40 Thoughtful DIY Graduation Gifts to Start Making NOW

Jun 08, 2018

With graduation only weeks away, you’re probably scouring the corners of Pinterest and the like for gifts that are both creative and meaningful. To take your present to the next level, try DIYing something that is way better (and more personal!) than any plain old card and cash. Besides, they deserve a graduation gift as unique and adventurous as them, right? Featuring goodies like a leather stamped keychain and a DIY no-sew tablet case, these DIY graduation gift ideas are chock-full of all things practical and stylish for whatever the “real world” throws their way.

1. DIY Faux Macaron Photo Holders: Make those captured moments a little sweeter with faux macaron photo holders. Use an array of colored polymer clay to create a similar rainbow of photo holders, or stick to just a few hues for some color-block action. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

2. DIY Surprise Money Confetti Poppers: You can’t go wrong with confetti and money. Just repurpose some push pops and get ready to confetti bomb that new grad. (via Studio DIY)

3. DIY Fringed Flower Bouquet Wrap: Create this fun bouquet wrap that’s reminiscent of a piñata. It’s like you brought the party to them! (via Squirrelly Minds)

4. DIY “Sail Away” Travel Pouch: It might not be the cruise they wished for, but this cruise-inspired pouch is the next best thing. Plus, if they do have future adventures planned, it is the perfect one to take on their next trip. (via Lovely Indeed)

5. DIY Color Dipped Letter Keychain: Personalize your friend’s grad gift with a monogram leather keychain. Just add a little color using acrylic leather paint. To create the color-dipped effect, tape off a diagonal strip with washi tape. (via Damask Love)

6. DIY Brass Earring Pyramid: If your friend is no stranger to clutter, this gift idea might just be the best thing to have ever happened to her. It’ll bring some much-needed organization to her space. While it might look intimidating to make, it’s actually super simple! (via A Beautiful Mess)

7. DIY Laser-Cut Pendant Necklace: Bright and bold, these laser-cut necklaces are a colorful way to instantly upgrade any of your friend’s outfits. They’re great for layering with other dainty gold pieces or as a stand-alone piece. Get started by picking up a laser-cut pendant necklace kit. (via Brit + Co)

8. DIY Leather-Stamped Keychains: Your friend won’t ever lose their keys again with a cute tasseled leather-stamped keychain like this one. Once you get the steps down, it’ll be a simple gift idea to repeat for everyone in your crew. (via Brit + Co)

9. DIY Beaded Bracelets: Create two unique takes on the classic beaded friendship bracelet using either paracord and artistic wire or embroidery floss and artistic wire. Design your own looks by adding various colored seed beads. Modern friendship bracelets have never looked this good. (via Brit + Co)

10. DIY Floral Patterned Notebooks: These pretty black-and-white floral patterned notebooks double as personal journals, work planners, or school notebooks. To make, you’ll need Silhouette Studio (there is a free version available) and mini Moleskine notebooks. (via Maritza Lisa)

11. DIY Origami Money Graduation Caps: Money is always a safe bet when it comes to the perfect graduation gift. Throw in a couple of origami money graduation caps along with the money confetti poppers, and you’ve really got a party. (via Sugar and Charm)

12. DIY Painted Clutch: Dress up a basic leather clutch or purse with paint markers. Whether you choose to go for a polka dot pattern or a calligraphic phrase, the possibilities are endless. Pro tip: Practice your lettering/drawing and get your placement down by first practicing on a sheet of paper the same size as the item you’re lettering. (via Paper & Stitch)

13. DIY No-Sew Tablet Case: Don’t let your friend scratch up their tablet in their bag any longer. Believe it or not, this handy case can be made in 10 minutes or less. Choose their favorite color or a fun print that’s totally them, use iron-on hemming tape and fasten using snap buttons and pliers. (via Brit + Co)

14. Adventure Awaits Cut File: Use permanent vinyl to decorate a plain mug or heat transfer vinyl to personalize a tote bag. Whatever you decide, your friend will love the handmade travel-themed gift. (via Dawn Nicole Designs)

15. DIY Marbled Notebook: This marbled notebook DIY is a must-have for the stylish modernista in your life. The marble print is both minimalistic and glam, making it a versatile gift that they can take to their new job or leave at home for their journal sessions. (via Brit + Co)

16. DIY Typographical Wall Art: Give your friend a little something to make their dorm room or first apartment feel a bit homier. Choose an inspirational message and they’ll have a smile on their face every time they take a look. (via Brit + Co)

17. DIY Photo Magnets: Special and practical, these photo magnets are the thoughtful DIY every grad will love. Find your favorite Instagram shots and get to printing. (via Sundae Sins)

18. Oh the Places You’ll Go Printable: Surprise your wanderlust-stricken graduate with this travel-friendly print. Though this one’s technically a printable, it’s up to you how you’ll frame it. Visit your local thrift store for a vintage frame or decorate a plain one from your local craft store. (via Eighteen 25)

19. RetroViewer Set ($30): You can share hilarious and touching moments by building a reel of images on your computer or even directly in Instagram. Customize the reel and viewer to best capture your friend’s personality and then add 3D text or captions to each image.

20. DIY Splatter Paint Vases/Votives: You don’t need much to master this easy DIY. If you can splatter paint, you’ve basically got this DIY down. Decide on how many colors you want to use, dip your paintbrushes into the acrylic paints, and then splatter away. (via The Sassy Life)

21. DIY Stamped Gold Bar Necklace: This stamped gold bar necklace makes a great personalized gift for your minimalist friend. Make two and stamp both of your first initials for a sweet and unique pair of bestie necklaces. (via Brit + Co)

22. Tinybook ($15, Set of 3): Put a fun spin on the traditional photo album by making a teeny-tiny one for each of your friends. Not only will it be an adorable gift idea, but each Tinybook holds 24 photos, which means it’ll be stuffed with amazing memories they can look through for years to come.

23. DIY Wooden Wall Clocks: Whether your friend is moving into a new dorm or apartment, this DIY wall clock is a thoughtful gift to help them make their new space feel a bit more like home. Choose their fave color (or color combo) to make it totally them. (via Brit + Co)

24. Wine Charms Printable: If rosé is the quickest way to your friend’s heart, these wine charms are the DIYs to make for them. Using Shrinky Dinks paper, print out the fresh fruit wine charms, and then loop wire hoop earrings through. Pair with a bottle of wine for the ultimate gift. (via Twine & Table)

25. DIY Typography Vase: Inspired by the OK vase from Oh Joy! for Target line, this bold and colorful typography vase is a fun way to brighten up your friend’s space. Go for a celebratory YAY, or come up with your own word that best describes your friend. Think: CRAY, LOL, or BFF. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

26. DIY Felt Board: Chances are good a new grad does not have a bunch of spare cash laying around for a fancy design like this. Make one for them instead! Just don’t forget the letters they’ll need as well. (via The Sassy Life)

27. DIY Upcycled Luggage: Are they going to travel for a bit? Spend some time abroad? Help them upgrade from their ratty duffel bag and travel in style. (via The House That Lars Built)

28. DIY Painted Cork Board with Barbie Push-pins: Keeping business cards in an easy-to-find place is important when they’re on the job hunt. (via Party HarDIY)

29. DIY Polka Dot Mouse Pad: They’re about to need some profesh-looking office gear, but you can sneak in some fun with this painted treat. (via Make and Tell)

30. DIY Desk Organizer: This can start in their home office, but once they get their first job, it will be perfect for their new workspace. Hide a little “good luck” note inside for some extra good vibes. (via Lovely Indeed)

31. DIY Holographic Laptop Case: Now that they’re an adult, they can fully proclaim their love of disco. (via Club Crafted)

32. Printable Welcome to Adulthood Cards: They thought university was hard? Just wait until they figure out that ignorance isn’t an excuse. Set them up for a night out when things get rough, or help contribute to their first month’s rent with these cards. (via Studio DIY)

33. DIY Painted Magnetic Letters: The fridge (or the mini fridge) or even the cocktail tray will look much less tragic with some adorable magnets. (via A Little Craft In Your Day)

34. DIY Scented Wax Melts: That first apartment after college is notorious for having a weird smell. While you can’t do much about the apartment, you can give them the gift of a fresh scent with these. (via Purely Katie)

35. DIY Gold Bow Stationery: Go ahead and address one of those to yourself, because they’ll need to send out thank- you cards for all the lovely gifts. (via Damask Love)

36. DIY Party Koozies: Because no one likes warm beer. (via PMQ for two)

37. Printable Grad Gift Bottle Tags: A nice bottle goes a long way, but you might as well dress it up with a fun tag. (via Persia Lou)

38. DIY Wire Pineapple Post Card Holder: Dorm room style will always be in style, and these wire beauties are the perfect example of why. (via Blissmakes)

39. DIY Holographic Glitter Acrylic Calendar: Help them keep their life organized, especially now that they no longer have a course schedule to work off. (via A Beautiful Mess)

40. DIY Pipe Cleaner Garland: This may not get used past the big day, but you’d be surprised by how many people need a little motivation in their everyday. (via Handmade Charlotte)

Which of these DIYs will you be making for your friend? Follow us on Pinterest for more graduation ideas and inspo!

(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau)

15 Graduation Gifts Perfect For The Class Of 2024

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will always be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

8 Effective Ways To Reduce Stress Based On Your MBTI

Are you stressed right now? Maybe not so stressed that you curl up in a ball, or run around screaming, but most of us have at least some stress in our lives. And often that’s a good thing; the right amount of stress motivates us and gets us up in the morning. But if stress gets too much, we start to suffer, become demotivated, and eventually collapse as our nervous system falls apart.

Fortunately, there are ways in which we can build our resilience. Some of these are useful for everyone; getting support from your family and friends, nurturing a positive view of yourself, doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing, developing realistic goals and taking action to achieve them. But some will be unique to you, to your particular circumstances to your personality. If you know your personality type, you will have a head start on knowing what your stress triggers are (and so dealing with them), how you react to stress, and how to cope with that reaction. In other words, how to build resilience.

Personality Types And How They Deal With Stress

Image via Photo by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

The personality type framework, as measured by the Myers-Briggs(MBTI) assessment, looks at four aspects of personality:

Extraversion-Introversion — People with an Extraversion personality preference are energized by and focus their attention on what’s happening around them, their external world. They are likely to find spending too much time alone without enough external stimulation quite stressful. People with an Introversion preference are energized by and focus their attention on their inner world of thoughts and feelings. They can become stressed if they are forced to spend too much time with others, or when they have to cope with too many external distractions.
Sensing-Intuition — is all about how we take in information. People with a Sensing preference prefer information that is realistic, practical, built on past or present real-life experiences, and often detailed. They can be stressed when things are ambiguous and unclear, without any clear direction. People with an Intuition preference are interested in the big picture, in how things connect, and in ideas rather than facts. They will find having to follow exact instructions stressful, and working with people who demand lots of detail.
Thinking-Feeling —People with a Thinking preference want to make decisions using objective logic and will be stressed when decisions seem to be subjective, or when they are forced to concentrate on people rather than the task at hand. People with a Feeling preference want to make decisions that line up with their values and they will be stressed if they feel that those values are not being respected, and when there is conflict.
Judging-Perceiving — People with a Judging preference want to live in an organized, planned way and will find dealing with disorganized people stressful, or having to rush things at the last minute. People with a Judging preference want to live in a more spontaneous, emergent way and will become stressed when they have to deal with inflexible people, or when they are forced to make decisions before they feel they really need to.

Image via Photo by Mike Jones/Pexels

Everyone will have a preference for Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), for Sensing (S) or for Intuition (N), for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F), and for Judging (J) or for Perceiving (P). These four preferences combine together dynamically to give one of 16 types. For example, if someone has preferences for Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging, then their overall type would be ESTJ. If you know your type, you can identify your likely stressors (and so avoid or mitigate them), your typical behavior under everyday stress (so that you can recognize when you are stressed) and what to do to cope with that reaction, stop the stress cycle and so build resilience. Here’s the detail for each type.

Image via Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

ESTP and ESFP

Stressors

Lack of stimulation and excitement
Theoretical, abstract tasks without any practical application right now
Being physically confined, e.g. though illness or circumstance

Behavior under everyday stress

Seeks out more and more external stimulation and excitement
May behave in a thrill-seeking or dangerous way or over-indulge
Lives solely in the present moment and will not make any decisions

How to stop the stress cycle

Pause, stop what you are doing, or think through what you will do next before you do it

Image via Photo by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

ESTJ and ENTJ

Stressors

Inefficient people, systems, or organizations
Lack of closure, not being able to make decisions, blockers
Having to focus on people's feelings, rather than the task

Behavior under everyday stress

Becomes overly directive, forceful, or even aggressive
Makes snap decisions and imposes them on others
Dismisses evidence/other opinions that don't fir your view

How to stop the stress cycle

Stop making any decisions until you have taken some time out to explore all the available information.

Image via Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

ENTP and ENFP

Stressors

People who say "it'll never work"
Too much seemingly irrelevant detail
Lack of variety; not being able to do anything new

Behavior under everyday stress

Shares increasingly impractical ideas with more and more people
Unable to take things seriously, becomes destructively 'playful'
Will be tied down to decisions

How to stop the stress cycle

Slow down. Take some time out to quietly decide on a course of action

Image via Anna Shvets/Pexels

ESFJ and ENFJ

Stressors

Conflict with others and between others
Lack of warmth, not having friendliness reciprocated
Injustice in the world at large

Behavior under everyday stress

Become effusive and over-friendly
Becomes demanding in getting your own and others' needs met
Interprets situations in terms of your values, ignoring any other evidence

How to stop the stress cycle

Step back from the situation and the people involved and consider alternatives and the facts

Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels

INTP and ISTP

Stressors

Having your carefully reasoned solutions dismissed or ignored
Illogical decisions that have not been thought through
Excessive displays of approval or emotion from others

Behavior under everyday stress

Withdraws to solve problems by yourself
Fixates on finding the one correct solution
Ignores other people; makes decisions without informing them

How to stop the stress cycle

Talk to others to explore information and ideas

Image via Mizuno K/Pexels

ISTJ and ISFJ

Stressors

Having to act without detailed, practical information or plans
Having the lessons of your experience dismissed by others
Changing things that already work

Behavior under everyday stress

Obsessively searches for that one important piece of information
Withdraws from the outer world
Cannot make a decision until all the information has been found

How to stop the stress cycle

Talk to others to help you prioritize and make a decision

Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

ISFP and INFP

Stressors

People who ignore, dismiss, or contravene your values
Working in a job that is at odds with those values
Inflexible and unthinking people or organizations

Behavior under everyday stress

Withdraws into an inner dialogue
Obsessively works through decisions that fir your values
Ignores facts that do not fit with the picture you have painted

How to stop the stress cycle

Talk to others to get their reassurance and help in considering the facts and alternatives

Image viaMART PRODUCTION/Pexels

INTJ and INFJ

Stressors

Not having time to think through possibilities before answering
Having your well-considered ideas dismissed or ignored
Disorganized, opinionated people

Behavior under everyday stress

Withdraws to build increasingly complex ideas in your head
These models may become divorced from reality
Unable to act under every possibility has been explored

How to stop the stress cycle

Talk to others to help decide which of your many ideas should be pursued

When you feel stressed, it can get in the way of dealing effectively with life’s demands, and it can affect everything you do. Understanding your MBTI personality type will help you to build resilience.

Looking for more advice geared towards your MBTI? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Lead image viaKarolina Grabowska/Pexels

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Kim Kardashian Can’t Watch Herself On AHS: Delicate And The Reason Is So Relatable

Fans who were left on the edge of their seats after watching the first part of AHS: Delicate last year won't have to wait longer for part two! Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian are gearing up to pick up where their characters left off, and sinister twists are about to get much darker. While we know the focus revolves around their interactions, we can't wait to see how Gilmore Girls star Matt Czuchry fits into what's sure to be a big reveal.

Read on for a mini recap of part one of AHS: Delicateand learn all the juicy details about part two!

Recap of Kim Kardashian's involvement in AHS: Delicate

Image via FX Networks

Kim Kardashian as 'Siobhan' in "American Horror Story: Delicate"

As good as Kim Kardashian is as the icy publicist Siobhan on AHS: Delicate, don't expect her to watch herself onscreen. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday and explained why she hasn't seen herself in clips of the show when Jimmy Kimmel played and unsettling one.

Her character can be seen intimidating a fertility doctor to do her bidding as she pierces the top of his neck with a long orange fingernail. She smiled before saying "It's so funny, I can't watch it back," and then added, "I get so nervous."

She even talked about the difference between filming for TV and working as an actual actress. She said, "I called my sisters and I go, 'Guys. You — not to say you'd ever want to get into acting — but you are so lucky you can wake up and just, we can sit in bed and film, and you don't have to get up...like there is no schedule."

However, it seems like the budding actress took her new schedule in stride because Star Trek actor and AHS co-star Zachary Quinto applauded Kardashian’s acting chops.

“I did a cameo on this season of ‘American Horror Story’ and I got to meet her,” the actor told People. “She was so lovely and warm and, really, I don’t think she needs my advice.” Quinto added, sharing that Kardashian, was “really in her element” on set and he was “really impressed by her spirit and her openness…I really look forward to seeing this season because I think she’s gonna do a wonderful job.”

Recap of AHS: Delicate Part 1

Image via FX Networks

The first part of AHS: Delicate premiered on FX September 20, 2023 and centered around actress Anna Victoria Alcott's desire to become a mother. Played by Emma Roberts, viewers watched as her husband Dexter Harding (played by Matt Czuchry) was supportive of her IVF procedure so the couple could conceive their first child. Despite the previous struggles, the procedure is a success and the happy couple learn they have a baby on the way.

However, things go horribly wrong when Anna starts being followed and eventually experiences a violent miscarriage during her first trimester. Somehow the baby actually survives, but Anna still experiences a series of strange hallucinations and events. From losing her hair to vomiting a foreign object, she starts to wonder if something is wrong with her baby. There's also the fact that she told her publicist Siobhan (played by Kim Kardashian) that she'd do anything to remain at the top of the her career.

What's revealed is that a baby cult does exist and Dexter's dead first wife knew all about it. However, the cult still looks at him as a threat so it's only a matter of time before they close in.

If you need a refresher, catch up on the first part of AHS: Delicate on Hulu and be sure to check out the eery trailer for a look at part two! Also, get your hands on a copy of Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition to see how the story truly unfolds.

Watch The Official Trailer For AHS: Delicate Part 2

www.youtube.com

American Horror Story: Delicate Part Two | Official Trailer - Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian | FX

We suspected Siobhan may have a darker role than Anna thinks and the trailer confirms it. As Anna gets further along in her pregnancy, it's hinted that her growing baby may not be 'normal' and there's nothing she'll be able to do about it.

We're crossing our fingers for Anna and Dexter, but the baby cult may have the final say in AHS: Delicate Part 2.

The first portion of AHS: Delicate Part 2 premiered on FX April 3, 2024, but the series will come to a close beginning April 24. All we can say is things are about to get extremely bumpy 👀.

What do you think will happen during the final moments of AHS: Delicate Part 2? Let us know in the comments!

Stay updated on the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Header image via FX Networks

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10 White Vacation Dresses That Will Take You Straight From The Beach To Dinner

I'm not sure about you, but it's that time of year that I'm already planning multiple vacations in my head where I'm sitting somewhere by a beach in full-blown relaxation mode. And while I love to look ahead at my itinerary, my favorite part of vacation planning is definitely the outfits! I get so excited that I create a Pinterest board, packing list, vacation wishlist, and schedule the outfits all in advance on my notes app — it's serious business! With all that in mind, I thought I'd share with you some white vacation dresses that are to-die-for right now!

Writer's Note: A lot of these will be either linen, cotton, and silks, or satins because they're the most breathable materials and can really help in hotter temperatures! So I almost always stick to those fabrics because they allow for me to be in hotter temperatures and not feel like 100 degrees.

Shop White Vacation Dresses Here!

ASTR The Label Off-Shoulder Dress

Everyone needs the quintessential linen white dress for vacation, and this is IT! Everything about this is romantic and perfect for vacation with the off-shoulder, side slit, and midi style of the dress. You can dress is up with some heels, or dress it down with sandals for a day at the beach.

J.Crew Stretch Linen Dress

J.Crew's been killing the game lately with their innovative and fun styles, and this one is no different! I love the linen (again we want breathable fabric for summer) along with the fun gold detailing on the straps. This one is also on sale for 40% off right now, so definitely grab this one for you summer vacations!

Halogen Halter Neck Linen Dress

The halter neck of this chic dress gives it a more modest and classic feel that I love. It's giving me serious Meghan Markle vibes, so you know it's good! Grab this one to fulfill all of your summer plans!

Abercrombie Slip Maxi Dress

I had to add this one in the mix because of its unique design that's giving me all the Italian summer on the Amalfi coast feels! The sweet fruit pattern is the perfect touch to brighten up a simple white dress. And for under $100, it's at such a great price-point!

Chelsea28 Tiered Maxi Dress

A tired dress is another staple to your vacation wardrobe. I love this boho chic one because it looks straight out of Mamma Mia on an island off the coast of Greece. An idyllic dress for all of your Euro-Summer-2024 plans!

Banana Republic Silk Maxi

You can never have too many silk dresses for vacation, and this cream, silk dress takes thecake! I love how vintage-inspired it is with the pleats at the top. I picture this stunning dress at a dinner paired with metallic heels like above and a matching mini bag. I just adore this piece!

ASTR Floral Lace Dress

Lace has entered the chat! And can you believe it's only $109?! I love this ASTR The Label dress for their super cute pieces at such an affordable price. This one screams vacation by the beach to me!

House of CB Emmelina Dress

House of CB is one of my favorite brands at the moment because their designs are so feminine and flattering for so many different body types and sizes. This dress is one that I personally have had on my wishlist for summer vacation for quite some time because of its elegant shape and cut. You're sure to look phenomenal in this classic piece!

Abercrombie Plunge Satin Dress

For every vacation, a simple silk dress is a must because of its breathability and versatility when it comes to styling. This dress is ideal for walks on the beach or for a nice dinner on the coast. Plus the low back is an amazing addition as well for a more sexy look. Abercrombie does it again, ladies!

J.Crew Bungalow Maxi Dress

Can you think of a better dress that works as both a beach coverup and adorable lunch dress? This linen maxi dress from J.Crew will take you from beach to dinner in the chicest way. I love the cuts at the bottom to not make it too billowy and the low V-neck looks super flattering as well. Adding this to my wishlist ASAP!

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Lead image via Banana Republic.

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These 4 Sneaker Trends Give The “It” Factor Your Outfits Are Missing

We all want to step out in style, and these sneaker trends are your one-way ticket to getting there. From sportier silhouettes to sleek, fashion-forward footwear, we’re seeing a specific handful of unique (and sometimes controversial)sneakers out on the streets that suit anyone and everyone! No matter what look you're going for, we’ve got a range of trending sneaker styles for 2024 that’ll compliment your very best ‘fits and your budget.

Sporty Sneakers

Adidas Samba OG Shoes

The first sneaker trend needs no introduction. You’ve seen ‘em on all the cool fashion girls (and beyond), enough to know that sporty sneakers are in.

Adidas sneakers are the prime example of the sporty sneaker trend. The most popular styles – Gazelles and Sambas – have history with soccer and handball, but they’re not quite being sported for sport anymore. They’re easy to wear with your most casual jeans or even paired with a flowy maxi skirt!

On the other side of the spectrum, gorp-core brands like Salomon have more technical-looking sneakers that still fit into the everyday.

The Samba OG shoes come in a variety of colors, but these white-on-black ones are the most approachable. A limited color palette makes way for endless matching possibilities, plus these are just so comfy!

The Adidas Samba OG Shoes are $100.

New Balance 1906 Utility Unisex Sneakers

Flaunting a sizable tread and a plush platform, these sneakers from New Balance are unquestionably sporty, but get a stylish edge from the muted green and brown details. Since they're designed for running, you can feel the utmost support from these shoes – even if you're not trying to beat your current mile time.

The New Balance 1906 Utility Unisex Sneakers are $160.

Salomon XT-6 Unisex Sportstyle Shoes

These sleek sneakers skip the laces, favoring an easy on-and-off drawstring for the perfect fit. While they're chunkier and more detailed than your average Adidas sneaker, the Salomon XT-6's give a unique, fashion-forward vibe with their iconic logo. Any sneakerhead will be fascinated by these sneaks.

The Salomon XT-6 sneakers are available in 15 other colors for $200.

Blue Sneakers

Nike Blazer Low '77 Sneaker

If you don’t quite know what sneaker trends to shop for in terms of shape and silhouette, going for a specific color can help guide you to the perfect pair. Blue sneakers are totally hot right now amongst the cool fashion gals, whether they rock 'em in royal hues or lighter blues, like the styles listed.

These slimmer sneakers are reminiscent of the famed Adidas ones, but the suede material makes them less sporty and more casual for everyday wear.

The Nike Blazer Low '77 Sneakers are $100 at Nordstrom.

Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker

Another low-profile blue shoe, these Pumas are a total 80's throwback. They flaunt classic details like the rubber role and paneled toe, plus the Puma logo you just can't miss. The lighter blue would go great with this season's trending colors, like butter yellow or even lilac.

The Puma Palermo Leather Sneakers are $90 at Nordstrom.

Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes

Think of these Adidas sneaks as your new everyday shoe, but more colorful. From the grocery store to the park, you'll be stepping in style with this contrasting style! The trio of stripes on each side of these shoes is super iconic, so your looks will immediately be on-trend, no matter what you're wearing.

The Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes also come in a number of other color combos, and go for $110.

Metallic Sneakers

New Balance 1906R Unisex Sneakers

In addition to all things blue, metallic sneakers have been hitting the pavement and turning heads everywhere. I’ve mostly spotted silver sneakers in the wild, but metallic sneakers are also shoppable in golds and other eye-catching shades.

If you don't want to rock a full-on shiny shoe quite yet, these New Balance sneakers are the perfect place to start. They're fitted with metallic detailing along the sides for a stunning effect. You'll love 'em even more for their added cushiness and support around the arch and ankles.

The New Balance 1906R Unisex Sneakers are $155.

ALOHAS tb. 490 Leather Sneakers

These ALOHAS shoes are a low-key dupe for the well-loved Adidas sneakers. The rubber sole, low-sitting profile, and layered paneling along the toe give the same effect, except these have an exceptional shine.

These sneakers go for $190 at Urban Outfitters. You can also shop them in four other fun colors.

Adidas Country OG Shoes

These best-selling shoes will (literally) outshine all of the other pairs hanging out in your wardrobe. They have that oh-so 70's feel in shape, but carry a modern twist in the silver shininess.

The Adidas Country OG Shoes are $120.

Ballet Sneakers

Skechers Relaxed Fit: Breathe-Easy Shoes

They're not ballet flats, but they’re not quite sneakers, either. Ballet sneakers are on the rise right now, with unique (and a bit divisive) styles like the New Balance 1906L and the Kiko Kostadinov x Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Gel-Lokros shoes hitting the high-end market.

Ballet sneakers are a great way to toe the line between comfy and cute, especially when your soles need some extra support since they’re often bulkier than your average flat.

I am obsessed with this sporty move that Skechers made on their Mary Jane-esque shoes. These ballet sneakers have a nice tread on the bottom and secure on top with a velcro strap. The black colorway is super easy to wear alone or with socks for a layered look!

These supportive Skechers Relaxed Fit: Breathe-Easy Shoes cost $63.

Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Kiko Kostadinov Vapor Cosmos

These strappy sneakers also approach Mary Jane territory with stretchy straps and buckles up top, though the bottoms are cushier and traditionally sneaker-like. This pair flaunts some coquette-ish details, from the scalloped trim to the star-shaped stitching on the toes.

This pair of Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Kiko Kostadinov Vapor Cosmos go for $222 on StockX.

Buffalo Binary Ballet Sneaker

These adorable pink ballet sneakers are ready to hit the pavement with a chunky sole. The upper half of the shoe is more delicate, with tiny pleats and a seamless buckle detail.

The Buffalo Binary Ballet Sneakers are $180 at Urban Outfitters.

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