I’ve been wearing X’s coat almost every day since, pathologically reaching for it when I go to work events, media dinners, and industry parties. I haven’t seen him since he moved out eight months ago, but I still live in the home we built together—between the walls and the cabinets he painted, the furniture he assembled, the photos he took, the dimmer switches he installed, amidst his shoes, his books, and his mail. I live with a ghost.

I’m seeing someone new now. We were going down the elevator one day after he had slid on a roomy sweatshirt of mine. I casually gave the backstory of its gargantuan size—it belonged to a hulking rugby player I used to kiss in college. He went back upstairs and changed. Did he overreact? Or was I the pathological one—some creepy Talented Mr. Ripley cycling through the skins of people, unbothered by the souls they once contained? I decided to take a poll and speak with other women about reclaiming their ex’s clothes—other writers and creatives in media and fashion who, perhaps, had their own stories to tell.

Nina Renata Aron, the author of Good Morning, Destroyer of Men’s Souls: A Memoir of Women, Addiction, and Love, keeps two garments from her ex: A Necros (’80s hardcore punk band) T-shirt and a sweatshirt that says “You are dead” on the front and “Los Angeles Straight Edge” on the back. They’re from a boyfriend with whom, she deadpans to me, “I had such a tempestuous relationship, I had to write a whole book about it.” She used to crave his scent, too. “I’d keep his hair pomade and just huff it all the time. It wasn’t even his. I went out and bought the brand he used.” Her current partner helped her destroy the pomade, along with the rest of his stuff (save the shirt and sweatshirt). Her ex was an addict, and she’d felt she owed it to him to watch over his possessions until he got better. Years passed. He was never coming to retrieve anything. “My new boyfriend, a few times, gently suggested, ‘If you’re ready to get rid of this stuff, I’ll help you,’ and finally we did.”

It brings me back to a conversation I had with the new guy I’m seeing. Late one night, I told him, flat-eyed, that I was living in a haunted house. He thudded on my door a few days later, arms straining full of potted plants and a vibrant bouquet of flowers. “I’m bringing in new life,” he said.

When talking with Aron, another interesting theme surfaced: co-opting cred. “The clothes are such markers of authenticity to anybody who knows about punk’s history, so wearing them feels like borrowing some of the authority that this ex had, the swagger.” It parallels screenwriter Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz’s black cashmere sweater, taken from her first serious boyfriend. “It represented a certain sophistication that I was adopting. Zeke had better taste in clothing than I did. I admired that about him.” The sweater symbolized the beginning of her aesthetic cultivation. “I always trusted Zeke when I was putting together an outfit. I learned to ascertain what looks good and what doesn’t for my body through him.”

While Martin-Berkowicz’s ex shared his tastes and world with her, Aron’s kept her out. For her, there’s satisfaction in claiming something from a group that excluded her. “I always felt kept out of those punk circles. He wielded his power among those people, and so I think I was already determined to change the meaning and make it mine. I was like, ‘This doesn’t belong to those assholes. This belongs to me now.’”

X never gatekept a world from me. What I wanted to leech from him were traits that felt gifted by God. He was good at everything, hyper-capable and deft in a manner that felt superhuman. Cool and unflappable, he had a quiet stillness exemplified by the sound of his voice. Like pours of warm honey, it never went above a whisper. I once took him to the party of a mega-famous actor, and as cameras flashed around us, the celebrity lavished him with compliments on his looks—the health of his hair and the quality of his skin. “Should we take a selfie together?” the actor asked, between adulations. It was a display of whimsy more than anything, yet something that would have gotten me mildly flustered had I been the object of such attention. X looked like he’d just woken from a nap.

While I’m small and half-Asian, X is 6’2” and Scandinavian. I think his stature, his whiteness, and his sheer maleness made me feel more legitimized entering certain spaces. He traveled with me as I reported on a story across Lake Como. Hotel staff would heartily greet him with my last name: “Mr. Mancini! Welcome!” They assumed him to be the journalist coming to visit. And why not? His very build—broad-shouldered and lean, with this unerringly straight tread—radiated authority and elegance. When it came to his athleticism (skilled in everything from riding motorcycles to snowboarding), the sky was the limit. Well, not even. A skydiver, he most recently got his pilot’s license. Then there was the herculean control. We were carrying furniture once, and the corner of this monolithic wardrobe slipped and fell squarely on his toe. Flushing red with pain, X didn’t make a sound; rather, he lifted it back up. “Keep going,” he breathed, bleeding. I was horrified. I was awed.

Our biggest difference: X was never scared, not of the world nor of his own mind. At any given moment, I was thinking about the perils of dying, accidentally stabbing myself in the eye with a knife while chopping, tripping on a curb and knocking my teeth out, or how horrible it would be to get raped. At any given moment, X seemed to be thinking of concepts that structure podcasts—things like innovation, the future of AI, or fusion energy. X embodied everything I lacked, and everything I longed for.

“These relationships do reveal to us our own deeply-held beliefs, about who we are and the supremacy of certain qualities,” Aron reflects. The idea has made me question the dichotomy I’ve created between X and me: his superiority, my inferiority. I recognize an internalized sexism and an internalized racism. And yet, I wear his coat and fantasize about the transference that could occur, if transference were real. What if I, too, could be scared of nothing? An invulnerable machine? I’m not talking about aligning myself with cool styles or groups. I’m talking about his human makeup. What if we could leech the lifeblood we most desired, like vampires?

This idea of subsuming arises in how some women style their ex’s clothes—a signifying of male provenance, yet encased within ultra-femme juxtapositions. “I used to wear it on top of this sparkly mini dress with tights and booties,” says Martin-Berkowicz of her big black sweater. Model and DJ Gilly Chan would pair her ex’s oversized, plaid vintage blazer, from a jazz musician 10 years her senior, with “a tight top or a fancy dress.” Aron only wears her large sweatshirt with a long floral number. “He had many articles of clothing that probably would’ve fit me better. But these things are almost like wearing the fur of an animal you killed,” she says of donning these hard-won trophies—the plunders of a war you survived. It feels just a touch more fanged than borrowing masculinity. It’s eating it and regurgitating a remixed version.

Chan was “20 or 21” when she dated the older musician. “In retrospect, he was probably running away from a lot of internal demons, and being with someone younger was a distraction for him.” When she recalls his plaid blazer, the smell of cigarettes and the taste of martinis come to mind. She kept it “as a memento from this version of myself that no longer exists.” Another woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, also uses her ex’s clothing as a proof point. Her ex-husband’s T-shirts serve as evidence that the eight-year marriage was real. “I was dumped and cheated on. When a bad relationship happens, you protect yourself by not remembering.” The T-shirts serve as evidence she did not simply delete eight years of her life.

While she possesses nothing from her most formative relationship with a man named Paul, independent creative director Joelle McKenna says, “If I had something of his, I would keep it like a family heirloom. I wouldn’t touch it because I would want to be buried with it.” Wryly smirking at her own melodrama, her sentiment is nonetheless earnest. What she does keep are her “gifts ungiven”: a stamp with a whistle on it (her nickname for him was “P Whistle”), an 1800s copy of Poor Richard’s Almanack, phrases, writing, movies—all items accumulated toward the end of the relationship that she then lost her chance to give. He’s married now, and she wants him to be happy and free. Despite inheriting no material things, she treasures her intangibles. “My sense of humor, trust in the good of humanity, and feeling like there’s magic in the world was informed by that relationship. Paul was a minimalist. He had nothing, and gave me everything.”

The thing about killing someone you love is that, in death, they become saints. We idealize them. “It’s easier to miss someone than love someone,” journalist Eliza Dumais says to me over dinner. With that in mind, and recalling McKenna’s description of Paul, I hear myself describing X—more myth than man. I recall how I once spoke of X to the new guy I’m seeing. “He was Superman,” I said, instantly regretting my word choice.

Michelle Ochs, the creative director of Hervé Léger, is markedly joyful about her ex’s collared shirts—a time machine back to the electric start of her career in New York. “It reminds me of optimism,” she describes. “The world was open. He was starting in his career as a finance guy. I was starting in mine. I remember the energy of the city, getting ready together in the morning, leaving together.” I ask if she still thinks of the shirts as his. Without a beat, she laughs, “They’re mine! It’s become part of my narrative. It’s my story that he was in.” While almost every woman outlines the importance of breathing room with their ex’s things, Ochs sums it up best: “You need the time. You need the space in between to become who you are, to reflect back.”

Sitting with this, I admit I started wearing my ex’s coat too soon. Because I’ve had no interaction with him as a man who’s no longer mine, it’s as if he’s just been on a very long business trip. Perhaps it’s why I haven’t gotten rid of his other stuff. In this other life, he’s still coming home. But people are never frozen where you left them. They move on. The starkest reminder of this is the appearance of a beautiful girl on his otherwise quiet Instagram stories.

Sloane Crosley, who most recently authored the memoir Grief Is for People, makes me chuckle at how un-tortured she is on the topic of her ex’s clothes: “I’m not that weepy about the item!” The item in question is a long-sleeve baseball T-shirt from a guy who worked for The Criterion Collection. “Their softball team was called ‘The True Foes,’” she shares. The graphic: “A sketch of an angry anthropomorphized ball.” She has zero memory of its provenance, “no recollection of stealing it or of it being given to me. It’s just here.” She lightheartedly questions its ownership: “Is it ‘mine’? Or has it just been unwittingly on loan for a decade or two? Who can say?” She’s still friends with the ex in question.

A few weeks later, I sit beside chef Camille Becerra at another dinner. We discuss the point of memoir, the act of returning to things we’re not meant to return to. “At the very least,” she muses, glowing in the candlelight, “it’ll help somebody else.” Several of my closest friends ended their relationships this year, a few more recently than I did. I’d love to say time heals all, and happiness erases sadness, but I’ve come to find the happier I feel in my new relationship, the deeper my grief grows for the man I left behind. Like when you realize a door has been shut for so long, it no longer opens.

I bought a new coat recently, off the street. The day was blindingly sunny, crisp, and cold. Amidst racks of vintage styles, I spotted a brown fur. “Mink,” the salesman explained. It shimmered richly in the afternoon light, like an oil spill. I brushed its sleeve to my cheek, goosebumping at the supple, silky texture. It felt like me in its darkness, its drama, the mild taboo of its material, and the fact that someone probably died in it. Perhaps all the best things are haunted. Perhaps that is the condition of living. McKenna asks me if I “ever commune with X,” explaining how she dialogues with Paul’s memory from time to time. The fact that they’re not physically together is irrelevant. Her question gives my story context—I’ve been communing. Ghosts will always walk among us. Soon, I hope, I can learn to live with mine.

The post Should I Stop Wearing My Ex’s Clothes? appeared first on Mind Body Look.

Here’s where to get yours.

In the summertime, everyone must have at least one good linen dress on constant rotation. (We don’t make the rules.) With their lightweight and breathable fabric and always-soft-feeling finish, they emit the effortlessness we strive for in warmer months.

And like linen shirts and crochet tops, they belong in your closet this season.

How to wear a linen dress this year

Available in flattering maxis, cute minis and button-up tunics, linen dresses come in all forms. Because they can vary in length, cut and colour, they are brimming with styling possibilities.

A shorter hem could pair beautifully with sneakers or flat sandals, while a tea-length A-line silhouette could be dressed up with kitten heels. The biggest beauty of this breezy fabric is that it revels in being simple. If you want to take the guesswork out of styling, opt for a pick with a subtle design focal point, like a ruched bustier or asymmetrical draping.

Throw on your favourite gold jewellery, tote bag and sandals, and your summer serve is ready.

Our fave linen dress styles for summer 2024

Best overall

Amazhiyu women’s linen halter maxi dress

A halter-cut with hidden pockets and an easily adjustable silhouette? Consider us sold. This 100 per cent linen maxi dress has quiet-luxury-approved simplicity with a flowy fit that cascades to your calves.

Featuring a ruched neckline, it can be tightened for a closer fit or loosened for a breezy effect. It also comes with a linen tie, so you can cinch the waist as you please.

Pros

• Available in three colours
• Easily adjustable silhouette
• Comes with pockets

Cons

• Some reviewers note that it felt stiff at first, so give it a few wears to soften up

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Best budget

​​Amazhyu linen V-neck summer dress

The perfect airy mini dress, this spaghetti-strapped number is a grab-and-go staple for uniform dressing when temps rise. Made of 100 per cent linen, it has a super soft feel with a skin-friendly finish and organic make.

With a cascading silhouette and adjustable straps, it can stand on its own or be layered underneath a white T-shirt. Plus, design elements like the high-low hemline and the subtle side slits add extra airiness.

Pros

• Available in five colours
• Perfect for layering
• Doubles as a loungewear/sleep dress

Cons

• Runs small

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Best rated

Miessial striped linen dress

Nothing says summertime sweetness like an adorable fit and flare dress, and this one is a standout favourite with over 2,000 ratings on Amazon. Made of a cotton-linen blend, it’s soft and breathable with just the right amount of stretch. Featuring a smocked bodice, ruffled short-sleeve detailing and hidden pockets, this A-line design is the best linen dress for practical everyday wear.

Pros

• Available in two colours
• Elastic bust and waist design crafted to fit you perfectly
• Fit and flare silhouette that can be dressed up or down

Cons

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Best luxury

Frame gathered seam lace inset dress

Refined simplicity reigns supreme with this midi-length style by Frame. Available in a creamy white hue, it is the perfect treat-yourself splurge to start summer right. The ruched bustier, asymmetrical hem and cap sleeves rejuvenate the classic linen image with a standout sophisticated aesthetic.

Pros

• Smocked detailing adds a romantic finish
• Flowy asymmetrical fit for guaranteed comfort
• Linen-blend that promises breezy wearability

Cons

• Only available in one colour

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Best sleeveless

Frank and Oak The Pocket Shirt Dress

Plenty of pockets give this rich chocolate dress edge, while the removable waist belt gives the option for a cinched final look. Made of linen and Tencel Lyocell, it boasts a fluid fabric that cascades down and hits just below the knee for a refined finish.

Pros

• Relaxed fit with professional-appropriate elements like a defined collar
• Made of a blend of environmentally conscious materials
• Suitable for machine wash
• Wear loose or cinched at the waist

Cons

• Only available in one colour

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Best organic

Everlane linen oversized puff-sleeved dress

Made of 100 per cent linen flax, this linen fabric frock uses flax fibres that have been sourced in a sustainably-minded way, using no GMOs and full mechanical processes for zero-waste operation during extraction.

Stylistically, it shines in its oversized fit, perfectly puffed sleeves and V-neck cut. Pair it with black flats for the perfect day-date ensemble.

Pros

• Environmentally conscious dress made of 100 per cent flax linen
• Available in three colours/styles
• Suitable for machine wash

Cons

• Some reviewers note that it runs large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

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Best plus-size

The Drop Fiona relaxed midi dress

A classic button-down linen dress is an easy styling choice. The button-down detailing acts as the focal point, while the chest pocket gives it charm.

This long-sleeve dress is designed to drape comfortably over your body for a one-and-done piece that you don’t have to think too hard about. Available in up to a 5X, it’s a size-inclusive option.

Pros

• Available in seven colours
• Size inclusive sizing up to a 5X
• Collar neckline and cuffs add a professional feel to the laid back linen look

Cons

• Runs large

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Best short

Billabong mini sundress

Front patch pockets, a sporty box silhouette and ultra-thin spaghetti straps make this pick the sweetest summer go-to. Billabong’s linen-blend version of an LBD is the perfect short dress to elevate to your wardrobe repertoire.

Pros

• Made of viscose, linen and cotton for a soft fit with some give
• Easy to dress down with sneakers or dress up with kitten heels
• Available in four colours/patterns

Cons

• Only suitable for hand-wash

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This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. 

The post Linen Dresses Are *It* This Summer appeared first on Mind Body Look.

Why Nara Smith, Beyoncé and more rely on box braids to get them through pregnancy.

This is Texture Talk, our long-running column that deep dives into the dynamic world of curly hair, from crowns of curls that are free flowing to strands that are tucked away in a protective style.

Model, amateur home chef and expectant mother Nara Smith recently ditched her signature bob haircut and debuted long, knotless box braids in a video asking followers to share baby name suggestions. While it’s not uncommon for women to change their look now and then, many Instagram and X users had suspicions about this particular aesthetic shift. After her husband Lucky Blue Smith’s sister commented “When the braids come out, I know it’s almost time!!” she seemingly confirmed what others suspected: The soon-to-be mother of three is super close to her due date.

Women are no strangers to pragmatic styling (see: the going out top or the subway shirt), but end-of-term pregnancy calls for even more meticulous planning and coordination. On top of packing a hospital bag and prepping the nursery, expectant mothers with textured hair have an extra task to complete before they welcome their baby: having their “delivery braids” installed.

“I just don’t want to be dealing with washing my hair or combing it out or doing anything,” Nara explains in a TikTok documenting her transition from blunt bob to long braids. “So I always get braids or a different protective style before I go into labour.”

“Delivery braids,” also know as “pregnancy braids,” “labour braids,” and “maternity braids,” are a hairstyles that many Black expectant moms opt for in preparation for giving birth. Along with Smith, celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Serena Williams and Halsey have all been pictured braided up at the end of their third trimesters.

“Often, pregnant clients will say ‘I need my hair braided because I won’t have time to style it when the baby comes,’” says Stephon John, a Toronto-based braid artist with over 20 years of experience. “A lot of people tend to get protective styles a few weeks before going into labour.”

Black women know that tending to natural hair is a labour of love, but this often requires more time and energy than a new mom can give. So, rather than worrying about refreshing a wash-and-go or sweating out a silk press, pregnant gals often opt for lower-maintenance delivery styles to free up time for other things as their routine changes. While there is no technical difference between pregnant and non-pregnant clients’ braids, this style has been playfully dubbed “delivery braids” by those online as it’s often a visual clue that a woman’s due date is rapidly approaching.

In addition to box braids, John’s pregnant clients ask for other protective styles like cornrows and boxer braids, all of which she recommends leaving in for no more than eight weeks to prevent unnecessary tension on the scalp.

As both timesavers and culturally significant beauty practices, these braided styles serve multiple functions for expectant mothers. An article by Terri Huggins refers to the braiding process as both a “calming” and “nesting” ritual in Black women’s pregnancies that helps prepare them for the lovely chaos that new babies bring. For many women, the demands of motherhood mean hair care simply can’t be a priority.

@naraazizasmith Final stretch 🥹 Comment your suggestions! 🫶🏽 #coupletok #pregnancy #babynames #marriage #fitcheck #fypシ #outfitideas ♬ End of Beginning – Djo

“Motherhood means a lot of time focusing on your newborn, so women have less time to take care of themselves the way they used to,” John says. “It’s self-care since these protective hairstyles limit how many things they have to do for themselves during such a busy time.”

Even though new moms might have less time for their beautification rituals, it would do them a disservice to deny the role that appearance plays in self-esteem, especially when dealing with the fluctuating hormones that are part of pregnancy. With so many unknowns facing women entering their fourth trimesters — the three-month period after delivery when mothers balance changes to their bodies and hormones with the demands of an infant — it’s important to prioritize self-care. Protective styles allow women to feel like themselves during the new experience of motherhood since nearly no effort is required to keep braids looking and feeling fresh.

“Those first pics with your newborn baby are memories you’ll treasure forever,” writes Kristen Bingle on the importance of delivery braids. “And if your hair is looking stylish in a stunning protective style, you’ll love the pics even more.”

The process of getting one’s hair braided also provides a connection to community and cultural practices that can be meaningfully grounding as you bring in the next generation. Many Black women can recall sitting in a braiding chair as children, and as adults, allowing someone else to take care of them. Feeling the cool metal of the tail comb on your scalp, smelling the Blue Magic grease and hearing the TV blare your third movie of the day are all memories associated with this nearly day-long beauty practice. This process is so important that during COVID it wasn’t uncommon to learn the skill to support family members when restrictions prevented Black women from reaching their stylists.

When women prepare to become the primary caregiver for a new life, they should be offered endless care and support by those around them. Through delivery braids, Black women can feel cared for by their communities, and assured that they are not alone in their motherhood journey. And they can look really cute in their baby’s first photos.

The post “Delivery Braids” Are an Act of Self-Care appeared first on Mind Body Look.

Ashley Harris of the jewelry brand Don’t Let Disco received the Inclusivity Award, sponsored by Shop with Google and presented by Emma Grede. MoAnA Luu of the fashion house ManLuu won the Jewelry Award, presented by Cynthia Erivo. The Accessories Award, sponsored by Builder.ai and presented by Isabel Marant, went to designer Esha Soni. Designer Yamil Arbaje received the Graduate Award, sponsored by St. John and presented by Kristin Davis, while his contemporary Batsheva Hay received the Sustainability Award, presented by Fashion Trust U.S. and Nikki Reed, Scout LaRue Willis, and Tallulah Willis. Charles Harbison of Harbison Studio also got the Ready-to-Wear Award, presented by Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, honoree Charles Harbison, Wayman Bannerman, and Micah McDonald attend the 2024 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards.

Trophies for the evening were designed by Nigora Tokhtabayeva of Tabayer and were designed to be “a balancing act,” echoing “the sentiments of creatives, entrepreneurs, and designers who achieve impossible feats,” according to a release. Leonardo Lawson brought together a mentorship group for the winners, which includes Paula Sutter, Patrizia Ciccarelli, Kim Vernon, Paola Corso, Gia Kuan, Meghan Kelly, Ramya Giangola, and Alexis Bittar.

Kristin Davis, Yamil Arbaje, and Andy Lew

Fashion Trust U.S. board members include Tania Fares, Laura Brown, Anne Crawford, Maha Dakhil, Tan France, and Karla Welch. The organization also has an advisory board, featuring Bethann Hardison, Carme Busquets, Inez and Vinoodh, Isabel Marant, Nina Garcia, Law Roach, Maria Cornejo, Miranda Kerr, Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, and others. Ambassadors include Janelle Monáe, Joseph Altuzarra, Monique Lhuillier, Natasha Lyonne, Elle Fanning, Rita Ora, Zoey Deutch, and more.

Aurora James, Ashley Harris, and Emma Grede

The post Fashion Trust U.S. Celebrates Up-and-Coming Designers With Star-Studded Awards Ceremony appeared first on Mind Body Look.

She never misses!

If there’s one thing Zendaya is superb at, it’s setting trends. When it comes to turning out certified *looks* on the red carpet, the actor and her longtime stylist (and former FASHION cover star) Law Roach never miss. There are a few reasons for this: Roach’s styling is impeccable, the pair have access to a deep catalogue of designers’ collections and archives, plus Zendaya could wear an actual paper bag and make it look high fashion. But it’s also thanks in large part to their love for method dressing.

We saw it on the Dune: Part Two press tour earlier this year, with the Emmy-winner making Sandworm chic a thing, and now she’s doing the same with her latest film. And this time, she’s bringing tenniscore back. Promoting her upcoming film Challengers in Europe, Zendaya and Roach have taken tennis from the courts to the red carpet, drawing on their love for archival pieces in both literal and thematic ways to channel the film’s characters and story.

ICYMI, the film — set to be released in theatres on April 26 — follows Zendaya’s character Tashi, a Serena Williams-esque professional tennis player who, after an injury, switches to coaching. Joining her on her journey are love interests, friends and professional rivals Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist), both vying for Tashi’s affection in a sweaty, erotic and grunt-filled story. Excuse me while I fan myself. In a word, it’s going to be HOT — let’s just say there are murmurings of a ménage à trois in the film. And so far, Zendaya’s Challengers red carpet looks are equally spicy.

Kicking off the press tour overseas in Australia on March 26, Zendaya set the tone by walking the red carpet in a custom Loewe gown with a tennis player motif.

The next day, she gave us a contemporary take on tennis whites, donning a custom tank top and sheer skirt with briefs by Lacoste, a brand founded by tennis legend René Lacoste.

What makes Z’s looks unique is the fact that she’s not just throwing on a stretchy tennis dress and calling it a day (although she would completely rock that look), but rather leaning into the vintage aesthetic of the sport, presenting elevated but familiar silhouettes with a level of glamour we might not typically see from athleisure trends.

On April 6, Zendaya kicked off her Paris photo call for the film in a checker-printed coat from Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2013 collection. As Glamour noted, the apple green colour of the coat isn’t a coincidence, as Z and Roach have been using this green hue as a nod to tennis throughout the run so far, like with the aforementioned Loewe tennis court gown. Paired with a white headband, white pumps and a retro up-do, the cheeky look was a clear nod to 1960s sophistication, merging the sport and high fashion seamlessly.

Days later at the Rome premiere of the film, Zendaya once again married tennis with glamour, rocking a silver sleeveless Loewe dress with a pleated skirt whose silhouette was reminiscent of vintage tennis whites. And the pièce de résistance? Tennis ball heels. C’est chic as heck!

And she’s not the only one serving tenniscore looks. While Zendaya may be elevating the tennis core trend to red carpet heights, designers have been leaning into it, along with the resurgence of the preppy trend, for the past several years.

This is in large part due to the fact that the sport of tennis, which has long been a symbol of luxury, has become more popular. In January 2023, Netflix released the documentary series Break Point, which gave viewers a BTS look at top tennis players and tournaments, introducing a whole new audience to the iconic sport. Additionally, the pandemic forcing people to come up with new ways to exercise outdoors prompted a large spike in people taking up tennis.

Coupled with the enduring ubiquity of quiet luxury and a desire for classic pieces that will stand the test of time, it should come as no surprise that #tenniscore is taking off. And the runways have been taking note in recent years. Miu Miu’s Fall 2022 collection had an athletic aesthetic, featuring white pleated miniskirts and athletic arm bands. (Later that year, the brand also launched Miu Miu Tennis Club, a tennis-themed event in Saint-Tropez.) Similarly, Lacoste’s Spring 2022 show debuted jersey knits, polos and visors, and brands like Sporty & Rich have consistently paid homage to the sport with tennis dresses and skirts in their collections — actual racquet skills not required.

With Zendaya giving tenniscore her signature high fashion touch on the Challengers red carpet, we’re betting this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. So, tennis anyone?

Luckily you don’t need your own Law Roach in order to try the tenniscore trend. Check out our top tennis-inspired shopping picks below. 

Casablanca yellow printed long sleeve t-shirt

Why not don an image of a tennis player on your shirt? This mesh top has everything we could ever want in a themed tee, from a vintage motif to sorbet colours that are perfect for the warmer weather.

Pair this tee with a pleated tennis skirt for a full court-ready look, or don it with a pair of low-rise, baggy jeans and sneakers to dress it down.

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Reformation brinley skirt

A versatile piece that’ll stand the test of time long after the sun sets on #tenniscore, a pleated skirt is a go-to staple of any tennis-inspired wardrobe. We particularly love that this Reformation skirt has pockets and a cargo look to it.

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Anthropologie Jeffrey Campbell netted flats

Because we’re not *all* Zendaya and shan’t be rocking six-inch stilettos on the regular, a chic and comfortable alternative to a heel or sneaker is a trendy flat. A mesh flat not only looks cute, but is perfect for the toasty spring and summer months and it literally giving tennis net. Love!

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Coach Ergo bag in checkerboard patchwork

If green and white is good enough for Zendaya, it’s definitely good enough for us. Looking to channel tenniscore without going so literal? Take a page our of Law Roach’s book and pay homage to the trend through your colour scheme.

Working in a little tennis ball green via an accessory like this adorable handbag can go a long way in conveying your love for the game and the aesthetic.

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Mejuri diamond half tennis bracelet

Nothing says tennis more than a tennis bracelet. A string of diamonds, real or faux, will add some much-needed glamour to your athleisure vibe.

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Elsesser worked closely with creative director Ditte Reffstrup to create a seven-piece capsule that was teased at the brand’s spring/summer 2024 runway show in Copenhagen last August. She first walked for Ganni in fall 2020, and has been close to the cult label ever since. “Ganni and I designed these pieces with a lot of care and intention to reflect the future we want to see in fashion,” Elsesser tells ELLE.com. “A more inclusive future where thoughtful design is brought to all sizes. We want those who wear these pieces feel confident, fashionable, adventurous, and proud. I am so excited to see this collection worn out in the world!”

For the unfamiliar, Ganni is a tentpole of Danish fashion and a remarkable case study on building a brand authentically with little compromise. Sustainability and inclusion are integral to its success, not a byproduct of it. Under Reffstrup’s leadership, it has consistently expanded its size range to encompass a wide range of body shapes—plus, some shoe styles go up to size EU 48. This community-based approach makes Elsesser an ideal collaborator, bringing fashion-forward visions to the masses without sacrificing quality. The line includes four dresses and three trousers, smartly styled on the runway in layers, giving the dress a tunic-like feel and inspiring different styling options. The light knit is dying for a debut on a beach, while the polka-dot and sheer burgundy pieces make sense for both an upstate retreat and a late, sweaty summer night in city.

The Ganni x Paloma Elsesser collection will be available in-store and online on April 17 in sizing from EU 32–52. Prices range from $145–$395.

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In ELLE.com’s monthly series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we spoke with Rati Sahi Levesque, the president and chief operating officer of The RealReal, the trailblazing e-tail source for secondhand, luxury shopping. Along with founder Julie Wainwright, Levesque faced the kinds of challenges you might expect when bringing a previously gatekept consignment experience to the internet—but she also reaped the rewards. Now, The RealReal is at the forefront of changing consumer attitudes about the life cycle of a product, something Levesque has strived for ever since she closed her own San Francisco consignment shop in 2011 to start the company. Below, Levesque takes us through her career journey, from her small store to a worldwide network of shoppers and sellers, and shares just a few of the lessons she’s learned along the way. One of which? Don’t bother with an email sign-off.

My first job

It was for an escrow company. I was a secretary—then, they called them secretaries. I was the person at the front desk.

My worst job

That might’ve been it. It wasn’t a very exciting office, as far as it was on the fourth floor of a very carpeted, very gray building. There was a lot of stress oozing from those people. They were just very strange. There was a lot of yelling going on. Oh my God, now I’m really going back to that time. [Because of that experience,] I know how not to treat 22-year-olds in their first job.

Why we started The RealReal

I had a consignment store in Russian Hill in San Francisco. It was online and at a physical location. I would go to the Goodwill and other consignment shops and find vintage designer items and sell them in my store, but it was tough to make ends meet, and my rent was very expensive. I met Julie through a mutual friend, and then we decided to go do this. I realized how much people gravitated toward consignment and how there was no one in the e-commerce space or online that was doing it. There were consignment shops, which were great, but there was no transparency in the experience or pricing—and you’d bring in all these clothes, and you get rejected in front of a huge line of people. It just seemed very transactional. I didn’t think they were appreciating these pieces that I was consigning—the ’90s Chloé shorts that I saved all my money to buy, or whatever it was. That’s how we got started. We took that list from the store that I had and Julie’s contacts and just started cold-calling everyone to collect consignment early on.

The wildest moment from those early days

The time we got our first Birkin confirmed, I felt like we made it. This was the first few weeks that we started the company. We just sent out a direct mail piece to certain zip codes, and someone replied back and sent us a Birkin. That was a turning point for me, because it was like, this thing’s going to work, this thing has legs.

Learning from our missteps over the years

We made so many mistakes, so many things we would do differently. We tested a lot of things that didn’t work. At some point, we opened flagship stores that cost a lot of money and were too big to run. We realized that they took too much capital, and they didn’t make sense. Then we moved to these neighborhood stores. I’d say, every month, we were learning something big in that way. During COVID, we started buying product. We lost our compass for a second. We were buying inventory, because we couldn’t get into people’s homes to consign. That set us back in profitability in a big way. It took us a second to re-engage. We really had to zoom out for a second and say, “Okay, we made all these decisions, and we’re in this place, but now, we have to unravel, and we have to figure out how to get back to our core.” That took some time—18 months—to get to where we are now.

How we’re transitioning people away from fast fashion

I heard this statistic early on that 2,000 items are thrown away every second. That’s what made me get into consignment for my small store in San Francisco. We want to change behavior and make sure people understand that clothing is not meant to be thrown away, but instead altered or repaired. My mom always repaired our clothes growing up, whether it was a sock or whatever. You just didn’t throw things away. Our job is to educate people on resale, because 50 percent of consigners have never consigned before. We really are having to teach people about what holds its resale value and what doesn’t, so they’re empowered to make better shopping decisions. As we do our awareness studies every year—we take more of a macro view of our consumer base—one of the stats I’m really proud of is that we are replacing fast fashion. So instead of buying fast fashion, consumers are thinking about The RealReal, because they can buy and then resell an item. It’s totally different.

Why secondhand shopping requires confidence

Now it’s a badge of honor to have something that’s one-of-a-kind and to wear it and make it feel modern again. It’s about your style and your self-expression. It’s really cool. I always say that to shop resale or vintage or consignment, there is a certain confidence that you need, right? Because you are taking an item, and you’re making it new, and you’re making it unique. It’s not something that everyone has, and maybe you don’t know what to wear it with right away. It takes some playfulness. We’re almost 70 percent female [at the company], and I see a lot of 22-year-old girls, and this is their first job or internship, and they’re starting to find that sense of style. They’re able to experiment, because we do make it accessible. It’s fun to watch.

On gaining the trust of luxury brands

We are the stewards of authentication. No company does more than we do to keep fakes off of the market. And we’ve made some progress. We’ve had partnerships with Stella McCartney— she was the first, honestly, and really paved the way for a lot of the luxury brands—and after that, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, they all followed. I think they’re starting to see— and our data is showing—that when people consign, let’s say, a Gucci bag from last season, they take that money and then buy the Gucci bag from the following season. So we’re not necessarily cannibalizing or taking their business. They’re starting to see that life cycle of luxury and that shift in their consumer behavior. There are always going to be some brands that will never get there but a lot more are starting to catch on.

How I feel about brands creating their own resale platforms

I think that’s great. More awareness and more people thinking about it is awesome. I always advocate for that. When we think about sustainability, and we think about our mission, it’s bigger than TRR. I do find that people like having the one-stop shop, and that’s one of the services that we offer. And people like cash versus a site credit. Those things help us continue to be the leader in this space.

The advice I’d give my younger self

Don’t sweat the small things. Early on in your career, everything is a big deal. As an entrepreneur, all that anxiety helps drive you and moves you forward. But that’s the best advice. Honestly, there are a lot of people out there who are smarter than you, better than you. It’s just about good old-fashioned hard work. That’s the main thing that makes people stand out versus others. It’s not rocket science at the end of the day.

My best The RealReal shopping hack

One of the things I love to do is go to the Editors’ Picks. Every morning, I wake up, and I check my email, of course, then I go to New Arrivals on The RealReal and then the Editors’ Picks. Our editors have great taste, and it’s nicely curated for me.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

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These beauty brands’ use of upcycled ingredients proves that one person’s trash will always be another’s — often luxe — treasure.

Waste is an inevitable part of the farming industry. Crops are discarded daily for a plethora of reasons, including the weather, market prices and — believe it or not — aesthetics. In fact, an estimated 40 per cent of total food waste is attributed to grocery stores’ strict cosmetic standards. In other words, wonky-looking and misshapen (but perfectly-good-to-eat) fruits and vegetables are turned away because of their appearance. Talk about judging a book by its cover. As a result, sustainably minded brands are on a mission to give produce and plants that have been discarded — for whatever reason — a second life by using upcycled ingredients in their formulations.

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

Plums are at the heart of California-based brand Le Prunier, thanks to the fruit’s multitude of health benefits. The company’s hero product, Plum Beauty Oil, is formulated using 100 per cent upcycled plum kernels, a waste by-product from the fourth-generation family farm that produces the brand’s ingredients.

Body Proud Bright Boost Body Moisturiser

By using upcycled grapefruit peels that have been discarded by the juice industry in its Bright Boost Body Moisturiser, “Body Proud not only reduces waste but also contributes to a greener, more circular economy,” says Maria Sarris, the brand’s NPD manager.

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Nina Ricci Nina Le Parfum

“As a perfumer, I want to be eco-responsible,” says Olivier Cresp, the nose behind the most recent addition to the Nina Ricci scent family. “I like to use all parts of an ingredient, to avoid waste.” Nina uses entire upcycled lemons (including the zest, juice and skin) that have been rejected by fruit markets. “The peel actually contains a higher concentration of aromatic molecules, including the characteristic citrusy scent,” says Cresp.

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Sangre de Fruta Garden of Earthly Delights Botanical Conditioner

The cedar oil found in Sangre de Fruta’s Garden of Earthly Delights range is sourced from offcuts from Canadian-grown cedar boughs, twigs and leaves that would otherwise have gone to waste. The beloved scent can be shopped in the brand’s cult-favourite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and hand soap.

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Sana Jardin Paris Sandalwood Temple Eau de Parfum

In rural Morocco, where Sana Jardin Paris’s floral ingredients are harvested, over 900 tonnes of orange-blossom by-product normally end up in landfills. But through the brand’s Beyond Sustainability circular business model, local female harvesters learn how to upcycle the botanical waste from perfume production and use it to create candles and flower water that they can sell on the side, keeping 100 per cent of the profits for themselves.

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Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray

This frizz-fighting must-have uses upcycled jackfruit extract alongside its hero ingredient, argan oil, to prevent frizz and protect against damage.

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Ellis Brooklyn West Eau de Parfum

Fragrance brand Ellis Brooklyn uses upcycled ingredients (like oranges that were previously juiced and leftover cedarwood shavings from lumber and construction projects), and extracts oils that are then used in fragrance formulations.

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This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2024 issue. Find out more here.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

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The multi-tasking product promises nourishing hydration, a youthful glow and soft skin texture.

After a busy work day or a boozy night out, the last thing you want to do is start an extensive skincare routine to keep your skin looking good. Lucky for us, the Korres face oil is a powerhouse multi-tasking product we can count.

Formulated with pure Greek olive oil, it restores vital antioxidants, vitamins and omega fatty acids, which help to nourish and hydrate your skin from head to toe — it’s a total win because body care products are on the rise!

What is Korres Olive 3-in-1 Nourishing Oil

Designed for the face, body and hair, the Korres face oil is a three-in-one miracle product that provides nourishing hydration, a youthful glow and smooth skin texture.

The product is formulated primarily with pure Greek olive oil — one of the brand’s hero ingredients — and is designed to hydrate your skin from head to toe. Powered by a blend of vitamins E, F and omega fatty acids, each element helps to improve the skin’s natural lipid barrier and enhance suppleness for a healthier appearance.

This lightweight, dermatologist-tested oil is fragrance-free and formulated for all skin types — we’ve yet to see or hear of a breakout from its innovative formula.

Known as the original seed-to-skin beauty brand, Korres works with local Greek farmers to produce each product. With over five thousand years of knowledge, each Greek olive is hand-picked, sorted and cold-pressed to conserve its essential nutrients.

Features we love:

• Includes skin-enhancing ingredients like vitamin E, F and omega fatty acids
• Easily absorbs into the skin
• Lightweight on the face/body
• Improves your skin’s barrier and elasticity
• Provides a youthful glow
• Ideal for most skin types
• Fragrance-free to honour even sensitive skin types
• Non-comedogenic formula
• Dermatologically-tested
• Cruelty-free and vegan formula

How to use Korres face oil

Whether you suffer from chronic dry skin or are working through a dehydrated skin period, the Korres face oil is a must-have for beauty junkies.

The three-in-one product is lightweight, applies easily and instantly absorbs in skin to keep it hydrated during dry moments — leaving no trace of excess oil.

Our Korres face oil review revealed its smooth, lightweight texture and non-greasy feeling. It’s perfect for layering under body lotion or as a final step in your hair care routine. For best results, we recommend applying a few drops over a clean face, a squeaky clean body or a freshly-washed mane.

With easy-to-use recyclable packaging, plus hours of obvious moisture, the innovative hybrid product has received countless rave reviews online — and we get why.

The best Korres Olive 3-in-1 Nourishing Oil reviews 

“I mix a couple of drops with my facial moisturizer for extra moisture during our cold dry winter months. It sinks right in, doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and smells wonderful,” shares verified Amazon shopper Mal.

Jenn, a verified Amazon purchaser is obsessed with the product. “The smell is beautiful. If you remember the scent of flipping through a magazine with perfume samples inside… that is this smell! Soaks right into the skin and is non-greasy.”

“I love this oil and it smells great,” says Amazon shopper, Annie. “I use it mixed with my body and face lotion and it gives me an amazing glow!”

Where to buy Korres face oil

To grab the Korres face oil, head to Amazon, the top place to snag the lightweight moisturizer at the best price. You’ll get two-day Prime shipping and a 30-day return guarantee. Need a Prime membership? Click here for free Prime access for 30 days.

But add this to your cart quickly — it tends to sell out quickly thanks to its cult-like following and ultra-affordable price point. It’s one of the brand’s most popular items along with their bestselling Rose Brightening line, which features game-changing products like Korres Wild Rose Vitamin Cream, a product brimming with extracts from real rose petals.

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If you’ve been coveting the chunky, retro-inspired gold earrings that Hailey Bieber has been rocking on Instagram lately, we have some great news: Not only are the styles she’s worn still in stock, but they can be yours for less than $115.

The silhouettes in question all come from affordable LA-based jewelry brand Heaven Mayhem, whose entire line tops out at $200. Included in Bieber’s collection are the brand’s Mini Knot earrings in gold, which are currently available for pre-order on the label’s site for $90. Bieber has also been spotted wearing the larger version of the style, called the Double Knot earrings ($110), the sculptural Tabi earrings, ($105), and the Bean earrings in silver ($90)—all of which you can add to your jewelry box right this moment.

Founded in 2023 by creative director Pia Mance, Heaven Mayhem has quickly become the affordable accessories brand to have on your radar. Alongside Bieber, celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, Lori Harvey, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Matilda Djerf have all turned to the label for its array of oversized, antique-inspired baubles. All pieces come in silver, gold, or of-the-moment mixed metal finishes. Additionally, the brand offers a handful of sleek belts and necklaces done with signature vintage-style hardware to complete your look.

In case you needed any more convincing, I’ve personally tried a few pairs of Heaven Mayhem earrings and am also impressed. Not only are they stunning, but they also don’t weigh down my earlobes, which can be a common issue with chunky styles. While I’ve found similar pieces from competitors often fall, tip, or migrate from their intended position, even the largest silhouettes I tried from Heaven Mayhem (like the Ribbed or Winged earrings) lay flat against my ears.

Though Heaven Mayhem is currently one of those “if you know, you know’ brands, we’re expecting it to blow up any second now. Ahead, shop the label’s celebrity-favorite styles before they inevitably sell out.

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