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It’s no secret that wearing pink on Wednesdays has been a thing for like, ever. But, from the moment I found out that there was a new Barbie movie coming out, all bets were off. I’ve been needing an excuse to wear exclusively pink without people looking at me as if I were a Toddlers in Tiaras prodigy, and now I finally have one.
Barbiecore is in full swing and sans the plastic (because, climate-change, duh) it’s fantastic. I chatted with our very own Maddy Paul, senior fashion and lifestyle content manager, to talk shop. And by shop, I mean how I could incorporate fuchsia bell-bottoms into my wardrobe on a weekly basis.
“Barbiecore has been around for a while, originally popularized by Valentino’s FW22 collection and subsequent slew of celebs in hot pink on the red carpet,” she says. I mean who could forget the chokehold Anne Hataway had on us collectively last year when she donned an entirely hot pink ensemble that quite literally catapulted us all into a coma? And if I learned anything from Miranda Priestly, I know that this color isn’t going away anytime soon.
While the color is obviously the main character of the Barbiecore trend, Maddy reminded me that it’s also the epitome of nostalgia for a lot of us. Bringing back childlike whimsy and references to different decades like 60’s suiting, 70’s bell bottoms, and even 80’s workout gear. And, TBH, if the Barbie movie performs half as well as the memes, it’ll breathe new life into the trend in a way that goes beyond just the hot pink color Pierpaolo Piccioli created with Pantone.
Back to the reason you’re here, the clothes. Maddy gave me a cheatsheet on exactly how to rock this trend without being cheesy, which knowing me, I would probably take it too far. And, because I’m just so kind, I’m sharing some of my faves.
Workout Barbie
Literally just add roller skates and you’re set.
Shop it: Court Dress, $108, Outdoor Voices
Corporate Barbie
Maddy would personally would pair this with slouchy trousers to make it more modern, but I would totally go full-blown Barbie with a pink slip skirt.
Shop it: Endless Rose Scoop Neck Tweed Jacket, $140, Nordstrom
Blackout Barbie
You just know Barbie has an arsenal of going out tops.
Shop it: Emmy Silk Top, $128, Reformation
Date Night Barbie
The rosette trend definitely overlaps with Barbiecore, especially in this more over-the-top rendering.
Shop it: Large Rose Appliquéd Top, $139, & Other Stories
Road Trip Barbie
You honestly can’t tell me this doesn’t look just like Barbie’s western outfit from the trailer.
Shop it: Jacksonville Cropped Jumpsuit, $218, Show Me Your Mumu
Wedding Guest Barbie
It is wedding season after all. This slightly ’80s inspired take on cocktail attire screams Barbie.
Shop it: Rhode Pia Mini Dress, $395, Saks Fifth Ave
Hungover Barbie
I’m 98% sure this sweatshirt would heal my inner child and, ultimately, my hangover.
Shop it: Urban Renewal Remade Heart Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt, $59, Urban Outfitters
Vacation Barbie
Bonus points if you pair this set with a black and white striped swimsuit inspired by Barbie’s OG outfit.
Shop it: River Island Plus wide leg set in bright print stripe, $75, ASOS
Brunch Barbie
Another throwback to the 80’s, but totally keeping it modern and wearable for today. Who doesn’t love denim?
Shop it: Women’s Sleeveless Denim Corset Top, $32, Target
Feature image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Remember back in grade school when you would get all dressed up in your once-a-year patriotic attire for the 4th of July? You’d grab your signature Old Navy T-shirt (depicting something like a golden retriever holding an American flag in its mouth), pair it with Soffe shorts in one of three colors, and finish off the look with a festive temporary tattoo? Ah simpler times, but nowadays you’re an adult with a 401(k) and that iconic outfit from your youth just ain’t gonna cut it for this 4th of July holiday. So what does an “adult” wear on the 4th of July, then? You don’t want to look cheesy dressed in something you can only wear that one day a year, but you still want to look somewhat on theme. Well, before you run back to your local Old Navy with your head hanging in defeat, consider one of these cute outfit alternatives, all of which are available for express shipping in case you’re lucky enough to be headed out for your holiday weekend ASAP.
Summery White Dress
There’s nothing better than being able to just throw on a sundress in the summer and look instantly cute and put-together. A white sundress is very all-American, girl-next-door, and this one in particular is available on Amazon for Prime shipping, so you can be sure to have it on your doorstep ASAP.
Denim Mini Dress
Nothing is more quintessentially American than some blue jeans, so why not take this classic to the next level this 4th of July with a cute denim mini dress? You can dress it up or dress it down by pairing the dress with either sneakers or summer sandals. This denim mini is from Revolve, who offers free two-day express shipping, so you can get it in time for your #ooo message to go up.
Sparkle Top
If you’re here to make a statement this 4th, an easy but eye-catching outfit idea is to wear a trendy sparkle top. Not only is it holiday festive, it also makes for a great Insta opp later in the evening with a sparkler in hand and fireworks in the background. Mind you, not all sparkle tops are created equal, but I can attest to the fact that this one in particular is high-quality, so it will actually last you through your night of drinking (unlike some of the others out there). White Fox offers $10 express shipping.
Festive Denim
These cheeky Free People flares have a not-so-subtle star butt detail, the perfect accent for your 4th of July look. The star works with the theme without being so over-the-top America that you would feel weird rewearing them. Plus, through Wednesday (7/29) at 1pm EST, Free People is offering free express shipping to ensure you have these statement-making jeans in time for your festivities.
Red Gingham Crop Top
This top is actually a swim top, which allows your to transition from beach to BBQ without having to put on a bra. Just throw on a cute white skater skirt or go full USA with some overalls overtop, and you’ll look super cute for the rest of the night. Even better, this popular swim brand, Montce, is currently offering free express shipping right now through June 28th.
Simple Jumpsuit
If you’re going to a more elevated 4th of July party where the aforementioned denim overalls just won’t cut it, opt for an elevated jumpsuit in a basic patriotic color, like this one in white, for an easy and holiday-appropriate outfit. I’m obsessed with this jumpsuit from Revolve which is chic, timeless, and totally summery with the strapless bodice and slit leg detail.
Matching Set
Easy and chic, another go-to summer option for your 4th of July outfit is a summery two-piece set. This one in red pinstripe is just patriotic enough to look like you actually put effort into your outfit without looking so holiday-specific that you would feel weird rewearing it later on in the summer. It’s from Amazon and available for Prime shipping.
Image: Alexey Kuzma /Stocksy.com
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Welcome to wedding season: where the hangovers are real, the dress codes are confusing, and we’re all listening to Mr. Brightside on repeat. As if the uptick in vaguely specific dress code attire hasn’t made finding a wedding guest outfit hard enough, you also have to think about the fact that you’ll probably be in the background of a wedding photo on the couples mantle for an entire lifetime. That’s, like, a lot of pressure. The idea of being underdressed (or overdressed for that matter) literally makes me cringe. There’s so much “vibe interpreting” required for all these confusing wedding dress codes that, frankly, most of us just aren’t cut out for. So to help guide you on your seemingly treacherous wedding guest outfit search, here are some options based on the different dress codes.
White-Tie
Clearly I need to reevaluate my entire circle of friends because I’ve never attended, nor have I even been invited to, a white-tie wedding. White-tie dress code is the most formal of them all, requiring floor-length gowns—no exceptions. Your gown should be paired with your most elegant clutch and accessories. And, if I were you, I’d take advantage of the occasion and pull a full-on Mia Thermopolis and add some elbow-length satin evening gloves. You can make your gown more seasonally-appropriate by choosing a color of fabric fit for the season you’re in.
One-Shoulder Scuba Crepe Gown
Shop it: Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Scuba Crepe Gown, $249, Macy’s
Sweetheart Off The Shoulder Stretch Satin Dress
Shop it: Jules And Cleo Sweetheart Off The Shoulder Stretch Satin Dress, $109.92, David’s Bridal
Strapless Glitter Tulle Gown
Shop it: Mac Duggal Strapless Glitter Tulle Gown, $498, Saks Fifth Avenue
Black-Tie
TBH, this is a favorite dress code of mine because I honestly don’t have many reasons to get out of sweatpants these days. Black-tie dress code means you can wear a formal gown or elevated jumpsuit, either of which should be paired with chic-AF and elevated accessories. Basically, think prom-adjacent attire minus the over-the-top tackiness and vodka-filled water bottles. Similarly to with white-tie, you can make your black-tie ensemble match the season by choosing colors and fabrics that could either scream, “Mango Sherbet” or “Pumpkin Spice” simply with shift in hue.
Yaura Plus drape column maxi dress
Shop it: Yaura Plus drape column maxi dress, $124.30, ASOS
Floral Tiered Gown
Shop it: Mac Duggal Floral Tiered Gown, $458, Saks Fifth Avenue
Mary Kate Gown
Shop it: Katie May Mary Kate Gown, $295, Revolve
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
Okay, I wish we could honestly just take this option off the table because it’s confusing as hell. That being said, black-tie optional is pretty much equivalent to formal and just means slightly less formal than black-tie. The biggest difference for women’s attire is that a full-length gown isn’t required, but something of the same dressiness “vibe” is still recommended. Basically, if you want to get wild and show your ankles then you have permission to do so, but I’d avoid going above the knee for your hemline. If you truly can’t make up your mind, you can’t go wrong with a midi-dress.
Volume Sleeve Satin Midi Dress
Shop it: ASOS Edition Volume Sleeve Satin Midi Dress, $220, ASO
Cayla Side Drape Gown
Shop it: Norma Kamali Cayla Side Drape Gown, $150, Revolve
Black Halo Corrine Jumpsuit
Shop it: Black Halo Corrine Jumpsuit, $415, Shopbop
Cocktail
Cocktail attire means that women can wear shorter hemlines but still need to look dressy. Long story short, it would be inappropriate to wear a gown, but also inappropriate to wear a sundress. I realize that leaves quite a lot in between, but basically just think a specialty mini dress, elevated midi dress, or eloquent jumpsuit. Overall, this dress code does imply a bit more of a flirty and playful vibe, so have fun with it—but, as always, keep it classy.
Gala Midi Dress
Shop it: L’idee Gala Midi Dress, $395, Revolve
Blaine Taffeta Square-Neck Bow Train Mini Dress
Shop it: Sachin & Babi Blaine Taffeta Square-Neck Bow Train Mini Dress, $298, Anthropologie
Curve Off Shoulder Corset Midi Wrap Skirt Dress
Shop it: ASOS Design Curve Off Shoulder Corset Midi Wrap Skirt Dress, $79, ASOS
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual
Semi-formal or dressy casual might be the most vague of all the dress codes because there are no “hard lines” beyond “no sweatpants.” Rather, you really have to feel into the vibe of the wedding, so maybe just grab a crystal and the invitation and mediate on it? On second thought, maybe just text a fellow wedding attendee to see what they’re wearing and go from there. At the end of the day, err on the side of being over-dressed rather than under-dressed. Remember, it’s about special event elegance without crossing the line of “fancy.” Vague, I know, so best of luck.
Women’s Gaia Dress
Shop it: ASTR the label Women’s Gaia Dress, $98, Amazon
Let Me Be Strapless Asymmetrical Dress
Shop it: Let Me Be Strapless Asymmetrical Dress, $220, Anthropologie
Remarkable Entrance Navy Blue Floral Print Satin Midi Dress
Shop it: Remarkable Entrance Navy Blue Floral Print Satin Midi Dress, $75, Lulus
Festive
IDK about you but this one has truly left me scratching my head. The first thing that comes to mind when I hear “festive” are ugly Christmas sweaters—and I highly doubt that’s actually what the couple actually wants you to wear to their wedding. The best way to think about festive is to have fun with your outfit. Choose something in the cocktail/semi-formal arena with a little sass, if you will. Add a fun print, feathers, or even some sparkle and you’ll have yourself a festive look. Bonus points if your shoes are more fun than the entire wedding party.
Ruffled A-Line Flutter-Sleeve Mini Dress
Shop it: Mac Duggal Ruffled A-Line Flutter-Sleeve Mini Dress, $598, Anthropologie
Aurora Dress
Shop it: LPA Aurora Dress, $158, Revolve
Curve Floral Sequin And Bead Mini Dress with Faux Feather Hem
Shop it: Curve Floral Sequin And Bead Mini Dress with Faux Feather Hem, $200, ASOS
Daytime or Casual
The pandemic has made the backyard wedding quite a trend, and given how expensive weddings can get, I definitely see the appeal. Backyard or daytime weddings are usually more casual which means they’re perfect for a breezy sundress, pretty mini dress, or sophisticated set. The only “don’t” here is going too casual or too dressy. Just avoid dressier fabrics, overly casual fabrics, stiletto heels, sneakers…and you should be good to go from there.
Fresh Florals Navy Blue Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Shop it: Fresh Florals Navy Blue Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $75, Lulus
Farley Dress
Shop it: Reformation Farley Dress, $248, Reformation
Sundrenched Maxi
Shop it: Free People Sundrenched Maxi, $148, Revolve
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information in April 2023. It was originally written by Shannon McCormick
Images: Omar Lopez / Unsplash
Everyone claims their favorite season is summer and, although IDGI ’cause like, I despise sweat stains, I can still admit there’s a lot to love. I mean, beaches, rooftops, and summer Fridays are all cool—but is there anything better than just being able to throw on a sundress and not have to put ANY further thought into your outfit? Sundresses are an easy summer staple and an outfit that requires no effort, which is why I love them so much.
Of course, you can get sundresses pretty much anywhere. But with Amazon Prime Day right around the corner beginning on July 15 (YAS), why not get them alongside all the other sh*t you don’t need, but that you got amazing deals on? That being said, here are the cutest sundresses on Amazon right now that, as a fashion snob myself, are pretty f*cking cute. And like, if you have Prime, they’ll be on your doorstep within two days. Talk about fast fashion, am I right? Anyone? Anyone???
1. Angashion Summer Floral Bohemian Swing Dress, $21.99
As much as I love Reformation, I can’t afford a closet full of their sundresses this season. Speaking of Reformation, this dress has that same effortless summer vibe with a minimalist floral print that they’re known for—but for 1/10th of the price. It’s a midi length, so it’s appropriate to wear whether you’re going to brunch with grandma or drinking with your besties at a rooftop bar. Or, even better, wear it to the pregame brunch with grandma and then meet up with your friends at the rooftop bar. You know, really have yourself a day! You got the perf dress for it!
2. BLENCOT Button Down Strappy Sleeveless Flowy Mini Dress, $18.99
This is your perfect summer LBD and, as cliché as that sounds, you know you need it. You can easily dress it up or dress it down, so it’s the perfect summer dress to bring along for all your trips this season. Wear it with sandals and statement earrings for a going out look, or throw it on over a tee with sneakers for all your summer daytime activities! This dress can do it all, and because of that, so can you! For a mere $19, you can get this do-it-all dress for the same price as one cocktail at that swanky rooftop bar you just had to go to. You know, the one you went to just to get that envy-inducing Insta story. That $19 cocktail was worth it though, right?
3. Saikesigirl Boho Floral Print Mini Dress, $16
This floral mini is feminine and cute, and this is the perfect loose-fitting dress to wear all summer long. The buttons give it elevated detail, and the ruffles make it flirty and girly. It’s the perfect date night dress to look subtly sexy without trying too hard. So, you know, you’ll look super cute for your mediocre date—fingers crossed he doesn’t make it any worse by trying to make you go halfsies on the check.
4. BerryGo Vintage Off Shoulder Floral Print Mini Dress, $21.99
This off-the-shoulder dress is casual and cute, but still fitted enough to wear out and not look like a grandma. Also, (if you care about this kind of thing) guys love a girl in a sundress, and you’ll be sure to have their attention in this fitted number. Like, maybe you’ll even get a nice guy to buy you dinner after all! Or at least a dollar slice of pizza. Whatever floats your boat.
5. Huaxiafan A Line Swing Dress, $15.79
When I talk about my love of easy sundresses, this dress is the epitome of why. This dress is loose-fitting and breezy so like, no bra necessary. You can throw this dress on and automatically look cute and put together, when in reality you’re just wearing a big shapeless sack. Which, sounds unappealing, but I mean look how cute it is!!! No one can really tell you’re basically wearing a pajama dress, so everyone wins.
6. Saikesigirl Floral Print Mini Dress ($15.08)
This is another easy dress you’ll want to have in your arsenal this summer because like, how freaking cute is it? It’s a very Sincerely Jules vibes so you know it’s on-trend and stylish. But, even better, you know one thing that it’s not??? Expensive. This dress is less than $20, but wear it with a trendy summer beach bag and some delicate layered necklaces and no one will know it actually just shipped from Amazon along with your new smoothie tumbler!
7. Angashion V Neck Floral Print Mini Dress ($18.99)
This sundress is a little more elevated of a style with its ruffle detailing and feminine floral print. It could easily be worn to a casual wedding or like, a graduation party or something. Or like, idk whatever other semi-dressy super boring event you’re forced to attend this summer. But, hey you’ll look super cute plus uh, free booze!!!
I mean, denim shorts were cool and all when we were in high school, but they’re not exactly the comfortable summer throw-on for most of us nowadays. Sundresses are their more mature and stylish upgrade that’s also wayyy comfier and, simultaneously, looks way more effortless. And like, I knew I could get a new iPhone charger from Amazon in two days flat, but glad to know I can get some cute-ass dresses as well! Thanks Jeff Bezos, I know your life is kind of sh*t right now, but keep doing you! And, more importantly, keep doing Amazon! Cheers to Amazon Prime Day baby!!!!!
Images: @rpnickson / Unsplash; Amazon (7)
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