You mastered the act of putting on socks at a young age, but layering them with fall and winter outfits is more elusive.
Socks are as practical as they are stylish. The original purpose of the garment is to protect the feet from blisters, fungus and cold temperatures. And studies show that having warm feet helps you sleep better because it keeps heat from escaping through the toes.
Tights and socks are a key fashion accessory of the moment. And what better time to wear them than during the chilly fall and winter months? This year the trends include sheer socks, lacy socks, ruffled socks, glitter socks, fishnet socks, velvet socks and embellished socks.
1. Socks over Tights
Layering socks over tights or leggings creates texture that looks flattering when worn with boots. Remember to wear ankle boots with ankle socks and thigh highs with over the knee boots so that you can still see them peaking out– or tall socks with booties.
ModCloth A Pinch of Passion Tights ($12.99, 2 for $20) + MUK LUKS® Women’s Cable Knit Over the Knee Socks in Blush ($12.99)
Free People Go Go Velvet Sock in Crushed Royal ($14, 3 for $30) + H&M Patterned Leggings ($17.99)
2. Ripped Jeans over Fishnets
Ripped jeans — and by that we mean almost completely destroyed — add a frame to the clinginess of tights. Fishnet ankle socks also work well with frayed denim, and can be worn with almost any type of shoe from athletic to platform pumps and boots.
ASOS Oversized Fishnet Tights in Red ($9.50)
Free People Diamante Crew Sock ($18)
3. With Garter Belts
A fashion garter holds up thigh high socks even after the elastic has worn out. This look adds another level to the oversized top and thigh high boots outfit type discussed previously.
Mad Elephant Thigh Leg Garters with Adjustable Straps ($39)
Forever 21 Rhinestone Garter Set ($29.90)
4. Socks with Heels
Socks with heels gives you the opportunity to wear open toed or ankle exposing shoes during cold weather months. Here the contrast of textured, red socks with metallic pumps feels very festive.
GUESS Bevalee Lucite Block Heels (On sale for $35) + Topshop Strip Glitter Ankle Socks ($6)
American Eagle Outfitters Textured Dot Crew Socks in Red ($8.95) + Steve Madden Daisie Pointy-Toe Pump in Rose Gold ($89.95)
5. Direct Messages
When socks have a hidden message poking out of your shoes beneath ankle jeans, it gives a whole new meaning to the word following. Don’t be too insulting or they might follow for the wrong reasons.
White Market USA “Fuck Off” Ankle Socks ($9)
Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too Unisex Tube Socks ($4.99)
6. Winter Holiday Socks
During the month of December themed socks and ugly Christmas sweaters are fair game. Brighten up that holiday party dress by accessorizing with bold, colorful socks and matchings shoes.
Talbots Erica Back-Bow Suede Pump ($159) + Candy Cane Thigh Highs ($7.95)
Charter Club Women’s Cardinal and Snowflake Socks ($4.99) + Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sequin High Top Sneaker ($70)
There are so many ways to accessorize with socks during the most wonderful time of the year. Dress in layers with tights and socks so that your outfit has texture, and also your feet stay warm.
Cover image: Tictail Velvet Socks in Aqua ($37) + Fashion blogger Beatric Gutu (a.k.a. The Fashion Cuisine) in layered tights and an oversized sweater.