Image from Unsplash

When we talk about fashion, most of the spotlight lands on statement jackets, bold sneakers, or the latest luxury bags. But the truth is, great style starts long before anyone sees your outfit. Before you step into tailored trousers, a silk shirt, or your favorite sneakers, the very first layer you put on determines how everything else will look and feel. Yes, even Men’s Underwear has the power to make or break the fit of your entire ensemble.

These unseen essentials, from underwear and undershirts to shapewear and performance layers, act as the unsung heroes of fashion. They’re the invisible framework that gives your outerwear the right drape, keeps you comfortable all day, and ensures your look is as polished at 8 p.m. as it was at 8 a.m.

The Foundation Effect

Think of foundation pieces as the architecture of an outfit. Just as a skyscraper relies on hidden structural supports, your clothing depends on what lies underneath.

When the base layer is wrong, ill-fitting underwear, bulky socks, sagging undershirts, it distorts the entire silhouette. A sharp blazer can look sloppy if the undershirt bunches. Slim trousers can suddenly appear unflattering if the underwear underneath doesn’t sit right. On the other hand, a seamless, well-constructed foundation creates clean lines and a fit that looks intentional.

Underwear: The Silent Style Shaper

Underwear is often overlooked, but it’s the most intimate connection between fabric and skin. High-quality underwear doesn’t just provide support, it helps clothing sit properly.

• Cut matters: Boxers, briefs, or trunks all create different profiles under clothing. Trunks, for example, reduce lines and ride-up beneath slim-fit pants.
• Fabric counts: Breathable cotton, modal blends, or performance fabrics wick away moisture, prevent bunching, and feel luxurious against the skin.
• Fit is everything: The right size avoids sagging or pinching, keeping the outer garments smooth and flattering.

Stylists know: the wrong underwear can ruin an outfit before you even leave the house.

Undershirts and Base Layers: More Than Just Comfort

Undershirts often get a bad reputation as old-fashioned, but they remain an essential foundation piece, especially in transitional seasons.

A lightweight undershirt can:

• Absorb sweat, protecting dress shirts and extending their life.
• Prevent visible chest outlines through thin fabrics.
• Smooth the torso, creating a cleaner look beneath knits or blazers.

Modern base layers go beyond plain cotton tanks. Today’s versions include slim-cut tees, compression fits, and even cooling or warming fabrics engineered for all-day comfort.

Shapewear and Contour Garments: Not Just for Women

The conversation around shapewear has long been dominated by women’s fashion, but men are discovering the benefits too. Subtle compression undershirts can create a sleeker line beneath fitted clothing, while contour shorts provide additional support without compromising comfort.

Far from being about vanity, these foundation pieces allow men to wear tailored styles with more confidence. In a world where precision fits dominate the runway and street style, the role of shapewear is becoming quietly indispensable.

Socks: The Overlooked Detail

Image from Unsplash

Socks may seem like an afterthought, but they are critical to both comfort and style. A pair of poorly chosen socks can make premium shoes unbearable or disrupt an outfit’s color flow.

• Thickness matters: Too thick, and shoes feel tight. Too thin, and they slip.
• Fabric choice: Merino wool keeps feet warm yet breathable; cotton blends are perfect for everyday wear; technical fabrics manage sweat in active settings.
• Design statement: Patterned socks peek out as a subtle way to inject personality without overwhelming a look.

They’re one of the smallest foundation elements but carry an outsized influence.

Seasonal Foundations: Adapting to the Weather

Foundation pieces aren’t static; they adapt with the seasons.

• Summer: Lightweight underwear, moisture-wicking undershirts, and no-show socks keep outfits breathable and clean.
• Winter: Thermal base layers, thicker socks, and compression undershirts add warmth without bulk, allowing coats and blazers to maintain their shape.
• Transitional weather: Layering becomes an art, where the right foundation pieces keep you ready for fluctuating temperatures without compromising style.

Adapting your base layers seasonally ensures your look remains sharp year-round.

The Confidence Factor

The most overlooked benefit of proper foundation pieces? Confidence.

When you know your clothing sits right, doesn’t crease, and feels comfortable, you move differently. You stand taller, walk smoother, and carry yourself with ease. The psychological impact is as important as the physical, invisible layers set the tone for how you experience your style throughout the day.

The Future of Foundations

Innovation in fashion isn’t just happening on runways, it’s happening beneath the surface. Brands are investing in smarter fabrics that regulate temperature, resist odor, and even integrate antimicrobial properties.

As sustainability takes center stage, foundation pieces are also evolving with eco-friendly fabrics, recycled fibers, and production methods that balance comfort, style, and responsibility. These shifts prove that even the most “basic” garments are part of fashion’s forward march.

The next time you admire a flawless outfit on the street or a red carpet look that seems effortless, remember: what’s underneath often deserves as much credit as what’s on display. From underwear and undershirts to socks and shapewear, foundation pieces are the quiet champions of style.

After all, true fashion isn’t just about what the world sees, it’s about the secrets hidden beneath.

Valentino Jacket, Kallmeyer Top, Ulla Johnson Pants, Toteme Pumps, Alaia Bag, Arielle Ratner Necklace, Gucci Scarf

Suede always feels like fall, with its rich, soft texture and muted sheen adding instant depth to any look. From classic boots and structured bags to tailored coats and jackets, suede moves seamlessly into the season ahead. Pieces in earthy neutrals and deep jewel tones are high on my list, offering bold yet versatile options. Just one suede detail grounds lighter fabrics for now while layering effortlessly later, making it a style save I will return to again and again throughout the coming seasons.

Accessories set the tone for the season, and this edit turns to the art of detail, where a single choice can shift an entire look. Sculptural bags, belts that cinch and define, and a touch of leopard print for contrast all lend themselves to the layered rhythms of fall style. Suede and polished finishes mingle with quiet hardware, creating pieces that refine and anchor what you wear. Each addition feels subtle yet decisive, setting the rhythm for the season ahead.

Heads up that coats like these are usually meant to be layered under pretty heavily, and this one is no exception; if you like a more streamlined fit with fewer layers underneath, reviewers recommend sizing down.

Promising review:  “Great trench! Big fan of this trench — I waited for it since it’s on backorder. I will say the color was slightly different than what I expected from the picture, but it’s your classic trench and a great fabric. The sizing is perfect. Usually I like to size up one size for coats, but based off the reviews, I ordered my regular size XS petite (I’m 5’1″ and about 108 pounds)… it isn’t too tight in the shoulders with one or two layers underneath!” —Alyssa C.

Price: $115 (originally $230; available in sizes XXS–XXL, including select petite fits, and two colors)

Cat-eye sunglasses are eternal for a reason. Their effortlessly elegant silhouette complements casual ensembles, retro-inspired statements, and bold, unexpected combos. I first gave these shades a try in the early 2010s, right at the dawn of a major cat-eye comeback—and they haven’t fully left my rotation ever since.

Throwing on some cat-eyes brings an instant touch of glamour to any look, transforming you into the main character in seconds. And while a classic pair is nice for whenever you want some old Hollywood elegance, there has also been plenty of modern innovation to bring the frames back to the forefront of current eyewear trends. Read on to learn all about cat-eye sunglasses’ fresh new era, including variations to look out for and simple yet creative ways to style them.

The History of Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The cat-eye silhouette was invented in the 1920s by American filmmaker and designer Altina Schinasi Miranda, who initially named it the Harlequin after the masks worn at ballroom dances. It was the first distinctively feminine eyewear style and took a while to catch on. Still, it eventually became popular in the 1930s, playing an instrumental role in turning optical glasses into a fashion accessory.

The cat-eye further rose in the decades to follow, both as part of Christian Dior’s New Look and on major movie stars and style icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Oversized silhouettes became popular in the 1960s with a wide variety of embellishments and variations available, before square and circular designs took over the trends in the ’70s.

More recently, the cat-eye experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, amidst a wave of mid-century style nostalgia as well as fresh interpretations on the likes of the Kardashians and Rihanna. Cat-eye sunglasses with modern twists—like elongated frames, metallic details, and high-contrast hues—quickly returned to staple status among models and celebrities, and the silhouette has stayed in rotation ever since, evolving alongside surrounding sunglasses trends.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses in 2025

When you think of cat-eye sunglasses, there’s probably a classic pair that comes to mind: Chances are, it’s black, softly angular, and medium in size. While this silhouette never goes out of style, brands have sparked a new dawn for the feline frames by switching up some key details. Below are a few of the subtle changes that have made a world of difference:

• Size: Tiny, ’90s- and Y2K-inspired frames have been back for a while now, and more recently, the Olsen twins-approved oversized sunnies have returned with a vengeance. Both variations turn a staple pair of cat-eye shades into a statement, with the former feeling fit for a model off-duty and the latter having aloof Miranda Priestly energy.

• Color: A bold, of-the-moment hue can give any sunglasses a head-turning quality, especially in the form of tinted lenses. In trending shades like guava and baby blue, what was once a classic retro piece suddenly takes on a more whimsical feel.
• Shape: Many brands are offering takes on cat-eye sunglasses that are more angular, square, or rounded than the traditional silhouette. These variations blend a timeless flair with modern, trend-forward shapes.

• Finish: Mirrored, frosted, and translucent lenses are some of this summer’s top sunglasses trends, and you’ll find all of these in cat-eye form. Many of these offer a futuristic twist for the next time you want to wear sunglasses at the club or for a night out.

When you think about it, the cat-eye shape is like the winged liner of sunglasses, so it’s no wonder countless celebrities and fashion-oriented types have embraced it. From Hailey Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter to Beyoncé, the stars’ takes on the silhouette have leaned nostalgic, ultramodern, and everywhere in between, with all integrating an air of unapologetic glamour. Designers from Moschino to Alexander McQueen have also sent the shades down recent runways, with sharp angles and tinted lenses being common motifs.

How to Style

Cat-eye sunglasses are versatile staples, offering countless options for dressing them up or down and tapping into a wide range of aesthetics. If you’re investing in a bold, unexpected shape or hue, try letting your shades shine against an understated off-duty outfit, be it jeans and a white tee or an athleisure set. Alternatively, assert yourself as the main character on a night out by pairing some statement cat-eye sunnies with an LBD or—if you’re feeling bold—a bandage dress (yes, they’re back).

Classic cat-eyes have a retro-chic energy that really shines in tandem with a flouncy, Amalfi-approved sundress, while a futuristic metallic pair will look extra cool when you’re wearing a full leather ensemble. If your sunnies of choice feature a statement detail on the side, draw attention to it by opting for an updo hairstyle and/or coordinating accessories, like geometric gold jewelry or a beaded bag charm.

When it comes to beach and pool ensembles, cat-eye sunglasses have a way of instantly elevating even the simplest of swimsuits and cover-ups, so you can feel like you belong at a luxury resort. Wear yours with a caftan for ’60s-inspired Palm Beach vibes, or opt for a tankini or swim shorts for an unexpected, then-meets-now result.

The Best Modern Cat-Eye Sunglasses to Shop

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to of-the-moment cat-eye sunglasses, so lean into your favorite motifs and embrace how the silhouette can instantly elevate any look. The below selection offers a taste of the possibilities, from unexpected shapes and hues to slightly exaggerated takes on old standbys.

Outfit Details:
McQueen Top (last seen here, similar here), Cos Pants (sold out, similar here and here), Bottega Veneta Heels, Loro Piana Bag (sold out in pink, more colors here), Sherman Fields & Arielle Ratner Necklaces

There’s a certain pull to tangerine right now. Not the punchy citrus of resort wear, but a deeper, more nuanced twist that feels sun-ripened and unexpected. It’s showing up in crisp poplin shirting, sculptural earrings, and table settings interwoven with natural tones, small accents that shift the mood of an entire look. I’ve been wearing it in measured doses, often against washed neutrals or cool whites, where it brings warmth without overpowering. It’s not loud, just alive, like the color you catch at golden hour, gone as quickly as it arrived.

Being a creator I am constantly sharing my latest pieces, brands I have discovered, and the newest sale finds. Newness is a big part of my job, and while I love it, sometimes I forget to share all the items I wear again and again. I find myself thinking it is ‘boring’ or redundant to share some of the styles, particularly the more casual styles that I have already highlighted. However, I LOVE to know which styles my favorite creators find themselves grabbing for again and again – so today I am here to share just that!

CASHMERE SET // I picked up this set in navy a few weeks back – and even in the dead of summer – I had NO idea how much wear it would get. I simply love wearing it around the house. Recently when I traveled to NYC and Stockholm, I have to admit, I did a pretty terrible job packing. Both locations were MUCH cooler than I had anticipated. This poor hoodie was worn so many times that it became a running joke – my sweater couldn’t wait to get back to Florida so it could catch a break!

PISTOLA LEXI DENIM // If I am grabbing a pair of denim right now, it is probably these. I love the relaxed leg, slight crop, and mid-rise. They fit true to size! This rinse seems to go with just about anything and everything. You can get 15% off here with BLAIR15.

AN EASY DRESS // I packed this dress on my most recent trip and have also been wearing it back home. It is by far my most worn dress this season. I love the tighter fitting knit top and the looser, woven skirt. It was a great packing item (took up almost no room in my suitcase) while also being easy to dress up or to dress down!

SIMPLE SANDALS // Sadly there are only a few left – but these sandals are excellent. At under $100 they are a great price point. After wearing them again and again and again the quality has also been truly amazing. Shop them before they are gone here.

MY GO-TO MINI // Another style that I seem to wear at least once a week – this adorable, smocked mini. It is breathable, mini without being too short, and not fussy at all! I have the brown and white gingham colorway that is easy to match with so many of my tan and brown summer sandals like these. It also looks fantastic with stacks of gold jewels!

OVERSIZED STUDS // I bought these back in 2024, and these earrings continue to be worn multiple times per week. I am a sucker for oversized stud and these just seem to go with almost every outfit I put together. They pair especially well with this necklace and this necklace that I love.