Socks seem to be everywhere right now, even on the red carpet. But is it really possible to wear them as an adult to work and other public situations without looking like a schoolgirl? — Yael, Bronx, New York
Socks are, as far as I’m concerned, one of the most underrated and delightful accessories out there. Although socks have long held a place of honor in menswear as one of the few acceptable ways to express personality, they have played a less important role for women.
This may be because for decades socks were associated with junior and middle school uniforms. Being able to ditch them in favor of socks (or socks) was therefore a sign of coming of age, like going from being a child to becoming a full sexual being and putting your feet out: You’ve graduated beyond the sock! So socks never got the fashion they deserved. But that may be changing.
There have always been a few sock champions among fashion’s glitterati, most notably Miuccia Prada, who, at 74, has made something of a signature wearing short socks with her pumps. Other supporters include Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore sheer black stockings with her black heels and black trousers at the Armani couture show last week. Billie Eilish, who wore pink ankle socks with Mary Janes and Willy Chavarria, to the Golden Globes in January. and SZA, who wore lacy white pumps with her pointed black heels to the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards late last year.
To join their ranks, you just need to get over the psychological hump of associating socks with the weakness of unformed youth and your own past, and see them for what they are: comfortable, practical and useful in many ways to make a dressing. Then wear them with that in mind.
Socks can add a pop of color, or a subtle touch of grace, to an outfit. They can change a silhouette, elongating the leg if worn in the same color as a shoe and effectively transforming your footwear into ankle boots. (There’s a reason designers invented sock boots.) Or, if worn in a contrasting color, they draw attention to the shoe, like a punctuation mark. They also prevent blisters!
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that socks can be a smart form of self-care, a quick, relatively affordable way to feel good.
Of course, not all socks are created equal. Socks come in cashmere, cotton, silk, tulle and lame. Crew socks conjure up different emotional and historical associations than, say, frilly ankle socks or sheer black socks with matte stripes on top, which have a garter belt vibe and are a bit kinky.
White socks with loafers will forever be associated with Michael Jackson, who made the look a signature. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear them that way. Just understand the implications. The same goes for crimson knee socks, which are pretty much shorthand for papal cardinals. (If you want to know where they get their socks, they are Gammarelliin Rome.)
As for knee socks and pleated skirts, that’s when you have the schoolgirl problem. It’s possible to wear the combo with irony, but it may take more effort than it’s worth to communicate that attitude to the judging world.
And it continues. Over the knee socks do not serve the same purposes as short socks. Extra thick socks send a hiking/outdoor rec message.
Although fashion has, unsurprisingly, gotten in on the action with socks – Chanel sells a small white pair for $375. Gucci has logo versions for $220 — there are plenty of more affordable and inventive options. Of course even personalizes socks — not only with initials, but short texts as well.
Whatever type of socks you choose, just make sure they don’t have holes. This kind of destroys the phenomenon of adulthood.
Your style questions, answered
Each week on Open Thread, Vanessa will answer a reader’s fashion question, which you can send her anytime via e-mail the Twitter. The questions are edited and condensed.