aren't your thing, these oval frames are a great size to just cover your eyes without overtaking the face.

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AIEYEZO Retro Oval Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Mosanana Square Cat Eye Sunglasses


This pair of sunglasses offers a unique, angular take on the classic cat-eye sunglasses.

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Mosanana Square Cat Eye Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Htms Hipster Hexagonal Polarized Sunglasses


These glasses have the potential to not only make you feel cool but look effortlessly cool, too. Orange lenses are not super common, but they add a fun bit of extra detail to any look.

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Htms Hipster Hexagonal Polarized Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Le Specs Women's Air Heart Sunglasses


If we're being honest, a pair of generously sized tortoiseshell sunglasses is truly one of the most MVP styles you can include in your eyewear arsenal.

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Le Specs Women's Air Heart Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Oliver Peoples Maxson OV5445U Eyeglasses


Here's a monochromatic, gray-on-gray pair for the person who seeks a neutral accessory but still wants sunglasses that are totally unique and unforgettable.

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Oliver Peoples Maxson OV5445U Eyeglasses, $, available at Amazon

Sojos Retro Vintage Narrow Cat Eye Sunglasses


These candy-apple-red sunnies will make it hard for onlookers to look away — they’re sleek and hip while also giving off a vintage vibe.

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Sojos Retro Vintage Narrow Cat Eye Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Dollger Oval Sunglasses


These super-retro specs remind us of the iconic looks from the movie Hackers.

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Dollger Oval Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Feisedy Vintage Rimless Sunglasses


These rectangular bright lenses feel reminiscent of the '90s.

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Feisedy Vintage Rimless Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Sojos Retro 90s Nude Rectangle Sunglasses


It's not only okay to be square; it's something we encourage.

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Sojos Retro 90s Nude Rectangle Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Raen Unisex Remmy Polarized Retro Round Sunglasses


Eyewear brand Raen is worth a peek if you're interested in a quality pair of sunglasses.

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Raen Unisex Remmy Polarized Retro Round Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

BUTABY Rectangle Sunglasses


At less than $12 a pair, it's quite affordable to collect these cool-girl specs in multiple colorways.

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BUTABY Rectangle Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Sojos Small Square Polarized Sunglasses


We think these classic gold frames and the deeply polarized lenses are reminiscent of a more expensive designer pair.

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Sojos Small Square Polarized Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Randolph USA Amelia Aviator Authentic Sunglasses


You want the best? You got the best sunglasses on Amazon. These rose-colored sunnies are very Gene Simmons-reminiscent.

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Randolph Engineering Amelia Aviator Authentic Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses


These ultra-polarized lenses are recommended if you're looking to go incognito — even in broad daylight.

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Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Carfia Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses


A classic pair of round polarized sunglasses is hard to beat — and these are sure to seamlessly work with virtually any look.

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Carfia Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Long Keeper Sexy Lip Sunglasses


The puffy trend in fashion has also reached eyewear. These sunnies, which are inspired by luscious lips, are a fun way to bring some attention to the eyes.

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Long Keeper Sexy Lip Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Ray-Ban RB3025 Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses


These Ray-Ban aviators are classic. There could be no Top Gun without them. Just saying.

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Ray-Ban RB3025 Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Sojos Shining Oversized Round Rhinestone Sunglasses


Time to channel your inner Elton John and shine like a diamond!

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Sojos Shining Oversized Round Rhinestone Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Oakley Women's Oo4054 Caveat Aviator Sunglasses


Believe it or not, Oakley sunglasses are available right on Amazon — and there are plenty of chic styles that can work off the slopes.

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Oakley Women's Oo4054 Caveat Aviator Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Maxdot Heart Shape Sunglasses


Granted these heart-shaped sunnies are more of a gag than eye-protective gear — but at $8, who could resist such a playful (and swoon-worthy) accessory?

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Maxdot Heart Shape Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Feisedy White Clout Goggles Sunglasses


This circular pair screams '60s-mod vibes in the best way. These also remind us of that devil-may-care Kurt Cobain vibe as well.

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Feisedy White Clout Goggles Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Prada PR 15WS Women's Sunglasses


Behold: Prada! For the fancy sunglass-wearers among us.

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Prada PR 15WS Women's Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Pro Acme Women’s Oversized Round Sunglasses


Grandma style is the best style. These bug-eye sunglasses will elevate any look into a full-on statement.

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Pro Acme Women’s Oversized Round Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Persol PO2803S Rectangular Sunglasses


Keep it sleek, keep it cool, and keep it moving with these wear-with-anything rectangular sunglasses.

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Persol PO2803S Rectangular Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Carrera Ca167/S Round Sunglasses


These sunglasses have a goggle aesthetic to them, which means slightly more protection on the sides of the lenses for sensitive eyes.

Shop Carrera

CARRERA Ca167/S Round Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

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Beyond Barbiecore Pink: Where To Shop Margot Robbies Style In Barbie

Margot Robbie as a Barbie can fly down the stairs and walk on water, as she appears to be going through a very relatable girlhood-to-womanhood identity crisis. A world of pink, pastels, and hard, shiny plastic packed with painstaking attention to detail. We’re calling it: Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie is set to be the biggest film event of the year (sorry to all the Oppenheimer truthers out there).

Whether you’re planning to doll yourself up for the July 21 release or are just curious about how to add some Barbie energy to your wardrobe, we’ve combed through the trailers, promo pictures, and BTS clips to put together the best Barbie movie outfits. Think bigger than Barbiecore pink — we’ve covered different iterations of Barbie in all of her whimsical dresses, jumpsuits, swimwear, activewear, and more. Read on to find the best Barbie feather heels, gingham pieces, hair accessories (think: bows, berets, and cowboy hats), and even on-theme roller skates to cart up ASAP.

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Barbie in her pink, fluffy heels

When the first Barbie teaser trailer dropped, it set the internet alight. One scene, in particular, rocked algorithms the world over: Barbie stepping out of a pair of pink, fluffy heels, her feet perfectly pointed as a real Barbie doll’s would be. To quote director Bong Joon-ho, “To me, that’s cinema.”

Following the release of the extended trailer, we now know that Barbie’s feet — and her choice of footwear — play a significant role in her character development, so nabbing a pair of Barbie-esque shoes is the perfect (and easiest!) starting point for dressing like the character. Whether you opt for a platform heel or kitten heel, be sure to pick the pinkest pair you can find (bonus points for pompoms and other embellishments like bows and butterflies).

How to dress like Margot Robbie as No. 1 Ponytail Barbie

Our very first glimpse of Robbie as Barbie was nothing short of iconic. Dressed as No. 1 Ponytail Barbie — the original Barbie doll from 1959 — she stands proud and godlike in homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey. Nail the look with a black-and-white striped swimsuit, white cat-eye sunglasses, red lips, gold hoop earrings, and black peep-toe pumps.

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Pink Gingham Barbie

We see Margot Robbie’s Barbie sporting pink gingham several times in the film trailer, first in a ’50s-style flared sundress that she wears while getting ready, accessorized with a matching hair bow and statement daisy earrings and necklace. The second time, she’s on the beach in a playsuit with a heart-shaped cutout back, pink gingham sun hat, and plastic shell jewelry. So far, this is the print we’re most closely associating with Gerwig’s Barbie universe (Pink Gingham Barbie has also been immortalized in doll form by Mattel and championed by Robbie on the press tour).

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Disco Jumpsuit Barbie

What’s a big, blowout party without glitzy disco outfits, a group of friends, a choreographed dance…and intrusive thoughts? That’s how it rolls in Barbie Land, anyway, as Robbie’s Barbie kills the mood with some existential questions about death.

We’ll leave the philosophizing to Barbie but for your own disco queen look, you want to be thinking ultra glam and gold. In the film, Robbie wears a jumpsuit that seems to be a nod to the 1981 Golden Dream Barbie. If you really want to recreate this look, Barbie’s frothy headpiece could be a fun DIY project with some wire, tulle, gold ribbon, and a glue gun.

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Sailor Barbie

Barbie loves nothing more than a theme, as proven by her beachside sailor outfit (a look also adopted by her fellow Barbies). Throughout Barbie’s history, she’s had several nautical looks, mainly in the ’60s. She’s worn sailor stripes, retro bathing suits and bloomers, anchor motifs, and pleated skirts with suspenders. So this is a sign to go barefoot on the beach and rock a retro coastal look this summer.

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Cowgirl Barbie

Yeehaw! Barbie has gone country several times in the past (namely 1980’s Western Superstar Barbie and 1993’s Western Stampin’ Barbie), but Gerwig’s hot-pink Cowgirl Barbie feels fresh and contemporary; it’s an outfit we could easily imagine wearing to a Harry Styles concert. If you’re on the hunt for a similarly colorful Western look, keep an eye out for separates as well as bold jumpsuits to achieve an ultra-glam look.

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Rollerskating Barbie

Barbie and Ken have been rollerskating since 1980, but Gerwig’s film iterations are clearly taking fashion inspiration from 1991’s Rollerblade Barbie’s cycle shorts and 1994’s Hot Skatin’ Barbie’s abstract prints and neon wheels. Though one of the most costume-y looks of the bunch, it’s one of the easiest to recreate, thanks to skating brand Impala’s collaboration with the movie and dead-on Etsy dupes.

How to dress like Margot Robbie as Pink Beret Barbie

When Robbie’s Barbie decides to leave Barbie Land and visit “the real world” to discover “the truth about the universe,” she dons the universal symbol of poets and philosophers: a beret. Naturally, hers is pink. You can also shop Peter Pan collar dresses and dainty pink bows to achieve her road trip look.

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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