Style Spotlight: Looks, Trends & Fashion Inspiration

1. STYLE

Have influencers ruined Birkins? This piece argues that influencers have overexposed the Birkin to the point where some longtime owners are too embarrassed to carry theirs in public anymore! Between the TikTok unboxings, the rental programs, the Walmart dupes, and the endless haul content — the mystique of the bag has taken a big hit! A bag that once felt elusive and understated can now read as “please look at me.” I still desperately want a Birkin 25, but personally I could do without any more Hermès appointment content. The consensus seems to be that the bag itself is still fabulous, it’s the internet that’s the problem!

2. FRIENDSHIP

I’m always interested by the dynamics of friendship, so I found this piece on why it can be so hard to make plans with friends fascinating! The author points out how technology has made it possible to stay constantly in touch without making any real effort! We say “let’s catch up soon” with every intention of meaning it then never make plans. We leave invitations unanswered, or friends on read. The fix really isn’t that complicated: just answer the invitation, suggest the alternative date, pick up the phone, be the initiator every once in a while! (Although, easier said than done in 2026!)

3. FASHION

What makes a fashion photograph truly influential? A panel of some of fashion’s most legendary names spent hours arguing about exactly that, resulting in this list of 25 photos that changed fashion forever! Two you’ll definitely recognize — the Peter Lindbergh supermodel shot with Naomi, Linda, Tatjana, Christy, and Cindy in the Meatpacking District (truly iconic) and Ron Galella’s “Windblown Jackie” paparazzi shot of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in jeans and a henley. The conversations around the photos themselves are just as interesting, if you’re a lover of fashion history definitely check it out!

4. MOVIES

Fall movie season is officially here and this preview of 60 upcoming films has me excited! A few I’m taking note of: Practical Magic 2 (of course), Verity (the Colleen Hoover adaptation with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson), and I hadn’t even heard of The Social Reckoning (Aaron Sorkin’s Facebook sequel with Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg) but I’m intrigued, and of course Wicker (Olivia Colman falls in love with a man made from wicker, and it looks spicy). Historically I haven’t been a huge movie buff but I’m definitely going to make a point to catch a few of these!

5. TECHNOLOGY

Last week Meta agreed to an $18 billion settlement over its platforms’ impact on minors, and as part of the deal they’ve committed to restricting “extreme makeup filters” for teens! While that specific detail has gotten a lot of praise, experts are cautiously optimistic about what this really means. The problem is that even without certain filters, teens’ feeds are still full of professionally edited photos, influencer content, and heavily altered images. There’s also the question of how Meta will actually verify ages and enforce any of this! Worth a read, especially if you have kids or teens in your life!

6. CELEBRITY

Jennifer Aniston interviewing Sandra Bullock for the Practical Magic 2 press rollout is exactly as charming as you’d hope! Two old friends who clearly adore each other, talking about motherhood and aging in the movie industry. They also talk about bringing funny back to Hollywood, with both of them lamenting how rom-coms were dismissed for years but now it’s all we seem to be craving! These two are utterly delightful together, I love when celebrities (and friends) interview each other. Also, the accompanying editorial photos are stunning!

+ WHAT I’M EYEING

FALL COLOR PALETTE: SLEEVELESS TOP // DRAPED PANTS // ORANGE SANDALS // DRESS // LONG SLEEVE TOP // CRANBERRY PANTS // BUCKET BAG // SUNGLASSES // ORANGE WEDGES // DROP EARRINGS // ORANGE MULES // SPIRAL EARRINGS // TWEED JACKET // SHORT SLEEVE SWEATER // TWEED SKIRT // POLO SWEATER // CLUSTER DROP EARRINGS // MINI SKIRT // SHOULDER BAG // STRIPED HEELS

MASSIMO DUTTI NEW ARRIVALS: STRIPED TURTLENECK // NAVY BLAZER // DARK WASH JEANS // LIGHT WASH JEANS // SUEDE MULES // TALL BOOTS // SHOULDER BAG // SLINGBACKS // LOAFERS // TRENCH COAT // SUEDE TOTE // GREY SWEATER // GREY BLAZER

+ END OF WEEK EXTRAS

• I didn’t know I needed flats in this color until I saw them!
• This satin tank with jeans or trousers would be so chic for dinner.
• A suede tote in the prettiest color for fall!
• I’m obsessed with this peak into Paige Lorenze and Tommy Paul’s Connecticut estate!
• I’m such a sucker for a fringe coat (this one too)!
• The cape detail on this cashmere top is fun.
• How about these sneakers for a pop of color?
• Has anyone else been seeing Loonen Water everywhere?
• If you’re looking for a dress for a black tie fall wedding, how gorgeous is this?
• I’m loving the ballet sneaker trend!
• Bucket list hotels for fashion lovers.
• The cinched waist on this suede jacket is a great detail.
• A classic pair of ballet flats under $100.
• I’ve been gravitating toward silhouettes like this for fall and winter.
• This tassel necklace is fun!
• The most anticipated NYC restaurants opening this fall!

The post WEEKEND READING: 9.11.26 appeared first on Merritt Beck.

See the full look or story from the original source