Hi! Today’s post is a little different (and has been a long time coming!)… is taking over today to talk to us about socks!
A quick intro, just in case. Carly is my special projects manager. She does all sorts of things, from setting up those pretty shopping grids on the blog to assisting in sourcing and planning events in my home. She is one of the most creative people I know. She’s also 26 and, frankly, much cooler than me. And a little plug: she’s in the process of launching her own Substack ; you should absolutely follow!
Carly and I have had a lot of internal chatter about socks (she finally got me to toss my no-shows last week!). I want to stress that (just like skinny jeans) this is optional advice. If you feel good about your no-shows, carry on! Personally, I like to be (sometimes!) influenced by the younger people in my life. You’ll probably never see me in the cropped tops and super baggy jeans she pulls off so effortlessly; I pick and choose! Socks are something I’m into!
PS - this got long; you may want to click through to the Substack app!
Carly, take it away!
Accessorizing is an art form, but it’s the finishing touches that make the difference between blending in and standing out. I am chronically online, and I've noticed a surge in content focusing on the nuances of wearing vs. styling our clothes. At first I brushed this off as a TikTok trend; I was mistaken! Like they say, the devil is in the details. Whether it's the artful cuff of your jeans or the choice between gold and silver jewelry, those little touches can make or break an ensemble. And here’s the kicker: socks. Yep, socks. The unsung ensemble saviors.
Anyone can master the art of sock styling as long as they are willing to embrace experimentation and explore the style that suits them.
It took me a bit to grow comfortable with making slightly riskier fashion choices—especially here in Charleston. I’ve discovered that socks can truly be the key to some standout getups. While my wardrobe tends toward neutrals, it’s all about how I style and accessorize those key pieces to inject a little more of me!
Today, I’m going to share all of the bits and bobs that I’ve come to learn through research and observations of this often-overlooked hero of fashion!
Tip 1: Bid Farewell to No-Shows
Exposing your ankles? Let’s be honest: no-show socks are best left in the past. Exposed ankles had its moment, but now it's time to elevate your sock game. If you’re still clinging to no-shows, consider this your cue to move on. Try a crew (or quarter!) sock to really showcase your style. Your ankles will thank you!
Tip 2: Add a Pop of Color
While not everyone will immediately notice the subtlety of a bold sock color, this is where your personal style truly comes into play. If you gravitate toward neutrals but crave individuality, a vibrant sock color can change the game. This especially stands true for those of you (I see you) who have the intention of “switching it up” but can’t seem to stray away from a classic white-tee-vintage-jeans combo.
Whether your pants hit just above the ankle or graze the ground, a pair of colorful socks can elevate a classic look from mundane to memorable. Instead of settling for the same old ensemble, elevate your style game by pairing your classic black leather loafers with a pair of bold socks.
Tip 3: Juxtapose Your Sock and Shoe Combo
Embrace the unexpected! When it comes to pairing socks with shoes, your options are limitless. It's a given to wear socks with sneakers, but why not push the boundaries and experiment with ballet flats, strappy sandals, or mules? Over the past year, I’ve been mixing things up as an ode to a more experimental personal style, and it finally feels like it’s starting to pay off. Even in Charleston’s year-round warm weather (it’s almost always above a balmy 75 degrees), I love adding socks to my outfits with kitten heels or ballet flats. It adds an air of school-girl chic and a touch of femininity! Lean into the look with striped, sheer, lacy, or lurex socks!
Tip 4: Don’t overthink it!
When in doubt, go with what you know! This sock consultation was born out of a case of overthinking. If you caught Grace’s recent blog post on styling fall’s must-have shoes, you’ll know she agonized over choosing the right sock color for a more classic styling of a sportier shoe. Instead of going for a red sock with a red shoe for a monochrome look, I suggested she try ivory. The ivory added a bit of neutrality that tied in nicely with the striped tee while still offering a different tone to keep the look from feeling too stark.
It’s funny how we can overlook a simple white or black sock! Trust your instincts. Sometimes, sticking to the basics is the most stylish choice. Not every outfit needs to be your most creative. I constantly remind myself of this when I’m feeling humdrum about what I’m wearing for the day.
Below, I’m sharing a shoppable list of socks that I reach for when following the protocols above. Many of these pieces I either own or have seen styled by my favorite influencers.
clockwise from top left: Le Bon Shoppe (Cobalt), Baggu (Beige Mix), Le Bon Shoppe (Cashmere Socks), Colorful Standard (Polar Blue), Colorful Standard (Scarlet Red), Le Bon Shoppe (Boyfriend Sock), Jacquemus (Green Stripe), Free People (Sheer Trouser Socks)
A few of my other favorites, not pictured above:
Colorful Standard (Soft Yellow)
Target (Assorted Crew Socks - the CLASSIC!)
Yuhan Wang (Floral Lace Socks)
This look is intimidating, even for me. While it may not feel the most attainable (or wearable) for those of us who spend most of our days in casual settings, I see this as inspiration for my next night out.
As we approach cooler weather, I love the idea of transforming this outfit into something a bit more me. I’m thinking of a black cardigan (cropped and with some volume in the sleeves for dimension), a heather gray mini skirt, my favorite sheer trouser socks, and a trusty pair of black slingbacks (kitten heels preferred). Even if a more toned down look inspired by Izzi’s feels outside of your comfort zone, I challenge you to try it! You won’t learn more about your style preferences until you do.
In the realm of Gen Z fashion, it's hard to find anyone who doesn't swoon over ’s Substack, one of my favorites. What I appreciate most about Mya is how her entire wardrobe is attainable and inclusive. While I often feel the urge to splurge when I see a new top or skirt worn by another influencer, what I really seek is inspiration for styling my existing clothes in fresh ways.
This look is easily achievable with almost any basic you have in your closet. Just layer your favorite sweater (be it a crewneck or a cardigan), slip into your most flattering white or off-white jeans, add a pair of statement socks (choose your preferred pop of color or pattern), and finish with a black shoe of your choice—be it a loafer, flat…, or even a sleek sneaker.
Similar styling tips are applicable to this look by Reese Blutstein. Her Instagram bio, "making the most out of the clothes that I have," is a testament to her creativity and commitment to recycling her wardrobe season after season!
Reese has been known to make some subtle but clever tweaks to some of her most unforgettable ensembles—whether it's swapping out a pair of socks, shoes, or handbag. If midi skirts—or skirts in general—aren’t quite your vibe, consider replacing them with a sleeker gray trouser or classic faded denim. For a winter-inspired take on this ensemble, I envisioned a black polo sweatshirt paired with wide-leg pants. I would accent the outfit with vibrant red crew socks and, for an extra touch, slip into some Maison Margiela flats (or their classic black counterparts).
Inspiration is everywhere! Many of the outfits I've put together have come from scouring the internet day and night, drawing on creators who align with my evolving personal style. You might find that your closet becomes more enjoyable when you discover new ways to style yourself from head to toe!
I will leave you with a quote from one of my biggest style inspirations, Molly Blutstein. “When you are able to quiet the external noise and really honor your own style, it can be very rewarding.”
Final Notes from Grace:
This was so much fun to work on with Carly. She makes it look easy (and also introduces us to some fresh faces to follow). I don’t know that I can personally manage a crew sock fully pulled up to mid-calf. What does feel approachable is adding a pop of color and playing with quarter socks. I’ve gotten rid of my no-show socks, and I’m determined to pull off socks with skirts this season!
Carly shared her favorites, but I love these Bombas quarter socks (this is what I replaced my no-shows with!), these basic white quarter socks, this pretty pointelle pair, Colorful Standard (we are both obsessed with this brand thanks to and each have several pairs), this green pair, and these from Sezane. I love the idea of playing with a Lurex sock to add a feminine touch.
Lastly, two looks that are inspiring me!
This look seems so wearable and easy. The socks are the same color as the skirt, and the rest of the look is super neutral. Outfits like this require effort and styling, but they feel effortless. I want more of this in my own wardrobe.
I pinned this image of looking so cute. I love how a short skirt looks with socks. My natural inclination would be to wear an outfit like this with either dad sandals or ballet flats. I’m vowing to try socks and loafers next.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations: you’ve completed socks school. Should we have Carly write another post? If so, what about?
Great post! Thank you for schooling a lot of elder millennials. I love how you always frame your fashion advice with "you do you" as the ultimate guide. I can't get rid of my no-show's but I do have some quarter socks that I am enjoying playing around with!
As an 'elder millennial,' I am not ready to give up my no-shows with sneakers...BUT, I have started wearing fun, bright colored ones that are "almost no-show" with just a little poking out of the top. Baby steps?? :) With other shoes though, I am ALL IN for a fun pop of color like the cobalt ones Abby wears in the first pic -- Love that look! *adds bright blue trouser socks to wishlist*