17 Pieces to Wear to a Holiday Party When You’re Not Feelin’ a Dress

LBDs are the ultimate party getup when you want to look classy and chic, but if rockin’ a frock just isn’t in the cards, the answer to the inevitable “What am I going to wear?” question becomes a whole lot more complicated. But it doesn’t need to be — there are so many other ways to show off that sartorial know-how and nail your holiday party look. From velvety tops to show-stopping, shimmery trousers, these 17 stylish alternatives to the standard party dress have you covered from now until New Year’s.

1. Silence + Noise Portia Jumpsuit ($119): It doesn’t get any sassier than this. A wide leg jumpsuit with a fitted, cross-front bodice is sure to turn heads with its edgy, modern allure. Rock it with platform sandals and chandelier earrings. If temps take a major dive, add in a glittery v-neck top for a little extra warmth.

2. ASOS Super Skinny Trouser in Metallic Co-ord ($63): Sleek suiting is the ultimate alternative to the traditional party dress. It says classy, cool and ahead of the sartorial curve. Pair it with a sassy crop top or go for a tuxedo-inspired look with a polished blouse.

3. H&M Sequined Turtleneck Top ($50): Staying warm and on top of your style game doesn’t have to be at odds. A sequin-studded turtleneck has you covered in drafty rooms and city streets, plus it’ll steal the spotlight the minute you walk through the door.

4. Free People Swingy Velvet Jacket ($198): Two words: red velvet. If that doesn’t say show-stopper, nothing will. Pair it up with leather-look leggings, a sheer, cream-colored blouse and studded heels for a femme-fatale-meets-ladylike feel.

5. Article & Teague Tartan Cape ($90): Not every get-together calls for going all out, and that’s where this tartan cape comes in. It’s festive, uber cozy and totally fuss-free. Win the whole holiday dressing thing hands down by pairing it with dark skinnies and sleek booties.

6. ASOS Sequin Irridescent Romper With Mesh Insert ($117): Icy blue sequins, sheer sleeves and a playful short silhouette translate to a holiday look that everyone will be gushing about for weeks.

7. Ann Taylor Petite Sequin Ankle Pants ($119): It’s that time of year when sequined pants totally fly, so the only question is: Why would you not wear them at every opportunity? Do it.

8. Eleven Paris Padore Cracked Foil Sweatshirt ($142): Lazy girls everywhere, rejoice! This cracked-foil sweat is the answer to all your holiday wardrobe dilemmas. It’s cozy and effortlessly chic. Pair it with leather joggers and metallic heels and get ready to take on all those festive fetes in style.

9. Topshop Bardot Velvet Crop Top ($80): Your favorite Bardot top just got a major seasonal makeover with plush velvet and a rich jewel tone. Perfect with everything from metallic skirts to clean-cut trousers.

10. BB Dakota Owens Midi Skirt ($110): This quicksilver skirt is fit for a snow queen. Wear it with a soft, oversized knit in a snowy white hue, glam crystal baubles and ankle strap pumps and prepare to reign supreme at all the get-togethers on your agenda.

11. Topshop Embellished Fringe Top ($95): Shine bright from now until New Year’s with a sequin-studded, fringe-flecked top. Wear it with leather for an instant jolt of cool.

12. H&M Patent Leather Pants ($299): If you’re looking to make a statement this season, patent leather pants are where it’s at. Keep it classy by rocking it with a soft knit or flowy blouse and boyish flats.

13. & Other Stories Metallic Wool Sweater ($65): Get your (subtle) sparkle on with a warm merino wool sweater threaded with specks of silvery glitter. Layer it over metallic trousers or a simple, side-slit skirt.

14. Topshop Foil Caged Cami ($52): Wallflowers, beware — this foil top is anything but understated. The strappy caged cut dresses up a classic cami, while green foil fabric screams dance floor diva.

15. Free People Oxanna Velvet Flare ($128): If you’re looking for another way to get your velvet fix, then you need a pair of these flares in your life. Wear with a sequin top and platforms for the ultimate fusion of throwback and festive vibes.

16. ASOS Embellished Romper With Fringed Cape ($108): Want to blow everyone away the minute you walk through the door? Then this is the fashion-forward look you need to add to your holiday repertoire.

17. Topshop Foil Pleated Midi Skirt ($115): This coppery number means less time deciding what to wear and more time getting your party on. By day it makes for a next-level office outfit when paired with a chunky knit and block heels; by night it’s a classy yet totally fun hero piece that instantly elevates a v-neck cami and strappy sandals.

Show us your favorite ways to dress up without a dress by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

Choosing a hairstyle for the day with very fine, thin hair can sometimes make you go a tad crazy. I know I've been there once or twice (or many) times, myself. Struggling to keep volume in your hair after you do said-hairstyle can be even harder. That's why I often opt for more voluminous hairstyles that allow your hair to look a bit fuller than it may actually be!

I asked hair expert Renee Valerie on her tips for styling thin hair, and how to keep it looking voluminous all day long, so keep reading to hear all of her amazing insight! And make sure to save this list so you can come back to it when you're having one of those "I can't get my hair to not be anything but flat" days. 😘

How do you keep volume in thin hair?

Kayla Walden

With thin hair, you have to be aware that curls or other heat-based styles won't hold as long in your hair because of the fine texture. In order to get styles to last, you have to use volumizing products like a styling mist or a holding gel. Expert hair stylist, Renee Valerie, says that you should never hesitate to layer products to achieve the fullness and lasting style that fine hair requires.

Using sprays or gels will help create a long-lasting voluminous style, while also protecting the color and health of your hair. So don't be scared to try new products — and even test them out together!

Best Hairstyles For Thin Hair

Renee Valerie

Layers

To start, a good layered haircut will make all the difference with fine hair. When you get a haircut with lots of layers, this helps to create dimension in the hair which gives the illusion of volume, especially when styled right. This added texture makes styling so easy because it gives your hair way more life and movement.

Alexandra Zihlmann

Half Up Half Down

There's many ways you can go about this — and I'll definitely get into more options — but you can't go wrong with a classic half-up half-down. This is a great style when you're on the end of your hair wash cycle, and need to hide some of the grease. Add a touch of dry shampoo and throw it up in this style, and you're good to go! Plus, it gets even cuter when you style it with a scrunchie or a bow to add a fun touch to the look!

Ashley Diego

Blowout

A classic blowout is one of my favorite styles for my thin hair! I typically do this when my hair's freshly wet out of the shower. I'll soak it in a styling gel or voluminous mousse to help give it volume and allow the curls to hold. Then I'll either blow it dry or use my Dyson Airwrap for the curls. The trick is to add strengthening hairspray after for an even longer hold.

Kayla Walden

Claw Clip

I love using claw clip because I can tease the underside of my hair for some added volume and use the claw clip to push up my hair even more. This is another great way to add volume to otherwise flat hair — and it's super easy to do! You just need a teasing comb, a claw clip, and voila! You're out the door, and looking fab!

Lotte Nielsen

Beachy Waves

Beachy, textured waves are sure to bring life to your thin hair! I love doing this fun hairstyle when I want a more textured look. I'll either braid my hair the night before to get the waves, or individually curl my hair tightly to get these tighter peachy waves like above. Then, all you need to do is add a texture spray and scrunch your hair. These usually last 2-3 days for me!

Cara Ellis

Messy Bun

Ah, the messy bun. Quite easily the best and quickest way to deal with your thin hair, giving it the illusion of texture or volume. I also happen to love how my hair looks when I take it out of the messy bun — I get all these kinky waves that give life to your hair. Just throw it up in a bun without trying too hard, and pull out some face-framing pieces. You'll look like you have voluminous hair in no time!

Jessie Allen

Half-Up Half-Down Braid

This is a super fun hairstyle if you're looking for something intermediate or a little more complicated than our other styles! The easiest way I like to achieve this style is by taking two pieces from either side of your hair and braiding them individually. Then wrap them around your head, tucking them into each other to create and invisible braid like above. Take it a step further by adding in beads, accessories, or flowers into the braid. A very whimsical, bridal style — or every something flirty for everyday — if I say so myself!

Kayla Walden

Using Hot Rollers

For this style, I actually used hot rollers to achieve a bouncy looking blowout. Whenever I use hot rollers, my blowout lasts much, much longer — this is because when you clip them to your head, they cool off in the curled shape for better hold. This is perfect for thin, fine hair that normally doesn't hold curls too well. It's my go-to style when I need the curls to really last all day long.

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Header image via Kayla Walden

Things are heating up betweenSelena Gomez and Benny Blanco since late last year to the surprise of some, but it seems like the couple's romance is just getting started. They're not shy about PDA and posting each other on social media and pretty much telling anyone who doesn't like it to get lost. We love how fiercely supportive they are of each other, giving us so many good green flags! Here's everything we know about the lovely new couple so far.

Keep reading For The Latest News On Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship Timeline:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 2019

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first collaborated on the song "I Can't Get Enough" along with Tainy and J. Balvin in 2019. Though they were featured in a cute scene together, there weren't any rumors about them being romantically linked then.

August 2023

They didn't work together again until late summer 2023 when he produced Selena's single "Single Soon" with Cashmere Cat.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

December 2023

Before 2023 ended, Selena started leaving comments on Instagram that suggested she and Benny Blanco were in fact together. One of the comments she left appear on this Instagram fan page and it reads, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."

Some fans weren't so thrilled to see the two together though and they weren't afraid to express their opinions. But, this only prompted Selena to leave more comments that defended her relationship with Benny.

People grabbed a screenshot of one of the comments Selena responded that revealed the couple had been together for a while. "Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends, family and fans till the day I die," she wrote. They even shared another screenshot from Selena's Instagram Story that showed her wearing a "B" ring on one of her fingers.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME

December 15, 2023

Soon after that, Selena shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included some of her favorite moments in New York and Benny Blanco can be seen in BTS moments. The last picture of the carousel features them sharing a kiss in a black and white photo that basically confirms the responses the singer had for fans.

December 28, 2023

Before the new year began, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco spent some time at a cute art exhibit during a date. From the looks of things, it seemed like they discovered their love language of physical touch early on.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ

January 2, 2024

Feeling the love of being with Selena, Benny Blanco took to Instagram Stories to officially signal that the two are dating. People grabbed a few more screenshots that Benny shared and all we can see is the happy glint that was in Selena's eyes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

January 3, 2024

The next day the couple were seen court side at one of the Los Angeles Lakers' game. Once again, their love language was on full display in the most intimate way. A source revealed to People that they understood why people had so many opinions about Selena's relationship with Benny. "Everyone was a fan of hers before Only Murders [in the Building], and now everyone is protective of her."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

January 15, 2024

Later that month, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco showed up to the Emmy Awards together. They were sitting side-by-side and weren't afraid to show affection with each other.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AFI

March 2024

When Benny Blanco's birthday rolled around, Selena Gomez shared a sweet message to him on Instagram. She wrote, "Happy birthday baby! Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco 🎂🥹."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

April 2024

Although we're only four months into the new year, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship is still going strong! The Only Murders in the Building star has been seen smiling in every pic she posts which indicates she's genuinely happy in her relationship. A source hinted to People that the two are doing well. "It’s a very serious relationship, and they’re making long distance work while she’s in New York for work commitments," they said.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify

April 25, 2024

In an interview with WSJ, Benny Blanco gave his POV of how his relationship with Selena Gomez began and it was the cutest revelation. "It’s crazy how your partner could just be sitting there the whole time, right in front of your eyes...And then you have a Clueless moment where you're like, Wait, I'm in love," he says.

A man who compares his relationship to that moment in Clueless where Cher and Josh admit their feelings for each other gets brownie points from us!

May 15, 2024

It looks like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship may be ready for the next step — that's if you ask Mr. Blanco. He appeared on The Howard Stern Show yesterday to chat about everything, including his relationship with Selena. When Howard Stern asked, "You want to have kids with Selena? Have you told her you want to have kids yet," Benny replied, "That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of godkids. I've got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids."

However, he's not in a rush and wants everything to happen naturally. All that matters is that the two of them are in each other's life. He said, "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

May 29, 2024

Selena Gomez tells TIME just how much Benny Blanco means to her — no matter what anyone else says. "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life," she says. "But he has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him. It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

October 27, 2024

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco looked amazing in their Alice in Wonderland couple's Halloween costume. "Curiouser and curiouser," Selena wrote on the post, which is totally reminding us of Taylor Swift's 1989 (hello "Wonderland"!!!).

Selena wore a corset dress in what looks like slate blue with cap puffed sleeves and a tulle skirt, along with a blonde wig, black bow, and slingback shoes. Benny went all out as the Mad Hatter with face paint, a wig, a top hat, and a waistcoat. We'd follow them down the rabbit hole!

November 11, 2024

Benny Blanco's been featured in People's'Sexiest Man Alive' issue and we're kind of feeling it! What started off as an unlikely choice for Selena has turned into a deep understanding of why she loves him so much. The man is an excellent host, cook, and gentleman which makes him an off-the-charts lover. And when it comes to date night, he believes in making sure every time is special. "I [still] go all out for every date. It doesn't mean spending your entire bank account. It means being attentive and listening," he said.

His most memorable dates with Selena involve the times she "rented out a whole botanical garden" and he "got her Taco Bell" before proceeding to make her "movie-theater nachos" and deep-frying her "favorite pickles from Texas" for Valentine's Day.

He also gushed about his favorite time of the day. "I'm a real morning person. It's my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early. It's like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up." Not only that, but the music producer is thrilled he has "a true best friend" he gets to spend his life with.

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This post has been updated.

The ultimate micro-trend of this spring and summer seems to be… wearing men’s boxers as shorts. I know it sounds a little risqué – sporting undergarments out in the open and all – but the boxer shorts trend is delightfully approachable, easy, and super adorable. Like most other fashion trends I encounter, it first popped off with some TikTok outfit check videos. I was hooked from the first scroll.

In a summer full of record-breaking heat, light, breezy boxers are a godsend. They give you the opportunity to simply wear something that *won’t* suffocate you while you’re already feeling self-conscious about sweating. Aside from being a practical pick, the boxer shorts trend gives you that stylish, effortless, and oh-so desired ‘model off-duty’ look. It’s giving “I just rolled out of bed,” but with a more tailored twist.

How to Style Boxer Shorts

John Galt White & Blue Striped Boxer Shorts

The key to styling the boxer shorts trend is ensuring your ensemble has a healthy mix of different styles. If you opt for a casual, oversized tee atop the shorts, it’s going to look like you’re wearing pajamas – which, technically, is what they are, but the idea is to wear them like they’re not.

You want to dress your boxer shorts up a bit! All the girlies are matching their cowboy boots, mini purses, bikinis, button-downs, ballet flats, sneakers (Adidas Sambas, I see you), and blazers with boxer shorts, helping balance out their informal flair. Here are 10 pairs to abide by the boxers shorts trend with creative ways to style them!

Old Navy Soft-Washed Boxer Shorts 5-Pack

This multipack of basic boxer shorts hosts 5 different colors. Pair them with a baby tee and Birkenstocks slides (inspired by this adorable casual get-up) for a loungewear-like feel!

Comme Si La Boxer Classica

These boxer shorts from Comme Si have all the dainty details that elevate their look, like the front label and buttons! The light blue shade could be worn with a denim short sleeve shirt and cowgirl boots for a Western, coastal cowgirl-esque vibe! From there, layer on the gold jewelry and retro sunnies.

Urban Renewal Remnants Made In LA Button Front Boxer Short

It's safe to say I'm obsessed with these colors! If your boxer shorts 'fit is craving more color, opt for this pair from Urban Outfitters. They feature the classic three-button detail at the front, and a stretchy waistband that moves with you. I could see myself styling these with an oversized graphic tee and clogs!

John Galt White & Blue Striped Lace Trim Boxer Shorts

The lacy trim that lines the hem of these boxer shorts is just adorable. It adds an air of femininity to your look, no matter what shirts or shoes you wear these shorts with. Beware that this pair is a bit more low-waisted than your usual boxer shorts – any longline top will work well with them.

Goodfellow & Co Woven Boxers

This is a boxer shorts deal *too* good to pass up – you get 5 for $17! Your summer wardrobe will be full of effortless outfits, thanks to this pack. Wear them with a dainty pointelle tank top and ballet flats for a feminine flair that approaches balletcore.

Oddli Boxers

Made sustainably from deadstock fabrics, this Oddli design is any girl's boxer shorts dream. Any of the colors they come in (um, like 17!) could be dressed up with a sporty jacket over a solid tube top, and trendy sneakers or sturdy boots on the feet.

Aerie Seersucker Boxer

The material on these boxer shorts keeps everything feeling light and cool. The multicolor colorway makes them feel a little less pajama-y, and make them the ultimate candidate to pair with a gauzy white linen button-up!

J. Crew End-on-End Cotton Boxer Short

Flaunting a sportier fit, these boxer shorts from J. Crew are more than easy to wear. I can see the darker colorway of this pair going *so* well with a white tank and light pink cardigan – and if the sweater gets too warm, you could always tie the sleeves over your shoulders for a preppy take on the boxer shorts trend.

Gap Organic Cotton Striped Poplin Shorts

These higher-waisted boxer shorts are made of 100% organic cotton, keeping things light and breezy down there. The lush green color is spring and summer's perfect match, and the vertical striped pattern on these bottoms only adds to their trendiness. You could snag the matching shirt from Gap, or go crazy and pair these with a baby tee and boots!

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Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

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This post has been updated.

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!

ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.

It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.

"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."

Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death

​In which episode does JJ die?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."

Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 finally dropped November 7, and after theories were swirling around our favorite Pogues — is Sarah pregnant? Will JJ die? Will the group FINALLY get their hands on some treasure (and NOT lose it?) — we got the answers we'd been waiting for. And unfortunately, not all of them were answers we wanted. Sarah is indeed pregnant but the Pogues finally avenged Terrance, but in the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, we also lost JJ which is something I literally can't believe I'm writing. JJ and Kiara are the one couple fans latched onto (and that the cast and crew never saw coming) and to finally see them in a relationship only to lose JJ 10 episodes later? I'm heartbroken.

Creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke recently revealed Outer Banks season 5 will be "an epic fifth and final season," and there's one theory going around that makes that finale even more emotional. Here's everything you need to know aboutOuter Banksseason 5. Bring it on home John B.!

Keep Reading For The Latest News On Outer Banks Season 5

  • Outer Banks season 5 will be the last season of the hit Netflix show.
  • The series will follow Kiara and the Pogues getting revenge on Chander Groff for JJ's death.
  • Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke say "it will be our best [season] yet."

Is JJ really dead?

@unsiredd#obx#outerbanks#jjmaybank#johnbroutledge#johnb#sarahcameron#obx4#fyp#foryou#fireworks♬ Where'd All the Time Go? - Dr. Dog

There are a few theories about how Outer Banks season 5 will handle JJ's death (aside from Kiara's chilling vow to get revenge, of course). Some fans have their fingers crossed the group will use the Blue Crown to wish him back to life, while others are holding onto hope he was simply unconscious. But there's one theory that stands out among the rest to me: JJ is really dead, and this whole time, John B.'s narration has been telling his unborn child about his namesake.

The show teased Sarah and John B. will name their baby JJ, and since Outer Banks is all about family, friendship, and spending time with one another, the reveal that all along, Outer Banks has been the story of the Pogues' adventures would literally be the perfect way to send them off. I'm literally crying just thinking about it.

Will there be a 5th Outer Banks?

Yes, we're getting a fifth and final season of Outer Banks coming to Netflix soon. While we don't have an official release date yet, we're expecting to see the last installment in 2025 or 2026.

In their official letter "to all Pogues," creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke explain how a photo of teenagers on a beach during a power outage inspired them to create the hit show we've all come to know and love. "From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship," they say in an official letter. "At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away."

"Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," they continue. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

I can't wait to see Outer Banks season 5, and TBH five seasons will round out the show perfectly considering each season focuses on a different Pogue. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah alongside Kiara's revenge. 👀 Stay tuned for all the OBX5 info you need to know.

Here's Yep, Outer Banks Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character in case you're still processing.