According to the Daily Telegraph, wearing socks with sandals was voted the No.1 fashion faux pas by 1,500 shopping who were surveyed in a London high street store. The article was accompanied by a picture of white tennis socks with Birkenstocks.
(From left to right: Burberry SS’10, Hermes F’14, and Chanel SS’14)
The sartorial phenomena of socks being worn with sandals, however, is no stranger to top brands’ runway. Since Marni and Dior brought it back into the lime light fall of 2009, it has had repeating appearances on the runway : Dolce & Gabbana FW 2012; Hermes FW 2014; Creature of Comfort FW 2014, and Chanel SS 2014. Even trendsetters like Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, and Leandra Medine have been spotted sporting the trend. Then why the disconnection? Is it only game-on for the super-fashionable but game-over for us average Janes? I think not.
To avoid looking nerdy instead of funky, IMHO, a few guidelines needed to be followed:
– The best shoes to pair with socks are strappy, statement sandals, simple pointy toe pumps / flats, and high-heel Mary Janes (see similar Mary Janes here).
– The best socks to be paired with the aforementioned shoes are knitted ones made of natural material (wool, cashmere, and cotton), nylon ones with a laced edge or pattern, or vibrant solid colors or sheer black, nude, or white socks.
– Opposites attract. When pairing socks with sandals, the same applies. The sleeker the shoes, the rustier the sock. For example, I’ve paired YSL patent Tribune sandals with cashmere blend knee high socks; the overall look resembles that of a short boot. Another example is group contrasting with complimentary colors for a dramatic but unique look, such as lilac socks with bright green heels or vice versa. This also works when wearing tights with sandals instead of socks. The overall effect will be even better if, preferably, the sock color matches part of the clothing or other accessories.
(Pictured above: YSL “Tribute” Sandals and Cashmere Ltd socks)
Get the looks to the left:
(From left to right: Carven pumps, Paul Andrew flats – see similar Dolce Vita ‘Pavari’ Pointy Toe Flat , Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ sandals, and All with Wolford socks)
HAPPY SHOPPING!
[If you want to see more featured trends, check out “Classic White Shirt + Dress = Minimalist Feminine Look“, “Tune In To Your Animal Instinct“, and “Everyday Glass Slippers: Are Metallic Flats For You?“.]
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