How to Wear Socks With Sandals — the Right Way

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From platform slides to flip-flop heels, it seems no “fashion faux pas” is off-limits for becoming the next “it” trend. And now wearing socks with sandals — one of the most infamously undesirable pairings — is the latest to join the group.

First worn by the Romans between 250 and 420 A.D., the look has earned a key spot in today’s fashion zeitgeist. It first popped up practically everywhere on spring ’18 runways, while it’s gotten an even more recent revival thanks to Anna Sui (her collaboration with Teva was worn with floral socks for spring ’19). Naturally, celebrities and street-style stars have followed suit.

In fact, they’re living proof that although the trend can seem daunting, it can look effortlessly cool when done right. That’s why we’ve turned to said A-listers and style aficionados for inspiration and rounded up top tips for wearing all different types of socks with sandals. Just keep in mind the pairing offers more coverage than going barefoot, so you’ll want to take the weather into account when deciding which look is best. Read on to discover them all.

Sheer Socks With Sandals

Sheer socks offer elegant flair, so they’re best paired with dressier sandals like a suede platform heel or ladylike slide. A pair of socks that hits just below midcalf is great for complementing all types of leg shapes.

Tube Socks With Sandals

When reaching for tall tube socks, it’s best to opt for athletic slides or Birkenstocks. These styles are heavier and thus pair well with the fuller-coverage sock. In this case, skip the sweats and show off the look with a pair of tailored bermuda shorts, which will add an element of sophistication to your outfit.

Colorful Socks With Sandals

Brightly colored socks will truly pop with a neutral-colored sandal, such as one done in silver, white or brown. If you’re feeling daring, you can also try playing with colors that slightly clash, such as orange and red, for a fun twist.

Patterned Socks With Sandals

This look can be one of the hardest to pull off but is made easier with a simple trick. When choosing a graphic sock, match the pattern in the sock to a detail on the shoe (for example, the design on the cuff of the sock can be coordinated with the color of the sandal strap).

Neutral Socks With Sandals

For a truly streamlined look, opt for monochromatic socks and shoes in the same color. It’s a great way to keep the look low-profile, especially when paired with jeans and a tee.

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