Fashion News Roundup: November 2020

A more size-inclusive line from Jason Wu, strong reactions to a coat shown on a TV show, and more news from the fashion trenches in November.

Fashion Quote

I really liked what Allison Rhone said about her relationship to beauty in her My Beauty Uniform interview on Cup of Jo:

“As I approach my 40s, I feel the best I have in my life. It makes me think of how much time I spent hating what I looked like. For years, I felt too Black, too big, that my features weren’t right, that I just wasn’t inherently right. The last few years for me have really been about acceptance. I find the more I shave off societal ideals, the more beautiful I feel. Being in digital media is such a joy because there are places to go that are not society’s mainstream idea of beauty. I’ll get more from a Twitter thread of Black women showing what they look like, more than a popular magazine. It’s a radical act for a Black woman to love herself. I try to be radical every day now.”

Outfit Formula: Casual Sock Style

These looks are for those of us who like to showcase a bit of fun sock in their cold-weather casual pants and jeans outfits. Visible socks can add warmth, a maximal touch, textural interest, and comfort. They often make a look more casual. But in some cases, a sheer trouser sock that resembles hosiery can make an outfit dressier. 

1. Lightly Gauzy

Sheer gauzy socks with self-colour patterns that look like hosiery can add a polished and interesting touch to an outfit. These types of socks usually come in black, which is problematic when you don’t wear a lot of black. But they’re coming through in white and occasionally other colours, so keep your eyes peeled.

Shopbop
Wolford Dylan Socks
View Info
Top Pick
4

Here, sheer white gauzy socks are worn with white oxfords for a tonal effect. They match the white pullover and create a lovely low contrast with the pale pink casual corduroy pants. A micro-checked jacket in the same palette tops things off. Alternatively, switch all the white to black, and add a darker pair of pants if that’s more your thing.

Nuuly Nellie Corduroy Culottes

2. Maximally Matched

This outfit is neutral and maximal. It’s all about creating a perfect match between a patterned item of knitwear and pair of socks. If you knit, create your own set in any colour and pattern. Throw in a layering top if it’s a cardigan, a pair of bottoms, and footwear that showcases the socks like loafers or oxfords.

Kule Houndstooth Sock

3. Birkenstock Pretty

Here’s a cosy, soft and sparkly take on wearing socks with Birkenstocks. Pair a pretty tee or sweatshirt with a pair of distressed cropped jeans. Finish things off with sparkly socks and Arizona Birkensock sandals. The light-coloured Birkenstocks work well with the pink palette, but you can choose a darker palette. Like a black, navy or grey top with sparkly grey socks and black Birkenstocks.

Anthropologie Ines Shimmer Crew Socks

4. Tonally Cosy

Create a tonal effect from top to toe with shades of a similar colour. This version is blue and grey but choose any colour. A greyish oatmeal pullover is combined with a flecked blue-grey coat that picks up the light neutral of the pullover. Fair Isle socks in the same palette pick up the colours of the pullover, coat, and jeans. Importantly, the roomier jeans are rolled to showcase the socks. Grey boots and a navy bag complement the palette. Add jewellery, watch, eyewear and headgear as desired.

Seasalt Trenwheal Coat

Nordstrom Black Friday Top Picks

Black Friday discounts are abundant as retailers try to clear stock and get a start on the holiday gift-giving season. There is lot on sale, so if bargain shopping is your thing, be sure to take a peek. I’ve seen some of these items in person, some just caught my eye, and others have been winners on my clients or forum members. Be sure to browse the size and colour options.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Nordstrom
CLOUD Khia Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
4
Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Read More

Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Read More

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Read More

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Read More

Team Pointy, Round or Square

This week’s poll is about footwear toe boxes, and whether you prefer pointy, round, or square toe boxes. All square toes count, including snip toes, round square toes, or very square toes. Almond toes can be pointy or round, depending on the shape. 

I like and wear all the toe box shapes, as long as the shoes are refined. My dressier shoes are pointy-toe with some snip toe and round square toe in the mix. My extensive collection of non-athletic sneakers are round toe and almond toe. But as an ‘80s gal with pointy feet, my heart is with the pointy-toe. They are a natural fit for my narrow feet and long toes, and look good with my dressy style. It was close though. These days I wear round and almond toe sneakers all the time.

I bat for Team Pointy-Toe. How about you? It’s tradition every Thanksgiving that you can bat for more than one team in the poll. No one is benched, and everyone can play. I would love to hear your preferences.

We will be slowing down blog posts this week as the US celebrates Thanksgiving. If you live in the US, we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday weekend.

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Stompy Boots and Sneakers in Paris

Saryba lives in Paris, and posts her outfits on her Instagram account, Kurvisary. She’s a trendy dresser who likes animal print and isn’t afraid of colour. She loves sporting skirts, dresses and sneakers, and regularly uses stompy boots to add a tough edge to her outfits.

Saryba - 1

Saryba is sporting a fit-and-flare midi dress with leopard print in a beautiful golden orange-y colour. The flattering V-neckline and thigh split show a bit of skin, which creates structure. As a third piece, she’s opted for an on-trend long black blazer. The fitted shoulders also add structure, while the roomy fit everywhere else, adds a touch of nonchalance. Our blogger loves to use combat boots to add a hard-edged touch to her skirt and dress looks. Here a pair of black platform Dr. Martens do the trick. They also bookend Saryba’s hair and blazer perfectly. An oval-shaped black crossbody and dainty silver earrings finish off the look.

Saryba - 2

Hard edge meets cosy in this striking Fall outfit. Saryba has paired a black faux leather pencil skirt with a soft red and white patterned pullover. The exposed silver zipper, patch pockets, and faux leather material create plenty of visual interest. Tucking the sweater into the just-below-the-knee length skirt lengthens the leg line from the hip upward. It’s unusual to see a giraffe pattern in this bright red and white, which makes it extra fun. The way the stripes flow creates movement. Our blogger’s black patent ankle boots have a refined combat boot vibe. They add sheen to the look and, with their silver hardware, tie in nicely with the black skirt and silver zipper.

Saryba - 3

A trouser suit in a non-neutral colour is always a winner in my book, and this tomato red version is absolutely stunning. So elegant and eye-catching. The wide-legged trousers are a classic silhouette that never goes out of style. For the topper, Saryba picked a robe-style blazer with self-belt that accentuates her waist. It’s a softer look than the more strict classic blazer, and gives the whole outfit a glamorous ‘30s movie star vibe. The tailored fit on the shoulders and waist adds plenty of structure. The V-neckline that shows a bit of skin creates subtle allure. Crisp white sneakers are very on-trend, and add a fab Sporty Luxe touch.

Saryba - 4

I love the strong simplicity of this graphic black and white look. Saryba toughens up a crisp white shirt dress with hard-edged Dr. Martens boots. The balloon sleeves and rounded hemline add a bit of softness. The subtle side slits add vertical integrity, while the relaxed fit is easy breezy for warm Summer days. Our blogger’s black stompy boots bookend her dark hair. The soft waves also add a bit of soft contrast. Finally, the small camera bag ties the black and white palette together.

Saryba - 5

This is a fab example of Angie’s Relaxed Pleated Midi Skirt Ensemble. Saryba is wearing a below-the-knee pleated midi in striking chartreuse. The soft fabric combined with the pleats creates movement. She’s tucked in a black mock neck top, which lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. The combination of chartreuse, black, and white is striking! A very on-trend longer leather moto jacket adds structure and hard edge. So do the silver metal buckle and grommets on her crossbody strap. White low-top sneakers dress down the look, while the neon accent on the heel echoes the colour of the skirt. Our blogger’s shiny hair, silver earrings and red lippy are the polished finishing touches.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Saryba’s wonderful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and then hop on over to her Instagram account to browse the rest of her outfits.