Month: February 2022

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19 Perfumes That Smell Like Fresh Laundry (In the Best Way Possible)

I think we can all envision what it means to smell dirty, but what about smelling clean? It’s a harder concept to grasp, since there are so many different interpretations of what it means to smell clean. To me, cleanness is the smell of fresh laundry straight out of the dryer, an empty street just after a rainstorm, or a squeeze of bright, fresh citrus. 

I think the biggest thing about a clean scent, though, is that you know it when you smell it. I’m obsessed with fragrance, and I have plenty of scents I’ve labeled in my mind as “clean-smelling” that I rotate through my collection. The biggest similarity they have is that these scents always make me feel fresh and new—like a blank slate. I wear them when I want to feel like I’m giving myself a new start. Keep reading to find my favorite clean-smelling scents (some may even catch you by surprise). 

Key notes: Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, white bouquet, light and musky woods. Without a doubt, this is one of my all-time favorite fragrances. The first time I smelled it, I was so entranced by the scent that I requested my boyfriend start wearing it (and now he does). It smells like a freshly laundered linen shirt clinging to skin in the summer. 

Key notes: Aldehydes, pear, lily of the valley, iris, rose, orange flower, white musk, Indonesian patchouli, ambrette seeds. This fragrance really does encapsulate the feeling of a lazy Sunday. Picture yourself spending a day in bed, lying in freshly washed sheets—that’s what a spritz of this smells like. 

Key notes: bergamot, peony, amber. Consider this the perfume equivalent of your favorite white t-shirt—appropriate for every ocassion.  

Key notes: kumquat, mandarin, orange, orange blossom, jasmine, almond, cashmere, cedar, vanilla. This fragrance smells cashmere hung up to dry on a clothes-line in Greece. 

Key notes: white rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, musk. What does the color white smell like? That’s the question this scent answers. It’s pure, refreshing, and simple without being boring. 

Key notes: blood orange, water lily, vetiver. This scent reminds me of going for a run in my hometown at twilight in early spring. One of my neighbor’s used to hang their clothes up to dry in their backyard, and the smell of flowers blooming entangled with fresh laundry is nothing short of intoxicating. 

Key notes: citron, mandarin, fresh ginger, magnolia, orange blossom, laminaria blossom, amyris, grey amber, cedar. Waves crashing against rocks on a brisk day—that’s this fragrance in a nutshell. It’s invigorating and fresh, like getting a spritz of salt water across your face. 

Key Fragrance Notes: Orange, mandarin, lemon, petitgrain, cardamom, caramel, and musk. This scent is like smelling a citrusy breeze off of the coast in Capri. 

Key notes: pomelo, saffron, lemon rind, fig leaf, ivy leaves, jasmine petals, olibanum, cistus, labdanum, clear musks, ambrox. This scent is bright and unexpected, with both feminine and masculine flairs. Pomelo gives this perfume a dash of vivid citrus. 

Key notes: driftwood, sea salt, seaweed. Imagine a placid stretch of sea at dawn. This scent is that—grounding, languid, and a breath of fresh air. 

Key notes: water lily, leafy greens, musk. This perfume has a simple elegance to it. A spritz of this squeaky clean scent feels like stepping out of the shower. 

Key notes: linen. Unlike most perfumes, Demeter is known for taking a singular scent note and turning it into a fragrance. This one doesn’t disappoint—it smells like pure, fresh linen. 

Key notes: juniper berry, green leaves, patchouli, rain. If someone were to ask you your favorite smell, would your answer immediately be “rain?” This perfume is perfect for you. It captures the smell of earth after a heavy rainstorm.

Key notes: aquatic accord, coriander, red seaweed essence. Is there a more classically clean smell than aftershave? This smells like you just left an up-scale barbershop. Though it sounds like a more masculine scent, it smells incredible on everyone. 

Key notes: lemon, jasmine, vanilla. For me, this is the ultimate Sunday morning scent. Wear it when you’re in the mood to wear an oversized button down and stroll your local farmer’s market. 

Key notes: citron, jasmine, teak wood. Citrus zest meets jasmine and wood for an alluring, unforgettable hit of freshness. 

Key notes: vetiver, cedar, benzoin, pine, patchouli, bergamot. The only way to describe this scent is invigorating. It embodies the feeling of taking a cold shower to clear your head. That’s exactly what it does, too—this unique blend of scents helps you de-stress. 

Key notes: aquatic accord, rose petal, pine needle. Another rain-inspired fragrance, Margiela’s newest scent is infused with pine needle for an invigorating twist. 

Key notes: mandarin, lemon, grapefruit, apricot, rose, magnolia, muguet, violet, amber, linden, blossom, musk. Like walking down a rainy street in London.  For more refreshing scents, read No Lie: These Refreshing Fragrances Are Better Than a Dip in the Pool

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How to Dress for Chinese New Year If You Have No Idea

If you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, then you know that it takes place on February 1. But like with any event in the social calendar, there’s always a reason to think about what you might wear for such an occasion.

So I decided to pick the brains of InStyle China contributing editor and influencer Leaf Greener on the rules for dressing for the event. I wanted to know how much you needed to stick to traditional ways of dressing but also how to avoid offending anyone. She gave me three tips anyone can easily follow, but she also pointed out the one thing you shouldn’t do when picking out your look.

While traditions are still present, the event has definitely become more modern, so it’s surprisingly simple to find an outfit. Keep scrolling for four dressing rules to follow for Chinese New Year.

The traditional way to dress for Chinese New Year is to wear a qipao or a cheongsam frock. Leaf advised that traditionally you would wear this in red. Right now, there are many designers who have been influenced by this style. From Rixo to The Attico to Prada, you can easily find a piece (in a wide range of colors!) that takes its inspiration from these dresses.

When I asked Leaf what she always wears on Chinese New Year, she replied that it was her grandmother’s diamond ring. While new clothes are preferable to symbolise new beginnings, there’s also an emphasis on family for the day, so it makes sense to honor those close to you.

During Chinese New Year, red is considered a lucky color. Leaf told me that it means happiness, passion, and luck, which is why so many people wear it during celebrations. But if it’s your zodiac year, red is an especially lucky color for you. How do you know if it’s your zodiac year? Find out which animal represents the year you were born, according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. For example, 2022 is the year of the tiger, so get your rouge on if your birth year matches.

Black and white are traditionally not worn during Chinese New Year because they symbolize bad luck and are associated with mourning. Instead, for an auspicious start to the year, choose red, orange, yellow, or green, which all have positive associations. 

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

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Wardrobe Feeling Stale? Stylists Swear These 7 Pieces Will Freshen Things Up

Do you ever spend a mundane amount of time staring at your wardrobe wondering, “What I should wear?” It’s easy to begin to fall into a mundane routine, especially when winter is in full swing (it’s easy to get stuck styling that same puffer coat or trying to layer without feeling frumpy).

Let’s face it: In the cold weather, we’ve all experienced a style stump. (In fact, it’s a shared experience among the fashion set.) So, what does one do to get out of it? You turn to the experts, of course. Ahead, we spoke with three celebrity stylists to have them share their expertise. From the staple pieces you should invest in to the spring trends that are worth your time, their tips will help you break your rut once and for all.

WHO: Andrew Gelwicks, celebrity stylist and writer

You have an incredible roster of clients, but is there one specific celebrity you’ve been working with that you feel is an excellent example of how to evolve your personal style in 2022?

Amelia Gray Hamlin has a very distinct style and she isn’t afraid to experiment. That’s the best mindset to be in.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to evolve their personal style this year?

If you want to do it, now is the time. Take it slow and evolve parts of your style gradually. Start by replacing sweatpants during a Zoom call for work with a comfortable pair of jeans, and take every time you leave the house as an opportunity to try something new. 

For readers that may have made their resolution to shop less this year, what’s the one styling hack you swear by for making what you already own feel like new? Layering makes an already-worn piece look different when put over or under another piece of clothing with different accessories. Layering also allows you to reuse pieces of clothing that may be short-sleeve or not fit for all spring weather by putting them over a simple long sleeve or turtleneck.

What investment pieces you’d suggest our readers buy to upgrade their wardrobe in 2022?  Unconstructed black blazers are a great piece to add to your closet because they can be dressed up for work or formal setting or paired with jeans and dressed down to be worn as a casual daytime outfit. 

Another piece I’d recommend they invest in is a pair of black knee-high boots. Whether they are flat, heeled, or platforms, they will pull together any springtime look.

Invest in leather, in general. Leather pants are a trend that is crossing over from 2021 into 2022. Like black blazers, black leather pants can be worn in multiple settings, which is why they should be a staple pair of pants in your wardrobe. If leather pants aren’t your thing, add an oversize black leather jacket to your wardrobe to wear for any occasion.

With spring just around the corner, which spring trends do you think are worth investing in? And why?

As WWW’s spring 2022 trend guide said, color is everywhere. After two years of neutral colors controlling the fashion scene, 2022 is the time to add a few bold colors back into your wardrobe.

Returning to full normalcy and entirely in-person activities hopefully is in the cards for 2022, and it is no surprise that suits are becoming a huge spring trend. Two-piece suit sets in different colors with a small top underneath (or even a bra) look like an ideal outfit for a spring day.

WHO: Tiffany Briseno, celebrity stylist 

How long have you been a stylist? And how has your experience within the industry informed how you approach personal style?

I’ve been a stylist for a hot minute now, roughly six years. Fashion, of course, is ever-evolving and changing but how I approach style remains the same. It’s about authenticity and how you wear something, not what you are wearing. Style should be timeless. What makes it timeless is your originality.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to evolve their personal style this year?

First off, try and shop local and take up thrifting for most of your wardrobe. Not only is that approach more sustainable, but you will have many more one-of-a-kind pieces. A great place to start is by giving your accessories a refresh. Take up some of those trends through a new pair of kicks or statement bracelets.

For readers that may have made their resolution to shop less this year, what’s the one styling hack you swear by for making what you already own feel like new?  Focus on how pieces fit when you’re looking to add something to your current wardrobe. Pick what part of your body you want to accentuate and ask yourself, “Does this piece show off my…” If it’s a yes, it’s a go!!

What investment pieces you’d suggest our readers buy to upgrade their wardrobe in 2022? I’ve always said you should have a perfectly fitting blazer in your closet. Whether this is a power shoulder blazer or classic single-breasted blazer, it’s a must-have.

Also, note that most people don’t fit items directly off the rack. Tailoring your pieces to make them feel like a real investment is a great idea. Sometimes the investment is that great tailor! The same goes for those perfect jeans. A must-have in your closet to create limitless looks.

With spring just around the corner, which spring trends do you think are worth investing in? And why?  Bright saturated colors like saffron, orange, Kelly green. Use this trend in your shoes or maybe a statement jacket. You will feel as bold as the color you’re wearing.

I’m also excited about the early-2000s fashion that’s dominated the runway! There is something for everybody here. Why not bring back butterfly crop tops and low-waisted, slightly flared denim? All in a light baby blue, of course. It’s a good moment in fashion, I think.

WHO: Danyul Brown, celebrity stylist

How long have you been a stylist? And how has your experience within the industry informed how you approach personal style?

I’ve been styling since I was around 17. I’m 29 now, so about 12 years. Honestly, I’m constantly on-set or at fittings, so I’m always in sweaters and tracksuits. If I’m at an event and have to make an effort, I still feel under-dressed because comfort is my go-to!

What advice would you give to anyone looking to evolve their personal style this year?

My advice to people when they ask what they can do to evolve their look is to let loose—let go of any insecurities you might have about wearing a particular color or fit. Be bold and confident, and you’ll look great in anything. Experiment in front of your mirror and get comfortable with stuff you wouldn’t usually wear.

For readers that may have made their resolution to shop less this year, what’s the one styling hack you swear by for making what you already own feel like new?  Invest in a pair of scissors and cut up your garments to reuse, recycle, and give them a new lease of life! I am constantly turning jeans into jackets or sweaters into hats. When somebody tells you they love what you’re wearing and ask where you got it from, tell them you found it in your closet!

What investment pieces you’d suggest our readers buy to upgrade their wardrobe in 2022?  A chic, comfortable one-piece (or catsuit if you’re feeling that extra bit confident) will be bang on trend this year, with most high-end designers showcasing the looks during fashion month.

I also recommend lots of colors! This year, girls (and guys) should consider investing in lots of bright-colored accessories. A bold statement bag or shoe will add excitement to even the most basic outfits.

With spring just around the corner, which spring trends do you think are worth investing in? And why?  I’m excited about the continued obsession with sportswear this season. Brands are elevating sportswear each season, and it’s becoming a popular choice of attire, even for dinner! Gucci, Loewe, Bottega, and Stella McCartney are great examples of brands that add luxury to sportswear.

I’m also excited for longer hemlines in the form of maxi skirts and dresses. From high-end iterations at Saint Laurent to affordable iterations at Zara, this trend is everywhere and can be worn anywhere by anybody.

Next: I’ve Been a Stylist for 15 Years—Here Are the 11 Brands I Can’t Get Enough of RN

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I Tried On the 15 Top-Rated Winter Items From Amazon—Here’s What I Kept

If you’re going into the new year with a more intense shopping budget than usual, you’re not alone. I’m a designer-clothing addict, but I am planning for a lot of travels and weddings so will need to spend my money wisely this year. So far, tapping into my favorite affordable fashion sites has been such a joy because you can buy so much more and not feel guilty for your spending. We all know money can’t buy style. Being a true fashionista means that you can look your best at any price point. That’s why I’m challenging myself to explore more budget-friendly sites this year, and first up is Amazon.

There are so many great finds on Amazon, but it can be so overwhelming to simply head to the site and type into the search bar what you are looking for. There seems to be an endless number of options, and sometimes, the good things are several pages in. It’s my job to shop, so I spent several hours browsing the millions of products on the site with the hopes of being able to report back to you all on what is worth actually buying. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations, but I was so impressed by the quality of the items that ended up being winners. I’ve always known Amazon to be a trend-driven retailer, but my picks are actually items that I’ll be wearing for years to come. After I tried on 15 items, there were six true standouts that I can genuinely vouch for. Scroll on to find your favorite.

My review: As pictured, this is the first moment I tried the sweatshirt on, and I didn’t take it off for the rest of the day. It became my new favorite WFH essential very quickly. I’m not exaggerating when I say it rivals many of the designer sweatshirts in my closet given how soft it is. Half-zip pieces are a trend to be taken seriously right now, so if you only buy one thing from this story, make it this one. 

My review: My first thought when I saw this item was that it would be the perfect travel bag. When it arrived, it was laid completely flat, and that caused no damage to it at all. I’ll certainly be taking it on my next trip because it’s such an elevated black bag. The quality of the leather is quite nice, so people will be asking where you got it from.

My review: You could sell me this for $150, and I’d never have known it was from Amazon. The quality, again, is so good for such an affordable find. The buttons on the side were an impressive added touch that made this one feel chicer. And if you haven’t noticed, there’s a trend here. It appears items from The Drop were of the best quality, so I’ll definitely be shopping that brand from Amazon more in the future.

My review: Okay, I know that these aren’t very winter-friendly, but so many people have vacations on their calendar that I thought I’d also try on a pair of summer shoes. I often feel unstable in heels, but these felt quite supportive and comfortable. They made my jeans-and-a-sweater looks feel all dressed up, so I’ll definitely be wearing them for my winter travels and beyond.

My review: I got compliments immediately when I wore these for the first time, so they’re certainly a keeper. Currently, I don’t leave the house without seeing this accessory everywhere, so taking them out during this past weekend’s snowstorm was a good idea. I never feel as cute in my winter outfits when I’m wearing a beanie, but these earmuffs made me feel so good and warm. Plus, they’re made of real high-quality fur—I was instantly sold.

My review: As far as trench coats go, this one is a hit. Effortless outerwear is essential and is guaranteed to have a big moment in 2022, so it’s a great item to have on hand at all times. The buttons are such a pretty tortoiseshell color, and there were so many other outstanding details that I loved.

This bucket hat has been everywhere this season.

You can’t go wrong with this peacoat.

Everyone I know who owns this ordered it again in more colors.

If there’s a time to wear leggings, it’s now.

You know how I feel about loungewear. Shop the matching Sylvie Textured Sweater Tank ($30) and Adrienne Pull-On Sweater Knit Short ($35).

The perfect teddy coat.

We love a ribbed knit, especially when polo is involved.

This plain white tee gets all of the hype.

People are raving about how warm these are.

I just need to try this. Shop the matching Ellison Rib Flare Leg Sweater Pant ($50).

Up Next: My Job Is to Write About Trends—Here Are the 5 I’m Actually Running Around In

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I’m a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—I Think These Items Sort of Date Me

Sandy Koszarek is a VIP stylist at Nordstrom. Her day-to-day job consists of guiding style direction for her clients, offering wardrobe tips and tricks, and recommending items to try. So it’s safe to say that she has top-notch sartorial knowledge. In fact, she recently shared the 2022 trends she loves and the shoes she thinks work best with jeans.

Next up, Koszarek decided to highlight more items she’s into and is suggesting to her clients right now. Alternatively, she also decided to offer up each piece’s counterpart that she’s not really feeling because the items feel dated to her personally. Now, of course, all of this information is based on preference, and you should always wear what you love, but for Koszarek, the pieces in question just don’t work for her at the moment.

Keep scrolling to uncover Koszarek’s current shopping list, complete with visual references and product inspiration. 

“Tight, skinny denim is leaving my closet, and I’m making room for straight- and flare-leg denim. There are so many washes and stretch levels available to choose from that everyone can wear these trendy styles. Also, being on the petite side, I love how tall I look when wearing flare-leg denim.”

“I’m over tight jackets and love the look of a relaxed blazer—this style has a chill yet chic and professional vibe. I’ll wear this blazer with straight-leg denim and gold jewelry for a casual-cool weekend look. I’ll also reach for it as my outerwear as we head into spring.”

“I’ve ditched the chunky dad sneakers and now wear retro and classic sneakers. They are just as versatile and are available in various colors and styles. I always wear them with straight denim, joggers, and sometimes a midi dress or skirt.”

“Tie-dye was a popular trend. However, I’m swapping this trend out, and instead, I’m adding bold, saturated colors like bright kelly green, orange, and pink. These colors are cheerful and refreshing and add a little fun to my wardrobe.”

“Although there is always a time and place for a tight dress, I’m making room in my closet for looser-fitting midi and maxi dresses and jumpsuits, which I love because they are modern and comfortable to wear. Then, of course, I’ll add a blazer or jacket if I need a little structure to the look.”

Next, check out more chic items to buy at Nordstrom.

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