Month: June 2020

June 05, 2020 at 11:00AM Full disclosure: I do own several skirts, but they are never my go-to choice. I favour a dress or a loose-fitting pair of trousers in the summer. Don’t ask me why. I couldn’t give you a coherent answer (especially right now—what day is it again?). Despite my irrational approach to skirts, I’ve spotted four trends that I’m genuinely looking forward to trying out—and they’re comfortable enough to wear for working from home or a weekend cleaning the house. First up is the ’90s-style midi denim skirt. I’ve never been a fan of the denim mini, especially as I look to pieces that are more polished, so this is a great balance between casual and smart. But I can’t discount the mini as there are chic versions that are ripe for being paired with minimalist sandals and a white T-shirt. Next is the floral midi skirt that I love whether buttoned down the front, pleated or A-line. Finally, the knitted skirt is still an option for the colder summer evenings. The best bit is all these trends can be worn right into next autumn with your favourite knee-highs. So, skirts, here’s my apology: I will no longer place you as my least favourite item in my wardrobe. Keep scrolling for how to wear the four trends and shop the key pieces. Style Notes: I absolutely love how Ada has made this denim-skirt look super sophisticated with a black cardigan and black strappy heels. The beauty of this skirt is that

Read More

June 05, 2020 at 06:30AM I have never suffered from acne. My skin is oily and prone to the occasional whopper of a spot, but I’ve never really experienced full-blown acne. Really, if we’re going to get pernickety, we’ve all experienced acne in some form, as all spots are just acne in varying degrees. But if we’re talking about acne in the cystic form that we all envisage it as when we hear the word uttered, then no, I’ve never had acne. Something that I have experienced though, is really severe breakouts on my chest. However, these breakouts aren’t made up on just any normal spots, and I think a whole bunch of you will know what I mean. You see, when I took to my Instagram stories a couple of weeks ago asking for help about the red bumps and congestion that plagued my chest, I was swamped with replies from friends that have been experiencing the exact same thing. Unlike the spots I’m used to getting on my face, the ones that crop up all over my chest in the summer aren’t squeezable. They’re like plugs of congestion that fill my pores and just sit there, getting redder and more irritated with every bit of friction that comes their way until, eventually, they disappear. So having received the confirmation that I am most definitely not alone in my chest spot woes, I booked in a virtual appointment with Lauren Hamilton, aesthetic doctor and founder of Victor & Garth, and this is what she

Read More

June 05, 2020 at 06:18AM As a Black woman, it’s been obvious for a long time that many brands barely consider me—and women like me—in their board rooms, beauty labs and marketing strategies. With global campaigns often only championing and catering to one skin tone, as well as only presenting one version of “beautiful,” I’ve often felt so alienated. And it isn’t just me—this is a feeling that I know many women of colour can relate to. What I’ve always wanted? To be able to walk into any mainstream store and to pick a product off the shelf with the confidence that it has been created to make me look and feel beautiful too. Looking back to my younger years, I would face a real struggle trying to find a foundation that suited my complexion, a lipstick that matched my version of “nude” and eye shadows that were both rich in pigment and complementary to my skin tone. But there has been a shift. Fast forward to today’s beauty climate and it would appear that brands have finally noticed our spending power with the gap in the market finally being addressed. Many brands are now realigning their focus when it comes to honouring diversity, inclusivity and transparency in a move that I hope is more than just a passing a trend. For women of colour, beauty companies are finally becoming receptive to our needs. But although this is new for some, there have been many beauty brands that have stood

Read More

June 05, 2020 at 06:06AM In the wake of recent events—most recently, the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor—many people, including the Who What Wear editorial team, have been asking what they can do. Aurora James, the founder and designer of Brother Vellies, answered that question by creating the 15% Pledge, which calls major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Swipe through her Instagram post below to read more about the reasoning and impact. But what if you’re an individual? You can put pressure on these major retailers by contacting the company or commenting on their social posts. You can also consider dedicating 15% or more of your personal fashion spending to Black-owned brands. It’s also important to note that the financial impact of COVID-19 has generally hit Black-owned brands harder than others, as illustrated in the graphic below by Mona Chalabi. This New York Times opinion article “How We Spend Tells Us Whose Lives Matter” delves into one of the reasons, inequality around stimulus packages. Thinking longer-term about positive economic change for the Black community, it’s crucial to support these businesses now so that we don’t lose them due to financial hardships associated with the pandemic. To that end, we’re listing some of our favuorite businesses here in the fashion category. Shop if you can, and if not, bookmark for later, knowing that your purchase is doing more than just satisfying your shopping habit. Get to know Brother Vellies: Handcrafted, sustainable shoes with personality, designed in Brooklyn and made by artisans from Nairobi to New York.

Read More

June 05, 2020 at 06:03AM While summer 2020 is certainly set to be different to years past, that does not mean there is no use for swimwear this year. Although we may not be jetting off to sun-drenched locations or lounging by Mediterranean beaches, swimwear will still be practical for the likes of balcony sunbathing, days spent in the park or if you’re lucky enough a backyard pool. So let’s talk trends. As far as swimwear and bikini trends are concerned, many of the most popular styles of the season reflect the same trends which have gained traction elsewhere. Tie-dye, for example, was all over the S/S20 runways from Versace to Isabel Marant to Dior and more and evidently, has maintained its prominence across beachwear, as surf-inspired, colourful tie-dye bikinis are available across high-street and designer brands. Vintage-inspired prints are also having a moment, reflecting the busy floral patterns that appeared across wallpaper in the seventies (and still in my grandparents’ home today). The trend maintains its retro sensibility by often being paired against high-waisted bikinis or one-piece silhouettes for a true vintage feel. Gingham—summer’s most enduring print—is also back again for another season. This year we’re seeing iterations of it that vary across different scales, spanning miniature and oversize checks. Yes, summer might be a little different this year, but there’s no reason our affinity for swimwear has to change.  Keep scrolling to shop our favourite swimwear trends for 2020.  Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know.  Author Zoe

Read More

June 05, 2020 at 06:00AM For some reason, linen has never really been a fabric that I’ve warmed to. I think it’s due to my reluctance to buy clothing that is so obviously restricted to the summer months which, in UK terms, usually means a period of about eight weeks. I’d much rather buy something I can justifiably wear all year round. Historically, I have also never been someone who feels comfortable in that “bohemian beach-dweller” vibe that so often dominates summer collections. But this season, due to my new WFH context and the unseasonably glorious weather we’ve been experiencing, I have conceded that actually linen might be just what I need right now, and the more I browsed 2020’s offering, the more I found my attitude changing. Far from the free-flowing frocks that previously defined the trend, now linen comes in a wider range of styles, including sharp short suits and clean-lined tailored trousers.  Comfy, cool and undeniably chic, linen is setting itself up to be the fabric of the summer, and when a timeless style is having a moment in the spotlight we’re always on board, as we know these pieces will keep working hard for many years to come. So, if like me, you’re new to the lures of linen, I recommend scrolling down and checking out the cool-girl stylings of Chrissy Ford, Bubbly Aquarius, Monikh Dale and Eni’s Wardrobe. You never know—you might just become a convert. Up Next: These 30 Linen Summer Dresses Will Actually Keep You Cool in a Heatwave Author Joy Montgomery |

Read More