"How does a grown up show one's ankle socks without looking like a five year old?!!".
A text I received from a friend recently and inspiration for a blog post. It's a look we're seeing more and more of - and it's not going anywhere, so maybe we should give it a go? But some of us of a certain age (!!) have been conditioned into NEVER showing our socks and so to now change a lifelong habit goes against the grain to put it mildly!
Understanding how to wear socks with shoes may seem like a tricky one but I've 5 tips here for you to help with this look if you're curious to try. Let's figure out together how to stylishly pair socks with shoes.
Start simple
My first tip is to start simple. Going straight out of the traps with a knee length dress, sandals and socks is probably going to be a step too far. You'll feel awkward, uncomfortable, unable to pull the look off and be thrown off the concept forever more. I would suggest you start by wearing socks with your ankle (slightly cropped) jeans/trousers. This is a good way of introducing yourself to the idea and get used to seeing this look on yourself. Gently, gently! Similarly, I would recommend starting off with plain/simple patterned socks - it might be a step too far to begin with jazzy polka dot socks. It'll be all you see in the mirror and you might feel they're overwhelming your look. Ease yourself into the idea of visible socks.
Socks in your colours
Have a selection of socks in colours you tend to wear often. If you have a lot of pink in your
wardrobe start with a few pink socks. Socks are now a styling accessory and so it is useful to have a selection in colours which run through your wardrobe. This way you can bring a whole look together by flashing a hint of your socks which is tying in with that jumper you're wearing, for example, and it makes the look work. Socks can really add a cohesiveness to your look so use them as the great tool they are to compliment your outfit.
Sock length
If you're now beginning to feel braver in trying to wear socks with a skirt or shorter trousers, the next thing to consider is the length of your sock (who knew there were so many elements to socks?!). If you are blessed in the leg length department this might not be so much of an issue, but many people want to elongate their legs. So if your socks finish a third of the way up your shin (as in the above picture), your lower legs will look foreshortened if wearing a skirt which finishes at the knee. Wearing short socks eliminates this issue. Socks that finish at the ankle still allow most of the lower leg to show which allows the legs to look as long as possible whilst still modernising the look.
Socks and shoe colours similar
As you become more comfortable with wearing socks more visibly you might want to try and wear socks with sandals (yes I know..... it's honestly ok now!!). This can depend on your style personality so won't be for everyone but, a simple introduction to this is to wear socks and sandals which are similar (or the same) colour. Two reasons for this - 1. it won't be too stark a contrast for you as you're becoming accustomed to this look; 2. the similarity of colours will help to bring the look together and can look quite chic. Having said that if your style personality is a dramatic or creative type you might be comfortable in contrasting your colours and having fun with this - see what works for you and your style.
If it doesn't feel right, don't force it
Obvious I know, but don't force it. Not every look works for everyone. If it doesn't feel right, this might not be for you - and that's ok. Style is about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. If it doesn't feel right you probably won't pull it off. I always say to be kind to yourself - so don't force it. You don't have to wear every trend. And that's ok! It's so easy for us to get influenced by what we see on social media (guilty!) but a look must work for our style so that comes first. There are plenty of other ways to style up an outfit so you're not missing out!
So there you have it, 5 ways to stylishly pair socks with shoes. There are a few things I've not detailed which I'm sure go without saying - such as make sure your socks are in decent condition (!!) and think twice before wearing "comedy" socks for this look. A key point in pulling off this look is that it needs to look like it's a deliberate, conscious style decision on your part to show socks - rather than you've been caught off guard!
As you'll have seen from the beginning of this blog, a friend asked me to help with this style issue. If you have a style look you'd like to try but don't know how - or a style dilemma - let me know and I'll see if I can help. If you're finding it tricky it usually means others are too! Until next time,
Lou x
