Sandals with socks? Really?
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Since the COVID-19 vaccine has liberated me from the four walls of my apartment, I’ve been out and about more and I’m noticing a style “trend” that has me pretty puzzled.
Both men and women seem to be wearing socks — just white athletic socks in most cases — with sandals. I thought socks-with-sandals was a fashion “don’t.” Am I wrong?
— Cassie H.
Dear Cassie: You’re right, it is a trend. But it is a hard look for most of us to pull off. I took a stroll through the park where couples and families were enjoying the good weather and, you’re right, there was a startling number of (mostly young) adults who were wearing socks with their Birkenstocks, foam sole Nike or Adidas slides and regular strappy sandals.
This sent me on an internet search where I learned celebrities wearing socks with sandals is an actual phenomenon. OK, I guess this doofy dad/mom look is coolly ironic.
But let’s face it: Beautiful People can get away with wearing almost any ugly thing and making it cool. For the rest of us, adopt this “it” look at your peril.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
Thanks for turning me on to shapewear for men. Now, can you take on the issue of regular male underwear? I’m a 30-plus-yearold man, and I’ve tried briefs, boxers and boxer briefs, and the one thing they have in common is that they ride up in one way or another. As they say, we can send a man to the moon, but we can’t create a comfortable pair of men’s underpants? Do your readers have any suggestions for me? — Peter Z.
Dear Peter: Let me introduce you to the latest improvement in men’s underwear: long leg boxer briefs made out of stretch “breathable” microfiber. The packaging for Fruit of the Loom’s version says it all: “Legs don’t ride up” (target.com, Fruit of the Loom, $14.99 for 4; Jockey, $18 for 3; Hanes, $20.99 for 3). My tester on the Fruit of the Looms said they stay put, have a comfortable waistband and no itchy tags. And get this: There now are boxer briefs for every day with a pocket for your cellphone, credit cards, etc. (target.com, Hanes Premium X-Temp Performance, $20.99 for 3). Readers, please let me know about your men’s underwear finds.
Angelic Readers
Readers who love to wear linen but hate ironing weighed in.
Janice L. says, “I found Bounce Rapid Touch-Up spray accidentally. It works fabulous to remove wrinkles on everything I have tried it on. A must for vacations.” Linda D. writes, “I purchased a lot of Chico’s no-iron linen clothes, and they still need to be ironed.”
From Barbara S.: “I have lots of linen clothes and usually don’t iron them. Here is what I do: Wash as usual.
Put in dryer for five minutes to relax wrinkles.
Remove, shake out briskly and lay flat or hang to dry.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.