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A few days ago, I was out gallivanting around my local Target, as you do, with a few friends when we stumbled across a promo photo that had us all in disagreement. The promo photo in question showed a girl jumping joyfully, wearing socks … with heels. I personally loved her sparkly platforms and pearl topped socks. My friend, on the other hand, wasn’t so receptive. After trying, and failing to make her see, I moved on, accepting her (wrong) opinion.
Socks with heels is one of those trends that pops up in street style, but the rest of the world tends to ignore it. Apparently it looks ‘weird.’ Fashion insiders seem to have a knack for getting away with trends the rest of us can’t. While some street style warrants a hard pass from me, other, seemingly tricky trends deserve a chance. But wearing socks with anything other than boots or sneaker seems like a sartorial choice only your dad would make (sorry, Dad). It’s likely a decision made purely out of practicality, not out of style.
But if it’s a totally weird trend, why has it made an appearance for the past year? I don’t think it is, and I’m going to make my case in favor of wearing socks with heels.
A Case for Wearing Socks With Your Heels
I have 3 main points as to why I think wearing socks with heels is a good idea.
- It is winter: Okay, it’s technically not winter. It’s fall, but it snowed today. And it snowed because it’s cold outside. Sometimes I want to wear my favorite heels in the cooler months, but my feet get cold. Enter the socks.
- Beauty is pain: Ladies, we’ve all been taught this, and footwear has proven it. Sometimes your favorite shoes squeeze and rub and don’t agree with your feet, but you continue to wear them. Because they’re fabulous. Pairing them with an equally fabulous pair of socks will lessen the pain and discomfort suffered at the hands of any pair of shoes.
- I don’t have to get a pedicure: This one is pretty simple.
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Okay … Now That I’ve Convinced You …
You didn’t think I was going to leave you without some tips for integrating the trend into your style routine, did you?
Get Fancy
When in doubt, a thinner, dressier sock is easiest way to make this trend work. Embellished or glittery options almost feel party worthy, making them a great fit for your heels.
It’s An Accessory, After All
An easy way to incorporate this quirky trend is to treat it like you would any other accessory. It can be quirky and fun, but shouldn’t be toootally random. Add a pop of color to your look with a belt, bag, or lipstick shade at match the socks to that. Another easy way to incorporate a pop of color would be to keep your outfit monochromatic and make the pop of color be exclusively in the socks.
Sex It Up…
…with fishnets! Pairing it with a less sultry piece, like a shirt dress, creates less of a showgirl look and more of a cool girl look. Not that show girls aren’t cool. You do you. On the other hand, a netted sock can make a cropped look less choppy.
Match Them To Your Shoes
Test drive the trend by matching your socks to the shoes you’re wearing. Instead of creating a focal point, the eye will gloss right over the different elements on your feet.
Play a Little Peek-A-Boo
And if you really need to take your time to ease into the trend, lean into it by wearing it with an ankle boot. A little sliver of sock peeking out the top of your boot will add a little something extra to your outfit.
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