If you didn't take a photo, did it even happen? I began considering this question more deeply a few years ago, thanks to social media's constant churn. Call it age, experience, or divine intervention, but I finally learned there is something to be said for subtlety! Slowness! Quiet! I've found a better balance in applying these ideas to my life and work, but it's been a more nuanced process regarding my relationship with style.
I'm someone who likes to save certain pieces for the right occasion—but when I'm finally out the door, I want these items to be seen and documented. The older I get, however, the more I tend to gravitate towards subdued details: texture over pattern, muted colors, and simple silhouettes that don't draw attention at first glance but (hopefully) soothe the eye with their elegance. Among these is an accessory I have previously regarded as an item of convenience rather than creativity: socks.
Courtesy of Mya Gelber
Courtesy of Rachel Schwartzmann
From fire-engine red to ruffled edges, fashion-forward socks have been taking over my feeds. Given we’re often conditioned to favor extremes, in the past, I would have missed their presence in an outfit, instead gravitating toward the latest it-bag or a piece of statement jewelry. But the tide is turning—many have already caught on to socks as staples. Take Paige Auber, an Atlanta-based Stylist and Marketing Manager, for instance. “Playing with jewelry, hair accessories, or bags has always been a default for completing a look—but we're clearly living through a sock moment, and the styling opportunities are endless,” she says. “The juxtaposition of a shoe-and-sock combo is bound to draw attention, so I'll never pass up the opportunity to style the two in an exciting way. I love to pair a crew-striped sock and slingback heel with a tennis skirt to experiment with proportions. Fashion may take precedence sometimes, but I appreciate that there seems to be an acceptable sock for every shoe, from Mary Janes to kitten heels. Adding extra comfort is a bonus.”
While comfort is key, personality is another non-negotiable for some sock-wearers. Sarah Isenberg, a New York-based art historian, appreciates a good embellishment. “I'm convinced the right pair of socks can make or break an outfit,” she shares. “They add a fun pop of color, pattern, or texture that can enhance other elements of the look. I always consider my socks when planning an outfit and consider them an essential part of the equation.” For Isenberg, color, frills, and lace are top of mind. “I can't really talk about socks without mentioning the sock that may have started it all for me, the Los Angeles Apparel (neé American Apparel) ruffle sock that I first bought in middle school,” she says. Aesthetics aside, Isenberg notes, “I find that these details are more personal than other aspects of my outfits, mainly because I’m the only one who notices them. It encourages me to dress for myself rather than dressing for others. I’m not anti-outfit-repeating at all, but when I do outfit repeat, I like to find a small detail like socks or hair accessories to help it feel different from the last time I wore it.”
Similarly, Yoseline Cabrera, a wardrobe and prop stylist based in California, says, “Playing with unexpected details has refined my style over the years while still keeping it authentic to my taste. It’s the personal touch that makes it more 'you.'” She continues, “In my experience, accessories, such as socks, are very underestimated pieces. They can take an outfit from boring to inspirational. When I build an outfit, I scan it and ask myself: 'How can I make this more interesting or fun?'”
Courtesy of Sarah Isenberg
Courtesy of Paige Auber
For Brooklyn-based law school student Mya Gelber, socks as a style essential came about in a fun, albeit unexpected (and eventually ritualized), way. “It didn't strike me that socks could ever be an accessory of their own until I started venturing to the Men's Uniqlo ‘sock wall’ with my boyfriend,” she reflects. There, Gelber would assist him in picking out pairs of socks from the 50 different color options—the 4 for $14.90 deal. “For years, we did this ritual over and over again until he had bought every color, and I began buying them, too. It struck me that socks were integral to men's outfits, but the same did not go for women's clothing. There was no sock wall on the women's side of Uniqlo. Having always been drawn to men's fashion and silhouettes, I began integrating colorful and patterned socks in my wardrobe in the same way men have been doing for years.”
The age-old question of what constitutes a “stylish” thing ultimately remains subjective. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say… but that’s the trick: Sometimes you’re the only one who can see it for what it is (literally and figuratively).
I recognize that no one will ever see everything I wear. That’s where the personal in personal style comes into play: a lifelong reminder to embrace these minute details and dress for me first and foremost. In this season of my life, it's getting easier to celebrate the little luxuries hidden in plain sight but worn proudly and often. But if I get sidetracked from this practice or face any missteps on my continued sartorial journey, I'll look down at the edge of my red Le Bon Shoppe socks and thank this small accessory for its big lessons.
Courtesy of Yoseline Cabrera
Courtesy of Rachel Schwartzmann
A Sock Style Guide
Cloud Sock
For a stylish take on the cotton sock
Nothing says "design with heart" like Brother Vellies, founded by the inimitable Aurora James. Many of the brand's pieces have been on my wish list over the years, and I can now count the Cloud Socks among the items I’m coveting. Available in a range of colors, they'll surely put sock-appreciators on cloud nine.
Regalo Socks in Butter
For bringing the bows to your toes
On the note of trends, let’s not forget that bows and ribbons are still having their moment. If you’re not convinced, Sandy Liang’s Regalo Socks in Butter might be the perfect middle ground. These neutral socks are adorned with a ribbon effect that is understated but eye-catching (for those who look closely enough, that is)!
Cotton Kelly Green Sock
For a pop of color
Le Bon Shoppe was a favorite among those I spoke to for this story. “I love the simplicity of Le Bon Shoppe 'Her' Socks,” Auber noted. Gelber is also a fan and cites the Kelly Green colorway as one of her go-tos. I have a few pairs myself (mostly in warm and neutral colors), but I’m taking a page out of Gelber’s book by going for a complementary green next. It’s the perfect hue for sprucing up a sneaker or frolicking in a pair of flats.
Cozy Cashmere Socks
For peak cozy
I can always count on Catbird for the perfect blend of casual and chic. For those of us still not quite ready to let go of winter textures, the brand’s Cozy Cashmere Socks provide the perfect opportunity to continue indulging in core seasonal style, whether lounging at home or bundled up on the go.
Bluebell Socks
For your inner child
There is a nostalgic element to sock-styling that resurfaces in the details: think holiday ruffles, uniform-like knee-highs, and, of course, a nod to flowers and other childhood motifs. Bode’s Bluebell Socks cater to this idea—as the brand writes on its website, “These socks are inspired by a pair of children's socks from the 1930s-1940s.” Talk about a timeless luxury.
Les Chaussettes Pablo Vertical Stripe Sock
For earning your stripes
Stripes are a mainstay in my wardrobe, though I’ve never thought about leaning into them in my accessories, let alone via socks. Jacquemus’s vertical stripe socks are the perfect place to dip my toe (pun somewhat intended). Not to mention, the colorways are great for spring.
Lurex Jacquard Rosebud Socks
For springing forward
If you don't have access to a garden but are dreaming of springtime foliage, Simone Rocha's Lurex Jacquard Rosebud Socks are the next best thing. With gorgeous floral patterning—available in silver or black—these socks are just the thing to elevate your look as we gaze ahead to warmer days.
Flower Burst Black Socks
For neutrals all year round
If pastels aren't your thing, here's a more subdued way to embrace pre-spring emblems: Collina Strada's Flower Burst Black socks. These organic cotton socks boast a "hand-painted design with swatches and bursting flowers," adding intrigue to any neutral look.
Brown Color-Block Cotton Socks
For color-blocking
When in doubt, color-blocking is a surefire way to amplify simple pieces. The same can be said for socks. Marni makes a compelling case with chic colorways such as Dahlia/Purple, Pale Sky, and Dust Apricot (my personal favorite)—a palette for anyone and any time.
Sock Rug Multico
For artful details
Thanks to Bonne Maison, the art of dressing just got more fun. Since 2012, the French sock brand has created entire worlds out of socks with intricate collections based on color palettes, patterns, and other motifs. Their socks cater to various sensibilities, but if you don't know where to start, try their Sock Rug Multico.
Pointelle Knee High
For understated romance
Nothing says romance like a hint of ruffle—especially in the case of spring dressing. While recently perusing DÔEN's site, I came across COLLÉGIEN's Pointelle Knee High and wondered if I needed to add some length variation to my growing sock arsenal. These would be the ones!
Darner Solid Black Mesh Socks
For an unexpected texture
As someone who prizes texture in my wardrobe, I've become discerning about the materials that suit me best. I've been intrigued by mesh, and what better place to start than with a tiny hint of it? Darner's Solid Black Mesh socks are neutral enough to go with anything while adding an unexpected material.
Custom Valentine's Socks
For your wearing your heart on your (ankle’s) sleeve
I’ve always believed that true style is in the details. Lingua Franca’s Custom Valentine’s Sock presents the perfect opportunity to wear your heart (and their initials) on your ankle’s sleeve long past the holiday. You can also go the route of self-love and choose your own initials instead. Talk about personal style.