As the weather warms up, our wardrobes reflect the change of season, and sandals become a mainstay in our outfit line-up. But what if you want to add a little flair and entertainment to your get-up? You may be wondering whether it’s acceptable to wear patterned socks with sandals.
The Pros and Cons of Wearing Patterned Socks With Sandals
Most casual shoe etiquette dictates that wearing socks with sandals is a no-no. However, breaking this rule may actually be a stylish statement piece that can take your outing from drab to fab. Here are a few of the pros and cons to keep in mind as you contemplate wearing patterned socks with sandals.
The pros include the fact that you get to express yourself. Patterned socks provide a fun way to show off your personality and make an original statement with your look. On top of this, patterned socks can be surprisingly practical. They offer an extra layer of protection against debris and elements and can easily be swapped out for any other socks if you’ve stepped in something unpleasant (such as mud!).
That said, there are still some drawbacks to consider. For starters, wearing patterned socks with sandals may clash with the rest of your outfit, so you’ll have to be very aware and shrewd when accessorizing. Also, thick or patterned socks can be quite hot and may make your feet sweat more than usual. And lastly, this look may not remain fashionable forever, so it’s important to be cognizant of current trends to ensure you don’t look dated.
Different Types of Patterned Socks to Consider
When it comes to patterned socks, there are countless styles and designs out there to chose from. Popular picks include novelty graphic prints featuring symbols, cartoons, animals, and more. You can also find striped options, as well as colorful tartans, polka dots, houndstooth, and leopard prints. No matter your preference, there’s sure to be a style that speaks to you.
How to Match Your Patterned Socks With Your Sandals
As previously mentioned, wearing patterned socks with sandals creates an interesting juxtaposition between casual and dressy. To pull off this look with finesse, you’ll want to select pieces that complement each other rather than clash. When it comes to matching the two together, start by considering the color of the sandal, since this will be the the base for the rest of your outfit. Then, opt for a pair of socks that draw out an accent color found in the sandal.
For example, if your sandal has an earthy palette of green, brown, and blue hues, choose a pair of socks in either navy blue or olive green. Be wary of any overly bold or bright colors (think neon yellow or baby pink), as they should be used sparingly and tastefully. If you’re unsure, opting for a muted tone or black will always guarantee a clean look.
The Do’s and Don’ts When Wearing Patterned Socks With Sandals
Now that you’ve figured out which style of socks would work best with your sandals, here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when wearing patterned socks:
- DO wear thin or lightweight fabrics for added comfort.
- DO opt for a slightly darker colored sock that flatters your outfit.
- DO keep your hemline short. Try cuffing above the ankle so that your patterned socks show.
- DON’T pair patterned socks with equally bold print bottoms.
- DON’T clash too many overlapping patterns within one outfit.
- DON’T overpower your look by wearing mismatched patterns.
Tips and Tricks for Pulling Off the Look
If you’re new to wearing patterned socks with sandals or need some additional direction, here are some tips and tricks to help make the process easier:
- Choose sandals with solid colors. If you’re not confident in your pairing ability at first, start by opting for a pair of sandals in a single solid color.
- Leave room for styling variations. To keep your daily look versatile and interesting, mix and match your socks among your different pairs of sandals instead of wearing the exact same ones every day.
- Go contemporary. Set yourself apart from the crowd by selecting modern-looking styles such as novelty prints and trendy designs.
Fashion Trends to Keep in Mind
As you put together your sandal-and-sock outfit, it’s important to stay up to date on current trends and find inspiration from the fashion world around you. Here are some fashion trends currently making waves in the style arena:
- Skinny Socks. Skinny socks offer a sleek twist on the patterned sock-and-sandal combo.
- Midi Length Skirts. A light or airy midi-skirt looks great paired with patterned ankle socks.
- Nautical Patterns. Seafaring-inspired stripes and gingham checks are taking off this season.
- Mismatched Socks. Wearing two different patterns on each foot is perfect for embracing individuality.
Creative Ways to Style Your Outfit with Patterned Socks and Sandals
Beyond following current trends, here are some creative ways for styling your look with patterned socks and sandals that express your personality:
- Return To Retro. Select vintage-inspired printed socks and match them with platform or wooden soled sandals. Finish off with midi-skirt or an A-line dress in a light material for an allover vintage aesthetic.
- Think Animal Prints. Create a statement piece by combining edgy animal prints with minimalistic sandals. Leopard print socks are particularly on trend and can instantly transform any outfit.
- Try Monochromatic Colors. Keep things sleek and subtle by matching vibrant shades of the same hue. Examples include pairing navy blue sandals with midnight blue socks or golden yellow sandals with egg yolk yellow socks.
Popular Brands of Patterned Socks to Consider
Ready to shop? Here are some popular brands of patterned socks to consider:
- Eskuta. From quirky donuts, avocados and the classic nostalgic smiley face, Eskuta offers up a range of fun designs that are sure to start conversations.
- Prettys. If Scandi-style is your thing, then Prettys has you covered. From bold houndstooth prints to subtle stripes you’ll be spoiled for choice.
- Evaux. Evaux is all about injecting bohemian style into your summer wardrobe. Their range features nature-inspired botanical patterns in bright colors.
What the Experts Have to Say
“Patterned socks work best in unexpected dressy situations—think men wearing sea-foam green or lavender paisleys at black-tie events,” states professional wardrobe stylist Cordyn Willson Whitelaw. “Wearing sock-and-sandal combos is such a cool way to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd. I suggest choosing two shades that live within the same color family for aPut together in harmony.”
“The key thing to consider is playfulness,” states fashion director Genevieve Docsin Francois. “Pick bigger prints if you’re going for ‘loud and proud’ vibes, or go for simpler patterns like polkadots or stripes if you want something more demure. When it’s all said and done, remember to just have fun with it!”
“Layering patterns can result in an incredibly stylish look,” suggests professional menswear expert Justin Robbins. “Team pastels up with stripes or pair polka dots with houndstooth checks – any combination can work as long as you show an appreciation for subtlety and restraint when possible.”
:Though many people tend to think of sock-and-sandal combos as a fad best left in the past, this trend is actually making waves once again on modern runways. With so many cool ways to pull off patterned socks with sandals, why not give this fresh look a try? Just remember to keep things tasteful – otherwise you may be risking cringey rather than cool!
