Despite their many uses, socks are often overlooked when men put together their outfits for the day. After all, why pay any attention to something that barely anyone will see when the rest of one’s ensemble will be more eye-catching?
If you haven’t been putting much thought into how you choose your socks, it may be time to change that. These seemingly insignificant garments can make or break your entire look. Fortunately, today’s socks come in a large assortment of colors and designs that allow people from all walks of life to express themselves fully. If you have a favorite color, pattern, or character, you’re sure to find socks that fit your sense of fashion or your personal interests.
However, knowing which socks to choose for each occasion can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to men’s casual socks. The options are limitless, and as a result, you may have no idea where to start.
That’s why we’re here to help. Below are some simple tips and tricks on how to style your socks with the rest of your outfit.
How to Incorporate Your Socks into Your Outfit?
Because socks nowadays come in so many varieties, pairing them with everyday outfits can feel like a daunting task. The good news is there are a few simple tricks you can employ to make the process less stressful. Read on to find out what they are:
Match Your Socks to Your Pants
As a rule of thumb, you should pick socks in colors that complement your bottoms. For example, if you’re wearing a darker pair of jeans, try going with socks in a similar shade and hue. This will create the illusion that your pants smoothly transition into your footwear while also providing a subtle but flattering silhouette. Stylists around the world swear by this trick because it creates a simple, streamlined look.
However, be careful not to pair your pants with socks that are in the same color but a very different shade. This will only end up making your outfit look disjointed. For example, if you’re wearing navy pants, don’t reach for pastel blue socks. Likewise, if you’re wearing beige pants, don’t pair them with dark brown socks. Always try to get the colors of your bottoms and your socks as close to each other as possible.
Pair Bright Socks with Muted Tones
If you want to add a splash of color to your outfit, then putting on bright socks is a great way to do that. Because they make up only a small percentage of your overall outfit, a hint of color in that area won’t overwhelm your entire look.
But do keep in mind that a splash is exactly that: a splash. Brightly colored socks will only work their magic if the rest of your outfit comes in a subdued tone. Wearing too much color is an actual thing and will only make your ensemble look like an eyesore.
Don’t Overdo Patterns.
When used in moderation, patterns can add a bit of spice to your look. However, trying to pull off too many patterns in the same outfit will only end up making everything clash. Instead of mixing argyles with plaids, try sticking to just one pattern and working around that. Match the hues of the pattern with your pants, and you can still create that seamless look with a dash of uniqueness.
Choosing the Right Sock Length
Sock length is another issue most men struggle with. To help you figure out what sock length to go for, here are some guidelines to consider:
When to Wear No-Show Socks
As a general rule, no-show socks work best when you’re showing a bit of ankle. So if you’re thinking about putting on a pair of chinos or shorts, reach for no-show socks.
This rule also applies to your footwear. No-show socks work best with fancier footwear like loafers or oxfords. This will help you achieve that preppy look, perfect for a casual first date or an afternoon stroll.
When to Wear Longer Socks
Don’t be afraid to experiment with longer sock lengths, especially when pairing them with shorts. You can also try matching longer-length socks with simple footwear like sneakers. As long as you match your casual socks with your footwear (such as wearing black socks with black sneakers), you’ll always look put-together. You can even pair long socks with Vans or Chuck Taylors for that laid-back, So-Cal look.
With this beginner’s guide to sock fashion, you’ll be one step closer to kicking outdated or mismatched looks to the curb. By following these simple tips, you shouldn’t have a problem picking the right socks for any occasion. If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to look online for inspiration, as there are plenty of men’s styling guides available on the internet. What matters most is finding the clothing combinations that work best for you at the end of the day.
