Socks are perhaps the most sought-after item in a man's wardrobe, which is used every day for wear and tear. Therefore, socks sell out the fastest, and due to such demand, manufacturers offer all kinds of models that differ in design and production materials. Men's colored socks deserve special attention, as this is a new fashion trend of the current season.
Stylists note that only connoisseurs of the classic style of clothing should wear socks in dark, strict shades. For an urban grunge and casual style, a sports or youth style of clothing, colored men's socks of various colors can be a bright addition. And if previously they were considered a purely feminine item of clothing, today fashionistas and fashionistas can safely choose bright options for socks.
Colored socks
Men's colored, plain socks are a new trend, and black socks are an outdated tribute to fashion that has long since sunk into oblivion. Stylists today advise all men, regardless of age and clothing style, to diversify their sock rack with different colors and patterns. Moreover, multi-colored men's socks can be plain or with a pattern; it is important to correctly combine them with shoes and the image as a whole.
With pattern
If we consider sock models with all kinds of patterns, a man definitely needs to know the subtleties of what to wear with colored men’s socks of this format. The classic version of the pattern is small or large peas, which will add novelty and modernity to a man’s image. Also in fashion today is such a print as a classic pattern; all that remains is to correctly combine it with the overall style of clothing.
Striped socks are also in fashion today; it is only important that other wardrobe items are not decorated with the same print. An exception may be a tie, but it is desirable that its stripes be of a different size and direction. The latest collections from brand manufacturers include socks with a camouflage pattern for lovers of military and grunge styles.
Plain
For the winter and autumn seasons, it is better to choose muted, calm colors for monochromatic socks, and for spring and summer, bright, variegated colors are suitable. It is only important that a few rules for wearing colored socks are followed, for example:
- socks should be thick, not see-through;
- they should not slide down, forming folds;
- socks in tandem with classic shoes should cover the ankles;
- It is forbidden to wear colored socks in tandem with patent leather shoes;
- plain colored socks must be lighter than the shoes themselves.
Expert opinion
Helen Goldman
Male stylist-image maker
Clothing is a kind of message for society, conveying the mood, character and lifestyle of a man. According to the rules of etiquette, the shade of socks should be one darker than the trousers, so the general style of a man’s clothing decides a lot.
Plain socks can also be combined with sweaters or turtlenecks, for example, a red jumper and socks of the same shade. Today, the most popular bright and plain socks are green, blue, red, purple, and brown. For summer, stylists advise trying on white, yellow, light green and blue socks that highlight this season.
When can I print on socks?
Black long socks with a vertically centered pattern on the outside are always permissible. Especially in combination with shoes of the same shade. As a result, from a distance you will look as if you were wearing ankle boots with decorated painting.
Another win-win option: black nylon with polka dots. Such hosiery is worn even with stiletto heels. They will definitely look wonderful with patent leather oxfords, desert shoes and loafers. Naturally, provided you have a thin ankle. Fragile girls are even allowed to wear not just nylon socks with polka dots, but also ones with frills .
Important! Frill on socks is a way to harmoniously play up the transition from rough shoes to feminine clothes.
Instead of nylon, you can turn to dense products. Monochromatic models with small repeating patterns look interesting. For example, scattered flowers located at a distance from each other. With this item, wear a light dress with frills or a floral print and chunky boots.
Important! Stripes and thematic patterns - for example, winter or ethnic - require some kind of response in outerwear or sweaters.
Combine colored socks
Three classic socks colors that can be combined with any clothes and shoes are black, gray and brown. In the classic version, according to the rules of etiquette, the color of the socks should match the color of the shoes and trousers. Today, when choosing colored socks, stylists advise deviating from this canon, combining them in a slightly different order. Combination techniques can be distinguished into two groups – with clothes and with shoes.
With clothes
The most difficult thing is to choose colored socks with a print to match your clothes, for example, striped socks for men. Stylists advise that the pattern on socks should be discreet, and better match the print on a tie or trousers. If they are striped socks, the stripe may be on the man's tie or pants, but in a different direction and a different thickness. Checkered or polka dot socks can be worn with a tie in this print, but preferably the same size.
If we consider plain colored socks, their color can be repeated with a shade of a sweater, shirt, turtleneck or vest. In the event that the color of the socks will be matched to the color of the trousers, it is worth following the golden rule - the shade of the socks should be a tone deeper and darker than the shade of the pants in the man’s image. If a man has doubts about such a bright image, you can choose an outfit in soothing colors, leaving only the socks as the main color accent.
With shoes
If the question about clothes, what to wear with colored socks, offers several solutions and options, then matching the color of socks to the color of shoes is much simpler. For classic-style shoes, be it oxfords or simple shoes, you need to choose plain socks or, in extreme cases, with a discreet print. Under casual stylish shoes, such as derbies, sneakers, and top-siders, you can try on bright socks with patterns and eye-catching prints.
When should men stop wearing socks?
A stylish man's look must also follow his own shoe rules. And their knowledge is very necessary, especially in the summer.
So, 10 men's shoes that are recommended to be worn without socks:
- flip-flops and flip-flops - they should be worn under shorts and exclusively on the beach, and there, you see, socks will look completely inappropriate;
- sandals that completely open your legs are also more suitable for a beach style and are not usually worn with city looks. In any case, the addition of these shoes should be the appearance of neat legs (ideally with a well-groomed men's pedicure);
- moccasins are also summer shoes, but in hot weather they can complement office sets. Socks are only allowed under trousers that completely conceal them. The shorts option remains under a strict no-socks policy;
- topsiders - comfortable models, invented as a marine analogue of moccasins, look ideal under shorts or rolled-up trousers, where the presence of socks is not implied;
- espadrilles , originally designed to provide maximum comfort to the legs in the summer heat and made of textiles, do not go with socks. These breathable summer shoes look good in summer outfits with breeches, shorts, jeans, linen trousers or chinos;
- loafers - some deviations from the general rules are allowed: when choosing a formal suit, socks become a mandatory part of the wardrobe, but in the case of sleepers, they are not allowed;
- Derby , as a variation of the more formal Oxford, can be worn with or without socks, depending on the style of the look;
- Low-top sneakers differ from professional sports models in that they can become part of an everyday look. They can be combined with short socks or invisible socks (not protruding beyond the edges of the shoes), and also look quite harmonious without socks;
- sneakers - for training models, socks are required for comfort, and for everyday looks, different combination options are acceptable: for sports looks - with high socks, and for walking - with invisible socks;
- Oxfords and monks belong to the formal style, so they necessarily imply the presence of socks. Another question is that in different cases this can be played up in different ways - for office sets, socks to match shoes or clothes are suitable, and for parties you can choose bright colors for accent inserts.
Should you wear colored socks with a classic suit?
You can wear brightly colored socks under a classic suit only if the man does not wear patent leather shoes. Socks must be the same color, thick, not see-through, prints are allowed only in a minimum quantity and size.
Do you wear colored socks with a classic suit?
Not really
Today, hardly anyone would condemn a man who wears colored socks in a corporate environment. It is desirable that these are cold and calm tones; they can be the main accent or a refreshing note in a man’s image.
For reference! To understand how advisable it is to wear colored socks under a formal suit, just look at the looks of such famous men as Will Smith, Vladimir Posner, Daniel Radcliffe, Ivan Urgant and Zac Efron. These media personalities often appear on screens in stylish outfits, in which colored socks are one of the accents.
Branded colored socks
It is better to choose bright men's socks from trusted manufacturers, since a cheap, low-quality item of clothing can significantly distort a man's overall image. And if ordinary black socks can be bought without fear in any supermarket, then for bright, stylish models it is better to go to a specialized store. Initially, this fashion came from Italy, so this country offers high-quality and stylish socks in all colors and prints.
The best brands from Italy are Calzedonia and Gallo; they have long been leaders in terms of quality and style. Close on their heels are the Swedish brand Happy Socks, as well as the American brand Soxfords. Today, popular men's clothing manufacturers Zara Man, H&M, Mango have also begun to produce collections of bright men's socks. And men's multi-colored socks made in Russia are offered by Soxshop, Baboo and Zaporozhets Heritage.
