As the heat really turns up and the sneakers and boots make way for sandals, some of you may be wondering just how to handle the sensitive subject of socks. The topic is especially pertinent, with the rise of the boat shoe, popularity of showing ankle, and the re-emergence of the prepster look in men’s everyday fashions – all turns that I welcome. So to that end, here’s a brief rundown of what works, and what doesn’t when it comes to your socks this summer.
Outfit 1: This preppy poster boy makes everything work right with this sunny ensemble. Notice the key color combinations that he employs to keep his outfit light and summery, despite its bulk. The yellow corded sweater over a powder blue shirt, with flat-fronted khakis is a New Haven favorite, but its the socks here that give this look that extra ‘Wow!’ factor. The boat shoes channel a suitably WASP-ish feel, while the yellow matching socks pop out against the brown of the shoes, and neutral tone of the khakis. Using attention-grabbing socks to compliment your central piece? Well done.
Outfit 2: A more dangerous proposition – when is it okay not to wear socks with shoes? Conventional knowledge says only on sandals, moccasins, boat shoes or canvas-topped shoes. But what about with dress shoes? Rolling up the cuffs on these khakis, this man has gone for a more devil-may-care attitude, which helps him carry it off. The Italians have a word, Sprezzatura, the notion of effort without an outward display of effort. What it means for men’s fashion is that small touches like this can help create a slightly disjointed look that makes you look more charming than childish. It’s a bit of a hit or miss proposition, but the notion of sockless shoes is now on the table, so take some courage and try this subtle, stylish touch!
Outfit 1 was sourced from Copenhagen Street Style, Outfit 2 was sourced from The Sartorialist.
This week’s Ladies Touch is written by Susan Withrow, a freelance writer and style enthusiast.
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