The Case For Socks And Sandals
I am a strong believer in the sock as something to pride yourself in. I don’t like socks when do their best not to exist, to be invisible, to act simply functionally without any stylish flair. We all wear socks, all the time, and there is no reason not to embrace that fact.
Image: Angelo Pennetta via Vogue UK
Socks are the perfect way to add a bold splash of color into your look, or to try out a funky print in a subtle way. I personally love when my socks bring a color that is prevalent in the top half of my outfit down, because it is such a simple way to bring some color coordination to your outfit, making you look all the more put together. Or, alternatively, this is a great way to bring in a small pop of a complementary color that balances outfits out visually.
Basically, there are countless ways to use socks to enhance our outfits. Which brings me to the main point of this article, which is to discuss the merits of wearing socks with sandals. The trend has been around for a while (technically, it has been around since Roman times, but for our purposes, we will focus on the last 10 years or so). In their vast and varied history, socks and sandals have never stopped being controversial. Some people love them, and some people ardently hate them.
Image via The Wall Street Journal
Socks and sandals are stereotypically associated with fashion stunted dads wearing ugly brown hiking sandals, standing at the grill making hot dogs. There is, however, so much more to the trend than white tube socks and chunky brown shoes. Like pairing socks with any other type of shoes, wearing socks and sandals means lots of room for creativity.
The trend has also been on the runway for several years now, with brands like Fendi, Miu Miu, and Simone Rocha joining in on the fun. Fashion houses especially tend to opt for translucent socks with their sandal looks, adding another layer of depth to the look. This is especially cute this year, since transparent clothing is everywhere.
Image via Glmaour
Possibly more important than anything else, the reason that this trend is so good is that it’s comfortable. I mean, it just makes sense to wear socks with your sandals. Picture pulling on a soft, slouchy pair of socks and then slipping your warm feet into a pair of Birkenstocks before going out for ice cream or to the beach. It is effortless, cute, casual, especially with the right shorts and a loose tee.
Or, alternatively, picture this; a pair of mesh socks, maybe they’re mid calf, maybe higher, maybe with a bright color or a fun pattern. You slide them on, carefully, like you would a pair of pantyhose, before sliding your feet into a pair of mini-heeled strappy sandals that perfectly match your socks. You wear this with a dress, and you are ready to be the coolest woman on date night.
Socks and sandals just make sense. The fashion world has embraced it, certain celebrities have embraced it. It is comfortable. It is cool, in that in its essence it's uncool. Let’s just finally agree that socks and sandals are the best.