Picture it: it's 2010 and you're in the queue at Topshop on Oxford Circus, with a basket full of glitter socks and low denier tights. It's the golden era of Glastonbury boho chic, Alexa Chung and tumblr girls who wore their Jeffrey Campbell Litas with frilly socks and lace hosiery. Oh, what a wonderful time to be alive. Wouldn't you want to go back to that feeling, with all the knowledge and experience you have today?
Whether it's the aforementioned chunky platforms or a just a pair of running trainers, the process of layering socks with tights or leggings has become a styling trick that helps combine comfort, warmth and strong visual impact. You can choose to go the maximalist route by bringing together unexpected patterns and contrasting shades, for that ultimate fashion week-approved street style look. Or you might take a subtler route, one that ticks off the perennial celebrity look of being ‘accidentally’ papped in your workout leggings and trainers. In either case, the socks play a crucial role in the connection between the leg and the shoe, one that's not to be taken lightly. Length, thickness, colour and material are all important parts of the artistry of styling socks, and we're here to demystify the process.
In order to save you the trouble of trial and error, we created a quick cheat sheet to help you style socks with different types of leggings, tights and shoes this winter like a total fashion pro.
Trainers with monochrome socks & leggings
While the classic white tennis sock definitely covers the practical aspect of sports and physical activity, we prefer the elegance of a sock that brings together the shades of the leggings or tights and the trainers. In case you're tucking your leggings into it, this type of sock – ideally ribbed, medium thickness, softly scrunched – will help create a continual line to the leg, both elongating it and elevating the final look into a tonal masterpiece. Yes, you might be just heading to a pilates class or grabbing some milk from a local corner shop, but why let that stop you from looking chic?
Mary Janes with matching tights & white socks
Building a perfect street style look is all about toying with expectations. For this mash-up, we suggest reimagining the classic, school uniform-inspired combo of white ankle socks and Mary Jane shoes by introducing some extra volume. Either taken from a multipack of a sports store or one of those thick, hand-knitted socks you might find at a craft market, the extra chunky sock – either scrunched low or folded over – will add a sense of playfulness to the outfit, pulling references from 1980s leg warmers and Sailor Moon's off-the-clock look. When it comes to the tights, opt for medium-thickness ones in a colour that matches the shoe – black, brown and burgundy are all solid choices.
Loafers with glitter socks & matte tights
In this case, figuring out a recipe for wearing socks with tights is all about embracing contrasting textures. A classic loafer, in either patent leather or suede, worn with a simple matte tight suddenly feels totally new when interjected with a slither of shimmer at the ankle. It's where innocence meets severity and, without breaking any dress codes, you're suddenly able to infuse a sense of joy into your look. Choose a contrasting shade of sock for maximum impact or opt for a complementary shade that will continue the harmonious vibe. Either way, bringing a smile to people's faces is guaranteed.
Metallic shoes with pastel socks & bold tights
I know, it might sound like a lot, but stick with us because this look is guaranteed to turn heads. A metallic shoe – trainer, flat or heel – has instant visual appeal thanks to its reflective quality. So the best way to take it away from a fully futuristic direction is by bringing in colours that are soft and reminiscent of nature. Pastels like soft pinks, pistachios and baby blues are a perfect way to offset silver and gold footwear. For that bit of extra fashion week inspo, pair the look with tights in a bold colour or a fun pattern, including polkadots, hearts or lace. In this case, more is more is more!
Boots with knee-high ribbed socks & neutral tights/leggings
What's a winter without finding a new – or very old – way of styling your favourite boots? Instead of doing the classic combo of black tights and chunky, biker boots, we suggest adding a layer of texture and warmth via chunky, thigh-high ribbed socks. Everyone who lived through the noughties will instantly recognise this look, but don't let that deter you from giving it another go. This time, the boots are extra chunky and so are the socks – the more they look like they were hand-knitted by someone's grandma, the better. The only thing that remains the same is that classic pair of neutral-coloured tights or leggings. They're a forever classic for a reason.
Although they're usually seen as a totally practical item in our wardrobes, socks can also work as an accessory in their own right. Small but mighty, their impact on your winter wardrobe can be far more than just warmth. Bold or neutral, chunky or thin – all are valid, just please promise to get rid of the ones that already have large holes on the sole of the foot. Pinky promise?
