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.
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
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Kenzo x H&M
3-Pack Patterned Socks, $9.99 at H&M
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Kate Spade New York
Embroidered Crew Socks, $7.50 at Nordstrom
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Forever 21
Sheer Polka Dot Crew Socks, $3.90 at Forever 21
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Wolford
Pearl Socks, $140 at Wolford
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Happy Socks
Happy Hearts Heart Sock, $12 at Happy Socks
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Tabio
Fur Ankle Detail Socks, $10 at Opening Ceremony
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Out From Under
Ribbed Yoga Sock, $7 at Urban Outfitters
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Stella McCartney
Millenium Colourblock Long Thigh High Socks, $270 at Lane Crawford
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COS
Metallic Socks, $9 at COS
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Fusalp
Striped Compression Ski Socks, $35 at Matches Fashion
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Adidas
Roller White & Red Crew Socks, $7.95 at PacSun
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Raey
Embellished Ric-Rac Silk Socks, $130 at Matches Fashion
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Hot Sox
The Scream Trouser Sock, $8 at Hot Sox
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Out From Under
Feathery Crew Sock, $8 at Urban Outfitters
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Jonathan Aston
Luminosity Socks, $9 at ASOS
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Stance x Rihanna
Bad Gal Everyday Opaque Socks, $10 at Opening Ceremony
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Free People
Demi Wrap Liner Sock, $12 at Free People
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Forever 21
Fishnet Crew Socks, $3.90 at Forever 21
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Uniqlo
Argyle Socks, $3.30 at Uniqlo
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Marni
Intarsia Cotton-Blend Socks, $65 at Net-a-Porter
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American Apparel
Girly Lace Ankle Sock, $12 at American Apparel
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Antipast
Crochet Fishnet Mid-Calf Socks, $55 at Barneys
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Stance
Dolores Socks, $18 at Nordstrom
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Vetements
Socks, $95 at La Garçonne
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Out From Under
Monofilament Crew Sock, $7 at Urban Outfitters
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Anthropologie
Ruffled Pointelle Socks, $15 at Anthropologie
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Paul Smith
Sliding Striped Socks, $21 at Neiman Marcus
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Tricot Comme des Garçons
Black Pom Pom Socks, $37 at SSENSE
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Jonathan Aston
Rar Rar Sock, $12 at ASOS
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Topshop
Barbie Logo Ankle Socks, $6 at Topshop
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COS
Sheer Metallic Socks, $9 at COS
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Issey Miyake
Blue Ray Socks, $35 at SSENSE
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Corgi
Colorblock Cashmere Socks, $98 at J.Crew
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Sacai
Black Tall Faux-Leather Socks, $105 at SSENSE
