Master the Low-Commitment Trend That’ll Knock Your Socks Off

By Cordelia Tai

First things first: There’s no wrong way to wear socks. That said, a good statement sock makes your whole outfit better. We’re living in the era of experimental, statement-making fashion, from the tips of our toes to the tops of our poof-accented, pin-pierced berets. Eye-grabbing, fun socks — novelty, frilled, pompom, what have you — were once relegated to occasions like the first day of kindergarten or the last day of our laundry cycle. No more. The accessories you long ago paired with patent Mary Janes — or not so long ago, unsexy pairs of pajamas — now grace the Gucci-clad feet of the fashion set.
Reem Acra Spring 2017 (left), Alberto Zambelli Spring 2017 (right); Images: Imaxtree For several seasons running, designers have asked us to reconsider the statement sock. It’s an easy task. Socks are, for the most part, inexpensive. We wear them on a practically everyday basis. And even fashion minimalists can’t argue with affordable, easy to style, readily showed off or shielded hosiery. Plus, fresh (read: no holes or pilling), fun socks can revitalize your tired everyday footwear. Why not spend a few bucks diversifying your sock drawer and save a pile on new shoes?
Gucci Spring 2017 (left), Daks Spring 2017 (right); Images: Imaxtree When making fun socks the focal point of your outfit, the key is to build your look from the feet up. As far as office attire goes, sock experimentation requires a fairly simple getup (a tonal look is always a safe bet). Toe the line between distinctive and distracting — slide a pair of silky socks in a rich hue (pattern optional) on under your go-to loafers.
Preen Spring 2017 (left), Lanvin Spring 2017 (right); Images: Imaxtree On days or nights off (or in more fashion-forward work environments), feel free to play with contrasting colors, textures, proportions and sock-to-shoe ratios. As with all trends big and small, we consulted the runways for styling inspo. At Alberto Zambelli Spring 2017, stirrup socks added interest to ballet flats. The daredevils at Daks teamed flatforms with knee-high hosiery. Marc Jacobs paired strappy velvet sandals with silky foot warmers. Antonio Marras favored a striped pump and tube sock duo. Preen shielded its shoes under an umbrella of silk and lace. Lastly, as Reem Acra (and Stance collaborator Rihanna) will tell you, you can’t go wrong with a statement sock-stiletto combo. Extra points if said heel is attached to a PVC boot.

“Fro$t Bite” ankle socks and the “Look Back At It” thigh highs from @stancemuse out now: smarturl.it/RihannaStance #RihannaXStance

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on

Below, 34 statement socks that’ll help you put your best feet forward — winter, spring, summer or fall.

[ Next: How to Master Socks and Heels All Winter Long ]

Statement Socks

  • Kenzo x H&M

    Kenzo x H&M

    3-Pack Patterned Socks, $9.99 at H&M

  • Kate Spade New York

    Kate Spade New York

    Embroidered Crew Socks, $7.50 at Nordstrom

  • Forever 21

    Forever 21

    Sheer Polka Dot Crew Socks, $3.90 at Forever 21

  • Wolford

    Wolford

    Pearl Socks, $140 at Wolford

  • Happy Socks

    Happy Socks

    Happy Hearts Heart Sock, $12 at Happy Socks

  • Tabio

    Tabio

    Fur Ankle Detail Socks, $10 at Opening Ceremony

  • Out From Under

    Out From Under

    Ribbed Yoga Sock, $7 at Urban Outfitters

  • Stella McCartney

    Stella McCartney

    Millenium Colourblock Long Thigh High Socks, $270 at Lane Crawford

  • COS

    COS

    Metallic Socks, $9 at COS

  • Fusalp

    Fusalp

    Striped Compression Ski Socks, $35 at Matches Fashion

  • Adidas

    Adidas

    Roller White & Red Crew Socks, $7.95 at PacSun

  • Raey

    Raey

    Embellished Ric-Rac Silk Socks, $130 at Matches Fashion

  • Hot Sox

    Hot Sox

    The Scream Trouser Sock, $8 at Hot Sox

  • Out From Under

    Out From Under

    Feathery Crew Sock, $8 at Urban Outfitters

  • Jonathan Aston

    Jonathan Aston

    Luminosity Socks, $9 at ASOS

  • Stance x Rihanna

    Stance x Rihanna

    Bad Gal Everyday Opaque Socks, $10 at Opening Ceremony

  • Free People

    Free People

    Demi Wrap Liner Sock, $12 at Free People

  • Forever 21

    Forever 21

    Fishnet Crew Socks, $3.90 at Forever 21

  • Uniqlo

    Uniqlo

    Argyle Socks, $3.30 at Uniqlo

  • Marni

    Marni

    Intarsia Cotton-Blend Socks, $65 at Net-a-Porter

  • American Apparel

    American Apparel

    Girly Lace Ankle Sock, $12 at American Apparel

  • Antipast

    Antipast

    Crochet Fishnet Mid-Calf Socks, $55 at Barneys

  • Stance

    Stance

    Dolores Socks, $18 at Nordstrom

  • Vetements

    Vetements

    Socks, $95 at La Garçonne

  • Out From Under

    Out From Under

    Monofilament Crew Sock, $7 at Urban Outfitters

  • Anthropologie

    Anthropologie

    Ruffled Pointelle Socks, $15 at Anthropologie

  • Paul Smith

    Paul Smith

    Sliding Striped Socks, $21 at Neiman Marcus

  • Tricot Comme des Garçons

    Tricot Comme des Garçons

    Black Pom Pom Socks, $37 at SSENSE

  • Jonathan Aston

    Jonathan Aston

    Rar Rar Sock, $12 at ASOS

  • Topshop

    Topshop

    Barbie Logo Ankle Socks, $6 at Topshop

  • COS

    COS

    Sheer Metallic Socks, $9 at COS

  • Issey Miyake

    Issey Miyake

    Blue Ray Socks, $35 at SSENSE

  • Corgi

    Corgi

    Colorblock Cashmere Socks, $98 at J.Crew

  • Sacai

    Sacai

    Black Tall Faux-Leather Socks, $105 at SSENSE

Cordelia Tai
Cordelia Tai

Cordelia Tai is a freelance staff writer at theFashionSpot. Her work has appeared on Refinery29 and the Huffington Post, among others. Ultimately, she plans to segue into fashion merchandising so that she can (judiciously) online shop for a living.

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