In 2019, I had the pleasure of discovering Comme Si, a sock brand that highlighted how underutilized the real estate around my ankles had become. Socks were functional, not luxurious, and definitely not intended to be shown off. Comme Si changed that for me. Hosiery—socks, tights, and stockings— a powerful tool in the style wardrobe.
“I launched Comme Si because I wanted people to approach socks as a luxury accessory and a more considered part of your wardrobe,” says founder Jenni Lee. “It’s a small item, but it can really be the glue to pull an outfit together.”
This past New York Fashion Week, I sat next to Imani Randolph, a model and brand consultant, at the Sandy Liang show. She wore a black dress, carried a pink chartreuse bow bag, and on her legs, displayed a pair of pale blue tights styled with black Mary Janes. Randolph wasn’t the only showgoer that week who made good use of their hosiery choices (I wore both black tights and red Comme Si socks on the very first day of NYFW), but her styling choice was one of my favorites. The tights pulled their weight in transforming the look in a simple yet playful manner.
“There was a period of time where I was having a really hard time getting dressed—every piece felt like a statement. I realized I needed to find good, black basics: great t-shirts, collared shirts and pants, simple black dresses, and pleated skirts. Once I developed that foundation, it became clear that shoes and accessories are where I like to have my fun,” Randolph explains. “When I planned to wear a simple black knee-length dress and black mary janes to the Sandy Liang runway show, it was the perfect neutral canvas for my powdery blue tights and vivid chartreuse bag to have a moment to mingle.”
For the minimalist, as explained by Randolph, a pair of colorful tights is a way to introduce something bold to break up an otherwise streamlined look. When adding colors or prints by way of something more substantial, say a jacket or a pair of pants, it may feel overwhelming for the pared-down dresser. A lace sock or pair of red stockings mark a baby step in a bolder direction. Lee also notes that neutral socks can be just as impactful in finishing a classic look.
But, for those who tend to gravitate toward more unusual ensembles full of funky textures and clashing prints, the right pair of socks or tights can be the thing that pulls the entire look together. A saving grace to cut through some wacky style choices. “If I feel like my outfit is lacking something, I’ll grab some good socks in hopes that they are the missing puzzle piece,” says Molly Blutstein, who on Instagram goes by the handle @accidentalinfluencer. “They are a great way to add some color, texture, and dimension to an outfit.”
Michelle Li, a stylist and writer, first learned the power of hosiery eight years ago while assisting stylists on set in college. “I would watch the stylists meticulously pick through their socks based on thickness, height, color differences. That’s when I understood how crucial a role they could play in building an outfit,” she says. “I started experimenting with really bright and printed tights first as a way to add more color, and because they were so affordable compared to buying clothing.”
Li says she looks to them as a way to add texture and elevate a look. “I've been really into fuzzy socks. I love pairing that fluffy texture with a finer knit skirt and my textured suede Nike Cortez. I also love the looks I've created with my lace tights!”
Blutstein points out that certain shoes, specifically loafers and kitten heels, are not only more comfortable but more versatile when you add socks or tights into the mix. Having fallen victim to wearing leather shoes and bare feet a few too many times, I can vouch for the practical value that a pair of socks, even thin, sheer ones, can add to ensure I can make it through the day.
“It may sound weird, but I feel like I started adding socks and tights more as an accessory because I thought my legs looked weird when they were completely bare in certain styles of shoes paired with certain skirts or shorts,” says Blutstein. “I suppose [I started wearing them] out of necessity, but then they became more of an accessory when I realized just how much I loved playing around with the way they transform the style of an outfit.”
The power of a pair of socks or tights isn’t a new concept, “the most classic example is a short white sock paired with a leather loafer. It never goes out of style—relevant every decade since the 1940s,” Lee points out. And yet seemingly, Instagram has also helped to usher in a new level of interest in socks and tights.
In the quest of outfit-repeating, swapping in different hosiery is a budget-friendly way to be more nimble with the items already in your closet. Influencers like Blutstein and Li have taken note. Trading in a red sock, lace tights, or fishnets can transform something simple into a look of the moment. Utilizing more practical iterations, like wool socks or fleece heat-tech tights from Uniqlo, can also make pieces usually reserved for summertime into items that can be worn year round.
For those who are more inclined to think of socks or tights as purely something practical, Blutstein has a suggestion. “Play around with them and think of them as an easy added styling element; they might be the missing piece to a really great outfit.”
