beauty and fashion

Jeans—when’s the last time you put a pair on? March? February? At this point, we don’t know, but in 2020, they have become all but obsolete.As we’re experiencing life almost completely from home, our idea of clothes has changed drastically, and pants are no exception. Gone are the days that we hunt for the perfect pair of jeans; this year, we’re searching for pants that are comfortable and cool, and the work-from-home gods have delivered.
Give your ratty old joggers you’ve been living in for months a break (mine are from high school track—what does that say about the state of the world?) and see how good you feel in one of these uber-cool options: More

I rarely look to retail therapy, but when it works, it works. You don’t have to buy a Chanel bag every time you get stressed at work, but a mere $10 new candle can have quite the impact on your mood (if even for a short period of time). I’m all for free acts of self-care, but if you want to upgrade your life just a little bit, these small gifts to yourself fit the bill. They’re the kind of purchase future you will thank you for. Get a head start on a better next week by adding a few of these to your cart.

Nécessaire
The Sex Gel

A fancy lube is the exact life upgrade I need. It’s so cute, I might even leave it out. *gasp!*

PLANT Apothecary
Start Happy Organic Body Wash

This editor-favorite body wash is everything you want: it smells good, it doesn’t dry out your skin, and it’s not a million dollars. Plus, this Black-owned brand is also clean, so you can feel good about the products you’re putting on your skin.

Essie Expressie
Quick-Dry Nail Polish

Give yourself an at-home manicure in a seasonal shade or your classic neutral. The Expressie line is one of my favorites because the polishes look high-quality and dry exponentially fast—a plus for impatient polishers everywhere.

Equilibria
Balance Bath Bombs

A cozy bath is a dream at the end of a long day, and these luxe CBD bath bombs make it feel like a spa night without leaving your home. Our editors swear by these for the best sleep ever!
Use code EVERYGIRL for 20 percent off your first order!

Olive & June
Shooting Stars Nail Art Stickers

Ready to up your manicure game? These nail stickers are so easy to use and under $10. No one will know you didn’t magically become a nail pro during quarantine.

Rattan Sandalwood Vegan Candle

This is my current favorite candle. The scent is lightly fall because of the cozy woodsy/sexy scent, but you could easily burn it all year round. The throw is great (I burn it and smell it throughout my whole apartment AKA a mere 300 square feet LOL), and it never tunnels for me, burning evenly and cleanly.

Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask

A 10-minute mask that targets breakouts, irritation, dryness, oil, AND dullness? Perhaps I’ll stock up on no less than eight tubes.

Pore Treatment Strips

These are my new obsession, and I am lusting after them like crazy. Ever since I watched this video, I think about them every single time I look at my pores and blackheads in the mirror. They’re a bit of a splurge for pore strips, but this comes with eight different strips to use on the days your skin is the most congested.

American Eagle
Strappy Back Sports Bra

Two of our editors (including me, the person writing this; she goes by Beth) tried this sports brarecently, and both called it an absolute winner. It’s comfortable and somewhat modest without pushing your boobs down and hiding them from the world. We love it for working out and for lounging!

Rare Beauty
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Since I started working from home, blush has become my favorite beauty product ever. It’s surprising how much better I look on a Zoom call when I pop a little bit of blush on my cheeks. You can wear no other makeup, and blush just makes you look alive and well. This is a new favorite in my arsenal for its high-pigment and blendable formula.

Safe and Fair
Snack Bundle

What’s a better pick-me-up than some really awesome snacks? This is a mix of my favorites from Safe + Fair, a company that makes snacks without the top 16 food allergens. The Pea Protein Chips are my favorite chips of all time—seriously, I would give up Doritos if I had a constant supply of this in my home, but their Drizzled Popcorn is another staple in my cabinet for movie nights and for a fun snack while working from home.

Real Men Kit Hardcover Book

What better way to cozy up than with a new book? Thrillers are good and all, but sometimes I just want something with a little love. This book follows Jesse after his foster-turned-adoptive mother dies, leaving him and his brothers her knitting shop in Harlem. Jesse wants to keep it open while his brothers want to close the doors, so he enlists the help of part-time shop employee Kerry to learn the ins and outs of the business… and of course, she has a secret crush on him. It’s the cozy romcom you’ve been dreaming of.

Pottery Barn
Velvet Pom Pom Slippers

The criss-cross fuzzy slipper was a major player in 2019, but I’m calling these 2020’s answer. I’m an Instagram girl, what can I say? And these are close-toe, meaning I’ll never have to stress that anyone can see my disgusting unpainted toenails when I snap an inevitable pic with my hot cocoa or while I’m watching holiday movies on end this year.

Range Beauty
True Intentions Hydrating Foundation

Glowy, flawless skin just feels good. When you catch those little glimpses in the mirror throughout the day and your skin just looks *heart eyes*?! It’s life’s little pleasures. This Black-owned brand has been on my radar for a while now, and their hit foundation just launched at Target!

BYBI Beauty
Blueberry Oil Booster

After staring at a computer screen on end for the better part of the last eight months, we can’t help but wonder what all of this extra screen time could be doing to our skin. This affordable facial oil is made of 100 percent cold-pressed blueberry seed oil, which is said to reduce the negative effects of blue light on the skin by blocking the light before it penetrates the skin. Our editor uses this in her skincare routine every morning!

Jordan’s Skinny Syrups
Happy Holidays Gourmet Coffee Syrup Trio

Once I found these coffee syrups, I broke whatever was left of a Starbucks habit for good. I make amazing coffee every single morning with these, and I love that they’re not filled with sugar because they don’t taste like my teeth will fall out at any moment. Trust me: “Christmas Cookie” is going to be a staple in my kitchen until approximately June 2021. Don’t love holiday scents? Might I introduce you to this staple set instead.

Satin Face Mask

A gorgeous face mask that makes you feel like a million bucks when you step out of your apartment for the first time in 10 days? Sign me the heck up.

Vicks VapoShower
Shower Bomb Tablets

Did your grandma tout the miracles of Vicks VapoRub like mine? I was convinced it would cure my acne, period cramps, mosquito bites, broken hearts, headaches, and everything in-between. This is a new find that I think will save my sinuses come December when my allergies are out of whack. Don’t have time for a luxe bath with your CBD bath bombs? No worries, pop one of these in the shower for a steamy, sinus-clearing experience.

Stella & Haas
The Simone Huggie

A fun, new spin on your classic gold hoops will live in your wardrobe for years—and always bring you a little extra joy. I mean, look—they’re so cute!

Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

If sleek, shiny hair is your goal, add Dream Coat to cart ASAP. Hairstylists swear by this product for that glass hair look. Use it all over your hair before heat-styling (it has to be activated by heat!), and see your strands glisten and glow!

Glass Water Bottle with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Our editor got this water bottle recently, and I haven’t seen her drink out of a single other vessel since. Not only is this water bottle chic and sophisticated, but it keeps water and other beverages cold. Plus, the silicone makes it easy to carry without worrying you’ll drop it—my absolute biggest fear as a reformed klutz.

McBride Sisters
Black Girl Magic 2018 California Red Blend

What’s a night in without some adult libations?! We love red in the fall and winter, and this bold, sexy red blend (with notes of tobacco, vanilla, raspberry, plum, and blackberry) has our names written all over it.

Golden Pulse Facial Massager

Don’t leave all your facial massaging to your hands. This vibrating T-bar facial massager is a luxurious addition to your skincare collection, but it’s actually so affordable. Facial massage is great for your skin, but for me, it’s a practice that saves my mental health and helps me fall asleep more easily at night (and that’s on anxiety!).

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One of my favorite things about my look is my pixie cut. If you asked me to describe it, I would say: short, edgy, and professional. As a disabled woman, it’s effortless and time-effective. I have the advantage of waking up and not having to brush my hair if my bedhead isn’t too visible. Some days I add a little style, but I love having a hairstyle where it’s easy to manage. My ultimate hair goal, however, is to shave my head and have a buzzcut. Jazzmyne Jay, a BuzzFeed content creator, is my inspiration; she’s given me the courage to experiment with fashion. I’ve wanted to do it for a while; I’ve just been waiting for the right time.
Honestly, I’ve been waiting for an accepting work environment. I want to work in an environment where diversity is valued, where there is an open-mindedness to individuals who have disabilities and endure mental illness, and where there are strong core values and beliefs; where these things are instilled in the company. In the past few years, I’ve been trying to live intentionally. I’ve always been authentic in who I am, but I’ve tried to be more intentional these last few years with everything that I’ve been through. It’s hard to go into spaces where you are accepted, however, you feel that you still have to hold back a part of your identity, or when you have to hide your entire identity because you are not sure of the reaction, especially in this political climate where you’re often discriminated against for being LGBTQ+. 

In the past few years, I’ve been trying to live intentionally. I’ve always been authentic in who I am, but I’ve tried to be more intentional these last few years with everything that I’ve been through.

Chopping off all your hair is a way for you to start afresh and emerge a new person. I feel rejuvenated and on lighter feet after every cut. My hair wasn’t weighing me down anymore. Look at it this way: it’s like when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Each haircut is as if I’m escaping from all of the anxiety and the depression that has happened since the last haircut to start a new season.
Society pushes many stereotypes about the short-haired woman: she’s damaged, she’s aggressive, she’s manly, she must be a lesbian. As a society, we attach so many parts of a person’s identity to their hair: their sexuality, history, gender, and even personality, and when women have short hair, people tend to think of that as almost being political. She’s making a statement. Long hair is depicted as feminine and beautiful, whereas short hair is not. 

Look at it this way: it’s like when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Each haircut is as if I’m escaping from all of the anxiety and the depression that has happened since the last haircut to start a new season.

As an individual with a disability (I have cerebral palsy and hemiplegia), I do not have the use of my right arm. Because of this, I have difficulty styling my hair, and what began as a move for more independence became a move for self-expression. I had long hair up until college, when I started getting pixie cuts. In high school, I’d had to ask my family to help me style my hair (ponytails, braids, etc.). On my own, I could get at best pin the bangs out of my face. Disabled women’s hair is just seen as yet another inconvenience in terms of independence, and at times we aren’t even given a choice around our hair length and style.
When I attempted to pull my hair into a ponytail by myself, I ultimately failed. I had to deal with loose long hair in all weather and environments. I loved my long hair, and it was beautiful, but it was a source of inconvenience and discomfort. I’m never going to fit into a box. I’m never going to fit under a label; I’m never going to be anything anybody wants me to be, I’m always evolving. I’m all about breaking boundaries. Breaking barriers, breaking labels, and allowing myself to be free.
And that’s what my short hair is to me. More

During one of the last chilly weeks of winter this year, my beloved parka—which I had worn every day of every winter since freshman year of college—got a giant rip down the side. It was time; I had worn it literally to its death, and since it was about to be warm out, I figured it was a problem I could deal with later in the year.Cut to a few weeks ago: the first actually cold day in Chicago, when I went to my closet to bundle up and found myself coatless. I layered up and began my search for the next parka that I wanted to wear for years and years; one that could replace the perfect one that I loved so much. It needed to be somewhat affordable, super warm (if you’ve never experienced a Chicago winter, well, consider yourself lucky), and make me want to put it on every day. The contest began.
In an answer to my chilled-to-the-bone prayers, I saw that Abercrombie was having a 40 percent off sale for all of their coats and puffers. Chicago temperatures require a couple of different outwear options, and since they were on such a big sale, I tried a few to see if I could find an addition or two to my winter wardrobe.

The mini puffer

So, here’s the problem with Chicago weather: one day it is -30 degrees and snowing, and the next it could easily be 40 or warmer, which means that not having a lighter-weight coat option isn’t really an option. This mini puffer feels ultra cool and provides warmth without making me sweat bullets on warmer winter days. It comes in tons of super cool materials and colors (hello faux leather), but this camel sherpa one called my name. I ordered a medium to have a bit more room, and I am completely obsessed. I love that I feel I can wear this with a sweatshirt and leggings or a cute outfit and that it could make both feel a little bit cooler.

The puffer vest

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a girl at my Starbucks wearing a puffer vest, and it stuck in my mind; it made me want to get back into the vests that I had back in college to throw on for casual days. This is exactly how I pictured wearing it: with jeans or leggings, a sweatshirt, my snowboots, and a hat (or over my workout gear for runs on chilly days). Is it the warmest thing in the world? Of course not, it’s a vest, but it’s something I’m happy to welcome back into my collection for fall and winter.

The Ultra Mid-Length Puffer

When I saw this coat, I audibly gasped. When you’re wearing a coat every day for months and months, it doesn’t hurt for it to be cool, and I have never seen one cooler than this. I love both the color and the vegan leather—it makes me not dread putting on a coat because it’s a look in itself. It is also indescribably warm, which is something I didn’t expect.
I am 5’5″ and am wearing a small here, and it feels like I still have plenty of room to wear sweaters or sweatshirts underneath. 

The Everyday Parka

This was the test of tests; the coat I intended to be my real parka for winter—for the days that are below 0. Since my old parka was black, I decided to switch it up and opt for olive green, and I couldn’t love it more. It is so warm and waterproof and is the perfect length for keeping comfortable on really cold days. I can see myself on the train to the office (on some future glorious day) and running errands and just living my winter life in this, happily. This is also a size small, which still has plenty of room underneath, and I would say runs true to size. If you see winter Maddie anytime soon, she will be wearing this. 

Shop all of Abercrombie’s coat and puffer sale:

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In this world, there are two universal truths: one is that Jennifer Anniston simply doesn’t age, and the other is that some way, somehow, Rachel Green’s Friends outfits remain in style as time goes on.Rachel Green’s outfits (and hair, obviously) defined the ’90s, and her cool-girl, effortless looks all offer something to aspire to even in 2020. Sure, Monica and Phoebe had looks that will stick in our minds until the end of time, but Rachel just got it. She seldom wore something that we wouldn’t happily wear today, and considering it’s 25 years later, that’s saying something.
Every year, one of the most difficult dressing conundrums is, of course, choosing at Thanksgiving look, and who better to turn to for inspiration than Rachel Green herself? We’ve replicated every Thanksgiving outfit Rachel ever wore, from her iconic football look to what she cooked her infamous trifle in. (Never mind that we might not be leaving our homes for it this year, we say the show must go on!). 

1. Season 1, Episode 9

Rachel’s first Thanksgiving outfit was, in my humble opinion, one of her best. The simplicity of this sweater with some black pants screams “I don’t need to try too hard to be the best-dressed cousin.”

sweater / mom jeans / black booties / watch

2. Season 3, Episode 9

When I think of a Friends Thanksgiving episode, my mind goes straight to this one—and we have a feeling that quarantine Rachel would be wearing something similar to this this year.

shirt / long-sleeve shirt / joggers / shoes / hat

3. Season 4, Episode 8

Yes, Ross was the worst in this episode, but Rachel’s chic layered look was (almost) distracting enough to steal the whole episode.

turtleneck / shirt / skirt / boots

4. Season 5, Episode 8

Leave it to Rachel Green to be wearing one of 2020’s top fall trends: fringe. This subtle touch of it on the lower-half of her sleeves is more Thanksgiving dinner, less boho, and we couldn’t love it more.

sweater / jeans / black boots / necklace

5. Season 6, Episode 9

Rachel didn’t know a thing about how to bake a trifle, but she did know about picking the perfect color sweater for Thanksgiving dinner. Paired with a red lip? To die for.

sweater / skirt / black booties

6. Season 7, Episode 8

In all of Friends, this is one of my top three favorite looks worn by any character. This is all-black done right with a mix of textures to make it interesting. A long black leather skirt and knee-high leather boots? It doesn’t get better than that.

leather skirt / sweater / boots

7. Season 8, Episode 9

The star of this episode was Brad Pitt, but the runner up was this whimsical lace top that was as festive as they come. 

top / top (affordable option) / jeans / layered necklace / boots

8. Season 9, Episode 8

A wine-colored sweater is the quintessential go-to of Thanksgiving wear, but we think Rachel would swap these pants for 2020’s faux-leather trend (in a similar color, of course). The result? The fall-toned color palette of our dreams.

sweater / pants / earrings / booties

9. Season 10, Episode 8

Nobody does a twist on preppiness like Rachel Green, and lucky for us, preppy looks are back in full-swing for 2020. Take inspiration from Rachel and layer a black sweater tank over a crisp, white button-up, and you’ve got an understated-but-festive winner of an outfit.

tank / button-up / jeans / bracelet / boots More

Owning a simple, plain button-down shirt is the equivalent of having a best friend that always has your back. In the year 2020, I made a ridiculously long, ambitious list of aspects of my life that I wanted to change and while “working out every day” most definitely didn’t happen, I will pat myself on the back for cutting down my online shopping. One of the ways that I leaned into spending less on clothes was to take a step back, reevaluate the items I already had, and find new, fun, and adventurous ways to style them. The article that became a front runner in my feat to becoming a cool fashion girl on a budget was my trusty, white button-down that I purchased the year before the world set fire. 

I first bought her with the sole purpose of styling with a blazer for an interview, but each time I find a new use for my white button-down, my tunnel vision dissipates just a bit more and I fall even deeper in love. She’s versatile, she’s chic, she’s sexy, and she’s ready to be the new favorite fashion piece that you already have.

1. Paired with a puffer

Source: @simplytandya

This outfit combo is so cool but will keep you nice and toasty in the colder months ahead. I love this trendy take on an otherwise classic piece and will be rocking it all season long.

2. With faux leather leggings and a camel-colored jacket

Source: @theplussizedprep

Here at The Everygirl, we love a pair of faux leather leggings, and second to that, we love a good camel coat. Pair these two fan favs with a white button-down for the ultimate put-together-yet-casual vibe.

3. With a structured coat and tailored denim

Source: @brooklynblonde1

How chic is this outfit formula? While jeans and a button-down make a statement on their own, adding a structured coat and pointed-toe heels will take things to the next level so that you can make any casual street your personal runway.

4. Unbuttoned and over a dress

Source: @sara.azani

Throwing an open button-down blouse over a delicate dress is the perfect way to transition your summer dress into fall and is such a beautiful combination. Cheers to the perfect “in-between seasons” look.

5. Cinched with a chunky belt

Source: @simplytandya

Adding a belt is the easiest, most underrated way to bring new life to your average button-down. Use a chunky, geometric belt to jazz up a fitted blouse or grab your sleekest skinny belt to add shape to your oversized button-down. 

6. Paired with athleisure

Source: @trulyjamie

Pairing a white button-down with athleisure is the cool-girl trend you didn’t see coming. Is she headed to spin class, running errands, or hitting up a dinner with friends? It’s none of our business but she’ll look fine as hell regardless.

7. Under a sweater

Source: @theplussizedprep

Preppy fashion stans, unite! This look is far from new but is such an effortless way to add structure and class to your favorite chunky knit sweater. 

8. With a linen skirt

Source: @mylittlebooktique

How gorgeous is this button-down-meets-linen-skirt pairing? This is such an elegant way to transition your summer skirts into fall and winter and is a combo we’ll be wearing over and over.

9. Half-tucked with lounge pants

Source: @mylittlebooktique

This half-tucked button-down shirt is like candy for my eyeballs. I’ve definitely tucked in my button-downs in the past but half-in/half-out is an absolutely wild concept that I wish I would have thought of sooner. If you’re looking for an easy yet stylish WFH outfit, you’ve found it.

10. As a monochrome look, tied at the waist

Source: @theblondeinpink

I can’t tell what aspect of this outfit combo I like more: the tasteful white-on-white pairing or the flawless execution of the old tie-at-the-waist technique. Thankfully, I don’t have to choose and will be keeping both styling options in my back pocket.

11. Under a sweater vest

Source: @ashbegash

Sweater weather but make it edgy. I don’t have a sweater vest of my own but if I did, I’d opt to wear this combo every day. Pair it with distressed jeans and combat boots and you have yourself a look.  

12. Tucked into denim

Source: @theyusufs

This outfit formula is so incredibly easy to pull together. Tuck your plain button-down into your favorite pair of denim jeans and you’re good to go! Looking polished with minimal effort is always the move. 

13. With a statement skirt

Source: @thebeverlyadams

Business on top, party down below. I love this unassuming pairing of a refined button-down and a statement skirt. Bring on all of the fun textures, bold prints, and adventurous silhouettes. We’re ready for you.

14. Off the shoulder

Source: @missenocha

Unbutton your shirts ladies, we’re going off the shoulder for this one. This is such a fun way to revive your button-up and is oh so chic. You can achieve this look one of two ways: Either a) unbutton the entire shirt, flip the collar over your shoulders, and tie in the middle to join the sides or b) unbutton half of the shirt, flip the collar over your shoulders, and tuck the hem into your bottoms of choice.

15. With flare denim jeans and loafers

Source: @stephanietrotta

Flare denim jeans are one of my favorite 2020 trends and pairing them with a simple white button-down is the perfect way to mix classic and trending style. Pop the collar for extra credit.

16. Belted with OTK boots

Source: @kayla_seah

Not sure what to do with the men’s style or oversized button-down hanging in your closet? People, this is it. Pop a sweater or sweater vest over it, rock your button-down as a dress, and pair with some over-the-knee boots for a bold, fashion-forward look. More

A wise man once said that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” While I believe that Buddy The Elf is the right guy to take advice from on all things holiday, there is one very personal, important detail to consider in the blank spaces of his counsel: my singing voice is so off-pitch that it’ll make any nearby newborn cry.I know my role in society and singing loud for all to hear is the closest thing I’ve committed to a crime. Something I do excel at during the holiday season, however, is shopping. It is a specific skill set that I will exploit until the end of time. My preferred methods of feeling festive include (but are not limited to) gifting holiday knick-knacks, playing a new Christmas vinyl on repeat (my dancing is slightly better than my singing, do not fret), and drinking hot chocolate out of my coziest seasonal mug. To each their own, I suppose.
This year more than ever, I’m summoning all of the holiday cheer I can find so that I can fill my home and my soul with memories of Christmas past and hope for holidays ahead. If you’re in the market to add a little holiday festivity to your life (without upsetting your budget), these under $20 holiday finds are here to make everything better… no autotune required: More

If there’s one thing you’re probably sick of hearing about from our team—besides Nancy Meyers, Harry Styles, and French culture as a whole—it’s probably the Spanx leather leggings. I can’t think of a single member of our team who doesn’t have them, and we all wear them to death and consider them a top-five wardrobe staple. We aren’t faking it; we love the damn things.If I had to find a complaint about mine, I’d say one, single thing: they don’t exactly look like leather. They look more like a leather/legging hybrid, which is fitting because that’s exactly what they are, but once in a blue moon, I want to look more like Olivia Newton John sewn into leather pants that are as tight to her body as her own skin than I want to look like I’m just wearing leather leggings. And lo and behold, the universe felt this energy and delivered me a gift in the form of a targeted ad for Spanx’s new, patent leather leggings.

There they were in all their glory: a pair of leather-looking leggings, with shine and all, that allegedly felt like leggings too. Because of the amount of wear I get out of my classic Spanx leather leggings, I ordered them in the same size, ready to spend the rest of quarantine sitting on my couch in patent leather.

I’m not going to lie: when I first took these out of the package, it gave me pause. It seemed like they might make a little bit of noise when I walked because of their faux-leatherness, and while I’m all about dressing slightly ridiculous, noisy leggings just are something I can’t do. But once I put them on, my fears were voided, and to my absolute surprise, they actually felt pretty similar to how my original leggings feel on my body: like real leggings.

  
Out the gate, I love how these look and feel. If you’re in the same boat as me where you want something that looks a little more like real leather, these are absolutely the answer. They’re as comfortable as any faux-leather pant could possibly be, but look like real leather. Any tighter leather pant can be a nightmare fit-wise, and these are absolutely foolproof (for reference, I’m wearing a size medium here, which is true to size according to their size charts). These can make anything from sweaters to a cropped sweatshirt to just a T-shirt look cool and feel dressed-up while remaining comfortable and seamless. 

The Spanx leather leggings are an investment, but one that I’ve found paid for themselves in cost per wear—I truly could not wear mine more, and they’re still in perfect condition after 18 months of having them. Because of that, I’m so glad to be adding this somewhat-of-an-investment piece into my wardrobe too. If you told me at the beginning of 2020 that I’d be wearing leather pants while working from home, I wouldn’t have believed you, but it isn’t the most surprising thing of the year. More