Style Resolutions: How to Add Edge to a Romantic Summer Dress

Libby MacCarthy

Jul 03, 2015

On-Duty

Haven’t tested out the whole dress-over-pants look just yet? Now’s the time to give it a try. This slightly sheer frock requires a little layering action to make it office appropriate, and a pair of cigarette pants (or even tailored Bermudas) will do just that. Since we’re looking to introduce a bit of edge to this romantic number, faux leather is particularly on point, with badass vibes built right in. Graphic chunky heels in a mule silhouette and sleek, no-frills accessories will add to the trousers’ cool, modern aesthetic. As a finishing touch, unbutton the skirt of the dress from just below the waist down to show off those gams and create movement as you strut your stuff.

Zara Embroidered Dress ($80) + Selected Femme Mixed Leather Trousers ($240), Thakoon Addition Lizzy Chunky Heel Sandals ($425), Mango Metal Choker ($30), ASOS Leather Bag With Metal Handles ($144), Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Orchid ($27), Opening Ceremony Intel MICA Bracelet ($495)

Party On

Go bold with look-at-me red accents to counteract your dress’s ultra-feminine vibe. Gilded accoutrements and a touch of bling elevate the otherwise-casual getup to evening-out status, while eye-catching exotic stilettos and a bold clutch are sure to turn a few heads. Complete the look with a quick swipe of coral lipstick and an ultra-glam cat eye.

Zara Embroidered Dress ($80) + Reiss Hammered-Metal Belt ($130), ASOS Hale Heeled Sandals ($81), Barneys New York Mina Clutch ($295), Mercantia Luxe Earcuff + Stud ($133), Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick in Flower Child ($16), Madewell Open Point Ring ($28)

Off-Duty

Hitting the boardwalk or your fave lunch spot after a few dreamy hours of surf and side requires a little more than a barely-there coverup. Toss that flirty, feminine frock on over your swimsuit before heading out the door, and you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings. For something unexpected and fun, skip the boho add-ons and rock a few sports-chic pieces instead, like metallic cross-over sandals and a colorful, structured bikini. Ditch the traditional beach bag for something with contemporary flair — a denim backpack will do the outfit’s subtle, athletic aesthetic justice. Stay classic when it comes to choosing a topper: Floppy hats are always on point.

Zara Embroidered Dress ($80) + Lydali Neon and Wood Bangles ($18), Rafe Denim Backpack ($198), John Masters Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen ($42), Butter London Nail Lacquer in Blagger ($15), Juicy Couture Metallic Stripe Floppy Hat ($108), Triangl Swimwear Poppy Flamingo Fling Bikini ($89), Loeffler Randall Petra Cross-Strap Sandal ($225), Pared Sonny + Cher Sunglasses ($280)

What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!

8 Easy Hairstyles For Thin Hair To Get A More Voluminous Look

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

'Babygirl' Is Finally Streaming Next Month, So You Can Watch It Alone Like Nicole Kidman Suggested

Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers — A Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her steamy drama Babygirl, which hit theaters on Christmas Day 2024, is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.

Scroll down to learn more about Nicole Kidman's Babygirl — including when you can stream it on Max.

Where can you stream Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl will be streaming on Max starting April 25, 2025. That means you can watch THAT milk scene as many times as you want.

What is the plot of Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl Plot

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays powerful CEO Romy, who's struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy immediately feels drawn to a young intern named Samuel, the two begin a torrid affair.

Filming scenes with Harris Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”

A24

In our Brit + Co exclusive, Nicole Kidman revealed she "spent a lot of time in bed" with Harris while filming. (TBH, a job that requires you to hang out in bed sounds like a pretty good job to me).

"As soon as he walked in, I was like, 'Oh good, here's somebody who's gonna play with me," she says. "We spent a lot of time in bed. Hours would go by, and it was like you would step out of there and you would say, 'What just happened?'"

"From the moment [Samuel] sees her, he's attracted to her. He realizes there's someone at the height of their power," Harris adds. "There was an element of mystique that needed to be there for the exploration of the relationship."

When is the Babygirl release date?

A24

Babygirl Release Date

Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and then opened in theaters on December 25, 2024.

Who's in the Babygirl cast?

A24

Babygirl Cast

The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”

“It left me ragged," she says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”

“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”

What does babygirl energy mean?

A24

"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we might just find ourselves guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.

Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!

A24

There were SO many moments in the Babygirl trailer that made our jaws drop here:

The thumb in the mouth
The pink skirt moment
NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!

Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵 And even Nicole agrees! At the December 2 Gotham Awards, when People asked who moviegoers should bring to the theater with them, "Whoever you want to, but you can also watch it alone." Tea.

Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.

This post has been updated.

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7 Airy Linen Dresses For Those Sweaty Summer Days

I don't know if it's bad luck, but I definitely wear my linen dresses — even the white ones — way past Labor Day. As long as the sun is shining and the air is warm, you will usually catch me in one of these comfortable, breathable, and obviously adorable little pieces. Another great thing about linen is that it generally will never go out of style, so don't be afraid to invest in some pieces that will be a part of your wardrobe forever. There are so many great options to choose from, but here are seven linen dresses that make the perfect summer (or any warm weather) outfit.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Emerson Linen-Blend Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

You guys, I'm not even kidding when I say this is the best dress I own. As a broad shoulder girly, the neckline is SO flattering. Plus, the material is thick and durable, but still breathable for a hot summer day. I own this in black which allows me to dress it up for dinner or wear it to work, but this vibrant pink — and the several other colors and patterns — is so cute for the summer time. At $60 (was $80), this is a steal!

J.Crew

J.Crew Squareneck Midi Dress In Linen

I need to be wearing this dress with a spritz in my hand ASAP. This dress is a J.Crew best seller for a reason — it makes the perfect warm weather staple. This design is so simple, yet with the help of some fun accessories, this dress can be a hundred different outfits. You can shop this dress in white, red, or black for $178.

Zara

Zara Linen Blend Midi Dress

You can never go wrong with a little slit in the summer. This linen blend dress is simple, yet elegant — perfect for any vacay dinner or date night. Throw on some cute sandals and chunky earrings and hit the town in this little green number. Plus, the tie-up back gives you easy adjustment depending on your chest size. Make this your next summer dress for $36 (was $49).

Madewell

Madewell Square-Neck Mini Dress in 100% Linen

Great, I'll take 10 of them! No seriously — this dress is fabulous, the square neckline is just perfection, and stretchy chest area make this dress fit anyone like a glove. You can get this dress in white for a classic summer look, or it's also available in a light blue. If you're a tall girl, this style shows off your beautiful long legs. You can also get it in a wide range of sizes for $93 (was $110).

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Emerson Strapless Linen-Blend Maxi Dress

Oh my god, the color of this dress is everything! I also appreciate a strapless dress in the summertime to show off my tan lines — there's something so luxurious and indulgent about it. This piece is so simple, which means room for you to customize with accessories. Although it's true to size, always be careful about sizing with strapless! A perfect linen staple for $72 (was $120).

Abercrombie & Fitch

A&F Linen-Blend Shell Mini Dress

There's something about a dress with an open back that always gets me. It makes for a fun little surprise you wouldn't expect from looking at the front of the dress — and it's a great excuse for an updo. This piece would be perfect for any more professional setting like work, happy hour with your fave coworkers, or lunch with the in-laws. You could be its next prideful owner for $42 (was $70).

H&M

H&M Linen Slip Dress

I cannot think of anything more summer appropriate than a linen slip dress. It's lightweight, super comfortable, and you can dress it up for a fancy dinner, or literally use it as a bathing suit cover up. Everyone needs a slip dress as part of their summer capsule closet. Add this one from H&M to yours in white or black for $55!

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Monica Barbaro & Andrew Garfield's Latest Outing Could Confirm They're Dating

Andrew Garfield's relationship status is always a swoon-worthy topic. Whether he's gushing about how Emma Stone is like a shot of caffeine, he's getting flustered talking to Chicken Shop Date's Amelia Dimoldenberg, or he's kissing Demi Moore on the hand, this man is always making me blush. But it looks like he might not be single anymore if some recent outings with Monica Barbaro are any indication — including a post-Oscars party!

While neither Andrew nor Monica have spoken on the relationship rumors, a People source confirmed "they've been really lowkey and have been spending time together quietly"...and Monica shared a pretty funny moment with Amelia on the Oscars red carpet.

Here's what we know about those Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro relationship rumors.

March 16, 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro are seen grocery shopping.

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A post shared by curators of pop culture (@deuxmoi)

This duo definitely fanned the flames of those couple rumors when they were spotted grocery shopping in Malibu. A very realistic, domestic, and relatable Sunday! I also went grocery shopping this day, so it looks like we were on the same page ;).

Andrew wore a white tee and jeans while Monica looks cozy in a white tank and green cardigan. Both wore baseball caps. "I like that they are humble and buy the same TP as me," one Instagram user commented. Same.

March 2, 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro attend an Oscar afterparty together.

Every thing I hoped and waited for
Andrew Garfield and Monica barbaro leaving the after party together pic.twitter.com/MPwqeLyE7m
— Linny (@murderesselinny) March 3, 2025

After the Oscars on March 2, Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield left the Vanity Fair after party together...and showed up to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's after party. No big deal! Monica wore a strapless gown with gorgeous teardrop jewel detail while Andrew looks dapper in a deep gray suit.

They also happened to arrive at the Oscars red carpet at the same time...and Monica was sitting in Andrew's eye line the whole night. What a coincidence!

February 2025 — Monica Barbaro & Andrew Garfield attend Jonathan Bailey's play.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro went to see Jonathan Bailey’s play. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/vL7EBwsw4d
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) February 20, 2025

The two went viral on February 20 when they showed up to Jonathan Bailey's Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, and I'm obsessed with how locked in he is on their conversation. This man is an attentive listener if I've ever seen one!

January 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro are photographed together.

monica barbaro with andrew garfield, eddie redmayne, and lynn hirschberg at w magazine’s best performances party pic.twitter.com/vbBeCvtzao
— ‎ ☆ (@livebarbs) January 6, 2025

Andrew and Monica were first seen together at W magazine's Best Performances party, alongside Eddie Redmayne and W's editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg, in LA. They were already getting cozy!

What do you think about Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro? I'm personally obsessed. Stay tuned for the latest news on this low-key couple! And check out Zoë Kravitz & Noah Centineo Fuel Dating Rumors After Leaving Another Party Together because Andrew & Monica weren't the only ones hanging this month 👀.

This post has been updated.

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20 Blue Zone Diet Recipes That Give Your Meals A Healthy Kick

The blue zone diet is undeniably one of the best ways of eating for overall health and longevity. It draws culinary inspiration from the top blue zones around the world (Ikaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Loma Linda, California, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica), where people tend to live longer (over 100 years!), often free of any heart disease, obesity, cancer, or diabetes.

Originally outlined by National Geographic Explorer and Fellow Dan Buettner, the blue zone diet is 95% plant-based, with beans, legumes, sweet potatoes, yams, fruits, leafy greens, beets, nuts, and seeds being the #1 priority. High-quality olive oiland whole grains like brown rice and barley are also a huge part of the diet. Blue zone diet recipes widely limit eggs, dairy, meat, added sugar, and processed foods.

The blue zone diet can be a helpful tool to guide your eating habits toward healthier, more beneficial choices for a longer life. These 20 blue zone diet recipes highlight whole foods, veggies, and fruits to make each meal work for you!

Heyday Beans

Chickpea Curry

This flavorful curry recipe loads up on lots of chickpeas to better suit the blue zone diet. Swap the basmati for brown rice, and you'll be set! (via Heyday Beans for Brit + Co)

Midjourney

Niçoise Salad

This dish is packed with so much goodness. From the bed of greens to the heart veggie toppings like olives, tomatoes, green beans, onion, and more, each bite is different from the next, which makes mealtime (especially with the blue zone diet) fun! (via Brit + Co)

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

Hummus + Veggies

Hummus is super easy to make at home, and it'd guaranteed to be healthy when you know exactly what you're putting into it. This recipe features a nice amount of lemon juice for taste and freshness. Serve with lotsa veg, as per the blue zone diet. (via Brit + Co)

Two Spoons

Spring Mix Salad + Lemon Tofu

Salads make some of the best blue zone diet recipes (remember that 95% plant-based rule?), but just because they're salads doesn't mean they have to be boring. This one earns some good zest from baked tofu, homemade dressing, and crunchy veggies. (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Zucchini Fries

These veggie-laden fries actually taste like what you'd get in the drive-thru. So, if you're searching for blue zone diet recipes that'll fulfill your fast food cravings, this is it. Serve with a homemade sauce to amp up the vibes. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Greek Cucumber Salad

Greek and Mediterranean food often qualify for the diet since they're fresh and full of healthy goods. This Greek salad combines juicy cukes, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas for a refreshing blue zone bite. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Edgy Veg

Oyster Mushroom Shawarma

Since blue zone diet recipes tend to limit actual meat, it's crucial to find ones that emulate the meaty, smoky flavors of the chicken, beef, and fish you might be missing. In this dish, oyster mushrooms form a very complex forkful with the help of a homemade marinade. (via The Edgy Veg)

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This post has been updated.

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