I am transfixed with spring this year. It could be because we're on the heels of a rough 2020, or the longing desire to sip mimosas with my girlfriends on a patio until the wee hours of the afternoon. Or, it could be because, for the first time in a long time, it feels like fashion has awakened. We're seeing chic combinations of colors, textures, fabrics, and silhouettes that range from the mod-inspired 60s to the sportswear-centric, late 80s to the bubblegum-pop of the early 2000s. The runways of Balenciaga, Valentino, Balmain, Pyer Moss are all filled with ruffles, puffs, exaggerated silhouettes, and colors that make you believe that you were just transported to springtime in the South of France. It might seem impossible but through the bevy of predictable floral gowns and exceptionally tiny bags, there are several realistic trends to get excited about for spring.
As we get closer and closer to a truly newer normal, these spring trends will sweep you right into summer without guillotining your wallet.
Cushioned Shoes
Made famous by Bottega Veneta seasons back and inspired by the resurgence of the romanticized nostalgia, the puff shoe trend has saturated the spring runways and city streets. There is a sleek yet comfortable element that ascended this to cult status over the last few years. The oversized cushioned band elevates the simplicity, which allows it to blend beautifully with any outfit. The style's latest variation is in slingback form, instead of the coveted backless, accessorized with dainty anklets and adorned with small pendants for a luxurious touch. In all its many styles, the trend is evocative of a Marie Antoniette-era of dress when accessories were as scrumptious as her oversized cakes and pastel pastries.
Candy Colors
An assortment of delicious and candy-inspired colors are on display for the 2021 spring palette. Paying homage to the early 2000s when neon Juicy sweatsuits reigned supreme, there's a noticeable infusion of dynamic and eclectic colors in the spring collections. Hues of bubblegum pink, tennis court green and fresh tangerine are bound to be on the curated feeds of your favorite style icons and influencers alike.
Bucket Hats
One of the older trends on the list, the bucket hat is a perfect example of the impact that black culture has on the world of fashion. Primarily used by Irish fishermen in the early 1900s and then as military-issued hats in the mid 20th century, bucket hats skyrocketed to cultural prominence in the 80s - thanks solely to hip hop culture. With the help of industry icons like LL Cool J and Run DMC, this handmade accessory was a sign of a counter-culture movement and redefined what black fashion meant, especially to a white-washed industry. Due to the bucket hat's layered history, it is one of the easiest trends to style and acquire. You can simply throw a rock and find a luxury house, premium designer, or fast-fashion retailer that has produced their version of the trend.
Halter Neck Tops
The halter top is the season's most covetable neckline for a plethora of reasons, including but not limited to the extremely flattering silhouette it creates. Reminiscent of the early 2000s and acquiring immense popularity in the late 60s, the neckline beautifully and sensually highlights the decolletage while maintaining a shred of playfulness. One can easily style this trend as the hemline to a beautiful dress, like Zendaya's character in Malcolm & Marie; as the retro-fitted top accompanied with high-waisted denim for a quick brunch; or as a chic top to your bathing suit on your next beach soiree.
Anything but Skinny Denim
Without hesitation, whenever I think of baggy denim, the chorus of "Return of the Mack" plays in my head, over-filling me with joy. It took a global pandemic and a full calendar year of staying at home to dethrone the skinny jean, arguably the only relevant denim trend for the last decade. An extraordinary aspect of denim is the flexibility; any person can make the style personalized to their preference. The antiquatedly named 'boyfriend jean' has been reimagined in various forms, and upgraded in fit to complement the figure of a real woman. From cropped to sneaker-hugging, baggy denim is easy to style and forecasted to make waves through the fall and winter season.
See You On The Court
A prominent staple of classic Americana style, the tennis skirt is experiencing a vigorous comeback in 2021. Adorned only by athletic icons like Serena Williams, the tennis skirt has remained on the outskirts of mainstream fashion for decades. But with the rise of athleisure outside the home and the ongoing influence of black culture, it's quickly become the go-to skirt for sneakerheads and preppy girls alike. Since the skirt is simple and minimalist, you can expertly style it according to your exact preference.
Read all about fashion and style here.
Featured image courtesy of @astyledmind/@ashleygalleraniphotography
- How To Style Boots In Spring - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
- Fall Winter 2020 Jewelry Trends - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
- 11 2000s Style Trends Making A Comeback - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- Bralette Outfit Ideas: 2021 Trend - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
- Fresh Off The Runway: The 2021 Fashion Trends You Need In Your Closet Now - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Retro Fashion Trends In Style Summer 2021 - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image screenshot/YouTube