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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

I'm Leaving Y2K Fashion and Fanny Packs in 2021 - Here's What I'm Bringing in 2022

The close of the year always feels like an invitation to take stock of my life, and the first thing I typically start with is my closet. There's a reason I feel more at peace when my clothes are sorted: styles I haven't worn in months put in a donation pile, shirts I reach for daily hung at the front, go-to shoes and bags securely placed within eyesight. The pandemic has no doubt disrupted the way we dress, putting forth a sense of comfort that feels like a nonnegotiable, yet it has also inspired a host of new designs, color combinations, and prints.

While I can appreciate a cool trend (fluffy bags are my latest obsession), I don't define my style around what comes and goes. Instead, I see fashion as an attitude, in my case, one that prioritizes comfort, yet still seeks excitement in the little details - whether that's a dress drenched in a rich shade of green, a satin blouse with an elegant gold chain detail, an unexpected cutout, an asymmetric neckline, dramatic sleeves . . . you name it.

Going into 2022, I'm editing my most worn pieces based on their day-to-night versatility, durability, and material quality. Sure, some will happen to be buzzworthy items, but I'm now clear on the styles that will stay and those that will go. Sweatsuits, for one, will be replaced by more polished, wear-everywhere knit sets. And wearable separates will take precedence over impractical, one-time pieces. Read on for the key themes that will dictate my fashion choices this year, and the trends I'm leaving behind.

Timothée Chalamet Unveils a Collaboration With Haider Ackermann For a Good Cause

In some much-needed feel-good news, Timothée Chalamet and designer Haider Ackermann, whose looks the star has memorably favored on the red carpet, teamed up to design a hoodie that raises awareness and supports efforts to fight the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The actor and activist took to Instagram to share the news on Wednesday, posting a picture of himself outfitted in the new design, alongside Haider, with a caption that read:

"So for a couple of years now @h.a and I have been wanting to make something. Together, in August, we were horrified to learn of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and decided to design a hoodie where 100% of the proceeds will go to @afghanistanlibre : a relief organization with boots on the ground that fights to safeguard women's and children's rights - as those atrocities continue to spread, we should amplify the voices of those silent soldiers.

link in my story
peace and love
💙"

As Timothée detailed in his caption, 100 percent of the proceeds go to support the meaningful work of Afghanistan Libre, an organization that fights for the rights of women and children. The sweatshirt comes in white, featuring the image of a young Afghani woman with splattered blue paint and the words "Silent Soldier." If you click over to purchase the HA+TC sweatshirt, you'll also find a note from the collaborators that candidly explains the powerful work of the NGO they've partnered with: "This sweatshirt has been created to support Afghanistan Libre - a NGO devoted to fighting for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan where they are being reduced to silence and stripped of their freedom and education. By ordering a sweatshirt you are donating to this great cause and its vital work. With all our affection - Haider + Timothée."

Read on to see the collaborators wearing their new design, then shop your own if you're feeling inspired.

In Defense of Carrie's New Clothes

If you were watching Sex and the City (or tuned into the reruns), you were likely showing up as much for the fashion as you were for the sex. We watched to see what Carrie Bradshaw was wearing the way we scroll through Instagram in the age of influencer fashion. Carrie gave us outfit inspiration that was both high fashion and also down to earth, a brand of high-low authored by Patricia Field, who famously helmed the wardrobe for the original series. It's the eclectic hallmark of Carrie's style and every woman who attempted to emulate it. Fortunately, the reboot delivers on the fashion front again (though am I the only one waiting for the sex to kick in?).

With Molly Rogers, a longtime colleague of Field's, and Danny Santiago behind the costumes for And Just Like That, fashion is, again, central to the show, though the early critiques from fans were quick to tear down some of the costuming that was leaked from the set. To that, specifically the outcry that erupted over a dress fans suspected was from Forever 21 (it was not, in fact, Forever 21, but a vintage piece thoughtfully pulled by Rogers and Santiago for the story), Molly told me, "There's a reason she's in that dress." Indeed, there's a reason for most of Carrie's fashion choices - a story behind each look (which isn't obvious in paparazzi photos that are leaked and shared on Instagram).

We've been nostalgic for, and glorified the fashion, in such a way that we haven't allowed for Carrie to continue to be experimental in this next chapter.

What the show asks - and has always asked - of its viewers is to appreciate Carrie's sense of style as a part of who she is: someone who loves fashion for fashion's sake and takes risks with it. When we talked about the first episodes of And Just Like That, Molly reminded me of that: "[The women] have evolved because the world has, but Carrie's still experimental." So, too, is Sarah Jessica Parker. Of her collaboration with the actor, Molly told me, "Well, from the season one, Sarah Jessica is a very collaborative, informed person, and her fittings are energetic and extremely creative, and she welcomes opinions. It takes all of us looking at the racks of clothes and saying, 'Let's give this one a shot,' and she's so good about trying everything on." In that way, Molly explained, Sarah Jessica is willing to do what a lot of us won't: "I don't think any of us are like that. I think we go into a store and we look at something and we say, 'Well, I know that color won't work on me.' That never stops Sarah Jessica. She tries everything on, gives it a chance, and then kicks it to the curb if it doesn't work, and I think that's really exploratory, and I think it's super cool, and it's rare."

Indeed, it's not often that a show or a single character's fashion impacts the cultural zeitgeist the way Carrie Bradshaw has - and continues to, two decades later. So as an explanation to the nitpicking, I offer this: maybe we've demanded too much of Carrie (and the show's costumers). We've been nostalgic for, and glorified the fashion, in such a way that we haven't allowed for Carrie to continue to be experimental in this next chapter. Our knee-jerk reaction was collective criticism, not enthusiasm, or even appreciation for what the show was giving us: a chance to see Carrie in her 50s, and even more so, the rare opportunity to celebrate stylish women who are aging and evolving on a major television show. And more so, in the age of coiffed Instagram fashion, have we forgotten the joy in seeing fashion come together in a way that expresses personality, and not trends? Let's not forget that Carrie was never "trendy," though she certainly became a trendsetter. We're not going to see her wearing New Bottega or sporting head-to-toe designer, even if it seems like the stylish women all over your IG feed are. At the end of the day, I, for one, am relieved to find that while the internet and the fashion landscape have certainly changed, Carrie, happily, has not.

Here, a look at more of the quintessentially Carrie Bradshaw fashion moments to come from And Just Like That.

2021's Triumphant Return of Celebrity Couple Dressing

From Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, we're going to come right out and say it: 2021 had some of the best celebrity couple fashion moments of all time. Matching couples' fashion is important for a celebrity duo to nail (both the real-love relationships and the ones just for publicity), because it demonstrates a visual connection between two people. Each coordinating couture moment highlights a cohesion between a famous duo, a shared aesthetic that reminds you "we're rich, we're hot, and we're in love".

These sartorial matchy-matchy moments are non-verbal signals that they're status is "together," an aesthetic celebration of a harmonious union and a way to build the new couple's synergized brand (#couplegoals). As we look back at 2021, here are some of the famous couples who won fashion.

Everyone Asks Me Where I Got My Outfit When I Wear This Affordable Jumpsuit

At this point in my life, I'm all about outfits that are versatile, comfortable, and stylish. However, it's not always easy finding fashionable pieces that check all of my boxes. I've searched high and low for winning looks, and I've found that "instant outfits" like dresses and rompers are some of my best options. While anything with a shorter length is perfect for the warmer months, in the colder months, I always turn to jumpsuits, because I can find options with long pants as well as long sleeves. I usually purchase a new one every season, and this season, I made my favorite purchase yet: Old Navy's Long-Sleeve Cropped French-Terry Utility Jumpsuit ($55).

As soon as I saw it online, I knew it was going to be a piece I wore over and over again. I've already worn it three times since I received it in the mail a little over a week and a half ago. When my best friend saw me wearing it over FaceTime the other day, she immediately asked me where I got it, because she wanted to order one for herself. I even had a woman in Trader Joe's ask me where it was from, and when you have people in the grocery store asking you about your outfit, you know you've picked a winner.

This jumpsuit is made with a terrycloth cotton mix, and whenever I wear it, I feel like I'm being wrapped in a soft, warm hug. It's a V-neck style that buttons down, and it also has pockets, which is a plus with any outfit. It has a drawstring at the waist, which I absolutely love because I can tighten it or loosen it depending on what look I'm going for. To keep my jumpsuit in the best possible shape, I've been washing it on cold and hanging it to dry. This jumpsuit comes in three different colors, but I went with "moonsand," which is a light camel color. I ordered my usual size, an XS, so I would say this product fits true to size. I'm 5'6.5", and this jumpsuit hits me at the perfect cropped length.

All of my favorite Old Navy pieces can be dressed up or down, and this piece is no exception. I've styled this jumpsuit with white sneakers for a casual look, and I've also styled it with black booties and a leather jacket for a look that can be worn absolutely anywhere. As of right now, I've been pretty much living in this jumpsuit, and my favorite way to wear it has been with a pair of mule slides and a long cardigan sweater - cozy and chic.

If you're looking for an easy outfit that you can throw on and be out the door in, or if you're looking for a piece that you can wear everywhere from the office to just hanging out at home, this is the piece for you.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Nothing Brings Joy Like a Dress With Pockets - Right, Jennifer Garner?

Jennifer Garner is all dressed up for her big hosting gig. On Dec. 21, the actor shared a sneak peek at her look on Instagram ahead of PBS's concert at the White House, which airs Tuesday evening. In the regal photo, she wore a festive green Oscar de la Renta number appropriately belted with a little silver ribbon. And yes . . . the dress has pockets!

With help from the stylist duo Jill Lincoln and Jordan Johnson, Jen tied the look together with a pair of gorgeous crystal buckle pumps from Roger Vivier and Anita Ko jewelry. While Jen is responsible for hosting duties, the special will include performances by Camila Cabello, the Jonas Brothers, and Pentatonix, as well as remarks by Joe and Jill Biden. Ahead, get a closer look at the actor's gift of a dress.

These 7 Celebrity Stylists Are Moving Fashion Forward for Young Hollywood

Young Hollywood put their thoughtful approach to dressing on display at premieres and award shows throughout 2021. If you were pay attention, you likely noticed that the stars having conversations about their red carpet looks are talking about more than the obvious "who are you wearing?". The younger generation has shown time and time again that they care about where their clothing comes from and especially whether it has historical meaning or pays homage to an icon before them.

Of course, their stylists are instrumental in bringing such statements to life, putting in the research to construct an outfit that is representative of their client's identity and culture. More often than not, they're also searching for archival pieces that can be repurposed for an event, rather than buying new materials and leaving a carbon footprint. And, as all seven of the stylists ahead will tell you, championing emerging talent and supporting small brands that practice sustainable craftsmanship and ethical company culture is of utmost importance for the future.

We talked to Laura Sophie Cox, Image Architect Law Roach, Ade Samuel, Tara Swennen, Zadrian + Sarah, Shalev Lavàn, and Enrique Melendez about how they are fostering industry relationships moving into 2022 and ensuring that their clients - Zendaya, Kristen Stewart, Justine Skye, Lana Condor, and Charlotte Lawrence, just to name a few - are part of the collaboration. Another quality that bands them together? They're less concerned about outfit repeating, media scrutiny, or best dressed lists and more excited to tell a story about their subject's life work through a look. On that note, click through to learn how your favorite celebrities and role models are ushering in a new red carpet era, straight from their glam squad.