Press

How to Get the Quiet Luxury Aesthetic for Under $200

Boys & Girls Club. From schoolboy slacks to Sherlock Holmes-worthly trenches, these menswear-inspired pieces have a clear female edge.

If there’s a singular wardrobe staple that does all the heavy lifting, it’s the bodysuit. It can serve as lingerie, a base layer or a statement top all on its own. But, despite its potential, the piece can be polarizing, with some trendsetters swearing by it for ease and convenience and a whole other subset finding the task of pulling one on cumbersome and constraining. If you fall into the latter category, it may be time to reconsider, as the best bodysuits on the market today tackle shortcomings thanks to innovative designs and new materials.

There's is so much to love about indie fashion brands created by Black creatives, and you must check them out. However, I'm here today to tell you about those Black-owned brands that have already landed at our favorite major retailers, making them so easy to add to your cart during your next routine order. There is such a beautiful range—from feminine dresses to edgy silhouettes—from the below designers I've chosen, so I insist you take a quick scroll and find something special for yourself.

It’s no secret that Black-owned businesses have surged since the pandemic, although it hasn’t been easy staying afloat. In an effort to showcase some of the many Black-owned companies that you might not be familiar with, we collected a list of more than a dozen fashion and beauty brands to support now and forever. Black History Month is the perfect time to spotlight these Black-owned brands, but you can shop them all year long.

In celebration of the Black-owned brands and designers that are producing some of the most top-notch, innovative designs out there, we're throwing well-earned recognition to some of our favorites. From NYC-based labels to those all the way in London and Africa, these Black-owned clothing brands continue to move the needle and push the culture forward via a blend of style, activism, and altruism. If you're wondering how to show continued support to the Black community, shopping these fashion brands makes it possible to do so through your style choices and beyond.

Being a fashion editor, I keep a running tab of my favorite brands and boutiques that are owned or designed by Black talent. These names are top of mind throughout the year, but given that February is Black History Month, it's the perfect time to highlight all the stunning Black-owned fashion items that are occupying my cart (and my headspace) right now.

There are tons of ways to be an ally to the Black community, from calling your local officials and demanding change to donating to a Black Lives Matter cause. But another great way to show your love and support is by shopping one (or all!) of the amazing Black-owned fashion brands below.

Date night during the winter months can be a tricky event to navigate. Something you typically look forward to can become something you dread. Trying to put together an outfit that won't leave you feeling cold or uncomfortable but still make you feel like the best version of yourself is a particularly difficult task. Throw a pandemic into the mix, and well, winter date nights really can't be totally spontaneous. The little dress or pretty top you reach for during the warmer months just won't cut it in the wind, rain, or snow.

The holidays have come and gone with an astounding quickness. And soon, the New Year’s hubbub will have quieted down, too. The champagne will have fizzled and gone flat, the “2022” balloons deflated, and then, all that’s left is regular old January. Perhaps the thought of 31 straight days of post-celebration dressing onsets winter blues (the month is canonically dreary — no offense, Capricorns) — but that doesn’t have to be the case. Instead, you can regard the first month as somewhat of a sartorial clean slate, a chance to experiment with colorful winter outfits and fine-tune your personal style.

When we talk about staple wardrobe pieces, jeans and LBDs seem to get all the attention—but don’t for one second forget about the classic black blazer. If the idea of a simple suit jacket bores you, I’ve made it my mission to change your mind by the end of this roundup. Few clothing pieces can be worn both in a formal, professional setting and at the club (take that, denim!), but the black blazer? You absolutely can and should wear it for any and every occasion.

There are only a few experiences I greatly relish—that first sip of iced coffee and finding an incredible secondhand designer piece included. But lately, the only thing I can think about (besides finding affordable holiday gifts) is the prospect of lounging around at home in lingerie for the rest of the year. I dream of silk slip dresses, lace teddies, and bouclé robes that I can snuggle up in, crack open a coffee table book, and disappear from the internet for the rest of the holiday season. Does the idea of lounging around have you daydreaming about your days off...

Utilitarian, lace-up ankle boots are a staple you wear year after year without giving much thought to their sartorial value — they’re weatherproof and practical, never out of fashion, but not usually categorized as something overly trendy. That is, until now. The latest designer collections have propelled the chunky shoe into this year’s trending top slot, taking it from an inclement-weather standby to one of the most coveted, wear-everywhere items for 2022. The fashion crowd is already illustrating how to wear combat boots with absolutely everything this season.

It’s the time of year where you’re buying presents for your family, friends, work wife/hubby, and maybe the neighbor you’ve become super-close with since the start of the pandemic. If you’re looking to shop small, locally, and consciously, this is the guide for you. These Black-owned businesses not only have a great selection of gifts, they’re run by entrepreneurs who are creating spaces to foster the next generation of creators. From cozy winter clothing to matcha kits to experiences that will help you or a friend grow their career, check out these 25 Black-owned businesses to shop and support this...

There’s an old adage around gifts that states, “It’s the thought that counts,” and in many ways, this holds to be both true and false. This year’s holiday season and gifts will (and should) be different, because around the world, in every industry, and every facet of life, we’ve seen inconceivable changes since the beginning of the pandemic. Anything we buy at this moment in time will directly affect the businesses we’re buying from, which is why it’s more important than ever to support Black-owned fashion brands and beauty brands.

Date night during the winter months can be a tricky event to navigate. Something you typically look forward to can become something you dread. Trying to put together an outfit that won't leave you feeling cold or uncomfortable but still make you feel like the best version of yourself is a particularly difficult task. Throw a pandemic into the mix, and well, winter date nights really can't be totally spontaneous. The little dress or pretty top you reach for during the warmer months just won't cut it in the wind, rain, or snow.

I'm the type of shopper who will take weeks to decide whether or not to splurge on a party dress, but if someone I love wants it, I'll buy it for them in an instant. I'll spoil my parents, sisters, or good friends before I even think about getting the same thing for myself. It doesn't make it easier on my bank account, but the contentment on their faces is worth it.

As a consumer, there are a lot of ways you can use your dollar to make a difference. One of them is investing in small businesses year-round, but especially now that it's gifting season. More often than not, these businesses are women founded or BIPOC owned, groups that have historically struggled to thrive economically. As you think of what to get your fashion-loving friends for the holidays, consider saving up for these worthwhile items designed by brands that often contribute to important social causes or power local economies.

Over the past year and a half, almost every aspect of our lives has changed. Between grappling with the myriad challenges brought on by a pandemic and attempting to rectify systemic racism, the impact of this moment in time has infiltrated everything—including the fashion industry. This evolution has manifested in the most widespread call to action, with consumers having more power than ever to demonstrate support with their wallets. While we may be in a new season and about to enter a new year, it's more important than ever to continue the momentum and support BIPOC-owned fashion brands.

When it comes to Zendaya Coleman's fashion sense, she really knows how to "Shake It Up!" (shameless Disney Channel pun). The award-winning fashion icon is known for taking risks on the red carpet and stepping outside of the usual fashion box. Even on her off days she never fails to have on a cool sneaker or a cool coat. No matter the look – red carpet, interview or candid street style moment – she is always donning a piece of clothing we ALL would love to have in our own closets.

Idk about you, but I’ve got a love-hate relationship with bras—at least when we're talking about the stiff underwire ones, that is (gimme all the comfy bras!). While I love to let the girls free at home, I hate going in public without a real bra on. (See? Love-hate.) And because I prefer not to go braless, I always pass on all the cute backless, plunging, or cutout dresses and tend to stick with the same old silhouettes over and over again.

In the first wave of the pandemic, as we embraced matching sweatsuits and nap dresses, bras also quickly became very optional for many, workouts excepted. Those who still sought some support swapped traditional underwire bras for bralettes and other wire-free styles — in the second half of 2020, sales of wireless and pullover bras were up 14% and 31%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2019. Instead of scratchy lace and complicated straps, we’re embracing comfy, form-hugging silhouettes, and styles made with soft, easy-care fabrics.

The “I have so many clothes, but nothing to wear” conundrum is all-too-common. When you have too many choices to choose from, it can be debilitating. And often times, this dilemma is compounded by the fall season, as the chillier temperatures mandate additional thermal layers that you’ll have to arrange just so. To help recharge your style batteries, TZR found 10 celebrity fall outfit ideas packed with inspiration. Some of the looks below rely on classic and timeless outfit formulas that have stood the test of time.

By now, you've (hopefully) started to feel your creative dressing energy come back. Over the past few weeks, you’ve witnessed some truly incredible fashion moments on and off the runways, your favorite A-listers’ red carpet looks, not to mention, plenty of transitional outfits around your city. Now, you can put this fresh wave of style inspiration to good use this month. The best thing about October is it’s not quite cold enough yet to wrap yourself in a thick blanket of scarves and a puffer, but you can still have fun with layering. In fact, there are plenty of cozy...

Boots and coats are must-haves come cold weather, but when you’re craving a cozy ensemble, a sweater is the foundation of a quintessential fall look. And if you’re just starting to build a corral of staples, a cashmere crewneck, ribbed turtleneck, or oversize cable-knit are timeless options worth investing in first. Their versatility means that you can create a myriad of sweater outfits with any of the three. Think with jeans or leggings for casual moments, trousers for work, or for an elegant take, with a skirt or layered over a slip dress.

If there ever was an industry that not only set up camps but also blurred lines, it would be fashion. On one side you have maximalists, who you'll often see taking on the season's brightest, trendiest pieces, and on the other you have minimalists. That's not to say that minimalists aren’t equally bold and daring—this side of dressing embraces more muted color palettes, exquisite tailoring, and exaggerated yet modern silhouettes.

On the hunt for elevated basics? That's where Re Ona comes into the picture. From cropped ribbed cardigans to cotton tees, bodycon dresses, joggers, and more, you're bound to find new wardrobe staples when browsing the line. The luxe basics come at a more affordable price point too—so they can have a place in everyone's closet.

Okay, okay, in reality, French girls are certainly not “over” jeans. Seriously—one quick glimpse at some of the chicest Parisians on Instagram, and you’ll quickly realize that denim is a staple of the French. That said, we’ve noticed that this set is, like many other fashion people, embracing the anti-jean look with a variety of athleisure alternatives.

Before you know it, the temperature will be dropping and the air will be crisp. It'll be the season of pumpkin spice lattes and back-to-school shopping. As we head into fall, it's important to know that the season isn't all about sweaters and coats. That's right, dresses have a place in fall, just as they do in summer and spring. To help you figure out just how to get away with a dress when it's 40 degrees out, we've rounded up some of our favorite cute fall dresses. A lot of the options are casual, but we snuck in a...

Back-to-school shopping is steeped in nostalgia for many of us, and even if we're not heading back to the classroom, the start of our own metaphorical school year inspires an impulse to ready ourselves for fall, starting with our wardrobes. This season, it's less of a checklist and more of a check-in: What piece would pull our outfits together? Do we have the right layers to bundle up? Or a sturdy boot we can wear without fail? And, of course, what's the thing that we'll look forward to wearing most — you know, the kind of outfit you might save...

Elevated, sophisticated, and, most critical of all, comfy skirt sets are the two-piece combo that's been my wardrobe MVP. It's pretty much the simplest way to make it seem like you put in way more effort than you really did. The trick? Look for sumptuous fabrics or cool details like a contrast stitch or side cutouts to keep it looking expensive. And pro tip: If your calendar is filled with endless parties and engagements this season, you'll want to keep a few of these on rotation for a quick fancy outfit. From clingy midi-skirt sets to casual knit versions, keep...

Loungewear is currently having a major moment and we hope it's here to stay. Falling somewhere between athleisure and sleepwear, the once "at-home" attire has now risen up the ranks as a stylish fashion choice. Why? Well, after being required to stay-at-home for a year, plus the comfy fabrics and easy-fitting silhouettes, loungewear has become irresistible to take off. Gloria Dabah, President of the contemporary loungewear brand, Splendid, told Brides, "Customers are looking for comfy pieces that can be dressed up or down, and seamlessly integrated into their at-home or on-the-go lifestyles.” And she would know, as Splendid just released...

In the midst of the Kavanaugh hearings, Jeremy Scott took the finale lap at his spring 2019 show in a t-shirt that urged viewers to “Tell Your Senator NO On Kavanaugh.” For his fall 2017 show, Christian Siriano sent a model down the runway in a shirt that read “People are People” set to Depeche Mode’s song of the same name. The week Harvey Weinstein was convicted of sexual assault and rape, Dior’s runway was peppered with signs like “Women Raise the Uprising” and “Consent.” If the fashion community has proven anything, it’s that it is willing to fight against...

I'm a seasoned shopper, and there's one rule that I live by: Start with the basics and build your wardrobe from there. Sure, buying a bunch of trendy pieces every season is fun, but even the brightest, shiniest items need a few good, simple pieces to go with them. But where and how do you find the best basics? That is the question.

With the concept of "wearing jeans" completely thrown out the window—I personally have hit day 30 since I wore denim–it's time to get a little more creative with our new normal daily attire. Today's loungewear goes way beyond your S.O.'s old college crewneck—we're ditching the classic gym-class-gray oversized sweatpants and reaching for more exciting tie-dye sweat sets and colorful cotton pullovers. Loungewear has developed into a full-blown fashion category, from sweat sets to cozy cashmere pieces and pajamas so cute you'll happily take them for a spin outside the house. Our edit of the best loungewear brands will introduce you...

Clean lines, muted tones, and classic silhouettes are what you'll find when shopping at Re Ona. All its pieces are staples for your wardrobe, but they have a more updated look.

Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve made it to June. A new season is here (well, on June 20, to be exact), which calls for celebrating the fun-filled season outdoors with friends and family. Perhaps you have a vacation planned or your weekends revolve around your nearby beach or the reopened local pool. For any (or all) of these relaxing activities, you’ll need effortless summer outfits that you can easily throw together should you get an invite from a friend at a moment’s notice.

Ahh, yes, those blistering hot summer days are arriving soon, and I bet you're ready to whip out all of those sleeveless dresses and halter tops in the back of your closest. But the consistently warm weather during June and July also means air conditioners will be blasting at full speed indoors, so grabbing a good lightweight jacket is a must to keep the goosebumps from popping up all over our arms. Also, it'll come in handy for those chilly summer nights when you're out after the sun goes down.

You know what you’ve got to look forward to very soon? That summertime magic. Yes, it is truly shocking it’s already that time of the year. As the world slowly begins to open (make sure to follow these CDC guidelines though), you and that Hinge date you’ve been texting for the past few months are ready to go out on the town and, dare I say, hold hands? While each season is special in its own way, I’m a firm believer that summer simply has the most, and possibly best, options for romantic date night ideas and also OUTFITS! Sunset...

Instant Style - The Polsihed Vamp Layered with textures, edgy all-black outfits leave a lasting impression.

Pleated trousers - Ready to move on from sweatsuits? Give your wardrobe a fresh start with these joy-inducing designs. Mixed with minimalist extras, the office-dweller staple feels undeniably cool.

Literally any woman with big boobs (I'm talking size D and beyond) will tell you that the simple act of getting dressed is just a little harder when your cups overfloweth. Cleavage can get out of control, shirts can gape between buttons (and occasionally even pop open at the most inopportune moments), and dresses that fit your top and bottom are merely a dream. If you feel me and your boobs present more than a few challenges when putting on clothes each morning, you're probably looking for a few fresh outfit ideas that won't leave you frustrated.

There's nothing more exciting than having a reason to buy a new dress. Whether you have a socially distant picnic to attend or a small dinner with your pod or you just feel like dressing up, searching for a new look is a joy. If you're going to invest your time shopping, you might as well pick up a versatile piece that can work for many occasions.

Being an ally for Black Americans goes beyond Black History Month. It means genuinely supporting the community through art, beauty, literature, small businesses, film, television, and yes, fashion—all year round.

Just a PSA that spring is just around the corner. (Shop some pretty flower arrangements here to get in the spirit!) You and your partner have most likely been cooped up in your cold apartments for far too long, and let’s be honest, I'm sure you're tired of seeing each other in the same loungewear week after week, however cute it may be. It’s been a particularly dreary winter, but once it warms up even the slightest bit, I for one, will be excited to ditch my sweatpants and wear some colorful outfits. If you and your S.O. want a...

Calling all minimal, uniform dressers. Women’s ready-to-wear label RE ONA was born out of the belief that clothing should be transitional, comfortable, and functional; season-less pieces that can be worn from morning to night. Consciously produced in small batches to eliminate waste, the brand designs in Toronto, Canada, while ethically manufacturing in Bangladesh.

Instant Style - In a cozy, cropped shape, the humble cardigan has never looked chicer.

Loungewear: the wardrobe hero for the past year-plus. We can all agree we’re living in sweats while working from home (besides the occasional days where we’re feeling fancy and spring for jeans and a cozy sweater to change it up), right? To up your WFH loungewear (err) “office” outfit essentials, we’re sharing our favorite sets, cozy pants, and sweatshirts. Bonus: you can feel presentable (and comfortable) leaving the house wearing the stylish pieces.

Designed with clean silhouettes, Re Ona is a Toronto-based brand that, in an attempt to avoid mass consumption and waste, creates small-batch collections with transparent sustainable production efforts to match. Each style is made using recycled fabrics. While the transitional pieces fall on the more laid back and casual side its best-selling halter neck dress stands as the exception.

Wrap yourself in a warm and cozy chenille embrace with this cream-colored loungewear staple. Straight from RE ONA’s new Fall/Winter 2020 drop, the Vanilla Slouchy Cardigan is the stay-at-home style upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Founded by sisters and design-duo, Christina and Philiscia Abayomi, the Canadian brand specializes in luxury essentials that are designed with busy women in mind. Their pieces are made from quality, cozy and soft fabric that transitions from desk-to-dinner with ease. Plus, they have an assortment of styles that happen to be on trend (think, biker shorts and cropped cardigans).

The holiday season is always about celebrating and spreading joy, but this year, the notion resonates that much more. While it’s not always an easy task holiday shopping for your entire list, in terms of clothing, many will probably agree this year (for once): cozy fashion gifts are the way to go. When gifting clothing or accessories, checking off the practicality box ensures they'll get a ton of wear out of their new piece. Between 40-degree weather and a new WFH normal, anything they can cozy into both in and outside of the house will make for an instant hit.

An LBD is the kind of closet staple that can sit forgotten on the hanger because it's too wearable (yes, such a thing exists). When an item goes with everything, the pressure of potential choices can make it seem like nothing will work. But, this fall, consider adding a few low-energy black dress outfits to your rotation that you can make your secret weapon for fall. I say low energy because all it takes is the right shoe or layering piece to make a big impact, meaning minimal lift and stress for you.

There are so many different types of pajamas out there, some more comfy than others, but if you're tired of wearing the same ol' oversized T-shirt to bed, consider these cute styles. Also, if you're trying to impress your husband or partner (or you're just feeling yourself!), we added some spicier lingerie options if that's what you're into. There's no shame in wanting to go the sexy route to set the ~mood~.

White T-shirts are arguably the most consistently stylish piece of clothing you'll ever wear, but they also have the power to break your heart after a few wears. Why are the armpits turning yellow? What happened to its shape? Why are the sleeves ripping into my arms? Is this a boyfriend tee or a dad tee? Sometimes, the search for the perfect white tee can be daunting and costly. White T-shirts aren't made equal, no matter how close in color, fit, or quality they may look on your screen or in-store. And because there's no such thing as having too...

Designed in Toronto, Canada, and ethically made in Bangladesh, RE ONA offers clean, functional, and transitional designs with soft fabrics and minimal silhouettes at the crux of every collection. "RE ONA is for the modern-day woman who loves a minimal, no-fuss but put-together look, whether it be casual or dressed up. She values quality and appreciates being able to wear staple pieces that easily transition from day-to-night," co-founder Christina Abayomi tells TZR. "Now more than ever, it's important to change the narrative in fashion and create modern essentials that are stylish but can also transcend between seasons and slow down...

Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 25 fashion and beauty finds on their current wish list. Hello from a very pregnant but very shopping-focused me! No, this isn’t a maternity story—I’m kind of trying to avoid that whole category of clothing as much as possible—but rather a roundup of transitional fashion items everyone can wear as we dive into the last full month of summer while also turning our attention to fall.

Finding a pair of summer shorts can be just as time-consuming and draining as finding the right pair of jeans. With sizes always changing and styles that can be deceiving once you actually try them on, the search for finding the pair can take forever (or never, if you decide you'll live in dresses and skirts for the summer). You really have to be in the right mood. But we have some good news. This season there are a handful of short trends that will help you on your quest.

As we work on rebuilding our wardrobes, basics are key to a strong and timeless ensemble. And while there are a plethora of basics brands on the market, news of an upcoming brand that focuses on simple silhouettes and high-quality fabrics is sure to get our attention. Enter: RE ONA From bodysuits to bike shorts, RE ONA's Effortless Essentials collection works to be a go-to for curve-hugging, buttery-soft, essential pieces. Translating to "Her Way" in Nigerian, their versatile pieces are the epitome of quality clothing in simple, and clean aesthetics.

Intuitively, shopping for basics and scoping out a so-called "sexy" wardrobe piece would typically lead you on a hunt in opposite directions. But, Re Ona is the luxe basics brand merging the two seemingly dissonant worlds seamlessly. The label is on the rise to become the go-to for curve-hugging, “buttery soft” (in the brand’s words) essential pieces. Adopting its name which translates to “her way” from their mother’s Nigerian language, Yoruba, London-born sisters and Co-Founders, Christina and Philiscia Abayomi created Re Ona after finding there were no basics-focused brands that spoke to their demographic, the modern day working woman who...

Re Ona celebrates subtlety and curves, without sacrificing comfort. Self-defined as “luxury, ready to wear essentials,” and characterized by an array of lightweight viscose and spandex pieces, their collection of crop tops and bodysuits are versatile and easy to style. Founded by sisters Christina and Philiscia Abayomi, the label focuses on simplicity for "the busy woman who loves a minimal but put together look." The end results are stretchy, flexible pieces — even dresses — that leave you questioning the fine line between lounge and otherwise.