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    2021 Outfit Inspiration Based on the Most Fashionable Characters of 2020

    2020 didn’t give us much to go off of, but if there’s one, singular thing it gave us in abundance, it was incredible TV characters.From Emily in Paris to Dash and Lily to Dead to Me, our Netflix queues were filled to the brim with fabulous women, and for me, a girl stuck at home daydreaming of wearing what the characters on my screen were, the fashion that came with it was one of the best parts. After all, when you’re sitting on the couch in sweats that you haven’t changed out of in six months, a beret paired with a colorful jacket is about as insane of a concept as we could imagine.
    It’s a brand new year, and we’re saying goodbye to the style boredom of the past year, and hello to new, fun ways to style our clothes—and it’s only fair that we’re turning to our favorite characters for inspiration to start 2021 off on our most stylish foot.

    1. Grace Fraser, The Undoing

    Sure, you could toss a paper bag on Nicole Kidman and it would be a fashion statement, but The Undoing was as full of out-of-the-box outfit choices as it was suspects for murder. We’re channeling Grace through long, jewel-toned coats and eclectic dresses for winter looks that are anything but boring.

    coat / coat (affordable option) / dress / boots / bag

    2. Beth, The Queen’s Gambit

    Beth and her story came to us toward the end of 2020, but everything about her made her one of the most memorable characters of the entire year—her wardrobe included. Her style gave us the go ahead to take inspiration from ’60s patterns and silhouettes to our 2021 looks. The first look to check off our to-be-worn lists? Her iconic all-white final episode ensemble.

    coat / beret / boots / sweater dress

    3. Lara Jean, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before 2

    We fell head-over-heels for Lara Jean last year, and when To All The Boys 2 made its rounds in early 2020, we were reminded just why we love her so much. Sure, she’s in high school, but we can take her youthful aesthetic and apply it to our own style too.

    sweater / leather mini skirt / sneakers / sunglasses

    4. Emily, Emily in Paris

    Just when we thought we’d never feel wanderlust again, Emily in Paris came to save the day and give us travels to dream about once we’re able. While her wardrobe was controversial, we can all agree that the girl was fearless with her style, and that’s something we’re trying to emulate throughout the new year.

    jacket / dress / beret / boots

    5. Mia Warren, Little Fires Everywhere

    Mia Warren, played by Kerry Washington, was one of the most underrated characters of 2020 (maybe just because the show coming out feels like it was 100 years ago, but I digress). Her no-bullshit attitude carried into her wardrobe, filled with casual basics paired together effortlessly—the perfect inspiration for slightly elevated work-from-home outfits.

    top / jeans / belt / boots More

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    The Everygirl’s Accessory Capsule Wardrobe

    When it comes to a put-together look, the clothes are only half the battle. Sure, they’re the bones of what you look like every day, but the thing that can make or break each and every thing you put on? The accessories.Accessories can also be a bit of a blind spot when it comes to choosing what to add to your wardrobe. Trendy jewelry and bags come and go with every season, but they aren’t always the best investment (versus, say, a trendy shirt you know you’ll get use of for the season). Our strategy of choice? Approaching our accessories with a capsule wardrobe mindset, and choosing strategized pieces that we know are versatile, well-made, and that will complement our outfits in the way we need them to.
    You don’t need a million accessories to have a well-rounded selection—you just need ones that can be worn in a million different ways. No matter who you are or what you do, these are the only accessories you’ll ever need.

    shoulder bagcamera bagclutchbackpackclassic totestatement bagpaperclip necklacegold hoopsdainty necklacepom hatball stud earringsberetcat-eye sunglassesblue-light glassesoversized sunglassesbaseball hatbeltscrunchie

    For the office…

    To run errands…

    On a walking date…

    To work from home…

    For a winter day out… More

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    8 Dubai-based fashion content creators to follow in 2021

    With the usage of social media becoming more rampant than ever, who we follow to consume inspiring content is more important than ever.
    With that in mind, here are eight content creators based in Dubai who you should be following on social media this year.
    Laura Badura

    From elevating everyday looks to being a fashion ambassador for many well-known brands, her travel-based content is a part of the iconic Instagram duo with her twin Klaudia Badura and her posts mainly centre between her travels in both Dubai and London.
    Samantha Francis

    Creative director and stylist Samantha Francis always manages to give us inspiration through her sartorial fashion choices and DIY décor ideas. From minimal aesthetics to supporting contemporary fashion brands, she’s definitely one to follow.
    Gabriella Bjersland

    This Dubai-based style maven not only has a visually aesthetic feed, but also enjoys being surrounded by creative craftsmanship as she believes in healthy eating and exercise too.
    Ola Farahat

    From styling and accessorising, to adding a playful touch to each outfit, this content creator and former EW cover star is a well-known designer, fashion blogger and business visionary. Her confidence is absolutely refreshing.
    Zahra Khalil

    Known for her fashion expertise, Zahra has worked across well-known publications along with media production and over the years has captured her love for travelling on social media.
    Tamara Al Gabbani

    The Emirati fashion designer and model has amped the notch by taking the region’s fashion scene by storm, by also being an avid voice for female strength and empowerment she’s on top of her A-game like never before.
    Sai Ferrera

    After starting her own blog, she’s managed to engage her followers through her beautiful art of content creation while sharing her love for the beach and travel while also being drawn towards spirituality.
    Rania Fawaz

    This former EW cover star gives us style inspiration on a daily basis, from ’80s silhouettes to a jet-setting agenda, she’s earned a loyal fanbase while also honing her true fashion talent.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image Instagram More

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    I Tried 3 of Instagram’s Most Popular Leggings—Here Are My Thoughts

    You know that feeling when you grab your favorite pair of leggings only to put them on and notice that there are holes in the thighs? Utter disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe moments like that.I try to work out every day, and I’ve noticed that more than a few of my favorite leggings have been rubbed raw in the thigh area—every curvy girl knows what I mean here (thigh gap who?). It seemed as though my favorite leggings and my thighs were conspiring against me, so I decided it was time to order some replacements.
    For the past year, I’ve been getting ads for the same pairs of size-inclusive leggings from Girlfriend Collective, PopFit, and Fabletics. I can’t count how many times I’ve clicked through to them and talked myself out of taking the plunge—but no more! I ordered three pairs of the leggings I’m constantly seeing online to test them out once and for all.
    I’m a big girl who likes to do all kinds of workouts. I love anything from dancing to cycling to HIIT to weight lifting to yoga, but the one thing I absolutely cannot stand is a pair of leggings that can’t take the heat of a good workout. So, I really tried these brands and ranked them based on style, comfort level, fit, and full workout capability. Here’s what happened:

    Legging 1: Popfit Harlow Legging

    I’ve had my eye on these for a while because they have a crazy entry offer where you get your first pair of leggings free. Honestly, it sounded too good to be true, so I had to investigate. When I opened the package, I can’t lie, I was a bit skeptical. The material felt thinner than what I was used to, and I couldn’t imagine how the leggings would actually look on me (the patterns on the site were a bit outside of my comfort zone). But then I tried them on and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the way that the leggings offered some light compression in the tummy area, accentuated my waist, and bonus: they have pockets!
    I did two workouts in these leggings: jump rope and cycling. They’re super high waisted, so I didn’t have to pause in the middle of my workout to adjust them or keep them from falling down. The material was pretty stretchy, so there wasn’t too much resistance against my movements or hesitation for fear of ripping them.
    I’d recommend these leggings for those who enjoy HIIT workouts and activities with a lot of fast-paced movements. I would pass on them for those who need a maximum mobility for activities such as yoga, pilates, and barre.

    Sizing tip: These leggings run a bit large, so I’d recommend sizing down based on your measurements.

    Legging 2: Fabletics Maya High-Waisted Capri

    The next leggings I tried were that of Kate Hudson’s Activewear line, Fabletics. If I had to describe these leggings in three words, I’d say: cute, high-quality, and again, pockets.
    In comparison to the PopFit leggings, these were definitely more comfortable. I really appreciated the thickness of the waistband and softness of the material, although I did have to do the Beyoncé jump to get them over all of my assets. The pockets weren’t as deep or wide as the PopFit leggings, but they’re made with a sheer material which provided a cute contrast to the material of the actual leggings. They also weren’t as high waisted, which would have been a major bonus for me because it helps to create that hourglass shape on my body.
    I went hiking in a rocky terrain in these leggings. As I brushed up against bushes and branches, I was immensely thankful for the thick material between me and the more unforgiving aspects of nature. Also, as I climbed, I was able to really assess the mobility of the material and was extremely pleased. Plus, they’re super sweatproof, so you can say goodbye to awkward sweat stains. On the con side, I did have to stop and pull these leggings up a few times, and I don’t think going down a size would be possible for me. 
    I’d recommend these leggings for more stationary activities like: weight-lifting, yoga, biking, and core workouts.

    Sizing tip: These leggings fit pretty true to size, so I’d recommend sizing based on your measurements.

    Legging 3: Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging

    So, do all leggings have pockets now? I’m not complaining, I’m exclaiming! Honestly, I don’t think I can wear leggings without pockets after this experience. 
    These were the leggings I was the most excited to try. They have such an amazing variety of models and representation in their branding. They arrived in the cutest packaging and came with an adorable recyclable pouch. Their site calls these particular leggings, “squat-proof, ultra high-rise, compressive leggings,” and I wanted to find out if these claims held up.
    The first time I pulled these on, I could tell that they were much more structured than the other pairs I tried. The compression was, comparatively, a lot lighter, and the high-rise didn’t rise as high as I may have hoped.  
    I went for a five mile walk in these and followed it with a quick yoga session. I found them to be extremely moisture-wicking, and the pockets had a really secure feel—which would be great for my keys, wallet, or phone. I found myself having to pull them up a lot during my walk, and I think it’s because my phone started to weigh them down. 
    These are the leggings I’d go to for my athleisure ‘fits. I’ll probably double back to the site for the matching top so I can wear this on work-from-home days or to run errands. They’re the perfect leggings for a chill Saturday, and come in a ton of cute colors to spice up your wardrobe with.

    Sizing tip: The next time I order from Girlfriend Collective I think I’ll try a smaller size. This time I got a XXL, and I think an XL might have given me that extra compression I needed. (Plus, I’m kind of short, so these felt a bit too long for me.) More

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    7 Things You Should Clean Out From Your Closet This Year

    If you’re anything like me, you have an over-stuffed closet full of things you haven’t worn in five years. I recently went on a closet rampage and cleaned out bags and bags of clothes to send to Goodwill, and If I’m being honest, I haven’t missed anything I gave away. If you’re also about to take on an intense closet intervention or want to embrace the capsule wardrobe trend, here are seven things you should definitely clean out of your closet this year.

    1. The same shirt in 4 different colors
    Yes, I also grew up in an era where if a shirt fit, you had to buy it in seven colors. But you do not need those kinds of options, and they can end up leaving you with an overstuffed closet full of things you never wear. If you have duplicate pieces, pull them all out, line them up, and choose the one you wear the most consistently. There are an infinite amount of outfit possibilities—let’s not limit ourselves to the same T-shirt five days a week.

    2. Clothing that’s too small or too big
    It’s easy to hold out for the day you’ll squeeze back into the expensive sweater we accidentally shrunk it in the dryer. But you’re cultivating a wardrobe to wear now, and unless you turn back time to being 13 or preventing the dryer fiasco, it’s time to let it go. The same goes for the dress you bought two sizes too big because you loved the print. I know it can be difficult to let go of pieces you may love or spent a lot of money on, but it’s important to be realistic and keep in mind the “quality, not quantity” type of wardrobe you want. Look at these pieces and ask yourself what makes them special and worth keeping. Could you get it tailored to correctly fit? Could you resell it online? If not, it’s time to donate it.

    3. Worn-out bras that are barely hanging on
    I’m not talking about your delicate lace bra that gets pulled out on special occasions; I’m talking about the stretched-out T-shirt bra you bought at target two years ago that’s barely in one piece. It’s hard to let go of the bra you’ve been living in for years, but a good rule of thumb is to go through your undergarments once a year to weed out the ones that need to go. Then, treat yourself to a couple of new bras and a proper fitting. You can also drastically lengthen the life of your bra by proper care.
    A few tips:

    Don’t fold your bras to save storage space as it can deform the cups over time.

    Always wash in warm water and rinse in cool. Hot water can warp your bra.

    NEVER put your bra in the dryer. Always hang dry.

    Buy bras that fit snug on the very last hooks. Then while the band naturally stretches over time, you can slowly move to tighter hooks to keep the same fit.

    4. The outfit you once really loved, but is now abandoned in the back of your closet
    We all have outfits we used to adore that we haven’t touched in months. The dress and jacket I once wore three times a week and prized above all are now gathering dust from lack of affection. We all go through style changes, but when it’s clear you’re no longer interested, it’s time to let it go. Pieces can still be versatile and maybe you just need to style that leather vest in a new way, but if you’ve tried it in different outfits and still don’t find yourself utilizing it? Let it go.

    5. All those freebie T-shirts, hats, and tote bags
    Over time, we can easily build up a collection of random shirts, hats, and bags covered in festival logos and local advertisements. You and I both know you stick to the same five worn-in T-shirts. As you go through these pieces, really ask yourself why you haven’t worn it and would you really ever wear it. Yes, it seems nice to have an array of hat options and totes for the unexpected adventure, but by giving away what you don’t need, you’ll open up a lot more space in your closet to see what you have and will actually be worn.

    6. Anything you haven’t worn in over six months
    I understand this is a hard rule with changing seasons. Maybe you just haven’t gotten the chance to rock that sundress since you’ve been stuck in sweaters for months, but I’m talking about the beautiful silk blouse you bought for that date last year that you’ve still never worn. Face it, you’re probably not going to wear it. If you’re still struggling with what to keep, look at each piece and ask yourself these questions:
    Does it flatter my shape or complexion?
    Can I see it pairing well with the rest of my wardrobe?
    Do I still love it?
    Does it still fit?
    Do I feel comfortable in it?
    Would I buy it again if I saw it in stores now?
    Is it damaged?
    Why haven’t I worn it?

    7. Anything that you’ve been telling yourself you would repair and haven’t
    If you’ve had the piece longer than six weeks and haven’t gotten it hemmed, cleaned, etc., it’s safe to say you never will. Don’t hold on to an amazing dress that will just sit in your closet because it’s made for a woman who’s 6’0 and you’re 5’3″. If you love the piece, make an appointment and get the dress hemmed for your height. If you’re holding on to a pair of jeans that need to be patched, get them patched this week or send them to Goodwill. They are just taking up space in your already overcrowded closet.

    Prepare for next year
    To stay on top of your wardrobe, a great way to continue keeping up with getting rid of the things you should is to flip all of your coat hangers in your closet in the opposite direction at the beginning of the year. Every time you wear something, swap it to face the other way. Then at the end of next year, you’ll be able to clearly see the things you haven’t touched and can more easily justify getting rid of them without any debate. More

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    Remembering the French courtier Pierre Cardin for his pioneering career

    With over 60 years in the fashion Industry, Monsieur Pierre Cardin was adored for his business acumen and world renowned label. France’s Academy of Fine Arts, announced his death on Tuesday in the French capital region while he was 98 years old.

    Inspired by futuristic silhouettes and the jet age, his visionary outlook helped him exceed as he become one of the first courtiers in the Parisian world to make ready-to-wear versions of his designs back in 1959, while luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor and the Beatles were also seen dawned in his creations.

    From avant-garde tunics to space helmets his innovation in the fashion industry won’t be forgotten. Later on in 1969, the designer was also commissioned by Nasa to create a spacesuit and is still considered a trailblazer in the world of futurism.
    He will always be remembered for his contribution ad his inspiring story of starting out at France’s elite fashion house, Paquin and later being hired by Christian Dior a year later. After gaining inspiration and exposure, Mr. Cardin founded his fashion house in 1950.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image Instagram @pierrecardinintr More

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    Our Favorite Pieces of 2020 That We’ll Still Be Wearing Next Year

    In 2020, our clothes didn’t get much use. I can confidently say that I touched roughly 15 percent of my wardrobe this year, and that might even be generous. Have I bought new things? Yes. Do I regret it? Well, sort of.Despite the fresh hell that was this year, trends still existed as they would in any other year, and we added some new pieces to our wardrobe that only our pets and the dust bunnies under our couch saw. But the good news? Most of them aren’t going away next year, and we can hold out hope that one day, fellow train passengers will see us in them on our way to the office.
    These are our absolute favorite pieces we’ve worn in 2020, all of which we’re planning on wearing throughout the entirety of 2021. Will anyone else see us in them? Only time will tell, but that doesn’t mean we love them any less.

    1. Our loungewear

    Source: @caitlynwarakomski

    2020 was nothing if not the year of loungewear; we learned that it doesn’t equate to feeling frumpy, and since it turned into our full-time wear, we made it as chic as possible. For reasons beyond quarantine, our matching sets and elevated loungewear will continue into 2021 and beyond. These editor-favorite pieces are the ones we can’t wait to get more use out of.

     

    2. Teddy coats

    Source: @crystalinmarie

    Teddy coats are the gift that keep on giving year after year: they’re cozy, cute as all hell, and never really go out of style. They’re the coat that we can count on both for warmth and to make us look like a cousin of Cruella de Vil, and what more could we possible ask for?

     

    3. Faux-leather pants

    Source: @simplytandya

    Since last January, faux leather has creeped into everything from our pants to our shirts. It’s a far cry from the pleather of the past; now, faux leather is as close as it could be to the real thing, which makes it a welcome part of our wardrobes. Once we’re out and about again, we’ll be wearing our faux-leather pants as much as our jeans.

     

    4. Shackets

    Source: Charlotte Bridgeman | @charlottebridgeman

    The shirt jacket, aptly shortened to just “shacket” this year, is about as versatile as it can get. We wore them as our outerwear in fall over T-shirts, and now that it’s chillier out, are throwing them on top of our chunkier sweaters. With a million different fabrics, colors, and prints to choose from, the shacket is our new denim jacket.

     

    5. Long, straight denim

    Source: @kateogata

    Longer lengths of denim made its way to graze the tops of our feet this year, and come 2021 when we’re wearing jeans again, they’ll be the ones we choose. Something about them feel more effortless and just a little bit cooler.

     

    6. Chunky boots

    Source: @theyusufs

    Something we actually did get wear out of this year? Chunky combat boots. If you’re anywhere that experiences winter, they’re about as practical as a trend can get, and we’re as likely to trudge to the grocery store in them as we are to wear them out to dinner.

     

    7. Puffer coats

    Source: @twentysomethingplus

    This year, when all we were wearing were various forms of sweats, we learned the value of a good puffer coat; they kept us warm and can be bought in a color or pattern fun enough to disguise the fact that we’re wearing a groufit underneath.

      More

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    The #1 Way to Feel Sexier This Winter

    The last thing I’ve felt in 2020 is sexy. Run-down, frustrated, annoyed, terrified, and bored are eons higher on the list of emotions I’ve felt the most this year, and I’m sure plenty can relate. Having a thriving and exciting sex life (even if it’s just with yourself) was likely one of the first things to go out the window, and now that we’ve loosely figured out work-from-home, staying in nonstop, and virtual happy hours, it’s high-time we all give our sex lives and our confidence a boost. And I’ve got the perfect, inexpensive way to do it. When was the last time you replenished your underwear stash? If it wasn’t in the last year, listen up: buying underwear doesn’t have to be a cumbersome process anymore, and it never has to come in a pack of 10 from the grocery store (nor a store that makes you feel blah about your appearance) because BootayBag is the adult, super simple way to get cute underwear you’ll love.
    BootayBag is the underwear subscription service our editors use and love because it’s easy, affordable, and the options are truly cute. Sign up, and you can choose one or two pairs of underwear each month, plus the option to add on a matching bralette (who wouldn’t?! Not like bras with wires exist anymore!). They have thongs, cheeky undies, hipsters, and more in all different styles, colors, and prints that are brand new every single month—so you won’t even have to think about buying new underwear basically ever (which is something we can all rejoice to!). Just choose your size and style, and it’s shipped right to your door. Easy, peasy. Plus, you can swap your style, skip the month, or cancel at any time, meaning the process is super transparent and easy to use. 

    Source: @higuysitsana for Bootay Bag

    Feeling sexy isn’t just about having a partner, it’s about feeling good in the skin you’re in, and owning it. And dare I say it, putting on some cute lingerie, whether it’s to wear under your leggings and T-shirt all day or to lay on the couch and watch TV, is a ritualistic way to set the mood and feel sexy no matter which way you take it. We might be spending our days sitting at the same desk, staring at a computer, and ignoring all the cute clothes in our closets, but that’s all the more reason to do what you can to feel hot—all by yourself. 

    It’ll boost your sex life
    Want to boost your sex life and sexual confidence this year? Trust me: adding cute undies from BootayBag to your routine is the simplest way. When you feel confident and comfortable in yourself, you just feel sexier, and we all know what happens to our sex lives when we feel in the mood. 😉

    It encourages you to keep up
    Plus, BootayBag makes it so easy and gets you excited every month to keep it up. No more of those February blues when you realize you’ve already abandoned your resolutions. This is a habit you’ll want to keep up, and getting to try a new pair every month makes it simple to try new designs, cuts, and styles you maybe wouldn’t buy for yourself.

    It’s beyond affordable
    Unlike sex toys and other lingerie, BootayBag is so affordable. Your first month is 50 percent off, and it still only starts at $10 a month. Who wouldn’t spend $10 a month to feel more confident?!

    Source: @higuysitsana for Bootay Bag

    No matter what your relationship status is right now, we all deserve to feel hot and sexy all by ourselves, and a feisty new pair of panties is just the way if you ask me. Try your first month of BootayBag for 50% off!

    This post is sponsored by Bootay Bag, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More