Socks with sandals: authorized for transitioning to autumn

Socks with sandals is always a fashion faux pas, and pantyhose went out in the '00s.

I dare you to do this don't. 

This footwear combo has shown up on the runway and in fashion editorials many times over the years, but it's been embraced and can be seen all over Instagram now.

 

Photo via Julie Terese.

So I'm breaking down a few ways you can interpret this casual style moment. I love it for days that are slightly cooler, and especially for cocktail events!

There is definitely an element of fetish here, so feel free to reclaim it from the male gaze, and keep your tootsies warm in a playful way.

It can also get a bit eclectic, if you're combining color AND texture AND pattern, so a word of caution if that is not your thing.

If this is a big stretch for you, you can feel more comfortable and still look put together-yet-edgy (vs. out of touch) by keeping your outfit monochrome and fairly simple. Let the footwear be the focal point.

 

Sporty, Scandi, Schoolgirl, or Sexy – 

Which style will you try?

 

Sporty

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Chillattic Socks (@chillattic) on Aug 13, 2018 at 6:49am PDT

 

 

 

The key elements of this look are: tube socks and/or athletic stripes, with technical-looking sandals.

 

Scandi

 

 

 

A post shared by kulik (@kulikstyle) on Aug 31, 2018 at 4:22am PDT

 

 

Socks and clogs are so continental.

 

Schoolgirl

 

 

 

A post shared by Samantha 💃🏽 (@samantha_glam_11) on Aug 26, 2018 at 6:47pm PDT

 

 

This pic of The Supers is a classic example, although there are many ways it could be interpreted. Stay with pastels and girlish details, or try a white stocking with black brogues.

 

Sexy

 

 

 

A post shared by @hausoftoechella on Aug 24, 2018 at 4:12pm PDT

 

 

Sheer black, lacy, embellished. Go burlesque, but keep it interesting by keeping the rest of your outfit simple and covered-up for contrast.

 

Where to buy: Better choices for an ethical sock wardrobe

This is a tough category to find options without synthetic fibers, and labor conditions are notoriously hard to track down. So I think this is one of those cases where we do our best, avoid the obviously terrible, and let the brands know we want better.

• SockDreams is a fabulous shop that does a great job of testing socks and stocking for all different feet and leg shapes and sizes.
• Sou Sou has a great color palette of wool tabi socks, if you're wearing a thong or tabi style sandal.
• Swedish Stockings seems to be doing amazing things with their manufacturing, and their stuff is cool!

 

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