“I’m An Off-Duty Icon”: Brenda Song On Her Fall Fashion Aesthetics & Moods

After an ultra-hot summer of barely-there dressing, we’re looking forward to the fall and all the outfit inspo that comes with it, from back-to-school season to NYFW street style. And style It-girl Brenda Song has been spotting all the early fall trends for us. Teaming up with Marshalls, Song’s perspective helped launch the Fall Fashion Field Guide, highlighting five distinct aesthetics to shop and style.

The guide focuses on The Belle of the Fall (think cozy layers and earthy palettes), The Vibe Curator (animal prints and statement footwear), The Polished Powerhouse (structured blazers and leather accents), The Mystical Muse (moody florals and lace trims), and The Off-Duty Icon (relaxed denim and chic sneakers).

“I feel like this might be a cheat of an answer, but I’m a little bit of all of them. And that’s how these personalities sort of came to be. I always say my style depends on what mood I’m in,” Song tells Refinery29. “But most of the time I’m probably an off-duty icon. I wouldn’t call myself an icon, but I’d like to dress like one!”

The actress elaborated that her fall outfit formula always starts with a staple like a T-shirt, jeans, or trousers before amping it up with accessories. “I think that’s where you can really have fun with your outfit. I love a great scarf. I love a fun purse, belt, jewelry,” Song says. “I have a gigantic accessories closet, so I feel like it’s a really easy way to update any outfit or dress up or dress down an outfit from day to night.”

Ahead, learn more about some of Song’s key fall trends, how to shop name-brand styles from Marshalls at any budget, and which of her TV and movie characters she thinks would wear each aesthetic.

The Off-Duty Icon

When it comes to back-to-school season with her children and the start of NBA season as an avid basketball fan, Song gravitates towards easy, preppy, and sporty pieces. “When I wake up and I’m running around with the kids, I’m definitely an off-duty icon. Comfort is key, but just cuz you’re comfortable doesn’t mean you can’t look cute,” Song explains.

As an NBA courtside staple, Song adds: “I feel like I’m basically a player off the field. I think it’s so fun to pair a jersey with baggy jeans or a fun satin bomber. It’s such a fun way to dress up and still be comfortable while watching a game because you still gotta look cute courtside.” She also said that despite her 5’2″ frame, she’s been very into flats, including sneakers.

And thinking back on which of her characters would most likely wear this aesthetic, she says: “I think Wendy Woo is an off duty icon. She takes casual to the nth degree. She knows how to work with an amazing tracksuit, an amazing satin bomber. She knows how to make effortless look cool.”

The Belle of the Fall

The Belle of the Fall aesthetic is quintessential nostalgic fall style, focusing on lots of layering, rich textures, deep colors, and bold accessories. And though we’re still getting hot days, Song says: “I’ve been dressing aspirationally hoping for the fall weather. I go full belle of the fall. Lots of scarves, lots of hats. Give me a big chunky scarf and a big sweater. I want to be cozy.” She also says she loves a knee-high boot as well as a short boot with a fun sock peeking out.

Wondering which of Song’s characters she thinks would wear this aesthetic? “It’d actually be very London Tipton because London loves an accessory. That’s the thing about a belle of the fall; it’s taking your staple pieces and making the outfit with the accessories. London loves a shawl. She loves a scarf. She loves putting it all together.”

The Vibe Curator

When asked about her date night outfits with her husband Macaulay Culkin, Song likes to set the mood with dressier pieces and leopard print (which she declares a neutral). “If it’s date night or dinner, it’s very vibe curator,” she says, adding: “I love a matching set, whether that be a flowy pant and a button up or I love a little satin midi skirt with a little camisole with a cute sweater or a leather jacket. I’m so ready to wear my leather jacket ’cause I feel like it just really makes any outfit instantly feel like that girl.”

You know who else is that girl? Her character Natasha. “One of my favorite characters of all time that I played was Natasha from Stuck in the Suburbs. I feel like she is a vibe curator. She can take one piece and go with it. She follows all the trends. She knows what’s coming, she knows what’s hot, what’s not. And she’s very unapologetic about how she dresses,” Song explains. “I was 16 on that movie set. I still regret not stealing so much of that wardrobe.”

The Mystical Muse

As we enter spooky season, we’ll be seeing more witchy styles from chunky stone jewelry to dark floral maxi dresses. And although it’s the most out of Song’s comfort zone, she finds the style aspirational. “I feel like in this phase of my life, I would want to be more of the mystical muse. But because I’m running around with my kids, it’s just harder to be able to dress that way,” adding: “I feel like in my 20s, I was very much the mystical muse. I loved a big caftan, layering, tons of jewelry, big scarves.”

This is similar to Song’s Dollface character Madison. “It was all girls from California. So they had this sort of effortless, kind of boho vibe. I loved her wardrobe. It was one of my favorites.”

The Polished Powerhouse

Perhaps there’s no back-to-work season, but the fall certainly feels like it, and it calls for a professional wardrobe. “When I go to work or I feel like I need to look like an adult, I’m the polished powerhouse.” This looks like structured blazers, leather work bags, slingback heels, and chevron prints.

And a not-so-boring office siren is character Ali Lee from Song’s Netflix basketball comedy series Running Point. “That girl has amazing blazers and she knows how to make an outfit feel polished but still really fun. Our costume designer Allyson Fanger is incredible at being able to make things work-appropriate. We use a lot of the same pieces in different ways. And I think that’s what I love so much about my character — the way that we approach fashion is how real people re-wear pieces,” adding: “Ali has a jacket that she loves. She wore the same striped shirt three times last season.”

Shop the full Marshalls Fall Fashion Field Guide

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Drawstring Pants Are Trending—Here’s How To Wear Them And The Best To Shop

There’s something so undeniably cool about a comfortable outfit that manages to look incredibly chic at the same time. Right now, fashion lovers are anchoring those not-trying-too-hard looks with—the reason why we’re here—drawstring pants.

Yes, easy-to-pull-and-go, adjustable trousers are having quite the moment. In addition to spotting several ladies wearing them during Copenhagen Fashion Week, Google’s data shows that the search for them is increasing year over year. And what’s even better? They look much more sophisticated than any pair of leggings.

Wear them with a frilly lace blouse or an understated tank top, depending on your mood. What solidifies the look as an instant hit? Finishing touches, like a pendant necklace or statement sunnies.

My personal favorite aspect is that drawstring pants are breezy enough to wear on sweltering summer days yet they give you enough coverage for when temperatures start to change in the fall. Cost-per-wear is one of the most important aspects I consider when shopping, so anything that I can keep in rotation year-round always earns bonus points.

Some bestsellers to consider adding to your cart include Free People’s nearly sold-out barrel design. The curvy silhouette is perfect for those who want something that has a modern twist. J.Crew’s Luna pant is another option that’s flying off the shelves, thanks to seven colors to choose from and variations made for petite and tall girlies. I could wax poetic on the effortlessly cool designs, but I’ll spare you and drop my faves below right now.

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OK, Nike! The Cool Kids’ Guide To Back-To-School Style

Like clockwork, back-to-school season has arrived—but this year, we’re giving the dependable basics a fashuun-forward refresh that makes returning to class feel a little more exciting.

Whether you’re heading back to campus to check off a few more credits or shopping for a little one in your life, we’ve made it easy to find standout pieces for first period, the library, and everywhere in between.

Our secret style weapon? Nike’s back-to-school section. It’s filled with casually cool staples that feel relaxed and effortless but never slouchy. With a few key pieces and clever styling tricks, anyone can make the best-dressed list.

Read on for the Refinery29 guide to mastering cool-kid back-to-school style with Nike.

The New Uniform

The pleated miniskirt has evolved from a classroom classic into a modern wardrobe essential, thanks largely to its runway presence over the past few years. The key to making it feel current is pairing it with unexpected pieces—like a graphic long-sleeve tee, an oversized jacket, or statement shades. Finish with crew socks and sneakers for a look that nods to traditional school uniforms without feeling like a costume. The combination is polished enough for class but playful enough for whatever’s on the schedule afterward.

The Modern Sweats

Comfort is key, but it doesn’t have to mean looking disheveled. The secret lies in choosing a thoughtful silhouette, like a slightly flared leg with artful draping that makes sweatpants feel intentional. Add a fitted baby tee or crisp button-down to balance the relaxed shape, then finish with streamlined sneakers and a structured tote. The result is comfortable enough for a full day of classes but polished enough for whatever comes afterward.

The Statement Sunnies

We briefly touched on head-turning sunglasses above, but they’re worthy of their own section, especially the larger-than-life silhouettes trending right now. They’re the quickest way to make a simple T-shirt-and-sweats combination look deliberately styled. Try a sporty wraparound pair for a futuristic edge, or reach for oversized aviators if you prefer something more classic. Either way, they’ll make the commute to those early-morning classes look significantly chicer, even when you’re still waking up.

The Joyous Jersey

On and off the field, sporty jerseys have become our shortcut to an instantly cool, casual look. Wear one oversized with biker shorts, tuck it into a pleated skirt, or layer it over a fitted long-sleeve tee when the temperature drops. You can even pair it with relaxed trousers for an unexpected high-low combination. The best part? Jerseys work across ages and dress codes, making them a win-win, even if you can’t name everyone on the team.

The Unexpected Bag

Backpacks will forever be synonymous with carrying textbooks, but the 2026 approach comes with more personality. Give a classic style an update with playful bag charms, or skip the backpack altogether for a roomy tote that speaks to your aesthetic. Just make sure your choice can accommodate the essentials: a laptop or tablet, water bottle, headphones, and whatever else the day demands. The coolest school bag is one that feels different from what everyone else is carrying without sacrificing the space and comfort you actually need.

The Hyped Hoodie

Hoodies are forever, but a textured fleece version that comes in a dopamine-inducing color feels of the moment. The splash of color will bring all of your neutral closet essentials to life, whether it’s a pair of black sweatpants or a pair of jeans. In addition to the sartorial level-up, keep a fleece hoodie on deck for the classrooms that always have the air conditioning blasting.

The Spot-On Sneakers

We can’t forget about the cool kicks. Right now, the fashion girlies are obsessing over animal print everything, including leopard-print sneakers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard Air Force 1 fan or prefer the sporty versatility of a running shoe, adding a wild print is the quickest way to invigorate any back-to-school outfit. Imagine how chic these will look with your go-to polo shirt and khaki uniform skirt.

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My Half-Marathon ’Fit Check Included Glitter Shadow, Obviously

As a beauty editor, I’m used to investing a lot of time in my getting-ready routine. But as a relative newcomer to the run community, I quickly learned that running a half marathon requires a whole different kind of getting-ready prep. For Lululemon’s SeaWheeze Half Marathon in the brand’s hometown of Vancouver, Canada, I had to think about everything from sweat-wicking fabrics and chafe-proof shorts to where I’d stash my gels, lip balm, and other race-day essentials. (And, naturally, I also wanted to look cute while doing it!)

Ahead, here’s the full ‘fit check of everything I wore before, during, and after 13.1 miles, from my pre-race 5K warm-up to the post-run massage. 

Pre-Race Warm-Up

The day before the half marathon, I joined the Lululemon team and fellow editors for a short-and-sweet 5K. I brought along my tried-and-true Energy Bra (Lululemon, please never discontinue this style!), which I love for its medium support and pretty, streamlined silhouette thanks to the thin straps. On top, I wore one of my many Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirts, a go-to for any sweaty activity thanks to its odor-resistant silver fibers and soft, airy fabric that moves with you.

I also opted for my new favorite running shorts, the Fast and Free Mid-Rise Split Short 3″. This reimagined take on a Lululemon classic features a new 360° waistband storage system (a huge deal when you’re running!) and an updated performance brief liner that is exceptionally comfortable. The shorts themselves are breezy and lightweight, while the petal-shaped side panels are actually very cute and flattering—a welcome bonus when you’re spending several miles in running gear. 

Race Day 

Even though we were in beautiful Vancouver, PNW summer is still summer—which meant I was keeping my race-day kit light and breezy. The hero piece of my outfit was, without a doubt, the Fast and Free Short-Sleeve Shirt, which I wore in a brilliant Yves Klein blue. The fabric is the airiest, most breathable material I’ve ever felt, and it barely showed sweat even when I crossed the finish line. It’s also made with specialized, body-mapped zones of open-knit mesh (aka built-in AC) to ventilate your sweatiest areas—specifically, the back and sleeves. My bra of choice was the Nulux Strappy-Back Sports Bra, B/C Cup (which is currently part of Lululemon’s We Made Too Much section!), which offered medium support with plenty of breathability thanks to its strappy-back design.

My shorts of choice were the Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short, also in the same brilliant blue. I love high-rise, flowy shorts, and this one allowed for unrestricted movement in a flattering, tiered drape that looked so cute on. Maybe my millennial side is showing, but I personally love a high rise: I feel secure and held in, and I don’t have to worry about my waistband riding down while I’m going for a personal best. The shorts also have zippered side pockets, which let me keep a few extra gels on hand without adding bulk—aka potentially slowing me down.

In lieu of a running vest, I opted for the Fast and Free Running Belt, which comes in several fun colorways. (Mine is black, since it goes with everything.) Even though this is probably the slimmest running belt I’ve tried, it was stretchy enough to fit my iPhone 17 easily, along with my mini emotional-support lip balm and glitter shadow (you know, typical running essentials!). The waistband is adjustable, so you can get a snug fit across your hips without it feeling too tight, and it stayed secure without bouncing with every stride. I honestly loved it and am already debating getting another colorway for my next race. 

Post-Run Recovery 

Immediately following the race, I showered and changed into my cozy uniform—which was waiting for me on my hotel bed. (Thank you, Lululemon; you think of everything.) Up top was the French Terry Oversized Crew in an elevated neutral beige, which feels like a 2.0 version of the OG Perfectly Oversized Crewneck. I wore my heather gray Little Ribbed Tee underneath, which I’ve been wearing nonstop. It’s Lululemon’s take on a baby tee, but in a soft, ribbed fabric that looks just as good with denim as it does with a silk midi skirt. 

And because I love a matching set, I paired my cozy ‘fit with the French Terry Mid-Rise Short 3.5″, which are made from the same sturdy, matte French terry fabric. Think of them as a fancy, decidedly-not-grubby pair of sweats that wouldn’t look out of place at a luxe hotel spa—which is, conveniently, where I wore them for a post-race massage. 

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