If there’s one fashion rule we are officially leaving in the past, it’s the idea that fine jewelry belongs in a velvet box until a black-tie event or a milestone anniversary rolls around. Life is too short. Luxury should be lived in. And who better to champion that vibe than Jessica Alba?

The actor, founder, and ultimate master of the effortlessly elevated aesthetic was just named the new face of Gabriel & Co., and frankly, the partnership makes total sense. This isn’t a standard, detached celebrity endorsement. Alba was actually a fan of the brand’s signature Bujukan gold-and-diamond bracelets long before the campaign came knocking.

“I really like layering pieces of jewelry, and I already had Gabriel & Co., bangles in my day-to-day rotation,” Alba exclusively tells Refinery29. “When they asked me to be part of the campaign, I was like, ‘Yeah, totally, because I’m a fan already.’ I think they’re so easy to wear casually or dressed up.”

For Alba, the magic of the collection lies in its approachability. It’s gorgeous, artisanal luxury (every piece features a unique serial number and GIA-verified natural diamonds). But it somehow doesn’t feel too precious to wear with a basic tee.

One of her favorite standouts from the campaign? A geometric, modern chain link necklace that she styles in the most Refinery29 way possible. “I love it with a white T-shirt,” Alba says. “It’s a cool chain link necklace in a square shape, with a little diamond piece in the middle, and it’s just easy. You can wear it every day, but then if you’re going out at night, you can throw on your stack and it layers perfectly.”

She also has her eye on a graduating Bujukan wine necklace that mimics the fluidity of a snake. Her styling tip? Save that one for a plunging neckline or a sharp piece of tailoring.

We’ve all been there: staring at a stunning investment piece, waiting for a milestone, a partner, or a “perfect moment” to justify the splurge. But Alba is a firm believer that women shouldn’t wait around for someone else to buy them the jewelry they want.

“I am definitely that person,” Alba laughs. “I really love getting pieces for myself when I get a job, or if I hit some kind of emotional milestone. I’m a big believer in gifting yourself.”

But if you are looking to celebrate someone else, Alba dropped a brilliant shopping hack that we are immediately stealing for our own group chats: collective gifting. “My friends and I will all go in together to get a friend a nice piece of jewelry,” she shares. It’s the ultimate way to help a girlfriend build a fine jewelry collection without anyone having to shoulder the investment alone.

If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror panicking because the hardware on your favorite handbag is gold but your earrings are silver, Alba is here to give your permission to let it go. When asked about her stance on the great metal-mixing debate, her answer was immediate: “Oh yeah, all day long. Love.”

For Alba, the rules are simple: white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and diamonds are all fair game to wear simultaneously. “I think it’s all allowed,” she says. “I think it’s just about doing it, and then keeping it moving.”

While she notes that she pays a little more attention to matching materials when it comes to clothing details (like buttons on a blazer coordinating with a belt or shoes), when it comes to the jewelry stack itself, anything goes. “As long as you have a taste of that metal in your stack, I think it’s fine.”

If you’re looking to make your very first fine jewelry investment, choosing a starting point can feel overwhelming. We asked Alba to play personal shopper and pick the ultimate starter piece from the Gabriel & Co. collection.

Her verdict? Go for the versatile chain link diamond necklace or a signature Bujukan bangle.

“The necklace, just because you can wear it dressed up or every day, completely on its own,” Alba recommends. “Or one of the Bujukan bangles, because it’s so easy to wear with your watch or other bracelets. People love stacking bracelets. It’s an easy one to wrap your head around.”

The takeaway? Buy the diamonds. Wear them with your favorite worn-in white tee. Mix your metals. And stop waiting for a “special occasion” to feel a little fancy.

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After a whirlwind year of popular projects like I Love LA and Marty Supreme, viral red-carpet looks, winning the Cannes Film Festival “Female Revelation of the Year” award, and bring featured in music videos for the Rolling Stones and Madonna, actress Odessa A’zion is the moment. And while we may have to wait to enjoy her upcoming film Fonda, we can celebrate her artistry right now, because she just launched a campaign with Crocs, the shoe brand we unapologetically love. And she spoke to Refinery29 about it. 

Tied to Crocs’ Wonderfully Unordinary campaign, which “celebrates a new generation of rule-breakers and risk-takers,” according to the brand, it only made sense that Crocs collaborated with style rule-breaker A’zion. “No one does individuality quite like Odessa — her style is cool, quirky, and completely her own, making her a natural fit for Crocs’ next chapter in self-expression,” Crocs said. (And if you’re wondering what makes her so wonderfully unordinary, we agreed that we’re both extroverted introverts with lots of contradictions.) 

“I feel great about [the partnership]. I’ve loved them forever. I’ve had Crocs since I was a kid. And I still have my Crocs from elementary school,” A’Zion tells Refinery29. “I was so excited when I found out about this. Little me inside was excited.” 

This partnership comes after many It girls like Paris Hilton, Saweetie, and Lola Tung have starred in recent Crocs campaigns. Now A’zion is the face, specifically for the brand’s Crafted Vegan Suede Stitch Clog. A reinterpretation of the popular Classic Crafted Clog, this iteration features a plush faux suede upper, detailed stitching, and a heel pillow for extra comfort. Truly, clogs are so back.

“I think Crocs work with everything, especially this clog because it’s smooth and really pretty too. It’s just an easy shoe. I’ve got an inside pair and an outside pair,” A’zion shares. 

A’zion loves Crocs and puts an emphasis on being comfortable in every scenario, so it’s fitting that she actually styled herself for the campaign. The actress is best known, though, for styling herself for red-carpet appearances. 

“I’ve definitely learned a lot along the way where I’ve found out stylists’ secrets and warehouses they go to to rent or to get a good word in from a different stylist,” A’zion shares, adding: “So, I get why styling is a full job. It’s a lot of work, even to do it just for myself. I have a lot of respect for stylists.” (She also revealed that she’d like to have a clothing line one day that uses recycled fabrics.)

The actress has even credited her fictional character Tallulah Steele from I Love LA as her styling alter ego, like for her Met Gala debut.  

“I definitely think whenever I’m wearing something a little more scandalous, I’m just trying to channel Tallulah Steele because I never thought in my life I would ever wear anything like that, even a year ago,” A’zion explains. “And then I’m shooting I Love LA and all of a sudden I’m super out of my comfort zone. On carpets, I try to calm my nerves by saying: ‘Okay, this is not Odessa. This is just whoever Tallulah is.’” 

Speaking on the character’s chaotically iconic personality and style, she gave a sneak peek for the style evolution in the upcoming second season. “We just did the first fitting, and I’ve learned a lot about archival pieces and designers in the last year. There’s definitely some of that in it. And I think that her style has definitely evolved, which makes me wonder if in the show she has a stylist or not. But I’m excited to see what happens,” she says. 

And while she couldn’t reveal much about her character’s style in psychological thriller Fonda, which she just finished shooting, A’zion says: “Once you’re in the wardrobe, the character just comes more to life. When I’m playing Tallulah and I’m wearing little shorts and dresses and skirts, I feel more like that girl. And when I’m playing someone who I played in Fonda, it’s just a completely different style and it brings out a completely different person.”

Even more intriguing, when asked which of her characters from Marty Supreme, I Love LA, or Fonda she thinks would be most likely to wear Crocs, she quickly declared: “Fonda for sure.” And that the classic clogs would be her pick. 

We agreed that while Crocs didn’t exist during Marty Supreme’s time period, with her character Rachel’s pet shop job and pregnancy, she could have worn them. “She’s got a lot to carry emotionally and physically. I think she would love Crocs if they existed back then.” 

“Tallulah, I think, would love the high heel Crocs and maybe Crocs flip flops,” she also explains, agreeing that she’d have the coolest Jibbitz.

Shop the Crocs x Odessa A’zion collaboration now.

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In the words of a great philosopher: Everybody ate at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Every year, New Orleans becomes the epicenter of Black joy, culture, and—most importantly—unparalleled fashion during the three-day celebration. Stepping onto the convention center’s pink carpet isn’t just about making an appearance. It’s a masterclass in personal storytelling through style.

From high-fashion texture play to unapologetic nods to nostalgic aesthetics, attendees brought their absolute best sartorial energy. We saw a stunning resurgence of vibrant color palettes, intricate crochet, and dramatic silhouettes that commanded attention across the room. Street style at ESSENCE is never about following trends. It’s about setting them, redefining luxury on our own terms, and celebrating the skin we’re in. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the standout fashion moments that absolutely shut it down this year.

Every summer wardrobe should have at least one maxi dress in it. You’ll earn bonus points if it has a head-turning print on it like this attention-grabbing option.

No longer just reserved for the beach, the sarong is now a 24/7 essential for those wanting to make a statement this summer. Go all out with fringe and a dopamine-inducing color.

When in doubt, fringe it out. The playful tassels always make a beautiful statement. Plus, a decked-out fringe dress pairs well with heels or flats.

If you’re looking for unique ways to add a bit of color to your summer wardrobe, chartreuse is the universally flattering hue to test. Add an unexpected touch with an animal print accessory.

Don’t hold back this summer. Get crafty with a crochet jumpsuit and a coordinating hat. Bring out the bold colors with a platform red sandal that’s comfortable and cute.

There is something so joyful about ruffles. Pair them with a vibrant yellow hue and the look instantly embodies the spirit of summer.

Tropical flowers are practically synonymous with summer. This mid-length dress looks great on its own, but feels even cooler paired with white ruched pants and brown mules.

Lean into the imperfectly perfect beauty of an abstract print. Here, it’s incorporated on a maxi dress and paired with oversized aviator glasses for an elegantly cool look.

Animal prints are having quite the moment. This artistic take is the versatile piece to add to your wardrobe, especially since it looks great with tailored shorts, jeans, or a skirt.

Bring on the drama with a voluminous blouse that comes with a long train. Your denim shorts will receive an instant upgrade when styled with a statement-maker like that.

There is nothing cooler than ’90s minimalism. It’s the silhouettes and unexpected accessories that made those seemingly simple outfits feel timeless yet cool.

A micro mini will stylishly carry you through scorching summer days. And if you’re looking for comfortable heels to wear it with, you can never go wrong with platform sandals.

Keep it neutral and chic with creamy separates that come with extra texture. A great bag and gold accent sandals will bring the entire look together.

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