The Biggest Trend of the Season Is Also Shockingly Affordable

I’ll save you the wait—it’s animal print—but before you chalk this up to last fall’s leopard trend simply carrying over, let me explain why it’s so much more than that. For this season, even though leopard is still very much included in the trend’s scope, the trend has gone beyond what it was before to encompass everything from snake and croc to zebra and giraffe-inspired prints, with all kinds of styling from simple to statement-making in the mix. Of course, I wouldn’t be saying this if I didn’t have the proof to back it up, so keep reading.

To show you just how prevalent animal trend is going to be among fall 2019’s fashion set, I turned to Copenhagen’s street style from earlier in August (as it’s become the unofficial start to fashion month) to see if and how our favorite stylish Scandis were already wearing it. A quick search and over 50 animal print–inclusive images later, I rest my case. Don’t worry, I won’t make you look through all 50, just my 13 favorites along with some under-$50 animal print shopping from our very own Who What Wear collection for Target. From tops to skirts to dresses to bags, we designed everything you could possibly need to make the look yours without going a penny over budget, so just keep scrolling to get started.

Style tip: Style your animal-print pieces with Western ankle boots for a cool combo.

Also available in more sizes.

Style tip: Zebra will look surprisingly good with colorful accessories, so don’t shy away from going for it.

Style tip: Even a little bit of animal print makes a big difference in any outfit. 

Also available in more sizes.

Also available in other sizes.

Style tip: Pair a printed top with of-the-moment long denim shorts for a look that’s twice as trendy.

Style tip: Snake print elevates any accessory to make it look more expensive.

Style tip: For a look to last you through the remainder of summer, simply pair a belted animal-print dress with flat sandals and your favorite little black bag.

Style tip: Add a mock-croc bag to your work wardrobe for instant polish. 

Style tip: There’s no such thing as too much leopard print.

Also available in more sizes.

Style tip: Consider adding an of-the-moment gold chain necklace to all your upcoming fall looks.

Also available in more sizes.

Also available in more sizes.

Style tip: The animal-print midi skirt is officially a fashion girl staple, so if you don’t already own one, don’t even hesitate. 

Also available in more sizes.

Also available in more sizes.

Style tip: Don’t be afraid to combine animal-print pieces with other trends, such as dad shirts or utility-inspired pieces.

Also available in more sizes.

Style tip: You can never go wrong with classic accessories like as a pouch bag and slingbacks.

Also available in other sizes.

Up next: 11 iconic ’90s outfits you’re going to want to re-create for fall.

My Mom Is 45 Years Older Than Me, and We Both Love This Affordable Skincare Line

As the title of this article would suggest, my beautiful mom is indeed 45 years older than me. Not surprisingly, we have completely different needs when it comes to our skin. From our product regimens to formula preferences, we’re almost polar opposites. If I even say the word pimple, my face immediately sprouts five in response, and because of that, I’ve leaned into an über-sleek and slimmed-down skincare routine both morning and night. Oil-free and anti-acne formulas are the name of my game—a far cry from the rich creams, oils, and age-pegged serums my mom favors. She’s all about hydration, plumping, anything that will fade age spots or lift and zap fine lines and wrinkles. 

I pretty much exclusively look for effective products specifically geared for older skin,” she tells me. “So firming and moisturizing products are particularly important to me. I also feel it’s important to have very specific information about what’s in the product, when to use it, how to use it, whether it’s effective for all skin types or just particular skin types, and whether it can be layered with other products.”

Unlike my zippy morning and evening skin prep, my mom’s is more extensive. She loves to double-cleanse and also creates cocktails of her favorite serums and moisturizers to make sure she’s covering all her bases. She looks for products that are clean, affordable, user-friendly, and highly efficacious, so I knew she’d love Who What Wear’s sister skincare line, Versed, but I needed to put my hypothesis to the test. A couple of weeks ago, I brought home a checked bag full of Versed formulas for her to try and review. Not surprisingly, my mom was just as (if not more) obsessed with the products than I thought, and even though we each have different formulas we favor, her general consensus speaks volumes of the brand’s quality and lovability for all ages, not just younger generations:

“What really impressed me about these products was the ease of use. I thought it was truly brilliant to have concise, clear, and easy-to-read information on each product about what it’s made for (e.g. problem skin, aging skin, etc.), how to use it, how much to use, where to use it, and when to use it,” she explains. “You’d think this would be standard information on most skincare products, but this doesn’t seem to be the case. And this information is not buried in small print along with a mile-long list of ingredients. The label literally has the words how, where, when and made for (and the answers, of course) in easy-to-read type on each product. For me, it seemed like a stroke of genius since so many skincare products leave you guessing about how much to apply and when to apply them.

“In addition, the price point really impressed me since it will make the products more generally accessible. I also greatly appreciate the focus on natural ingredients and the emphasis on nontoxic ingredients.”

Curious to see which products my mom and I loved most and our honest reviews? Keep scrolling! We’re diving in below.

“If I’ve worn makeup during the day, I’ll use the Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm as the first part of my double-cleanse routine. I also tried and like the brand’s Wash It Out Cleanser ($13), but between the two, this cleanser was definitely my favorite. I feel like it’s better suited to my skin, which craves lots of rich hydration.  “I don’t love terribly strong scents when it comes to skincare products, and I appreciate the fact that Versed’s offerings smell beautiful but in a really delicate (read: non-overpowering) way. I’m all over anything with even a faint smell of eucalyptus, and this cleansing balm doesn’t disappoint. It’s an extremely light fragrance, which is lovely. The formula is also effective. It melts away makeup and is a wonderful first cleanse for all of us who double-cleanse on days we’ve worn makeup.  It’s a must first cleansing step for me.”

“A daily dose of vitamin C is essential for me, and I’ve been using this serum every morning after cleansing in addition to the brand’s On the Rise Firming Serum (which I’ll be reviewing below), Hydration Station Booster With Hyaluronic Acid ($20), and a few shakes of the Found the Light Powder With Vitamin C  ($20). All are great (I’m especially obsessed with the handy design concept of Hydration Station), but this serum is a standout. “I’ve used a variety of high- and low-end vitamin C serums in terms of price, and if I didn’t know better, I would have guessed this formula was right up there with mega-prestige brands like SkinCeuticals. I appreciate that this product contains a mix of strategic brightening ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root extract, niacinamide, among other ingredients. In order to be effective, vitamin C needs to be in a stable formula that won’t oxidize, and even though I don’t know if this is the case with this product, I plan to keep testing it to see if I do indeed notice a long-term brightening effect. That said, my skin has been looking more glowy after I apply it each morning, and it applies and absorbs really nicely, unlike a lot of serums I’ve tried which can feel overly sticky or sink in the second they touch your complexion.”

“As I mentioned above, I use this serum every morning as part of a four-part product cocktail before I moisturize. Made for aging skin, this product is definitely in my wheelhouse! It’s designed to boost collagen production to smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Peptides, vitamins, and other antioxidants are also part of the magic. “Anti-aging serums like this always take significant time of testing before you’ll see a noticeable difference, but I already appreciate the quality variety of ingredients and its overall feel and consistency. It is super lightweight, and I do enjoy the feel of it on my skin. Since I’ve only been using it for a week, the jury’s still out on the effectiveness of this serum, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed on this one since the price is amazing, and the skin on the lower part of my face is crying out for some help!”

“I laughed out loud when I saw the name of this product (actually, the whole line is so, so clever!) because my under-eyes are pretty much always in a state of emergency. I have some sleeping issues, and that coupled with the natural aging process has plagued my under-eyes with bags, fine lines, wrinkles, and sometimes circles. However, I’ve been rotating this with the Zero-G Smoothing Eye Cream ($18) in the mornings and have noticed some significant relief. I choose which product depending on the amount of puffiness and darkness in my under-eye area. This one, as the name suggests, is for those true emergencies. “I like the fact that this product has caffeine and cucumber juice in it, which are known to de-puff, calm, and tighten up the under-eye area. The first time I used it, I was a little disappointed that it felt somewhat sticky when applied, even after I wiped off the excess with a tissue as the packaging instructs. But the results were great, and I plan to keep trying it a few more times (despite my discomfort with the feel of it) because both Erin and my husband said my eyes looked way brighter. I really need help in this area and want to determine if this product really does the job. More testing needed!” 

“Omg. I have to confess I wasn’t expecting to see the kind of results I saw when I tried this mask for the first time. When I applied the mask, it felt cooling, refreshing, and produced a very slight tingle—all in all, a very pleasant sensation. But I was pretty darn amazed by the results. My skin definitely felt far softer, more hydrated, and had a glow to it that was totally unexpected. I absolutely adore this product and will keep using it a couple of times a week in the evening. I assumed it was a one-and-done packaged mask, but holy moly—each packet has over 12 applications. I’m gushing. Plus, I feel like this packaging concept likely breeds fewer bacteria? I know that’s something I’m always worried about with my normal jars of masking formulas.”

“I’ve been using this product morning and night as the final step in my routine. It feels really fabulous on the skin and has the extra moisturizing quality that my skin absolutely craves—without feeling the least bit greasy or like it’s clogging my pores. Yes, even though I’m 71 years old, I still get the occasional pimple, and this rich face cream still has managed to keep my face completely clear! I will definitely be using it on a daily basis and love that it is significantly more affordable than other rich face creams on the skincare scene right now. I mean, $18?! You’d think it would be too good to be true, but from what I’ve seen thus far, so not the case!” One parting note: “Versed has a wonderful quiz on its website which helps narrow down the list of products that would be best for your skin based on your answers to the questions. One thing I wish they would do with that list is to break it down into the products you should use in your morning routine (in the order they should be used in) and the products you should use in your evening routine (in the order they should be used in). This kind of quick reference guide would be very helpful.”

Since my skin is so, so finicky, lip products are something I can really go ham with. But I’ve learned my lesson the hard way that I still have to be super diligent as to their formulas. Tons of lip products have highly comedogenic oils like coconut in them, which cause issues for most people who, you know, have pores, but especially for those people like me who breakout by just looking at the stuff.  I love this lip oil because it goes on like an oil or gloss but gradually sinks into your pout to deliver a great dose of hydration and plumpness. The effect lasts all day (you don’t have to reapply even though you’ll probably want to thanks to the cute packaging), and it’s one of the few products I make sure to have in my bag at all times. It’s also great for those inevitable nights out when after lots of sipping, talking, dancing, what have you, your lips start to feel parched and crusty. This helps!

While my mom has more issues with things like puff, bags, and wrinkles, dark, stubbornly annoying circles of blue and purple are the bane of my under-eye existence. I’ve tried all of Versed’s eye products and honestly like all of them, but this smoothing and brightening formula has to be my favorite. The consistency is great. It doesn’t feel too slick or too sticky, and it has mica, which creates a much-needed brightening effect. I also love that it’s geared toward anti-aging which is important for me. (I’m not going to have 26-year-old skin forever!) Plus, considering my favorite eye cream from another brand is almost $300 (I know, I know), this has become my new, budget-friendly go-to.

Sorry to double up on product love, but I too am completely obsessed with this mask. Obsessed. I pretty much only ever use masks geared toward acne, but interestingly, I actually love this hydrating and plumping pick the most. My mom wasn’t playing—this easy-to-travel with pouch is borderline life-changing. The first time I used it, I had received a pretty gnarly session of extractions a few days prior. My skin was angry, red, inflamed, and riddled with some lingering pimples. My skin was definitely in a purging phase, and I was so self-conscious I didn’t want to leave the house. But my mom had experienced such great results that I thought, ugh, why not? In my Midwestern-born mom’s exact words, holy moly. The fact that you get more than 12 uses out of one pouch and it’s less than $10 is applause-worthy in and of itself, but one lone application completely changed the way my irritated skin looked. After I rinsed with cool water, my previously red face was completely not red. It was smooth, even, glowy, and looked so healthy and radiant I pretty much forgot about those other lingering blemishes I mentioned. It also smells divine and feels so cool and refreshing once applied. It’s like a rose-aloe-lavender back rub for your face. So rejuvenating, and from now on, I’ll never travel without it.

Hyaluronic is a no-brainer for anyone looking to keep their skin hydrated and glowing. That said, getting your hands on a high-quality yet affordable formula can be tricky. I love Versed for allowing you to have the best of both worlds! It’s SO easy to use. Not only do you get the perfect amount of product for each pump of the cap, but you can also add it to literally any type of skin formula you want—from serums to creams to foundation. I have a pretty stripped-down skincare routine right now due to my acne, but I’m addicted to adding a few drops of this to my favorite moisturizers for an extra hit of hydration. Plus, I’m no packaging snob, but I can’t get over how cute and easy to pack this one is.

This moisturizer isn’t completely oil-free, which is usually a necessity for me, but it’s so lightweight and pore-friendly that it doesn’t even matter. I’ve been using this formula for a while now, and it hasn’t aggravated my breakout-prone skin, and I truly look forward to applying it each day. A little goes a long way, which makes the $15 price point all the more impressive, and it delivers the perfect surge of lasting and calming moisture my skin craves. Ingredients like redness-reducing green tea, soothing aloe, and hydrating hyaluronic acid are the ultimate power players—a true triple threat.

To be honest, I’m not a huge oil person—face, body, or otherwise—so I wasn’t expecting to like this product. Yet here we are. It’s the one lone body product from Versed, and true to the brand’s form, it’s fabulous. It’s one of the few body elixirs I own that truly keep me, um, hydrated. It spreads and absorbs effortlessly, and it also smells really, really nice. It doesn’t leave me feeling sticky and disgusting if I apply post-shower, pre-bedtime, and it doesn’t result in the all-day greasiness (as I’ve experienced with other body oils) if I apply in the morning before I get dressed. It’s kind of perfect. Up next: I Handpick Thousands of Beauty Products for Work—Here’s What I’d Buy With $145

7 Outfits That Will Make All Your Old Sweaters Feel Brand New

Sweaters are undeniably a wardrobe staple, especially come fall and winter. Over the years, you’ve probably acquired quite an array, especially if you live somewhere chilly. Oftentimes, this can result in the whole I want a new sweater, but that’s literally the last thing I need to be buying because I own one in every color and style imaginable conundrum. Sound familiar? If that statement is you in a nutshell, I have a handful of fall outfit ideas that are guaranteed to make all of your old sweaters feel brand new.

Ahead, there are seven easy-to-re-create sweater outfit ideas that will make even your most basic of knits look way cooler than you ever thought imaginable. I think sweaters are a clothing category that should remain mostly on that more basic side of the spectrum so that you can layer and wear them with anything all season long. Naturally, that can make them feel a bit lackluster, but the seven sweater outfits ahead will change that for good. You’ll see.

Style Tip: Layer a collared shirt underneath a crew-neck sweater, and then layer that underneath a sleeveless leather dress. The addition of white boots helps to give off a fun retro vibe if you’re into that sort of thing.

Style Tip: Pair a plain sweater with both printed jeans and shoes. Trust me; your sweater will stand up to the print-mixing test. 

Style Tip: If you find yourself always reaching for the same sweater-and-skirt look for work, take a moment to dress outside of the box and throw on a statement-making belt and prepare or the compliments to roll in.

Style Tip: Liven up a basic sweater with voluminous trousers, but don’t forget to cinch them in at the waist to create some shape.  

Style Tip: This trick is simple but effective. Throw on a chunky chain necklace over your go-to sweater. As one of the biggest accessory trends of the season, this will make any of your old sweaters feel 10 times cooler. 

Style Tip: Opt for alternative cocktail attire by pairing fancy sequin pants with a chunky sweater and printed heels. 

Style Tip: Another subtle yet effective styling tip is to spice up your basics via a striking mod shoe. These white slouchy boots do just the trick.

Up next, find out which fall boot trends this 50-year-old is ditching.

11 Brands That Make the Coolest Non-Basic Engagement Rings

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a traditional engagement ring. They’re timeless and classic for a reason. But if your aesthetic veers more toward the nontraditional and you’re seeking a unique ring style, we’re here to recommend some ideal jewelry designers for that.

The beauty of an alternative engagement ring is that it has the potential to truly show the wearer’s personality. Not a diamond person? There are countless colored gemstone rings or non-white diamonds (e.g., black, champagne, and yellow) that you might love. Not into traditional solitaire or halo settings? You’re about to see some unique settings. Want a vintage ring or a starkly modern style? We found those too. 

Scroll on to meet 11 of our favorite jewelry designers for nontraditional engagement rings, and shop a few of our favorite current styles from each (or just casually send this to your significant other).

If you’re seeking an excellent curation of vintage and one-of-a-kind styles, NYC-based Love Adorned’s selection will truly blow you away.

Wwake has long been one of our favorite jewelry brands for modern, delicate designs. It’s really stepped up its engagement ring designs recently and the outside-the-box options repeatedly make our jaws drop.

Anna Sheffield has truly paved the way for nontraditional engagement ring designers, having long worked with non-diamond gemstones and stunning non-basic settings that are both timeless and wearable.

Brooklyn-based Susan Highsmith needs to be on your radar if you love old-world designs and rich 18-karat gold. 

Susan Highsmith Jubilee Ring (price upon request)

Susan Highsmith Majestic Ring (price upon request)

NYC jewelry designer Ashley Zhang is a favorite among the fashion crowd, so it makes sense that her engagement rings are ridiculously stylish.

If you love astrology and mythology, Sofia Zakia’s sculptural, symbolic pieces will leave you mesmerized.

It’s not surprising that New Zealand–based Meadowlark has gained a celebrity following since it came on the scene in 2006. The modern twists on traditional settings the designers come up with will make your jaw drop.

Los Angeles–based KatKim, another celebrity favorite, is known for its modern, architecturally inspired pieces. Each one of its beautiful diamond rings makes a bold statement.

KatKim Asscher Diamond Cosma Ring (price upon request)

Jacquie Aiche has long been known for its fine and costume jewelry, but were you aware she has plenty of stunning rings that could easily be worn as engagement rings. If your style is best described as California girl, you’ve found your match. 

Ken & Dana Design’s rings have a distinctive sculptural, organic feel to them, and many of them can be customized to your specifications. Once you see the options, you won’t be surprised that it’s been in the jewelry and gemstone business for over 40 years.

Price is for setting only.

Single Stone’s heirloom-quality pieces are antique restorations at their finest. If you want a vintage ring that’s in perfect condition and will last a lifetime, this is it.

Next up, 10 popular engagement ring shapes, ranked from most timeless to least.

I Spot Micro-Trends Like It’s My Job—Here Are 8 Shoe Styles About to Blow Up

Welcome to Micro-Trends. In this series, I’m zeroing in on the hyper-specific iterations of what’s trending at large, and I’ve become somewhat of an expert at spotting them. (Okay, it’s basically a pastime of mine at this point.) Once you discover this month’s micro-trends, consider yourself an insider.

Trends come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they dictate an overall aesthetic, such as fall’s bourgeoisie dressing trend, while other times they’re all about the details you find on specific pieces. These details, my friends, are what I’m narrowing in on today. Whether it’s a color trend I’m noticing, a certain embellishment, or even a styling trick fashion girls are trying lately, I can’t help but call attention to the below eight shoe micro-trends because I’m literally seeing them on the feet of cool girls everywhere. (Just in case you needed a refresher on the big shoe trends for fall, we’ve got you covered here, too.) Now that you’ve caught up on the topline trends, let’s dive into the details, shall we? Ahead, discover the micro-trends you can expect to see on the coolest shoes this fall.

As our senior news editor (and unofficial Scandi style expert) Erin recently pointed out, this styling trick was all over the street during Copenhagen Fashion Week, and it combines two big trends—long, loose trousers and strappy heels—in a really fresh way.

You might want to put away your black heels for the time being. Bright hues like ocean blue, hot pink, and tomato red are dominating the heel category for fall and the unconventional colors are the perfect way to make all your outfits pop.

Calling it: Cow print is the new leopard for fall 2019, and it looks especially fresh in shoe form against an all-white outfit.

Is it too early to start planning my holiday party looks? Because the dangling and fringe crystal heels I’m starting to see bubble up will definitely make a cameo.

There are square-toe shoes and then there’s this micro-trend. Exaggerated and sharp, fall’s most forward square-toe boots are taking this major shoe trend to new levels.

Ruching is a micro-trend we’re spotting on everything from bags to hair accessories, but the shoes feel like an especially fresh way to tackle the look.

Slouchy boots are about to reign supreme once the weathers cool down, and we predict that fashion’s most forward crowd will be trying out the trend via these statement-making over-the-knee boots, especially this white pair from buzzy shoe label Amina Muaddi.

All the ’90s sandals that dominated this summer are going flat. The sleek look incorporates everything we love about the barely there sandals but is even more wearable than its heeled counterparts.

Next, the fall sneaker trend celebrities are already wearing.