Fall is debatably the best time of year to get dressed. Cooler temperatures allow us to really play with our clothes, layering and mixing and matching different fabrics and textures. And yet, however much creative potential the season may bring, the typical offerings (and corresponding color palettes) tend to skew dark and, well, pretty bland. But according to Kahlana Barfield Brown’s recent collaboration with Target, this definitely doesn’t have to be the case.
Part of Target’s new, first-of-its-kind Future Collective — which will feature ongoing design partnerships with a rotating roster of style experts — the beauty-editor-turned-style-expert describes her collection as one for “fly girls who celebrate their personal style with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.” It comprises pieces meant to stand out rather than blend in (think: bold track pants, multi-print blazers, graphic sweaters, and neon mini bags).
There’s a unique “wink” to each piece, explains Barfield Brown. “Whether the silhouette is asymmetric or there’s a belt that can accentuate the waist, or there’s a stripe down the side of a blazer, there’s something that elevates it from just being basic,” she explains. While elevated, the collection is still timeless, designed to be worn together or styled in seamlessly with customers’ existing wardrobes — so you can still feel like yourself, just with some added flair.
Overall, whether you’re in a style rut or just looking to spice things up, this collection is sure to break you out of your comfort zone this fall. In partnership with Target, we asked Barfield Brown to walk us through the 10 boldest pieces from the collection. Ahead, learn more about her design process and the many different ways you can wear each piece.
Mid-Rise Cargo Jean
Barfield Brown didn’t want to create your typical wide-leg, light-wash cargo pants, so she went for an acid-wash version with cinched bottoms — a bolder iteration that she says works well for the XXS to 4X sizes that the collection accommodates. “A cinched bottom is a flattering silhouette on most body types,” she says. “And if you’re shorter, a tapered pant leg is a great option, as wide-leg styles can be too long and drown you.”
As far as styling goes, Barfield Brown notes that she’s seen the piece worn in varying ways: “I’ve seen them worn very loose and low on the hip, but others choose to wear them more fitted, which I think is really cute and sexy,” she says. “It’s all about versatility for me.”
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Mid-Rise Cargo Jeans, $, available at Target
Long Sleeve Utility Denim A-Line Dress
In Barfield Brown’s eyes, leopard print is a neutral. “Some people love polka dots, some people like stripes, I love leopard because I feel like the pattern complements pretty much anything,” she muses. Even so, it’s still an attention-grabbing print.
And not only is this denim mini dress versatile enough for year-round wear, it can even be styled as a jacket: “Open it up, let the belt hang in the back, and layer pieces underneath,” she says. She also designed the dress to be especially flattering, including a matching belt that can be used to accentuate the waist “so you can really play with your proportions.”
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Long Sleeve Utility Denim A-Line Dress, $, available at Target
Long Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt & Knit Mini Skirt
Matching sets are great in that they’re essentially several outfits in one, as you can wear the pieces together or separately. As for this neon striped top and mini skirt combo, Barfield Brown wanted it to be a “fun, sexy addition” to the collection. In the case of the mini skirt, while it’s intended to be a little more out-on-the-town than sitting-at-a-desk, it’s still a pretty versatile piece. If you’re looking to err on the side of conservative, she suggests pairing it with a looser top. “This way, you’re not wearing tight fabric on tight fabric,” she says. “If you pair it with a collared shirt, it feels a bit more business casual.”
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Long Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt, $, available at Target
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Knit Mini Skirt, $, available at Target
High-Rise Overlap Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Barfield Brown admits that crossover jeans aren’t exactly new, but she wanted to recreate the popular style at a more attainable price point to allow more people to step up their denim game. “I think people need black jeans in their wardrobe, but sometimes black can seem so basic. I wanted the jeans to be interesting, and the asymmetrical crossover detail, to me, takes the jeans into a much more stylish territory.” The high waist makes them perfect for pairing with crop tops or half-tucking in a loose, oversized button-down — but really, you can wear them with just about anything.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown High-Rise Overlap Waist Straight Leg Jeans, $, available at Target
Handbag With Braided Handle
“I love the daintiness and feminine touch that mini bags can add to an outfit, so this was my take on that,” says Barfield Brown, adding that she wanted to ensure her version was also functional. She and her team tested the size to make sure it could comfortably fit a wallet, rather than just some cash and loose credit cards like most other styles out there. It also comes with two different straps, enabling it to be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody. And its standout feature: the electric lime hue that will add a major pop to any outfit, she says.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Handbag with Braided Handle, $, available at Target
Crewneck Slouchy Pullover Sweater
Now that we’re in October, sweaters are pretty much the only thing we want to wear, so why not go for something fun? This optical checker-print number can serve as the finishing touch to an all-black getup or be worn with classic denim — and if you’re not afraid to dabble in print, consider pairing it with the matching midi skirt. Barfield Brown likes styling hers over an oxford shirt, allowing the shirt bottom to hang out beneath the sweater. “This sweater is great because it’s thick enough to keep you warm but not so thick that you can’t layer underneath,” she says.
And she also designed this sweater to be flattering for whatever aesthetic you want to achieve. “If you want a more fitted look, you can go true to size; if you wanna go oversize to get that grandfather sweater feel, you can size up,” she says.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Crewneck Slouchy Pullover Sweater, $, available at Target
Long-Sleeve Drawstring Blouse
If you’ve been looking to infuse some color into your fall wardrobe color palette, look no further than this in-your-face orange and red striped crop top. Featuring a scrunched drawstring design, you can easily toggle the fit between loose and tight.
We’ll admit, crop tops may not always be the most work-appropriate silhouette, but Barfield Brown stands by wearing this one to both the office and the bar — so long as you style it appropriately. For the latter, pair it with jeans to allow the top to really shine, and for a more conservative look, Barfield Brown suggests a high-waisted pant or skirt. “That way, it shows a bit of skin but it’s not, you know, full belly out,” she adds.
Future Collective with Kahlana Barfield Brown Long Sleeve Drawstring Blouse, $, available at Target
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