New Style Idea

The pandemic has created an entirely new way of looking at fashion, and there are plenty of trends that have cropped up as a result, from sweatpants-as-work-attire to the onslaught of tie-dye that has circulated social media feeds. Flat shoes are no doubt another pandemic-induced fashion trend, but one style is creeping its way to what looks like a full-on comeback this fall. For nearly the past decade, the ballet flat has lived its life as a modest shoe, elegant in a quaint, retro way but also safe, conventional — and a little too ordinary. This has especially been true when compared to the blockbuster, must-have appeal of the fashion sneaker, or even the unisex allure of the loafer (why would anyone opt for a ballerina in 2015 when you could get a Gucci Princetown lined in fur?) But now, in the vortex of the pandemic’s virtual offices and stay-at-home lifestyle, the ballet flat seems to be twirling back to life. And thanks to some clever new approaches from a handful of buzzy fash

The 1920s ushered in a new era for women, especially when it came to fashion and footwear. After World War I, Western society began to shift away from the strict Victorian era and into the swinging Jazz Age. In the United States, women gained the right to vote thanks to the 19th Amendment, which was passed in 1919 and ratified the following year. Henry Ford’s mass production of cars also allowed women to travel in public spaces like never before. Additionally, cities began to witness a population boom of both young men and women seeking opportunities. This combination of political, cultural and technological shifts granted women freedom in both lifestyle and dress A fashion plate of Three Fashionable Young Ladies in Evening Outfits by Worth from the Historical Collection. CREDIT: Historia/Shutterstock Fashion trends for women became quite liberating at this time. Corsets came off, hemlines and haircuts got shorter, furthermore allowing room for women to express themselves. Wit

With warmer months ahead, the FN team is switching out their boots, slippers and other wintry footwear with sandals, sneakers and slip-ons. Last month, the majority of our editors prioritized comfort when working from home. Below, a look at the shoes our editors plan on wearing this summer, including sandals made from fish scales and sneakers that change colors in the sun. Some are opting for sneakers: Jennie Bell, Features Editor  “I’m looking forward to trying out these Suns canvas sneakers that change color in the sunlight. We’ve been sheltering-in-place in Florida, so there’s plenty of light to be had.” The Maddie sneaker from Suns. CREDIT: Jennie Bell/FN To buy: The Maddie Sneaker, $60 .  Peter Verry, Senior Editor, Athletic & Outdoor “The Reebok HIIT and Hoka One One Clifton Edge will be the main two looks in my summer rotation. My workouts to burn off the quarantine Cup Noodles soup and Hot Pockets will be performed in the HIIT and the Clifton Edge, which drop

There are two types of people in this world: ones who love wearing sandals and ones who hate wearing them. Luckily, one of 2020’s hottest trends allows both parties to embrace the ugly sandal this summer . People detest wearing sandals for a number of reasons. Some just have ugly feet, while others have ailments like bunions and other unglamorous factors that fuel their dislike. Regardless the ugly sandal trend is here to stay, at least for this summer. With a focus on both comfort and style, here are three ways to wear the ugly sandal — and simultaneously make your feet look better. Don’t Like Your Toes? Opt for Socks and Sandals For those who don’t like showing off their feet, the sandals and socks combo is quite handy. Go for a black-on-black combo (especially with a graphic print, like the below Givenchy sandal) for a put-together look that doesn’t draw too much attention to your toes. Givenchy Jaw chunky sandals. CREDIT: Courtesy of Farfetch. To buy: Givenchy Jaw chunk

In the pandemic’s narrative, the face mask has been a shape shifter. At first they were deemed unnecessary for healthy people, a directive likely made due the fact that medical-grade masks were in dire supply for the health-care workers who needed them most. Then the Centers for Disease Control began to officially recommend that people wear them out to do essential things like grocery shop. Contradictory statements made by health officials and President Trump have further added to the confusion on just what the official social protocol should be. But as the world begins to emerge from the apex of the crisis (at least in a first wave) and finds a way to adjust to a new normal, wearing a face mask will now be mandatory in most public places. Now the fashion industry is at the crossroads of a potential new accessory category. How brands will market and sell face masks — while staying sensitive to the nature of their use — is a tricky situation. Designer and influencer Aleali May in