It’s official! One of the world’s most classic, timeless fashion mistakes is making a comeback. We’re talking, of course, about wearing socks with sandals. In recent years, we’ve seen it pop up more and more on the feet of stylish celebrities, fashion magazines, and everyday people around us, and it’s time to give it a try for ourselves. But how can you pull off this tricky look without looking silly or, worse, old-fashioned? Read on for our comprehensive guide to rocking socks and sandals without looking like you’re stuck in a time warp.
What Styles of Socks to Wear with Sandals
Wearing socks with sandals will always be something of an acquired taste, so you don’t have to go wild in terms of styles. But depending on the look you’re going for, there are a few different types of socks you can go for. Above ankle-height socks look the most formal of all the options. If you’re on the hunt for something a bit funkier and laid back, check out short ankle socks or even no-show style socks. They add a bit of contrast to your sandal and shoe combo while also maintaining a smart look.
What Types of Sandals Work Best with Socks
Sandals come in all sorts of shapes and styles, so it’s important to think about which type looks best with socks. Thong sandals are a great choice because they don’t cover up much of your foot. These offer an ideal balance between the exposed feel of bare feet and the cozy warmth of socks. On the other hand, heeled sandals can also make for a great option when worn with ankle socks for a stylish and balanced look. Just make sure to avoid chunky orthopedic style sandals that scream “dad shoe” – no matter how fashionable your socks.
Styling Tips for Wearing Socks with Sandals
Your socks and sandal combo should always be contrasted against the rest of the outfit so they don’t look too matchy-matchy. If it’s a warm day and you don’t want to wear long trousers, opt for shorts in a different color to your socks. When it comes to more formal occasions, ditch the shorts and go for trousers or even a skirt instead. Lastly, don’t forget to accessorize! Wearing sunglasses, a watch, and perhaps even a hat can be a great way to draw attention away from your socks and sandals combination.
How to Balance Comfort and Style when Wearing Socks with Sandals
Chances are that you’ll find yourself walking around a lot when wearing your chosen sock and sandal combination. That’s why it’s important to choose sandals that are comfortable enough for extended periods of activity. Look for sandals made from quality materials with adjustable straps or straps that provide added support. When picking socks, avoid styles that are too tight or too loose – you want them to fit just right so your feet don’t get too sweaty or too cold.
What Color Combinations Work Best with Socks and Sandals
The trick to making your sock and sandal combination look fashionable instead of goofy is to go for complementary colors – think tan sandals with black or white socks. For dressier occasions, you can even go monochromatic with the same shade of sock and shoe, just watch how far you go; don’t match your pants with them as well! As a general rule of thumb, you should always opt for light colors on the sandals and darker colors on the socks.
How to Choose the Right Length of Sock for Your Outfit
When it comes to the length of socks you should wear, it really comes down to personal preference. Ankle-height socks tend to look more sophisticated and formal, while no-show socks or low-cut socks give off a more relaxed vibe. If you’re feeling daring, you could always go with mid-calf length knee-high socks – just make sure they remain thin enough to not overpower the look. Also, be sure to choose socks made of breathable materials; this will help keep your feet comfortable all day.
Tips for Accessorizing When Wearing Socks With Sandals
If your outfit includes bold colors or patterns, why not take your look one step further and accessorize your socks and sandals combination? There is a wide range of accessories that can add some much-needed flair and personality to your look – from brightly colored shoe laces or ties, to ankle jewelry and other embellishments. Accessories like these come in all sorts of colors, designs, materials, and sizes, so be sure to take the time to find something that really pops.
What Not to Do When Wearing Socks With Sandals
It’s easy to go overboard when experimenting with your sock and sandal combo – but don’t go too far. Too many colors or patterns, overly chunky styles of sandals or socks, or mismatched colors can all result in an outfit that either looks too busy or simply just doesn’t flow. To keep your outfit balanced at all times, stick to pairing neutral colors together, toning down overly bright colors and opting for minimal designs over busy ones.
Where to Find Stylish and Trendy Socks and Sandals
No need to worry if you don’t already have any socks or sandals handy – there are plenty of places where you can find stylish and trendy pieces. Take your time and browse through different online stores or brick-and-mortar shops for designs that fit your unique style. High street stores like Zara, Topshop and ASOS often sell fashion-forward pieces at surprisingly affordable prices. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious or unique, you could also consider checking out independent boutiques or larger department stores like Nordstrom instead.
Now that you know all the basics of wearing socks with sandals without looking outdated or foolish, go forth and show off your new style!
