Category: Men’s Style

“Why is your skin so light?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be Black?”

“What are you . . . half white?”

As a first-generation American born to South African parents – a father with dark skin and a mother with light skin – my olive complexion causes confusion on a regular basis. And I’m not alone. Light-skinned Black people and racially ambiguous people are often misunderstood and confused for different races. This is the plot of Passing, a new drama about two biracial women who “pass” as white to varying degrees, which recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Directed by English actress Rebecca Hall, the film is based on the acclaimed 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. It follows Clare Kendry (Ruth Negga) and Irene Redfield (Tessa Thompson), two childhood friends who serendipitously reconnect in their adult lives. Set in 1920s New York, both women choose to live on … Read the rest

You know her well. Hell, maybe you even were her. She was in your 9 a.m. economics class – or perhaps the early morning shift at your summer job – casually strolling in 10 minutes late with an iced latte in hand (which, honestly, was probably what made her late in the first place). With an air of confidence, she enters the room, head held high under a velour zip-up hoodie and oversized sunglasses. Is there makeup under those sunglasses? Is it from last night, or this morning? Who knows? Who cares! She’s the Juicy tracksuit and Uggs girl, and she marches to the beat of her own drum.

For me, she was my best friend in college (and to this day), and my god, I wanted so badly to be her. I aspired to have the kind of confidence where I could roll out of bed, throw on … Read the rest

You know that feeling when you find a a stunning piece of clothing? I live for those moments when fashion makes me feel something. Discovering a look that truly speaks to your tastes is uniquely special because clothes have the power to transform your attitude.

When I came across this sumptuous Apres Top ($275) and Ski Pants ($275) from Staud, I heard myself say “Wow!” The tasteful cutouts and colorful stripes instantly caught my eyes; they felt fresh, playful and energetic-making the set an excellent birthday look.

I wanted to feel confident, feminine and chic on my special day, so it turned out to be the right choice. Both pieces stand out on their own, but styled together, they pack an irresistible oomph that will make anyone stop … Read the rest

“So wait a second, how long did it take you to create this shopping site from start to finish?” I asked costume designer, wardrobe curator, and businesswoman Zerina Akers over the phone. She was out on a walk, just one day before she pushed Black Owned Everything live. “You know what’s crazy? It feels like forever, but it’s only been about six months, Sarah,” Zerina said with a laugh. “People take five years developing things like this.” She isn’t wrong.

I had talked to Zerina back in September 2020 when her idea was slowly coming to fruition. The industry powerhouse – who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé (perhaps you remember the incredible fashion in Black Is King), Normani, and Chloe and Halle Bailey – is busy, to put it plainly. But in the middle of the pandemic, she launched the Black Owned Everything Instagram account championing Black-owned … Read the rest

The cultural definition of beauty has slowly started to evolve, and better late than never. The fact that Ashley Graham is now universally recognized as a household name speaks to such progress. And if you don’t know who that is by now, well, you should fix that as soon as humanly possible. We’re living in a time where people are (finally) holding brands and publications accountable and challenging what has long been considered the “classic” American standards of beauty, and I for one absolutely love to see it.

There is, of course, infinite amounts of more work to be done. However, it’s reason enough for us to celebrate what we are seeing: more diversity and inclusion in the modeling industry than ever before. In order to keep pushing the needle forward, we must all collectively move away from qualifying these newer faces as “plus size” and simply refer to them … Read the rest

I’m a huge fan of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise, and I can’t wait to see the third installment of the movie. Obviously, Lana Condor’s style IRL has been on point while promoting the new movie, thanks to celebrity stylist Tara Swennen, but I was curious to see how her character Lara Jean’s style had evolved from the previous two movies.

I talked with the movie’s costume designer, Lorraine Carson, to learn more about all of the outfits from the movie. (She also handled the costumes for the second movie.) She filled me in on the inspiration behind the looks and Lana’s most treasured wardrobe pieces. “I did channel some Audrey Hepburn images for Lara Jean, such as the lilac … Read the rest

Tracee Ellis Ross has the kind of style that simply sparks joy. She’s never been afraid of a big, bold print or a bright burst of color, and she manages to look badass in everything she puts on. Recent throwback photos prove she’s always expressed herself creatively through her fashion choices, dating back to her 20s. I mean, she grew up with a glamorous fashion icon as her mom, so I can’t say I’m surprised. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Black-ish star shared a few nostalgic pictures to her Instagram, offering details and even fun stories behind her looks.

In one polaroid from a fitting in 2002, Tracee is dressed for a post-Emmys party, wearing a Pegah Anvarian tunic and pants paired with a vintage Judith Leiber belt that she still has to this day. But the real highlight is the Birkin Tracee’s holding in the shot, which she … Read the rest

When we first heard that Hailee Steinfeld would be starring as Emily Dickinson, we could barely contain our enthusiasm. Just imagine the lush costumes! And we’re happy to report that the appropriately named Apple TV+ show Dickinson, now in its second season, certainly delivers in the fashion department, thanks in large part to costume designer Jennifer Moeller.

Throughout the series, best friends and occasional lovers Emily Dickinson and Sue Gilbert (Ella Hunt) are dressed in 19th-century clothes that are fittingly restrictive. That is, except for when Emily is at home writing poetry. In those quiet moments, in the privacy of her own bedroom, she wears a house dress that exudes comfort and a casual air of flippancy: Emily is dressing for herself and herself only. In other words, she is all of us in lockdown.

Here, we talked to Moeller about dressing a literary icon and the enduring appeal … Read the rest