I’ve got a wedding-heavy summer ahead, so much so that I now consider myself an expert bridesmaid. However, as many of us know, bridesmaid duties come with hefty costs. While I’d do almost anything for my friends, going into debt isn’t one of them. That’s why I’ve been savvy about cutting costs, especially when it comes to my wedding shoes.

I’m wearing the same pair to all three weddings on my calendar, namely the Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals ($36). I virtually stumbled upon them while working on a story about the best summer shoes on Amazon, and I was immediately intrigued since they hold the number one spot among all women’s heeled sandals. Given their popularity, and the fact that the brand Dream Pairs happens to also make some of the most comfortable Western boots I’ve ever owned (these ones!), I decided they’d be a safe bet for my weddings. I scooped them up in my usual size 9.5 in a light beige color I knew would match all of my bridesmaid dresses — and that was one of the smartest decisions I’ve made this summer.

Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about them if you’re considering buying them for a special event, too.

At the time of writing, I’ve already worn the Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals to two of my three summer weddings. I’ll admit, when everyone was showing off their designer shoes before the ceremony at the first wedding, I stayed quiet since I spent practically nothing on mine. But then I couldn’t help but smile when I was the only bridesmaid who kept my shoes on for the entire reception. They were comfortable enough and stable. Even though the unhemmed dress I wore gave me some trouble walking down the aisle (totally my fault), my shoes kept me upright. Their chunky, stable block heel held up perfectly, even on the wet grass from a rainstorm earlier that day.

Beyond their comfort, they looked the part, too, which I’d like to think is evidenced in this mirror selfie I snapped at the second wedding while the bride lounged behind me. (I’m wearing the Azazie Barbie Pleated Chiffon A-Line Dress in Champagne, BTW, and felt like a princess.) I chose the light beige color (one of 31 total styles and colors to choose from) because I knew they’d go with everything. Plus, I figured that if they survived all three weddings, the versatile shade would make them perfect for future special events. Despite wearing them through two ceremonies, two receptions, and hours of questionable moves on the dance floor, they’re still in pristine shape for my final summer wedding in a few weeks.

These sandals are not the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, which, to be honest, I kind of expected given their price tag. The buckle at the ankle dug into my skin a bit at the first wedding, but in retrospect, I’m confident that was a user error from securing them as tight as possible to prevent a walk-down-the-aisle stumble. I was still able to wear them all night, which is more than I can say for some of the pricier heels I own. At the second wedding I didn’t secure the strap as tightly and found they were comfortable from the time I slipped them on at 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. post-ceremony. No blisters, no blood, no regret.

Another thing worth noting is that shoppers seem a bit conflicted over the fit. I hover between sizes 9.5 and 10, and since multiple shoppers noted that they run big, I went for the 9.5 and found they were a perfect fit. Many reviewers suggest ordering a half size down, which made sense for me, but a handful of others found that sizing down made them too small. So, if you’re ordering them on Amazon without much time to spare, it might be worth ordering two sizes to find your ideal fit and returning the pair that doesn’t work.

The Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals are perfect for those looking for a reasonably priced, comfortable, and versatile pair of heels for a special event. While they might not be the most comfortable shoes in the world, they’re the number one bestseller on Amazon in women’s heeled sandals for plenty of other reasons. They’ve checked a big box off my summer wedding wardrobe checklist and will suit you well for any event where you need a timeless heel.

I purchased the Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals on Amazon, which was ideal because they arrived very quickly with Amazon Prime shipping, but they’re also available on the brand’s website.

Rating:
★★★★

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.

Dressing up for an event is easy, but dressing for the everyday? Now that’s an entirely different challenge. It’s one thing to coordinate an outfit for a formal occasion — weddings, work parties, even date nights at fancier restaurants often have an attached dress code that provides some sort of direction on what to wear.

But what about those exceptionally casual occasions that don’t necessarily warrant a polished “going out” look, but still require more than your basic pajamas — like days spent lounging around the house, bopping around town for a few errands, or even just walking to get a coffee?

Even the most seasoned stylists struggle to curate the perfect everyday wardrobe. Luckily for us, Anthropologie — ever the haven for versatile fashion — just debuted a new line that’s designed to take the guesswork out of dressing for the day-to-day, with pieces that are comfortable (and stylish) enough to be worn for all sorts of casual activities — anti-occasionwear, if you will.

The Daily Practice collection is a capsule of styles that are made to do it all. Crafted from the brand’s softest fabrics, this line features a wide array of pieces — from stretchy jumpsuits and parachute pants to breathable maxi dresses and cropped sweatshirts. The collection is an achievement in versatility, with ensembles that you can comfortably wear from a morning yoga class to a long afternoon lunch and beyond.

To get a full understanding of the line’s offerings, we tasked three PS editors with testing several items from the collection in their own daily wardrobe. Keep reading for our review of Anthropologie’s Daily Practice collection — and see whether the line lived up to the hype.

When it comes to blush, I think the more, the better. I can’t help it — I love the stuff. My fair skin just looks better with a bit — OK, a lot — of warmth. I’m constantly drooling over celebrity beauty looks that feature rosy cheeks, like that of Sabrina Carpenter and Tessa Thompson.

One of my go-to blushes (and there are a lot of them) is from Fenty Beauty, specifically the Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush. It has decent staying power but to make it really last, I apply a complementary blush on top. So, when I found out Rihanna was launching a new cream-and-powder-in-one blush formula that’s long-wearing and waterproof, I jumped at the chance to try Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush ($28) before anyone else. Plus, I got the scoop from Fenty Beauty’s new artistry ambassador, Pauly Blanch, to learn what makes it so special. Keep reading ahead for my full review.

About Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush

What I Like About Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush

My biggest complaint about powder blush is that they’re hard to blend and I prefer a swipe and go situation. There’s just not enough time in the morning to fight with patchy pigment. Fortunately, Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush is almost as easy to blend as a cream. The satin formula diffuses on the skin beautifully with the new Blush Brush 155 (as well as an old Real Techniques fluffy brush I grabbed at home).

Another reason I don’t love typical powder blush is they tend to look chalky on my dry skin. They also show every imperfection. Cream products tend to work best on my almost 40-year-old skin because they don’t settle into fine lines. Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush didn’t either, thanks to ingredients including dimethicone, a silicon-based polymer that smooths over bumps and pores, and silica, which provides a super-silky feel. There’s also magnolia bark extract that has the anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and irritation, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin — both of which I also deal with.

But even after being impressed with the silky formula and pretty color payoff, my favorite thing about Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush is the staying power. Blanch agrees. “I’m a big cream user, but sometimes with creams, they sink into the skin and you lose some of that punchiness,” he tells PS. ” So having this powder is really great to amplify the look.”

I first applied Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush in Lolly Polly (a vibrant coral) around 9 a.m., sat under some bright lights, then walked around Los Angeles when the temperature hit around 100, went home, took a nap, and woke up still wearing enough blush to not have to reapply. The brand says the formula is not only sweat-resistant but also waterproof. While I didn’t jump in the pool, I did sweat enough to put it to the test and it got an A.

How to Use Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush

A little goes a long way with this formula, so be careful when going too heavy into the pan. “I like starting with a little patting motions so not picking up too much product,” Blanch says. “[You] can also do a little tap if there’s too much on the end.” Then, for that Rihanna-favorite, snatched blush look, he likes to “start on the outside of the eye from the high point of the cheekbone, not too front-forward.” Then, he blurs it out to give the face a lift. “I start with tiny little sweeping motions just above the contour line,” he says. “I don’t use a lot of product but you get payoff really quickly. And then whatever is left on the brush I just continue to blend it through and really blur out those edges.” He finishes with sweeping motions.

“This is your first application, which you really want to make your base color almost. It’s the one that blends out onto your skin. I also like to bring a little bit above the eyebrow and on the nose — always.”

To add a little more, you can simply build up where you want it. With this layering technique, “it won’t look so specifically put just one spot.” Blanch says. “It makes it easier to blend out.”

Because Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush has serious pigment, it’s easy to apply too much and panic trying to remove it, getting blush all over your face. Blanch has an easy trick for toning down the look without messing up your hard work. “If you use too much, get your foundation brush that you were using prior and press it on the outside rim of the blush,” he says. “That will diffuse the area.”

Where Is Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush Available?

Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush is available at Fenty.com, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty.

A pair of chunky, retro-inspired aviator sunglasses were at the top of my summer shopping list. My requirements were specific: they needed to have a good tortoiseshell pattern, a lighter lens that would show my eyes, and a low enough price tag to keep them from becoming a stress liability — keeping track of my Apple AirPods is hard enough. After trying on a few pairs of cheap-looking plastic versions while also passing up options I loved that were way out of my price range, I found these Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses ($39).

What I Love About the Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses

When people compliment them, I’m almost giddy to share the price.

The thicker frames, subtle tortoiseshell, and light khaki-tinted lenses capture the vintage vibe I was after. I love that the lenses are light enough that I can wear them inside and still see if I have to run a quick errand, but they also offer full UV protection. They have enough weight to feel substantial but are comfortable enough to wear for hours. I like that the tortoiseshell gives the frames more dimension without creating a high contrast pattern. The frames have a slight square shape to them, which helps them veer more ’70s than early 2000s. I’ve tried on pairs of aviator sunglasses under $20 that definitely looked their price — I blame the high-gloss shine of the plastic, the thin frames, and the all-wrong lens shapes — but these look much more expensive than they are. When people compliment them, I’m almost giddy to share the price. At less than $40, I honestly consider them a steal.

What’s Worth Noting About the Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses

These sunglasses come in several colors, including black frames with tan, tinted lenses; vintage tortoiseshell with brown gradient lenses; and tortoiseshell with khaki-tinted lenses, the latter being what I chose. I love my pair so much that I’m considering ordering the other colors to try on too. The frames are also made from recycled polycarbonate, which I appreciate. I purchased them from Nordstrom and they came with a slim, leather case that has an easy-snap opening, so I can throw them in my purse without worrying about them getting scratched.

Who Are the Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses Best For?

These sunglasses are perfect for anyone looking for a pair of vintage-inspired aviator shades that only look expensive. They have lighter lenses, so they’re also ideal for anyone who doesn’t mind their eyes showing.

Additional Details About the Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses

Where Are the Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses Available?

These sunglasses are available at Nordstrom, Revolve, and Amazon.

Rating:
★★★★★

Angela Elias is a contributing editor for PS Shopping. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.

A good pair of penny loafers are a closet staple. You can wear them from winter to summer, and from work to dinner with friends. But finding the right pair of loafers can be a challenge. Some are too stiff for everyday wear, others are too trendy to be a favorite for years to come.

That’s where Cole Haan’s Lux Pinch Penny Loafers ($158) come in. These shoes feature a classic penny silhouette, one that’s been around for centuries, in a soft-grain leather. I’ve always been a fan of Cole Haan shoes, so when I came across this style, I was eager to test them out and see if they would become part of my everyday shoe rotation. Read my full review of the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers, ahead.

What’s the Criteria For a Good Pair of Loafers?

Living in New York City means that proper footwear is an essential. My shoes need to work for my life, enduring eight-plus miles a day, bringing me from the office to the park to a bike ride through the streets. Because I’m constantly on-the-go, the shoes that I reach for are the ones that don’t leave me with blisters or aching feet at the end of a long day. Beyond practicality and comfort, I want stylish loafers that I can wear with a range of outfits. These parameters often leave me with a limited selection of shoes to choose from — beyond my trusty Salomon sneakers and my Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock sandals. But the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers fit the bill.

What I Like About the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers

Coming in well under $200, the Cole Haan loafers are rather affordable compared to similar styles made with real leather. My other leather loafers are pretty rigid, but this pair is soft and flexible, while still maintaining its structure. They also didn’t have a breaking-in period; I was able to wear them throughout the entire day, blister-free, immediately after taking them out of the box.

To really put the loafers to the test, I wore them biking from Williamsburg to Prospect Park, which is about eight miles roundtrip. I usually have to compromise on my outfit when it comes to biking, and opt for a pair of sneakers instead. On the product listing, Cole Haan says that loafers feature the brand’s “3D Lux Comfort,” an innovative technology that helps with shock absorption and arch support, while cushioning the heel. Stepping into the shoes, I immediately felt the cushioning effect. It added a nice padding throughout my bike ride, making the loafers practically as comfortable as a running shoe. Not to mention, the loafers complemented my outfit more than my everyday pair of sneakers.

Beyond fit and comfort, the shoe itself is timeless. The grain on the leather is soft and shiny, making it feel quite luxurious. But the classic penny shape can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve worn these loafers with a long dress for a Friday night dinner and with a tennis skirt and an oversized T-shirt while running errands. No matter the occasion, I just slide my feet into these loafers and wear them all day, issue-free. It’s safe to say these Cole Haan loafers have become one of the most worn pairs of shoes in my closet.

What to Consider Before Buying These Loafers

Though the product listing recommends sizing down by a half size for those with narrow feet, I actually found the opposite to be true. I’m a US women’s size seven and my feet are about medium width. Initially, I ordered a size seven, but the loafers were too tight. I decided to go up a half size, and they fit perfectly. Since the loafers come in standard width, I’d suggest going up a half size if you have wider feet.

Another factor to consider is that the soles do not have a strong grip, mainly the upper part of the sole. My feet occasionally slipped while walking around, more specifically on the ramp of the city’s street curbs. If you’re someone who prefers more traction, you can always bring the loafers to the cobbler and add a rubber grip to the sole.

Additional Details About the Loafers

The Cole Haan Lux Pinch Penny Loafers ($158) are available in four different colors. Women’s sizes range from 5 US to 11 US, in half-size increments, and come in standard (medium) width.

Where Are These Loafers Available?

You can purchase a pair on the brand’s website, Zappos, and Amazon.

Rating: ★★★★☆

When I was a kid, I was always baffled by how cartoon characters would wear the exact same outfits in every episode of a TV show. Minnie Mouse was always in her staple red polka-dot dress with a matching bow; Kim Possible was deeply committed to her pairing of denim cargo pants with a cropped green tank to match; and even Lizzie McGuire’s animated alter ego would don her pink tank, high-waisted jeans, and orange platform sandals time and time again.

In my adolescent mind, I always just assumed these characters had a closet stocked full of the exact same clothing items — presumably, I put much more thought into the wardrobes of fictional characters than most kids. Ironically, my closet as an adult has (albeit unintentionally) sort of started to mirror that concept in a lot of ways.

The older I get, the less interested I am in experimenting with new clothes or wasting my money on styles that I’m not convinced will still be relevant next season. I’m more focused on creating an investment wardrobe with staple pieces that can grow with me — and more importantly, ones that I trust already look and feel great on me. The viral Abercrombie A&F Sloane Tailored Pants ($45-$70, originally $90) have proven to be such a style — after panic-buying them for a work event earlier this year, I’ve since expanded my closet to include the pants in three colors (and have no intention of stopping there). Ahead, I break down why exactly I love these comfortable pants so much and plan to stock up on even more colors — especially while they’re on sale.

What I Like About the Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Pants

Given that I own them in three different colors — and have every intention of buying more — I think it’s fair to say there’s a lot to love about these tailored pants. First and foremost, I appreciate their breathable design. When it comes to formal wear, I’ve long felt that women’s clothing has lacked in the comfort department — the styles are often too stiff or heavy and noticeably more uncomfortable in comparison to men’s workwear pieces. Evidently, these Abercrombie pants are made from an everyday menswear fabric that’s designed to encompass everything great about a classic trouser pant, just in a more loose and flexible design. The material feels cooling on the body, almost like a spandex type of fabric. And despite their casual fit, the pants also look undeniably flattering while on, thanks to their tailored drape and pleated accents. I’m happy to wear them to a work event or just while lounging around the house; they truly work for every occasion.

I also appreciate how easy they are to dress up or down. For a relaxed daytime look, I can keep it simple with a cropped tank top, ballet flats, and a crossbody bag. For an elevated office look, it’s easy to team the pants with a bodysuit, an oversize blazer, and Mary Janes — the ensemble immediately makes me look polished and put together (even if I’m actually just running out the door). And then for a cool everyday outfit that can take me from the office to after-work drinks with my girls and beyond, I love keeping it simple with a body-con sweater and heels to match. The styling options are truly endless, which means I can really get my money’s worth with the formal pants.

What’s Worth Noting

Abercrombie has a unique size guide that’s atypical to other fashion brands, so it’s recommended that you reference the guide first before placing your order or assuming you know your correct size based on past purchases. For example, I am 5’10” and will usually wear a medium size in the pants department (which usually translates to a size 4 or 6). Because Abercrombie offers a wide range of sizes and lengths (including extra short, short, regular, and long), I decided to order the size 28 long — which is labeled as being a small on the brand’s website — and found that the pants fit perfectly. Make sure to double check the brand’s size guide to ensure you get the best fit and length for your body type.

Who Are the Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Pants Best For?

If you (like me) are all about investing in more wardrobe essentials that can live in your closet for the longterm, then you need these Abercrombie pants in your life. I’ve worn them in such a diverse range of environments — traveling through the airport, attending a show at New York Fashion Week, grabbing dinner with my girlfriends (and receiving endless compliments from them on how much they similarly love the style on me), and even just running errands around my neighborhood. Through it all, I’ve never felt out of place, underdressed, and, most important of all, uncomfortable. The bottoms are so versatile, and thanks to their ultra-flattering design, I immediately feel more put together the moment I slip into them. Whether you are looking to expand your work wardrobe, are in desperate need of a new everyday pant, or simply want an excuse to add more Abercrombie pants to your closet (because why not?), these are a style you can wear for any season or occasion.

Additional Details

Where Can I Buy These Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Pants?

These comfortable pants are available to shop exclusively at Abercrombie.

Rating:

★★★★★

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.