Whether you work in a conservative office where there’s little room for sartorial expression or are on a budget and can’t really afford to show off your style in any other way, there are plenty of good reasons why statement-making socks might be a go-to for you. That said, it still requires some thoughtful consideration—there’s a fine line between looking like a power player and weird science teacher when it comes to that layer between your shoes and feet. Here, a few basic guidelines to follow when picking out your next pair.
Clash, but not obnoxiously.
Pick a color that goes back to some element of your outfit or has similar undertones (i.e. cool or warm) so that socks clash, but not annoyingly so. If your socks clash completely, let that be the only color that so it looks purposeful.
Pick a grown-up motif.
For the most part, things like beer mugs, guitars, and Christmas trees are off limits. Anything too gimmicky and you’ll look like you work at TGI Friday’s. When it comes to patterns, it never hurts to stick with classic dots or stripes.
Keep them in good shape.
If you’re going to be someone who wears look-at-me socks, you should also be someone who doesn’t wear them after the heel has worn through or your pinky toe is sticking out. A tiny hole in a pair of ordinary sweat socks is one thing; a gaping tear in a pair of dress socks is another.
Don’t let that be your only trick.
Don’t be the guy who refuses to take off his fashion socks, no matter how formal the dress code or sweltering the heat. Switch up your sock situation on a regular basis (we’re a fan of bare ankles) or be prepared to get socks as a gift for every holiday from now until eternity.
