How to Take Care of Jeans, According to a Denim Expert

Raise your hand if you live in your jeans. Yep, us too. Now, raise your hand if you’ve shed actual tears over having to toss your favorite pair. There’s almost nothing more heartbreaking than having to part ways with your best blues. So, in order to help extend the life of our fave denim, we turned to the mother ship: Levi’s. Jill Guenza, Global Vice-President of Women’s Design, gave us the lowdown on everything from how to wash our jeans to how to repair them. Consider this your go-to guide.

Brit + Co: Okay, so once and for all: Should you wash your denim?

Jill Guenza: We recommend washing denim as little as possible to preserve the lifespan of your jeans and to minimize the impact on the environment. However, how long you are willing to bear stinky jeans is a matter of personal preference. Spot cleaning will take care of any small stains. Hanging jeans out in fresh air for a day can knock back some of the smelliness built up over time and wear. As a last resort, turn your jeans inside out and rinse in cool water, then hang dry.

B+C: But if you do wash, how often is okay?

JG: Wash as little as possible. Stretch denim generally requires washing or rinsing more frequently than jeans without stretch to bring them back to their original shape (and reactivate the stretchy fibers). Avoid the dryer altogether, as that makes the fibers brittle and prone to breakage. Again, how frequently you should wash denim is a matter of preference and how deeply you associate your personal identity with clean-smelling jeans. I have a pair of 501s that I’ve washed once in four years of frequent wear and I still have lots of friends, so the stink isn’t something to fear.

B+C: Impressive! How do you keep jeans from shrinking in the laundry?

JG: All denim fabric shrinks because of the cotton content. We try to process most of this shrinkage out at the factory prior to delivering them to you. However, the darker the jeans are when you buy them, the more likely they are to shrink in the length. That’s because they were minimally processed at the factory in order to retain the dark shade. Washing in cold on a short cycle (or better yet, washing by hand in the sink) and air drying will minimize shrinkage.

B+C: What about holes and tears? What is the best way to fix them?

JG: There are so many ways to repair jeans — patch on top of the hole, patch behind, stitch through, stitch around, or hand stitch. The best method of repair is the one that most reflects your personality. Don’t be too precious about it. If you aren’t good with a needle and thread, find a good denim tailor (like the ones at the Levi’s Tailor Shop) and make it a collaboration!

B+C: Now that embellished jeans are everywhere, do you have any tricks to keep them looking like new?

JG: Spot clean stains and wash inside out in cold water when they need an all-over refresh. Hang dry. Or embrace the beauty of worn and loved jeans and consider the evolution of their appearance as part of the embellishment.

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(Photos via Levi’s)

The age-old question of fashion is and always will be: what’s in right now? Living in the digital age of TikTok and Instagram, the rate at which the trend cycle fluctuates is vicious and it can be difficult to keep up. Not to mention, the terminology behind trends in a “core” obsessed world is enough to make your head spin; in the last year alone we experienced ballet-core, cowgirl-core, and even… tomato girl-core.

Instead of trying to decode what's currently “in” and what is “out” in the fashion space ATM, we tapped a few expert stylists who have a strong knack for trend forecasting. Below you can find expert commentary from both Liz Teich, better known as @thenewyorkstylist on Instagram (whose following boasts close to half a million thanks to her skillful styling suggestions); and Style Made Simple’s founder and stylist, NYC-based Alison Berlin.

Read on to uncover which fashion trends are outdated, and the best ways to replace them in a manner that feels more current.

​Stop Wearing Skinny Jeans, Start Wearing Slim Leg Jeans

Image via Sezane

“You may already be aware, but there are many who have had a hard time letting [skinny jeans] go,” shared Berlin. However, she kindly made an exception and mentioned that you can “hang on to a favorite pair for over-the-knee boots in the winter but otherwise, it's time to switch to wider leg styles. This can range based on your comfort level and height, but anything from a proper straight leg (for an easy transition) to a full wide leg will do!” Liz Teich offered Sezane’s Brut Sexy jeans as a great stepping stone after the skinny jean addiction that we all faced, whether we’re ready to admit it or not.

​Stop Wearing Barbie Pink, Start Wearing Icy Blue

Image via GAP

Barbie Pink had its moment allll year long in 2023, and we’ve just about had enough. Teich explained that “Barbie pink feels a bit costume-y but icy blue feels like luxury and less saccharine.” To easily incorporate this color into upcoming outfits, Liz suggested utilizing chambray pieces that you likely already have in your closet.

​Stop Wearing Cut-Off Shorts, Start Wearing Bermuda Shorts

Image via Argent

Even if they’ve been with you through it all, it’s time to retire your super short denim cut-off shorts. Instead, Teich suggests opting for a more sophisticated, lengthier short, such as Argent’s suiting shorts. The tailored look is super chic and versatile, so you can dress them up or down!

​Stop Wearing Cross-body Bags, Start Wearing Practical, Roomy Handbags

“I'm not giving [the cross-body bag] up or suggesting it's not wearable given its game-changing utility,” Berlin shared with reassurance, “but the bags to invest in now are soft, larger-scale totes.” Teich chimed in with product suggestions including Songmont's Drippy Tote Bag and Paris64’s Tote, but Quince also makes a high quality tote while still hovering at an affordable price point.

​Stop wearing Dad Sneakers, Start Wearing Sleek And Colorful Sneakers

Image via Adidas

Chunky, solid, minimalist sneakers that resemble ‘dad shoes’ “dominated for quite some time,” says Berlin. She continued to mention an alternative in sneakers with color and detail for a fresh reset. To achieve this look, Liz Teich suggested either Adidas Sambas or Gazelles, and I’m particularly swooning over these retro silver Nike sneakers that are less than $100 at DSW.

​Stop Wearing Ankle Boots, Start Wearing Something New

Image via Rothy's

Alison from Style Made Simple had no problem admitting that ankle boots can and should be a staple for all of us, “but it's time to put them away in favor of branching out into new territory,” she offered. “Flats like Mary Janes and ballet styles are trending, as are loafers.” Take advantage of upcoming warmer weather and try out flats this spring. Our favorites are from Rothy’s because their shoes are designed to be machine-washed again and again to keep them looking fresh and feeling clean. As for a classic pair of loafers, we love the iconic silhouette of this tasseled pair from Cole Haan.

​Stop Wearing Midi Skirts, Start Wearing Extreme Length Skirts

Image via Free People

It’s time to retire the midi skirt and graphic tee combo this spring and opt for something a bit more dramatic and current. “You should be thinking in extremes in terms of skirts — minis or maxis,” shared Alison Berlin. In the off chance of your mini skirt riding up is a deep seeded fear of yours like it is for me, this skort is the perfect solution and a standing staple piece in my closet; the built-in shorts are not visible at all, so it still gives the illusion of being a micro mini skirt. However, if maxi skirts fit your vibe better, we love this flowy, bohemian option from Free People.

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Header image via Free People

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

With the solstice officially behind us, this summer's calling for a going out top and a little late night dancing. I've got my eye on a few Barbie pink tops and asymmetric pieces that I know will make me feel *bonita* for sure. But I'm here to help you perfect yoursummer style, so if you've been trying to find something to shimmy in this summer, here are 15 going out tops that'll cause a breathtaking scene!

Free People Carrie Crop

Date nights deserve romantic going out tops that teeters on the edge of being ethereal and sexy like this pale pink cropped design. Made of 100% nylon, it's boxy shape will pair well with a silk midi skirt.

Free People Lady Lux Printed Layering Top (Coral Paradise Combo)

This is one layering top we can get behind! It's the perfect shade of coral and even has a thumbhole feature that can take you back to the early 2000s. We know you miss that era too!

Free People Full Bloom Top

Spring is next month so it's only right to have floral going out tops that captures the essence of a new season. This top is another nostalgic nod to the past and features a silhouette that's perfect for a late night of dancing in a barn or at a house party. Slip a pair of denim shorts underneath and cowgirl boots for an effortless look.

Free People Just A Girl Tank

If your friends are begging you to keep it casual during your next outing, compromise by slipping into this cute tank top. We call it the 'casual in the front, but party in the back' top because it's truly the gift that keeps giving.

For Love & Lemons Tia Top

Become a walking disco ball with this cropped rhinestone top by For Love & Lemons! It has adjustable tie straps that'll work for even the daintiest of shoulders.

Image via Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Hannah Seamless Textured Tank (Raspberry)

Just because you're headed for a night out on the town doesn't mean you have to dress up. If you're going to a house or keg party, this Barbiecore pink tank top worn with frayed denim shorts are all you need.

Image via Princess Polly

Princess Polly Daintree Plisse Corset Beige

This plisse corset is designed to hug your curves while giving your cleavage a boost. If you're looking to wear something that's in between chic and sexy, wear this top.

Image via Princess Polly

Princess Polly Janney Top Pink

Fun, flirty and frilly pieces are a must-have for a night of non-stop dancing. The thin front ties will make sure nothing spills out of your top.

MANGO Cropped Top With Sequins ($140)

Image via MANGO

MANGO Cropped Top with Sequins

We don't make the rules, but sequins are a go-to for going out with your friends. Whether you're on vacation and want to hit the trendiest club in the area, or decide to host your own soiree, this top will make sure your outfit is memorable.

Forever21 Twisted Satin Tie-Back Crop Top

Show off a hint of cleavage with this tie-back satin top. The functional buttoned cuffs at the end of the long sleeves are a nice added touch that makes this top feel a little classy.

Sister Jane Tulle Ruffle Blouse

It's almost time to start wearing baby doll going out tops that are draped in delicate tulle! Okay, we're making that up. But, this ruffle blouse is giving us major Poor Things vibes.

Moussy Vintage Cross Over Tank

Love tank tops, but want one that has a dressier feel? Try this crisscross tank by Moussy Vintage! The jersey fabric is comfortable so you won't spend most of your night adjusting your clothes.

Perfect Persona Ivory and Beige Lace Tie-Strap Bodysuit

Call us biased, but tie-strap going out tops are an easy way to elevate your look. You can pair this lace bodysuit with a pair of medium-wash straight legs to keep your overall look casual.

Nasty Gal All Over Diamante Camisole

Your upcoming birthday gives you an excuse to be as extra with your outfit which is why we think this diamante camisole is a no-brainer. It's flirty and comes with a matching skirt that'll complete your look.

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Burna Blouse

This top will leave others wondering whether you're headed out to grab drinks with friends or if you're more interested in a bar crawl with a new date. As far as we're concerned, you could do both in this cute top that has smocked cuffs.

Let us know which top you're planning to add to your going out wardrobe!

Lead image via Urban Outfitters

This post has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.