One of the most classic & stylish staple summer patterns is gingham, offering a cool, breezy cotton piece for any seasonal look, especially in red, black, white, or blue. Old Navy is on top of the summer gingham trend with a variety of pieces at prices you can’t miss out on, especially in sizes XS-3XL!
SHOP: Printed Canvas Tote Bag in blue. This is a perfect tote for heading out to the park for the day, reading against a tree or hitting up the beach for a day in the sun.
In honor of the valuable, empowering, & stylish contributions black female celebrities have made on our culture & entertainment industry, let’s celebrate the fashionable feats of our he red carpet, featuring the gorgeous looks of Zendaya, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Issa Rae, Naomie Watts, Regina King, Laverne Cox, Ciara, & more! Check out the gallery below & leave a comment if who your favorite black female celebrity is. Which look takes your breath away? Who would you like to see more of on the red carpet? What are your plans for Juneteenth?
Happy Styling!
Gabrielle Union at the Emmy AwardsLaverne Cox at the Grammy AwardsLizzo at the Grammy AwardsCiara at the American Music AwardsZoë Kravitz at the NYC premiere of The Batman Zendaya at The Greatest Showman Australian premiereKerry Washington at the Emmy AwardsRegina King at the Academy AwardsIssa Rae at the Golden Globe AwardsBeyoncé Knowles-Carter at the Grammy AwardsVenus Williams at the Academy AwardsSamara Wiley at the Tony AwardsLupita Nyong’o at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsTiffany Haddish at the Academy AwardsAunjanue Ellis at the Academy AwardsQueen Latifah at the Academy AwardsAndra Day at the Academy AwardsZendaya at the People’s Choice AwardsOprah Winfrey at the Golden Globe AwardsTracee Ellis Ross at the Academy AwardsTracee Ellis Ross at the NAACP Image AwardsViola Davis at the Academy AwardsKerry Washington at the Golden Globe AwardsZendaya at the Emmy AwardsZoë Kravitz at the Vanity Fair Oscar partyZendaya at the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiereNaomie Harris at the London premiere of SpectreZoë Kravitz at the Met GalaTessa Thompson at the Men in Black: International premiereNaomie Harris at the Gotham AwardsYara Shahidi at the Emmy AwardsTessa Thompson at the premiere of The Harder They FallYara Shahidi at the Critics’ Choice AwardsHalle Berry at the Academy AwardsNiecy Nash at the Emmy AwardsDanielle Brooks at the Emmy AwardsZazie Beetz at the Toronto International Film FestivalNiecy Nash at the Emmy’sOctavia Spencer at the Academy AwardsDanielle Brooks at the NAACP Image AwardsJanelle Monae at the Academy AwardsLaverne Cox at the Screen Actors Guild Awards Taraji P. Henson at the Emmy AwardsStorm Reid at the NAACP Image Awards Lupita Nyong’o at the Cannes Film Festival Viola Davis at the Academy AwardsLetitia Wright at the BAFTA AwardsTaraji P. Henson at the Academy Awards Danai Gurira at the Golden Globe AwardsZendaya at the Academy AwardsUzo Aduba at the Emmy Awards Regina King at the Emmy AwardsViola Davis at the Emmy AwardsTaraji P. Henson at the Emmy Awards Tessa Thompson at the Academy AwardsKerry Washington at the Academy AwardsViola Davis at the Emmy Awards Lupita Nyong’o at the Academy AwardsViola Davis at the Academy AwardsZendaya at the Academy AwardsNaomie Harris at the Academy AwardsRegina King at the Academy AwardsCiara at the Billboard Music AwardsZendaya at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood red carpetUzo Aduba at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsTaraji P. Henson at the Emmy AwardsViola Davis at the Golden Globe AwardsTracee Ellis Ross at the Emmy AwardsViola Davis at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsViola Davis at the Golden Globe AwardsIssa Rae at the Emmy AwardsViola Davis at the Golden Globe AwardsRegina Hall at the BET AwardsLupita Nyong’o at the Academy AwardsGarcelle Beauvais at the ABFF AwardsAngela Bassett at the Golden Globe AwardsKerry Washington at the Golden Globe AwardsTaraji P. Henson at the NAACP Image AwardsZendaya at the Dune premiereKerry Washington at the ELLE Women in Hollywood AwardsZendaya at the Billboard Music AwardsKerry Washington at the Django Unchained premiereKerry Washington at the Baby2Baby GalaZendaya at the Dune photo all in ParisKerry Washington at the Vanity Fair Oscar PartyZoë Kravitz at the Vanity Fair Oscar partyZendaya at the Diamond BallZoë Kravitz at the Academy AwardsKerry Washington at the Met GalaZoë Kravitz at the Vanity Fair Oscar partyNaomie Harris at the NAACP Image AwardsTessa Thompson at the Emmy AwardsZendaya at the Academy AwardsKerry Washington at the Golden Globe AwardsTessa Thompson at the Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment GalaZoë Kravitz at the London premiere of The BatmanZendaya at the Women in Film AwardsKerry Washington at the Met GalaTessa Thompson at the Creed II premiere in LondonYara Shahidi at the Emmy AwardsZendaya at the Miss America red carpet Kerry Washington at the Golden Globe AwardsTessa Thompson at the Selma premiere Zendaya at the GQ Men of the Year AwardsKerry Washington at the Cannes Film FestivalTessa Thompson at an event for Armani BeautyZendaya at the Academy AwardsKerry Washington at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsZendaya at the Critics’ Choice AwardsKerry Washington at the Emmy AwardsZendaya at the U.K. Dune screeningYara Shahidi at the NAACP Image AwardsHalle Berry at the Academy AwardsZendaya at the Spider-Man: Homecoming premiereNiecy Nash at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsHalle Berry at the Golden Globe AwardsZendaya at the Spider-Man: Far From Home premiereHalle Berry at the Bruised premiere at the AFI FestDanielle Brooks at the Tony AwardsZendaya at the People’s Choice AwardsTessa Thompson at the MTV Movie Awards Yara Shahidi at the Emmy AwardsHalle Berry at the Academy AwardsTessa Thompson at the L.A. premiere of Creed IINiecy Nash at the Emmy AwardsHalle Berry at the London premiere of Kingsman: The Golden CircleNiecy Nash at the Emmy AwardsHalle Berry at the Academy AwardsDanielle Brooks at the Fragrance Foundation AwardsHalle Berry at the Golden Globe AwardsDanielle Brooks at the Emmy AwardsHalle Berry at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsCiara at the American Music AwardsLaverne Cox at the Emmy AwardsCiara at the Espy AwardsHalle Berry at the NAACP Image AwardsLaverne Cox at the Academy AwardsGabrielle Union at the Met GalaLaverne Cox at the Emmy AwardsCiara at the Billboard Music AwardsDanielle Brooks at the Independent Spirit AwardsHalle Berry at the Cinemacon Lionsgate red carpetCiara at the Vanity Fair Oscar partyGabrielle Union at the Espy AwardsSusan Kelechi Watson at the Emmy AwardsLaverne Cox at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood AwardsSusan Kelechi Watson at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsCiara at the Billboard Music AwardsGabrielle Union at the Vanity Fair Oscar partyStorm Reid at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood AwardsSusan Kelechi Watson at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsLaverne Cox at the Emmy AwardsSusan Kelechi Watson at the Critics’ Choice AwardsCiara at the amfAR Gala at the Cannes Film FestivalZazie Beetz at the Emmy AwardsZazie Beetz at the Toronto International Film FestivalCiara at the NFL Honors red carpetCiara at the MTV Video Music AwardsCiara at the American Music AwardsDanielle Brooks at the NAACP Image AwardsDanielle Brooks at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsDanielle Brooks at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsCiara at the American Music AwardsCiara at the NFL Honors red carpetCiara at the Vanity Fair Oscar partyCiara at the Grammy AwardsCiara at the Met GalaCiara at the Billboard Women in Music red carpetGabrielle Union at the America’s Got Talent red carpetGabrielle Union at the Vanity Fair Oscar partySusan Kelechi Watson at the premiere of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Back in 2019, I posted my love for New York & Company‘s goddess maxi dress, which has only heightened as the years have gone by & deepened as comfort in the summer moved higher on the list of summer style priorities (as a busy mother who works full-time). However, I’m excited to share that the short version of this dress (the v-neck goddess dress) is available on the retailer’s website in a fabulous variety of 7 colors (black, coral, green opal, grand sapphire, paper white, purple mardi gras, and scuba blue) in sizes XS-XXL while supplies last.
Currently, these dresses on sale for $19.99, but I urge readers to keep an eye on all of the major sales that New York & Company frequently posts about, not only on social media, but via email subscription; prices change quickly! I already have the black & navy versions of this dress, but I have the green & purple dresses on my mind too. Although, any of these frocks can be styled in a plethora of ways, including with high heels & a metallic clutch for a girls’ night out, gladiator sandals & a floppy hat for daytime, as well as with a sporty blazer & sneakers for a mix of athleisure & glam.
Additional adaptations of this flattering goddess style can also be found with New York & Company’s tie-waist goddess romper (available in 4 colors in sizes XS-XXL) & cold-shoulder goddess top (available in 9 colors in sizes XS-XXL); examples are pictured below:
On sunny, summer days, aside from packing some sunscreen & shades, I keep reminding myself to invest in a stylish & fun floppy hat to protect my face from sun damage. I’m excited to have found the perfectly feminine, playful, & affordable floppy straw hat to add to my accessories arsenal, which is the packable straw floppy hat by Shade & Shore from Target for $10.00, available in 6 stylish colors: natural, black, green, orange, pink, and white. However, my current conundrum is: which color to choose?
I can picture wearing the neutral or green hat with a summer separates outfit in earth tones for an afternoon at the park, the black with my favorite maxi dress & studded sandals for a day date with my husband, the orange or pink with a swimsuit & flip flops for a day at the beach, or the white one for a patriotic look this coming 4th of July. And… for $10, why stop at getting just one hat?!
Floppy and/or straw hats aren’t necessarily a new trend for the season as seen on stylish celebrities, including: Meghan Markle at a sporting event, Anne Hathaway while traveling, Jessica Alba at the beach, Lupita Nyong’o for a daytime social occasion, and Jamie Chung showcasing her effortless style for a photo shoot.
A classic look never goes out of style & is always a go-to for nearly any occasion, which was the case for Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron who celebrated her Africa Outreach Project 2022 Summer Block Party in head-to-toe Dior, which took place at the Universal Studios Backlot this past weekend. While Dior isn’t a brand that all of us budget-friendly Style Darlings can depend on on the regular, we can take inspiration from Charlize’s stylish white button-down shirt (shop here), flared jeans (shop similar here), black pointy toe pumps (shop here), black quilted clutch (shop similar here), & Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Button shirts are a staple for any wardrobe, especially if you work in an environment that requires professional attire, but these tops vary in style & can be worn with a number of different options, including a pencil skirt, linen shorts, or a velvet pants in the cooler months. The below suggested options vary in availability for sizes XS-XXL and range in price from $14.99 – $44.63.
Next, a flared jean is a playful & throwback way of mixing up your look, especially when contrasting a more demure button-down shirt. The below options range in price $40.00-$52.46 and are vary in availability for sizes 0-30.
Next, a black pointy toe pump is definitely a classic to incorporate into one’s weekly routine; however, aside from a breezy, cool denim look, like Charlize’s, check out these affordable options ranging in price from $37.99 – $59.99 for special occasions & other professional functions:
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a quilted bag bag or clutch, especially one with an option to use the chain or tuck it in for Instagram posing, including the following picks that range in price from $24.97-$39.99:
The shoot includes gorgeous looks featuring pieces from legendary & daring names, such as: Alaia, Schiaparelli Haute Couture, Harris Reed & Roker, Tiffany & Co., Junya Watanabe, Lorraine Schwartz, Malakai, Vivienne H. Lake, Eddie Borgo, & Commando. The stunning images were inspired by “a fashion fantasia spun from the tropes of club life during the last century’s final quarter [featuring] mirror balls, light boxes, [and] headdresses,” Enninful claims, which only makes sense for the iconic powerhouse that Beyoncé is, 6 solo records later & after winning 28 Grammy Awards!
The time has finally come for Jennifer Lopez‘s highly anticipated documentary Halftime to begin streaming on Netflix! While I haven’t watched it yet, it’s already added to My List & I can’t wait to see what the multi-hyphenate powerhouse reveals about her famed performance at Super Bowl LIV halftime with Shakira in 2020–the same year cinephiles were championing for Lopez to earn her first Academy Award nomination for her role as Ramona in Hustlers. Halftime has already premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, earning praise for its intimate portrayal of the actress-singer’s vulnerability regarding the trials of both success and failure in the public eye for her professional accomplishments and personal relationships.
If you haven’t checked the film yet & you’re still on the fence, play the trailer below to catch a behind-the-scenes glance:
Various media outlets have featured Lopez discussing the inspiration behind the documentary, along with the valuable social commentary about Latinx representation in the media and pay inequality.
Also, to refresh your memory and for the sake of entertainment, check out Jennifer Lopez & Shakira igniting the stage with their famously dynamic & fierce partnership, albeit forced by the NFL.
I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with summer, even though the fashion I’ve touted (summer dresses, tops, sandals, & more) for over a decade on Style Darling Daily has been some of the most colorful, joyful, & stylish of the entire year. It’s the heat that gets me–literally & figuratively frazzled! I vehemently dislike having to plan my wardrobe around oppressively hot weather when it comes to outdoor events, such as family gatherings, headed to festivals or farms with the family, etc. However, last summer on a vacation to upstate New York with my husband & daughter, I sweat through my cute cotton dress & desperately needed a change of wardrobe just for the drive back to Long Island. Our sudden stop to a Walmart changed my perspective on one long-avoided summer staple: shorts.
I’ve been a fan of Walmart‘s Time and Tru label for some time now, but always steered away from shorts in my adult years out of self-consciousness about my body & feeling much more comfortable & feminine in a dress or skirt outfit. Now, I accept that my legs are my legs & worrying over my self image takes time away from the fun things I could be doing out in the world. I’m usually the only person thinking about my legs, anyways! So… I’ve come to learn that I feel much better about myself when I’m wearing something that I feel best represents me, especially on sunny days, which is certainly the case for the cotton & linen shorts featured below:
These shorts can be paired with any variety of tee or tank (see some options below), along with flip-flops, sandals, or wedges for a perfectly fashionable & budget-friendly day or night out this summer. Additionally, I love that Time and Tru designs for a variety of sizes; the featured shorts above are available in XS – 3XL while supplies last, ranging in price from $12.98 – $16.98. Suggested coordinating tanks below range in price from $6.50 – $12.98 in sizes XS – 3XL, which means that you can easily wear an outfit for under $20 before tax!
As the seasons transition from spring to summer and back again without much warning, my hair has been feeling the brunt of it. I’ve accepted that when it heats up outside and the humidity is just too powerful, my straightened locks must return to their natural, curly form. However, in doing so, I turn to hair accessories to keep my hair out of my face and still look put together for morning summer classes, running errands with my family on the weekend, or heading to a beach concert!
Additionally, in my slow, but steady return to the in-person retail world, I’ve recently discovered Ardene, a Canadian fast fashion retailer, at my local mall, which fit right into the spot I missed seeing New York & Company in the past. Although I’m no longer in the juniors market for clothing (which I accept happily), I can appreciate a good sale on accessories that’ll add some sparkle to my mane and glitz to my summer day. This includes the following barrettes from Ardene that are all currently on sale for $3.33:
I already own #1, 2, & 4, as my local store didn’t carry the others, but the website is loaded with all sorts of cute hair accessories, perfect for now, stocking up for any upcoming birthdays or holidays down the road. My hair accessories get overused each season, so I appreciate being able to replace them when I need to with stylish & affordable options like these, which can be worn with a variety of looks at the beach, on the go, or while giving a lecture summer reading!
When it comes to summer style, I’m always all about a breezy, comfy fit & pops of color, but a little white dress (#LWD) is always a staple to break out for a fresh day in the sun, gathering with family & friends, or a chic date night out. Case in point, actress & style icon Blake Lively attended this weekend’s Tribeca Film Festival in support of her superstar pal Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well” short film, which apparently should not be confused with a music video. However, Blake’s classic white dress caught my eye to feature because the actress has elevated the look for evening with her always stylish eye for accessorizing, along with her charming husband, Ryan Reynolds at her side.
The featured neutrals, along with the light cotton frock offer a juxtaposition of hard & soft, as well as glitzy & effortless. Furthermore, the Christian Louboutin t-strap heels and Gucci purse are likely too costly for the average Style Darling, which is why I wanted to feature affordable & fashionable alternatives, if Blake’s look has you inspired. Here are a few white dresses, available in a variety of sizes XS-4X (while supplies last) to get you ready for your next summer night out in style, ranging in prices $24.99-$74.00:
Additionally, some suggested accessories to coordinate with any of these white dresses (or one that you still haven’t dug out from the back of your closet) include:
Style Darling Daily 