Whether you’re reluctantly easing into back-to-school season or already dreaming up apple-picking outfits, Madewell’s new drop is packed with pieces to build your ideal fall (and transitional-weather!) wardrobe.
I stopped by one of Madewell’s NYC stores to test-drive the new collection IRL. Below, find my favorites — from my go-to curvy jeans and petite-friendly picks to an oh-so-luxe merino wool cardigan. Plus, peruse other hits from the fall lineup. Time to get to shopping.
Madewell’s denim game remains unmatched, and the new Cleo Straight Jean style is top tier. From the retro front-pocket detail to the true-blue wash that gives ‘70s nautical energy, these are a style I’ll for sure be wearing on repeat. While the full-length silhouette was too long for my 5’3” frame, the brand offers petite jeans online that are ideal for me, with the petite Curvy jeans being my ultimate pick. They cinch my waist without back gapping and hit at my ankles (praise!), looking just as good with a casual cardigan as they do with a blouse for all the fall activities, from pumpkin picking to brewery hopping.
As brand loyalists know, Madewell’s top selection is always strong. But this season, I found myself especially drawn to the striped short-sleeve polos and easy sweaters designed for layering. I’m also a big fan of the denim vest (I own a similar Madewell style from last fall, which remains a staple in my wardrobe) because it feels just as relevant heading into this season.
And don’t sleep on the brand’s accessories. The red suede shoulder bag is a statement-maker, but could easily work with dozens of fall outfits. Boat shoes and ballet flats are still having a moment, too — if you don’t already own a pair of each, now’s the time to cart up the brand’s classic styles.
I also have to highlight the Superwide-Leg Jeans for several reasons: the sage color is a refreshing alternative to the usual sea of blue, the drawstring waist adds an unexpected casual element, and the airy denim is supremely drapey and comfortable. While these pants have a matching vest, I paired them with a boxy shell top with a zip-up back — and the color combo is giving me quintessential fall vibes.
The style that I giddily took home with me was the Curvy Balloon Jean — also available in a striking white wash. It offers a more subtle curve than a horseshoe or barrel jean silhouette, which makes it incredibly versatile to style. These can be dressed up or down, but I went the casual office/weekend route with a ribbed cardigan (the iridescent buttons are so good) and a spacious shoulder bag dotted with chunky studs.
Does one-size-fits-all actually fit all? Is there a hemline that can simultaneously work for petite and tall shoppers? Our Does It Fit? series sets to find out as our team of editors and contributors take fashion’s latest launches and trends — like “one-size” swimwear from Hunza G, Youswim, and Good American — for an IRL spin to discover if they’re up to snuff, one outfit at a time.
“One-size” anything already seems like a reach, but one-size swimwear especially seems too good to be true. How could a one-size swimsuit manage to fit countless unique body shapes and size ranges? Well, a few brands have mastered designing with flexible, textured fabrics that stretch and mold with unbelievable adaptability. Hunza G (a pioneer of one-size swimwear) is known for its Original Crinkle fabric, Youswim for its Versoform fabric, and Good American for its Always Fits polyester-blend.
What’s the benefit of one-size swimwear, exactly? It stretches to fit our ever-changing bodies and phases of life, which means investing in these swimsuits now will be even more beneficial in the future as you’re able to wear them time and time again. These styles also notably lack hardware and adjustable features, which is especially favorable for those with sensory sensitivities.
But do one-size swimsuits actually fit everybody? To find out, we had petite, mid-size, and plus-size editors test and compare bestselling one-pieces and bikinis from the brands dominating the specialized swimwear space. Ahead, read our honest opinions on Hunza G (whose one-size range promises to at least fit US sizes 2 through 14), Youswim (which offers two size ranges: Stretch I for 2 to 12, and Stretch II for 14 to 24), and Good American (with a wide range of two-in-one sizes up to 5XL). Learn from our takeaways and favorites to figure out which brands and styles will be the best fit for you.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Hunza G One-Size One-Piece
“Of all the brands I tried, the description of this one is what I expect from ‘one size fits all’... that the stated size range actually doesn’t fit all. Per the Hunza G website, its suits fit US sizes 2 to 14. As a size 18 to 20 with a full bust, I wasn’t even sure if these suits were going to get on my body, let alone fit comfortably. I tried Hunza G’s Coverage fit to maximize my chances of success, as these styles are specifically meant to work for a broader range of body types: ‘Our most iconic styles in your favorite colorways – reworked with a little more crinkle. Perfect whether you’re looking for better bust support, more length in the body, or simply a little more coverage all-over.’
The brand’s classic Square Neck one-piece was an absolute hit. Hunza G is known for its crinkle fabric, and the extra coverage was both comfortable and cute. The material highlighted my shape nicely and felt supportive without squishing me. I still had a lot of cleavage even in the Coverage version, so if you have a fuller bust, I definitely recommend going with this cut: You still get the signature Hunza G vibe without having to worry about an imminent nip slip.” — Sarah Chiwaya, Contributing Editor
Hunza G Coverage Square Neck Swimsuit, $, available at Hunza GPhoto: Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya.
Hunza G One-Size Bikini
“When I pulled the twist bikini top out of the prettily packed dustbag it came in, I had serious doubts — it looked tiny! I first tried to pull it over my head, to no avail (it just twisted up in a really uncomfortable way). Stepping into it proved to be the right move, and I was stunned by how much bust coverage it gave once I got it on. There was a little spillover at the top, but nothing too intense. The support from this one was minimal, with my chest sitting pretty naturally, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it fit, especially given that I am two to three sizes bigger than Hunza G’s stated range.
The bikini bottoms were where I ran into some issues. The butt coverage was cute and cheeky, but the elastic on the edges was stiff and cut into my hips, which was both uncomfortable and not the most aesthetically appealing for my silhouette. If you have a straighter figure or less of a belly, this bottom style might work for you as an 18/20, but unless it breaks in significantly with wear, I don’t envision this style being a go-to for me.” — Sarah Chiwaya, Contributing Editor
Hunza G Coverage Juno Bikini, $, available at Hunza GPhoto: Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya.
Hunza G One-Size One-Piece
“I’ve always admired Hunza G’s swimwear from afar so I was excited to finally try it myself. And it lived up to my expectations. The Square Neck one-piece was my favorite of all the swim styles I tried. From the flattering neckline and high-rise leg to the decadent chocolate brown, it was a big winner. I was happy that my chest was pretty covered (even though I didn’t choose from the Coverage styles) and felt supported (despite the ultra-low back and fixed straps).” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Hunza G Square Neck Swimsuit, $, available at Hunza GPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Hunza G One-Size Bikini
“The Juno bikini got me the most compliments — especially because of the top, which kept me lifted. The twisted design adds an interesting detail, which is somewhat rare for otherwise-simple one-size swimsuits. I wasn’t as big of a fan of the bottoms because of the thin sides. While I’m not sure if I’d wear the bottoms out and about, I’d consider them for tanning in the comfort of my backyard, and pair the top with a different crinkle-fabric bottom for trips to the beach or pool.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Hunza G Juno Bikini, $, available at Hunza GPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Hunza G One-Size One-Piece
“I’ve never tried Hunza G before, but consider me impressed after this trial. I’ll start with the Square Neck Swim one-piece, which I got in the Cornflower colorway. The color is so pretty and the fabric is soft, stretchy, and super comfortable. The square neck is flattering and I love the open back. Unfortunately, this felt a little big on me (I’m usually an XS), and therefore not the most secure for splish-splashing around! That being said, I loved wearing it out as a bodysuit with some jorts.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Hunza G Square Neck Swimsuit, $, available at Hunza GPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
Hunza G One-Size Bikini
“Onto the Juno Bikini, which I tried in Lime. This ended up being my surprise favorite out of all the suits I tried, but the tea is that I probably would have never thought to grab this off the rack. I tend to live in the comfort zone of square or scoop necklines for my bikinis since I’m curvy up top, so this twist-front style was a little scary at first. My girls need a lot of support, and this one surprisingly delivered; I felt secure the entire time, and the detail of the top made it visually more interesting than every other suit I own. At first glance, the bottoms of these are so, so tiny but they stretched out to comfortably fit my hips and tush with just the right amount of coverage. The top could be a little more snug, but that’s definitely not a dealbreaker for me. Again, the fabric (same as the one-piece) is utterly divine and feels really comfortable.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Hunza G Juno Bikini, $, available at Hunza GPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
Youswim One-Size One-Piece
“I’ve been hearing about this size-inclusive crinkle swim brand for a while now, so I was excited to finally try Youswim. This brand has two ‘one-size’ ranges, Stretch I (meant to fit sizes 2-12) and Stretch II (meant to fit sizes 14-24). I tried both the one-piece and the bikini in Stretch II. The scoop-neck one-piece wasn’t super supportive through the bust, but still very comfortable and wore really well in water. I was a little alarmed that the care card says the color may run, but I didn’t notice any change in the color of either suit after a full day of swimming (I didn’t have a chance to test it in chlorine though, so I can’t speak to the colorfastness there).” — Sarah Chiwaya, Contributing Editor
Youswim Aplomb One-Piece, $, available at YouswimPhoto: Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya.
Youswim One-Size Bikini
“Just like with Hunza G, I was very skeptical when I saw the size of the bikini top out of the box — it looked like a size 2/4, and I actually laughed at how absurdly small it was. I thought there was no way it would fit, but I was happily proven wrong. The stretch was intense, and I ended up feeling comfortably contained, with light support giving a little cleavage without any internal lining or underwire. There was a little spillover at the top that was only really visible from the side. The high-waisted bottoms also fit well in the Stretch II size. This bottom is a great option if you want more coverage in the front. Both pieces stayed in place and didn’t stretch beyond what they needed to to fit, even after lots of lake swimming.” — Sarah Chiwaya, Contributing Editor
Youswim Eva High Waist Two-Piece, $, available at YouswimPhoto: Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya.
Youswim One-Size One-Piece
“Although each brand offers pretty much the same fabric, I found Youswim’s pieces to be the softest and stretchiest. I did wish there was some more compression for a smoother look and to feel more supported, but there’s no denying that this swimsuit is very comfortable. Since I frequently teeter between sizes 10 and 14, I opted for Stretch I (2-12) in both styles. When compared to Hunza G, the top felt a bit less supportive and the high-rise bottoms were cut even narrower and higher.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Youswim Aplomb One-Piece, $, available at YouswimPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Youswim One-Size Bikini
“I’ve tried Youswim bikinis in the past, but my body shape and weight has fluctuated, so I was eager to find out how it would fit me today. The scoop-neck top is flattering and the limited fabric surprisingly covers a lot of surface. While I typically like high-waisted swim bottoms, the lack of compression from this fabric isn’t the most ideal fit for me. It didn’t smooth out my lower stomach, however it also didn’t dig into my waist, which is a big plus. In the future, though, I’d probably opt for the standard waist option.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Youswim Eva High Waist Two-Piece, $, available at YouswimPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Good American One-Size One-Piece
“Of all the ‘one-size’ suits I tried, Good American’s ‘Always Fits’ line has the most variety, with split sizing (i.e. 2X/3X) that's intended to fit more body shapes. I was really excited about this ombre one-piece — even the color name Peach Ring is adorable — but in real life, it didn’t work as well as I hoped. The color placement is a little awkward. I think I would have preferred a different shade, and definitely not yellow at the bottom! But in a solid color, this would be a nice, easy-to-wear, crinkle one-piece. My biggest criticism of this suit is the lack of support — even after adjusting the top, I felt like it pushed my bust down a bit. If you have a large bust and want lift, this is not going to be the suit for you.” — Sarah Chiwaya, Contributing Editor
Good American Always Fits Modern Tank Swimsuit, $, available at Good AmericanPhoto: Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya.
Good American One-Size Bikini
“I got a 2XL/3XL in the bikini top in hopes of having enough room through the bust. I think I should have sized up to the 4XL/5XL though, because I still had a lot of spillover in the Scoop top, both at the front and at the sides. To be fair, it looked great, and I had more lift in this top than in any of the others, but I did feel a little worried about a wardrobe malfunction as I swam in the ocean waves. The bikini bottom was low rise but sat comfortably on my hips and didn’t slip below my belly.” — Sarah Chiwaya, Contributing Editor
Good American Always Fits Scoop Bikini Top, $, available at Good American
Good American Always Fits Classic Bikini Bottom, $, available at Good AmericanPhoto: Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya.
Good American One-Size One-Piece
“As a fan of Good American’s Always Fits jeans — which segments sizes into groups of six — it was about time to try the Always Fits swimwear, which offers a two-in-one size range. I opted for the L/XL option across the swim pieces, which aligns with my actual size and made me hopeful that it would be more tailored to my body. And yes, it fits great. I can sense that the one-piece would still fit well even if I lost or gained weight. (I will say though that I wish the ombre started higher up on the suit, but luckily there’s an all-black option available.)” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Good American Always Fits Modern Tank Swimsuit, $, available at Good AmericanPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Good American One-Size Bikini
“Much like every ‘one-size’ bikini I tried across brands, these Good American separates didn’t fit as nicely as the one-piece. The top and bottoms were itty-bitty, with the top hugging under my chest (instead of sitting flush against my ribs) and the bottoms having a dramatically dipped front and cheeky back. However, I think this speaks more to the cut and style of the pieces (and my coverage preferences) rather than to the actual comfort and fit, because the fabric is comfortable. Overall, while the bikini wasn’t my favorite, it is true-to-size for an L/XL range.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Good American Always Fits Scoop Bikini Top, $, available at Good American
Good American Always Fits Classic Bikini Bottom, $, available at Good AmericanPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Good American Always Fits Modern Tank Swimsuit, $, available at Good AmericanPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
Good American One-Size Bikini
“Onto the Scoop bikini top and Good Waist bikini bottom. I got this set in black, and sized up to S/M for both the top and bottom. These fit really nicely — especially the top, which was almost like a supportive sports bra. I went with the high-waisted bottoms, which were as comfy as granny panties but cute enough for the pool. I think I should have gone down a size in the bottoms, as there was some excess fabric, but nothing in diaper-butt territory. All in all, they were comfortable, cute, and relatively affordable to boot.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Good American Always Fits Scoop Bikini Top, $, available at Good American
Good American Always Fits Good Waist Bikini Bottom, $, available at Good AmericanPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
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Copenhagen Fashion Week opened with a dinner in the Nikolaj Art Gallery — a former church dating back to the 13th century. This season, it played host not only to the opening dinner but also to several shows, panels, and brand activations, including one from Instamax. That first night in the church set the tone for the week in more ways than one. The main course was pasta made from reclaimed bread — created using stale or leftover loaves — a nod to the council’s commitment to sustainability, carrying a deeper symbol of the communal act of breaking bread. That sense of togetherness continued through the shows and the showgoers, who brought an energy that was impossible to miss.
Each show drew its own eager crowd. At Sunflower, held in the courtyard of their offices, a burned-out car sat on a square platform that models weaved around. Outside, the crowd pressed in so tightly it was nearly impossible to see the clothes — which, in theory, defeats the purpose of a fashion show. But here, the draw was as much about soaking in the atmosphere as it was about spotting a fetching fireman jacket or sharply tailored, strong-shoulder suit. At Marimekko, which was staged outdoors with only a thin rope marking the perimeter, the crowd was equally lively — phones out, and ready to catch every moment.
Copenhagen as a fashion week can feel like the odd child out. It lands about four weeks before the marathon that is Fashion Month, which kicks off on September 11 with NYFW — a little too early to define overarching themes. A few emerged, though whether they carry through to the rest of the season remains to be seen.
For me, the word trend doesn’t quite sum up the week. Yes, there were recurring details — like the shoe of the summer, flip-flops — spotted at CMMN SWDN, Deadwood, and most notably Opera Sport, which sent out not only regular Havaianas but also 3D-printed versions that looked like they had been plucked from another dimension.
More broadly, the week felt defined by brands leaning into what they do best. Cecilie Bahnsen celebrated her 10-year anniversary with a show in an airplane hangar, where models drifted down the runway in white, cloudlike dresses as if they, too, were about to take flight. Nicklas Skovgaard continued his run of editorial, ‘80s-tinged silhouettes that struck the perfect balance between theatrical and wearable. These were pieces you wanted to own — not because they aligned with a trend, but because they looked irresistibly cool. Think an airy, voluminous Cecilie Bahnsen number, a lipstick-red Skall coat, or Sunflower’s fireman jacket.
Again, overarching trends weren’t exactly easy to pinpoint. Though a few major themes felt substantial and may gain momentum as we move through the rest of Fashion Month. Among the standouts: Pajamas styled for day, chemise-inspired dresses that go far beyond countryside frolics, and perhaps most exciting, a modern reimagining of ‘80s elements that felt decidedly innovative.
But the shoppable moments weren’t confined to the runway. Outside the shows, the street style was just as much a feast for the eyes. Much has been written about the Scandi girl aesthetic and women’s ability to look both laid-back and effervescent, which Copenhagen proved yet again. Styling touches like a pop of orange to brighten a look or unexpected finishes, like with a skull cap, felt instantly appealing and attainable.
From the runway to the streets, I left the week feeling inspired — and admittedly, with a case of the shoppies. Ahead, my breakdown of the top fashion takeaways, along with an edit worth adding to your cart to channel the best of Copenhagen.
On The Runway & Streets: Flip-flops
The shoe of the summer isn’t going anywhere. On the runway, flip flops brought ease to elevated looks. On the streets, they lent a nonchalance to showgoers’ outfits — your most effortless finish with slip dresses, linen pants, and beyond.
On the Streets: Skull Caps
What balaclavas and bonnets were to winter, skull caps are to spring and summer. This compact accessory made a major impact, appearing daily at CPHFW and giving looks a distinctive finishing touch.
On the Runways: Pastoral dresses
Designers leaned into loose, chemise-style dresses that evoked a European countryside sensibility (cue the daydream of wandering through a field of lilacs). Less TikTok milkmaid, more vintage cotton nightgown you’d stumble upon in a vintage shop. Delicate, nostalgic, and surprisingly wearable.
On the Runways: Cotton Poplin PJs
Designers gave pajama sets daytime credibility by pairing them with bomber jackets and structured outerwear for a street-ready edge. The key to pulling it off? Embracing the art of the matching set or coordinating cotton poplins, then finishing with sporty trainers or sleek loafers to ground the vibe and keep it from feeling too precious.
On the Runways: 80s-Influenced Designs
The ‘70s boho influence is giving way to the excesses of the ‘80s. Bold, sometimes clashing prints, electric colors, and sculptural shoulder pads all appeared on the runways — reworked into fresh, wearable takes that made the decade’s more over-the-top elements feel exciting again.
On the Streets: Polka Dots
The playful pattern that resurfaces season after season made its way onto the streets of Copenhagen, where showgoers embraced it for an added dose of flair. From statement dresses to playful accessories, polka dots proved they’re still a favorite for anyone looking to punch up an outfit.
On the Runways: Fireman Jacket
At first glance, this outerwear shape recalls barn-style jackets we’ve seen in recent seasons. But it’s the signature metal clasp closures that give the fireman jacket its distinctive, namesake appeal. Prepare for plenty of iterations to start popping up in new arrivals sections.
On the Street: Pops of Orange
For a few seasons, pops of red have been the go-to accent for injecting drama into an outfit. This time, orange took center stage. Whether as a small detail — like a shoe to brighten a neutral look — or a blouse to invigoirate an entire ensemble, this color trend added energy and vibrance to the week’s street style.
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When Vibram’s infamous FiveFinger shoes first became popular in the early 2000s, you couldn’t have paid me to wear them. I was a Converse-loving, Hot Topic-shopping high schooler who couldn’t have been further from their target market. Today, as a fashion editor living in New York City, I’m even more removed from the brand’s usual demographic. But earlier this week, as I sat researching this story, I found myself contemplating a $870 pair of designer lookalikes. The shoe, as they say, is officially on the other foot.
The polarizing footwear style first hit the marketplace in 2006, featuring a toe-conscious silhouette that claimed to be the next best thing to walking around barefoot. Naturally, the granola community embraced them with open… um, toes? And soon, FiveFingers could be seen on every hiking trail and yoga retreat in the Pacific Northwest. Utilitarian to a fault, these babies were gorpcore before the term even existed.
Like a sleeper cell, five-toe shoes stayed in their lane, enjoying decades of quiet success until the time was right. In 2020, the flange-forward footwear began making its carefully planned attack on the fashion industry at large, with the launch of Balenciaga’s high-heeled Vibram collab. This collection combined the luxury label’s signature sock boot silhouette with the toe-centric contour Vibram is known for — mechanical-looking heels were the cherry on top of the futuristic designs.
Although striking in appearance, the collection was overshadowed by an unprecedented global health event, and any hopes that the trend would take off fell flat. A full five years later, however, five-toe shoes have rather successfully infiltrated the sneaker space, piggybacking off the success of Maison Margiela’s iconic Tabis. Labels like Nike and Coperni released their own iterations, drip-feeding consumers with toe-forward shoe styles until the digits of fashion’s elite were under a full-scale siege. Now, interest in Vibram FiveFingers is the highest it’s ever been. According to Lyst, the freaky shoes saw an unprecedented 110% spike in sales between April and June of 2025, securing them a leading role on summer mood boards.
In a world of prescriptive micro trends, increasing conservatism, and renewed body negativity, their appeal is simple: These anti-trend shoes push back against the heteronormative gender roles that are likewise on the upswing — a middle finger (or toe) in the face of traditional femininity. Their surrealist silhouette stands starkly at odds with the palatable day dresses of the trad wife set or the curve-hugging denim of Sydney Sweeney’s eugenics-coded American Eagle ads. And according to fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen, these conflicting aesthetics are directly linked.
“From a fashion psychology standpoint, ‘ugly’ shoes mark a psychological shift away from visual submission,” Heinen tells Refinery29. “At a time when hyper-curated beauty is algorithmically rewarded, these shoes interrupt the aesthetic flow — on purpose. They’re anti-pretty, and that’s their power.”
Stylist Neelo Noory echoes this sentiment, saying: “It’s the ultimate fashion flex when you can take something as utilitarian as a five-toe shoe and make it look intentional,” she says. “With the right outfit, Vibrams read as this unbothered, comfy-casual-cool statement that says, ‘I know these are weird, and that’s why I love them.’”
Recent trend cycles have seen the pendulum swing away from painful high heels — shoes steeped in sexual symbolism that primarily benefits the observer rather than the wearer — toward shoes that intentionally rebuff the male gaze. Like their fellows (Crocs, Birkenstocks, designer clogs, UGG boots, dead fish sandals, etc.), five-toe shoes harness the unbridled empowerment of dressing for no one but yourself. And that is beautiful.
Heinen calls these shoes “tools of disidentification — a refusal to visually align with performative femininity,” she says. “They offer what some are calling ‘Ugly Girl Privilege’ — an intentional opting-out of desirability politics. When you wear something widely deemed unattractive, especially on your feet, you’re signaling: I’m not here to be easy to digest,” she continues. “They allow the wearer to reject the idea that their body must be pleasing, optimized, or ornamental.”
While this look is undoubtedly a “weird girl” trend by nature, toe-focused footwear is being embraced by designated “Hot Girls” across the social media sphere. Streetwear influencers and Instagram baddies alike are bringing these ugly-cute accessories to the mainstream, styling ballet-inspired iterations with baggy cargo pants and tiny crop tops, or “wrong shoe theory”-style with tent dresses or pleated trousers.
Fashion influencer and tattoo artist Toni Agost says she gravitates toward the strappy V-Souls (which she says “were super hard to get,” BTW) for both wearability and shock value. “Ugly-looking shoes make outfits interesting,” she says. “While being a delicate shoe, the toe detail makes them eccentric.” Like Heinen, Agost too has noticed a shift toward the fashionably bizarre in the larger fashion space. “I do think people don’t care as much if the outfit is conventionally attractive,” she tells Refinery29. “They care about expression and artistic freedom.”
Even so, Agost says their comfort level cannot be understated. “These shoes are so versatile, you can make them work with any aesthetic, but most importantly, they are my comfiest shoe.” This, too, is defiant in its own right, Heinen says. “The return of restrictive silhouettes and body-silencing trends is part of a larger regression into control and modesty,” she adds. “In this climate, ugly shoes operate as sartorial dissent. These choices communicate autonomy.”
“What we’re seeing now is a perfect storm: a collective fatigue with aesthetic conformity, rising political anxiety, and a collective craving to feel grounded in our bodies again,” she continues. “In times of social unrest, fashion often swings toward either fantasy or confrontation. Vibrams are the latter.”
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