Step Up Your Sock Drawer This Fall with a Fashion Field Guide to Socks

Lydia O
Sep 30, 2015
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Now that it’s a touch cooler, it’s a perfect time to utilize my favourite underrated accessories: the sock. Somehow they’ve been relegated the status of a wince-inducing birthday package from your well-meaning great aunt, or something that you buy six pairs of in black and don’t think about otherwise. Seemingly mundane, socks are actually really frickin’ awesome! They keep your feet warm and less sweaty, and the pattern/color/print options are endless. I would even go so far as to say they can be an outfit maker.

What if you hate socks/love your ankles? What kind of socks even are there, you ask? Consider what lies ahead a field guide. Whether in sandals, heels, sneaks or boots, these socks will up your game.


No-Show Socks

These are essential if you’re an ankle barer. Puritanical chastity ideals aside, you can get away with looking like you’re not wearing socks without getting chafed. Sneakers, oxfords, even little booties can benefit from wearing these. Pro tip: get pairs with the lil’ silcone bits at the heel, it helps avoid that awkward midday slipdown.

%Vero Monte No Show Socks
Vero Monte No Show Socks
photo from Madewell
photo from Madewell

Crew/Trouser Socks

These are a standard length sock, ranging from just above the ankle to mid calf. With several length options, it can be fun to play with proportions via sock length and hem length. Often I’ll cuff my jeans to a certain length, paying mind to what parts of the sock I’d like exposed.

Many people opt to purchase super neutral editions of crew/trouser socks, but I dare you to go for a riveting pattern or intriguing color the next time you’re sock shoppin’. Even if you just opt for navy instead of black, you’ll have more pep to your kicks.

hansel from basel
hansel from basel
the sartorialist
the sartorialist
Style is Style
Style is Style
%sheer socks
sheer socks
%Monki Crazy Cat Socks
Monki Crazy Cat Socks

Knee Socks

Not for the faint of closet, knee socks are fun and delightfully warm. In a myriad of colors, prints and styles, knee socks can be everything from vintage-cute to boldly badass. My recommendation? Extend your summer wardrobe by layering up with high socks and tights! Shorts, jorts, lil’ dresses and skirts are a lovely match for knee highs.

Style is Style
Style is Style
%Forever21 Kneesocks
Forever21 Kneesocks
%Sock It To Me
Sock It To Me

Whether it’s a novelty kitten, a simple stripe, or just a bright hue, choosing a few new socks might be more fun than you think. What hoisery will you be poppin’ on your feet this fall?

Lydia O profile image

Lydia O

Lydia Okello is a feminist, body positive, queer personal style blogger. On her website Style is Style, she showcases her panache for bright colors and power clashing. When she isn’t pawing over Samantha Pleet collections on Tumblr, she’s dreaming about havin’ a kitten of her own one day. You can find her on Twitter, Tumblr and on her personal blog.

Lydia O has written 64 articles for us.

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