Wear *This* to Replace Your Favorite 2014 Style Trends

Now that we’re almost a full month into the new year, it’s about time we finally let go of the trends that got us through 2014. True that old habits die hard (for instance, we can’t imagine our Sunday mornings without kimonos and now that we’ve worn sweatpants outside of the gym, there’s no going back), but once you see the styles replacing your year-old faves, you’re bound to let ’em go. Below, we’re blueprinting your new style go-tos for all of 2015. Scroll through to say “sayonara” to last year’s sartorial hits and meet the brand-new, can’t-live-without trends that will fill the void.

1. Instead of the ‘90s, channel the ‘70s: Throwback style shifts decades with fitted flares and sporty cropped tees that give a spunky, roller rink vibe to basics your grungy grab would roll its eyes at. Channel your retro muse once it’s time to dress up. Think: A-line skirts like a minimalist mod, chic plunging necklines like a disco queen and all-over suede like a high-fashion festival fan.

Massive Attack

2. Instead of stacking dainty jewels, pile on mondo treasures: Even though you’ll still be jamming as many baubles onto your wrists and fingers as possible, the jewels themselves are getting bigger and bigger. The metal warrior cuffs and simple tube rings remain refined but span more skin, giving a more noticeable edge to your outfits than delicate chains and air-thin midis could dream of.

Flash Your Flesh

3. Instead of baring your midriff, flash your shoulders: Good news: The new flirty part of the bod to flaunt might be the most hassle-free of them all — no toning, primping or fashion tape required (#thankgoditsnotpelvage). Bare your shoulders completely with carefree off-the-shoulder necklines or play it cool with cutouts along your collarbone.

Samesies Suits

4. Instead of wearing a two-piece dress, wear a two-piece suit: 2014’s easiest way to look instantly put together is getting a major menswear-inspired makeover this year. To pull off the matching blazer + pants combo like a red carpet pro, pay attention to fit and tailoring — your suit should fit like a glove, especially if you’re taking fashion cues from Jennifer Aniston.

Stuck in the Middle

5. Instead of a midi skirt, don a tea-length dress: It’s true that separates give you more outfit options — you could style your midi skirt down as effortlessly as you could style it up. But if your goal is to nail a look, like the retro-glam vibe that’s big this season — then get it done all at once with a tea-length dress that’ll call you sweetheart.

Blanket Statement

6. Instead of wearing your pajamas outside, wear your blanket outside: Take the cozy-chic trend to the next level by wrapping yourself in outwear that is essentially a blanket. It turns out that ponchos are no longer just festival wear, and we’re totally okay with that.

Classic Blues

7. Instead of broadening your jeans collection, branch out with all-denim-everything: In the past year, you’ve re-evaluated your obsession with skinnies, come to love roomier jeans silhouettes and embraced the high waist like never before. But in 2015, denim is all about looking beyond the jeans. Denim shirts, skirts, coats and dresses — even overall dresses — are all on-point, even when worn one on top of the other.

What style trends are ruling your 2015 so far? Tell us in the comments below.

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

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

How to Style Boxer Shorts

John Galt White & Blue Striped Boxer Shorts

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

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

Old Navy Soft-Washed Boxer Shorts 5-Pack

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

Comme Si La Boxer Classica

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

Urban Renewal Remnants Made In LA Button Front Boxer Short

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

John Galt White & Blue Striped Lace Trim Boxer Shorts

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

Goodfellow & Co Woven Boxers

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

Oddli Boxers

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

Aerie Seersucker Boxer

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

J. Crew End-on-End Cotton Boxer Short

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

Gap Organic Cotton Striped Poplin Shorts

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

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Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

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.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

Bandanas, though once primarily relegated to the cowgirls of the world, have become one of the most versatile fashion pieces you can keep in your closet. Whether you wear one as a bold statement or have some on-hand for subtle accessorizing, we’re here to show you exactly how to wear a bandana. The ways to style them are truly endless, so if none of these styling tips work for you, just have fun making up your own rules! We’ve also rounded up 15 stellar bandana styles for you to test the fabric out for yourself.

How To Wear A Bandana

Photo by Bella Zhong / PEXELS

1. Headband Style

  • Fold the bandana into a long strip.
  • Wrap it around your forehead like a traditional headband, tying it at the back.

2. Classic Cowboy Style

  • Fold the bandana diagonally once to create a triangle.
  • Place the flat edge on your forehead and tie the two ends at the back. Alternatively, you could tie the knot in the front, rotate it to the back, then pull the bandana over your head.

3. Neck Scarf

  • Fold the bandana diagonally once into a triangle.
  • Place the flat edge at the front of your neck, and tie the two ends at the back. Play with the folds and creases to create a look that works for you. Alternatively, you could tie it headband style around the neck.

Photo by Agatha Ezepue / PEXELS

4. Hair Tie

  • Fold the bandana over itself a few times to form a long, thin strip.
  • Tie a knot or bow around a ponytail to keep your hair comfortably in place.

5. Bandana Belt

  • Find a large bandana, then fold it over itself a few times to form a long strip.
  • Thread it through your belt loops and tie it in the front or on the side to create a decorative belt.

6. Bag Accessory

  • Tie the bandana around the strap of your purse in any fashion to add a pop of color and style.

Photo by David Gari / PEXELS

7. Hatband

  • Wrap the bandana around the base of a brimmed hat, securing it with a knot to create a unique hatband.

8. Bandana Top

  • Find a large bandana, then fold it diagonally once to form a triangle.
  • Tie the two long corners behind your back to create a makeshift top.

9. Braided Bandana

  • Fold the bandana over itself a few times to form a long, thin strip.
  • Bring your hair into a low ponytail.
  • Wrapping the center of the bandana around the ponytail, slowly incorporate the strands while you do a regular braid.

The Best Bandanas To Wear

Natural Life Printed Bandana

This bandana has some fringe around the edges for a unique twist.

Byron Bay Hair Scarf

This hair scarf gives you the classic bandana look without the fuss of folding.

Urban Outfitters Butterfly Crochet Headscarf

This is another fold-free bandana that will enhance your 'fits with boho flair.

Parade Classic Scarf

This scarf from Parade is big enough to serve as a head bandana, a tie-back top, or purse strap accessory.

French Connection Women's Silk Scarf

Silky scarves and bandanas will feel most comfortable around the neck.

Terrain Watercolor Daisies Bandana

This breezy bandana can be worn year-round, thanks to its neutral color palette. ​

Madewell Women's Bandana

Make a colorful statement alongside any basic outfit with this geometric design.

Chan Luu Sequin Flowers Bandana

The added sequins on this bandana make it stand out from other designs. ​

Patagonia Bandana

This graphic is perfect for any outdoorsy gals out there.

Kate Spade New York Multidot Cotton & Silk Bandana Scarf

This silk bandana's colors are filled with so much energy, you'll want to wear it every day.

Orvis Statement Bandana

This bright bandana will make you stand out on and off the hiking trail.

Urban Outfitters Lace Headscarf

Giving you the look of a bandana without the steps of folding, this lace scarf also lets your locks breathe.

Terrain Vining Ivy Bandana

Simple and dependable, this floral pick will amp up the feminine vibes.

Painterly Floral Print Bandana

Worn best in your hair, this artistic design still remains light and flowy.

Parks Project Fill In Your National Parks Bandana

Whether you choose to sport it or hang it up, you can track your travel achievements on this bandana.

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

Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

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.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

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

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS