Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The 11 Fashion Essentials Every 20-Something Should Have in Her Wardrobe

The secret behind any impeccably dressed woman is a well-stocked closet. It doesn't happen overnight, but you can start crafting the perfect wardrobe right now. In your 20s, that means shopping the essentials and investing in great basics - because, let's face it, you accumulated enough trendy tees, minidresses, and cutoffs in your college years.

Now's the time to shop for the kind of denim you might just get away with at the office and a silky button-down you can wear well beyond your 9-to-5. You don't have to spend a ton, but definitely spend where it counts, and keep an eye out for the pieces you'll wear from season to season, year after year. Just consider this your 20-something starter wardrobe, and start shopping all the key items right here.

- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley



5 Designers Share How They're Bringing Black Girl Magic to the Fashion Industry

Black women are patently some of the most talented designers in the ever-changing fashion industry. Creatives of color, who come from all walks of life, have stepped onto the scene and showcased their distinctive tastes and styles. Coalescing their cultural backgrounds with their experiences as women, many have challenged and disrupted the traditional ethos of the business.

Among them are designers Brea Stinson of Stinson Haus, Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa, Dumebi Iyamah of Andrea Iyamah, and twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson of Coco and Breezy Eyewear. With unparalleled flair and the drive to uplift underrepresented groups, these sartorial masterminds are making waves in the business. POPSUGAR spoke with all of them to find out how they're moving the conversation forward.



Everything to Know About a Wedding Band, and How to Build the Perfect Stack

After my future husband proposed, I was overwhelmed by the engagement ring alone, but then the questions started coming in: "Can I see your ring? OoOoOoOh, how are you going to choose a band to go with that?" It was as if all my friends now spelled "ooh" with 46 Os. How would I ever find the right ring to complement this forever piece of jewelry? Couldn't it just be something, um, simple, or - dare I say it - plain? But when I sat down with Susie Saltzman, who got her start in the jewelry industry by accident, after she designed her brother-in-law an engagement ring as a favor, I realized how many options I was facing. Susie's brand in particular is interesting to me because she takes the time to source her materials through environmentally responsible procedures, and she has strong feelings about what makes the perfect stack.

Yes, Susie specializes in building out a dream wedding ring set - she herself wears eight to 10 bands at one time on her right hand, and she actually sports her engagement ring all alone on the left. This was just the first thing I noticed about her spectacular attention to detail. But Susie's message to me also stuck: your wedding band can be whatever you want it to be. You can style it however you choose, and even though there are "rules" about ways to wear one, you don't have to follow them. Susie took the time to recount the usual questions she fields about wedding bands, from details about their cost to engraving options, and she broke it down for me while also sharing some of her own favorite rings to date. Scroll down to brush up on the details, so that when your pals hit you with the "oohs," you'll have a little more background on the topic.



The Cardigan Isn't Going Anywhere This Season, and These 16 Picks Are $100 or Less

Three years ago, if you had told us we'd have a closet full of cardigans, we might not have believed you. The silhouette has made a major comeback recently, and we are here for it. We love wearing them over dresses or all buttoned up as a top. They're cozy, cute, and really easy to style. Plus, we always love affordable fashion, and these 16 options are all $100 or less.

Whether you're looking for a more dramatic long-line cardigan, a cute animal-print style, or a fuzzy cropped silhouette, there's a great sweater here for you. Plus, Hailey Bieber was spotted on Valentines Day wearing one of our favorite styles, so you're going to want to pick some of these up before they sell out. Happy shopping!



14 Reasons Why I Strongly Believe Chandler Bing Was the Best Dressed on Friends

When it comes to the hit TV show Friends, a lot of people often turn their attention to Jennifer Aniston's style as Rachel Green on the show. (I don't really blame them; she could really pull off a plaid miniskirt like no one else.) Me? I'm obsessed with Chandler Bing's. Hear me out: the man (and, of course, the show's costume designer) perfected the art of '90s style, and I think it's about damn time we start paying more attention to it.

On the show, Matthew Perry's character not only won my heart over with his quirky dad jokes but his quirky dad style, too. It's the perfect mix of low-key cool. Think Hypebeast before Hypebeast was a thing. His affinity for baggy sweats, crewneck sweaters, and backward baseball hats ticks every box of pure '90s perfection. Chandler surprisingly even had an amazing collection of Nike sneakers. If you're in need of some proof, I've got you covered. Ahead, take a look at 14 reasons I believe Chandler Bing undeniably had the best style on Friends.



I Travel Constantly, and These Are the $35 Pants I Pack on Every Single Trip

As someone who travels at least once a month, I have my packing routine down to a science. For me, it's all about taking versatile pieces that I can style tons of different ways. As Spring approaches and the weather warms up, I've been on the hunt for a lightweight pair of comfortable pants that are easy to wear on the plane and just on a day-by-day basis. On a recent shopping trip to Old Navy for workout clothes, I stumbled upon these Old Navy Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pull-On Pants ($35, originally $40) and grabbed a pair for the dressing room.

Within seconds of trying them on, I knew I needed them. The fit was perfect and flattering, but for me, the real selling point is the material. They're lightweight and will keep me cool, but thick enough to offer some stability; they don't feel too thin or see-through. I decided on a black pair because they're easy to wear with just about anything, but they come in four neutral shades and even some printed choices.

Since I purchased them, I've taken them on all my getaways and couldn't be happier. The black shade doesn't fade, even though I've washed them several times. I love styling them with sneakers or sandals and a comfy tee. So, if you're headed on a trip soon, you'll want a pair for yourself, trust me. Keep reading to shop all the colors - and hey, at prices this good, maybe you can get more than one. Take a look.



These Are the Biggest Sneaker Trends of 2020 - You Ready?

If you're staring down at your sneakers wondering if your retro dad kicks are still a thing, we've got all the answers you need. This year may mark the start of a new decade, but somehow some of 2020's biggest sneaker trends are taking us back in time. (Shout-out to our 'rents, who paved the way with one of my personal favorite silhouettes of the year, aptly dubbed the mom and dad sneaker.) Don't worry, one of the common factors among all of these trends is functionality, which still reigns supreme with our five top styles. This year's trends have all left us with a newfound love and appreciation for streetwear. Ahead, take a look at the silhouettes and colorways you're about to see everywhere in 2020. Then, shop our favorite selects by category, because that's just how we roll.