Socks have always been worn for comfort and use and rarely for style. However, like any piece of your wardrobe, you can use them to amazing effect and complete the look youโre aiming for. In a world where fashion is seen as an extension of someoneโs personality, donโt be afraid to do you, even in the slightest outfit detail.
From everyday casual to strict professional events, your choice of socks could the last piece of the puzzle. To show you how socks make or break a specific โdo,โ here are seven basic looks to rock with your socks.
The casual look
Short shorts are making a returnโsweat shorts, cargo, and tailoredโwith the above-the-knee being commonplace once more. It might come across as intimidating since it calls attention to your legs, but the right pairing of shoes and socks could help make it easy for the eyes.
For example, a casual look might be as simple as athletic shorts and printed tees. Itโs easy, provided your socks match well with your shoes. Low-cut shoes or foot socks go well with low-cut shoes. Sneakers offer more flexibility with low-cut, ankle, quarter, or even crew socks. If youโre looking for a high-cut shoe or a basketball shoe, it has to be paired with a pair of crew socks. Color-wise, feel free to do as you please since casual wear is a perfect opportunity for your unique and personalized socks to take center stage.
Strictly professional
The professional look is always associated with a suit and a matching pair of shoes. Perfect for corporate or any other big event, this is usually well-defined, with a lot of guides available that will tell you the right pair of socks depending on the color and even the material of your outfit.
For more serious events, dress socks are the way to go. Generally, youโd want to pick something that matches with your shirt, tie, or pocket square to give that accent to the rest of the suit. Additionally, be sure to check the right considerations for color coordinating your set. You wouldnโt want to look like wearing a high-cut leather shoe because your sock is of the same color.
Professional with a twist
Not every day is a serious day, and you can try reflecting that in your outfit. Whether itโs a friendโs wedding or your every day at the office, thereโs a way to spice up your stiff and formal suitโand socks make all the difference. You have to try it at least once, with a formal getup and a bright and colorful pair for your socks.
As far as these applications go, you can experiment with the socks you want to wear. However, a safe start would be to try matching the undertones of your patterned socks with your slacks. For example, a greenish hue in your slacks would pair nicely with a similarly green sock with stronger, brighter designs.
Airport look
Youโve probably heard of the โAirport Look,โ and as far as purposes go, itโs quite straightforward: itโs your outfit when you travel. This has evolved into a subculture prominent across various social media platforms, with celebrities and influencers usually being taken as the trailblazers in this style.
The outfit is generally casual, cool, and comfortable. If youโre going for long-haul flights, compression socks are snug-fitting socks that slightly presses on your leg. For shorter, casual flights, feel free to wear comfortable ones that work well with your shoes and your pants.
Gym or sports look
As far as socks are concerned, black and white are still the safest go-to options. Of course, youโre free to try out your other colored socks, provided that theyโre color-coordinated with your shoes. Imagine a neon orange sock with an orange rubber shoe. Same with the casual look, the cut of your shoes will most likely determine the right sock length that would go with it.
Also, if youโre actually planning on doing physical work to go with your get-up, make sure that your socks are also fitted for the activity. Depending on the intensity of your activity, you might want to look into special socks such as those used for cycling, running, or weightlifting as each of these items affords an advantage specific for that activity.
Music fest look
Whether itโs Coachella or Woodstock, music festivals are events for freedom and self-expression. The general fashion rule is to wear what you want and have fun. If youโre looking to fit in more, Woodstock for example favors outfits inspired by the 70s. Buckskin vests, denim jeans, wildly colorful clothes.
For your socks, you can go as wild as you want, as long as youโre comfortable. Itโs a great time to wear cartoon-printed or brightly-themed socks and if youโre brave enough, look for clothing setups where the socks exactly match the shoes. Fall socks are a great choice for this look as well!
Minimalist look
As the name suggests, achieving this look relies on keeping it as simple as possible. By stripping back what is not necessary, you can cut down on costs and weight by wearing only what you need. Visually speaking, it usually includes a narrow color palette to choose from.
Usually, the shoes in this fashion style are simple low cut pairs with earthy tones aside from the usual black and white. Despite being streamlined, itโs far from boring, and the right combination of outfit items can still rock despite its simplicity.
