Socks: The Perfect Fashion Accessory

There are so many fashion trends that come in and out of season every year, I almost don’t know which way to turn my head! One of my favourite trends that has proven to have some serious lasting power are socks! Yes, socks! Socks are the trend that, over a year ago, hit the runways and I haven’t been able to kick it ever since. I am stocked in the socks department!

The reason I love the sock trend is that there are so many feminine and stylish ways to pair them. As soon as I add the detail to any outfit, I immediately feel so fashion-forward. A pop of colour here, bold pattern there, et voilà!  Obviously, as a Canadian I wear socks throughout the winter. I have my thermal pair, my wool pair, my at-home cozy pair. I was never into the socks with sandals thing no matter how cold a summer night would get, but then these delicate statement socks came out and I  just fell in love.

Here are some of my favourite ways to style socks with pumps, sandals, and boots.

how-to-style-socks
how-to-style-socks

These blue suede pumps already have a ton of detail. But I knew once I slipped them on that they could handle a little something extra. I added a fringe sock that had a matching blue band at the top. The colourful sock worked so well with the neon green band across the shoe, and I pulled the socks up high enough that they actually elongated my leg. I think the playfulness of the pairing is what made this potentially evening look versatile enough for day glam.

how-to-style-socks
how-to-style-socks

Hello glitter! I love this look! The bold statement sandal worked perfectly on its own, but the truth is, the moment I added the navy glitter sock, the outfit elevated to runway ready. A touch of personal fashion sense goes a long way in transforming an ordinary outfit into a stylist’s dream! The pant fell right above the ankle, so every time I took a step, the sock was revealed… so sexy!

how-to-style-socks

Who said over-the-knee socks were for school girls? I’m obsessed with sweater dresses, combat boots, and a nice high sock pulled up over the knee. So simple, and honestly, such a classic look. I could’ve paired a striped or polka-dot sock here also, but I went for a clean, sheen black to keep things slightly edgy.

how-to-style-socks
how-to-style-socks

It’s funny to think that adding more clothes and accessories can actually have a more revealing effect. This mesh sock was another layer to my look, but I think it made it one notch sexier, am I right? Fishnets tend to have that effect. Long fringe dress, black pump, and the perfect little sock. One of my favourite looks.

how-to-style-socks
how-to-style-socks

Fishnet or mesh stockings with running shoes has been a go-to for me, especially in the colder seasons. I love wearing my jeans right above my ankle exposing just the right amount skin to show off some colour or texture. By pairing a black fishnet sock to my street look, I add a touch of femininity.

how-to-style-socks
how-to-style-socks

One can never have too much glitter! Sometimes it’s hard to know how to pair a sock with a sandal. My go-to is tone-on-tone; the pinks just play perfectly off each other. The outfit had so many textures, but each worked well in balance with the next: satin shoe with the textured sock, the sequin-trimmed jean and the wool jacket, and the fur scarf with the leather purse. Little touches of pink and sparkle everywhere!

I wore most of these looks during Paris and NYC Fashion Week. I always like to step up my game when I’m around designers and fashion lovers. I also feel so inspired to push my boundaries and get out of my comfort zone, and the best part is, that once I introduced socks with shoes into my wardrobe, I truly felt like it was an extra opportunity to add a touch of me in every look; playful, fearless, and bold!

Photography by Patricia Brochu