Milan Fall 2023 Fashion Week Street Style Trend: Fashion Socks

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Twice a year, the style set gathers in Milan to witness gorgeous collections from top Italian labels like Prada, Gucci, and Versace. Year after year, Milan fashion week’s street style attracts almost the same buzz as the runways, thanks to the perfectly dressed attendees. Fashion lovers can always count on street style tastemakers to display this season’s must-have pieces before they go mainstream, which is exactly what happened over the past few days outside the fall/winter 2023 shows. Here’s the 411: the sock game was strong.

Yes, socks can sometimes be considered more of an after thought when putting together an ensemble, but as the street elite proved, socks of all styles and materials can be be the ultimate outfit makers. For example, some show attendees took daring looks to the next level with strategically-chosen socks, wearing bodysuits with ribbed over-the-knee socks and platform heels. Others opted for classic dress socks to marry the accessory with other key trends of the season, donning cotton socks with unexpected denim separates and micro mini skirts over bike shorts. On the other hand, digital creators like Nataly Osmann kept it simple with ankle socks and Prada slingbacks to highlight the trend functionally and fashionably. We even spotted slouchy mid-calf iterations, proving that there’s a whole variety of socks on the market to amp up any look.

Left to right: A guest at Milan Fashion Week Fall 2023 (Photo by Vanni Bassetti/WWD via Getty Images); Nataly Osmann outside Prada, during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images); A guest outside Act N1 during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images); A guest outside the MSGM show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images); A guest outside Fendi, during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).

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While we saw a bountiful supply of socks on display in Milan, the sock trend isn’t that shocking. Like the ’80s resurgence we’re seeing in dresses and other ready-to-wear garments, socks were also a key trend piece during the decade of decadence. Since then, style stars like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber have replicated those iconic ’80s style moments with modern twists. Legs have become a focus point for stylish outfits as oversized blazers sans pants became fashionable, and the right pair of socks instantly adds an extra element of interest for the eyes. While we’re used to playing with different layering equations above the waist, it’s only natural that the lower half of our outfits get the same attention to detail.

Left to right: A guest outside Prada, during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images); A guest outside Fendi, during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).

CREDIT: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

You can fully lean into the “geek chic” look and pair classic knee-high wool socks with platform boots and a midi skirt, or you can play it safe and style above-the-ankle cashmere socks with loafers and a blazer dress. Whichever sock direction you take for winter and spring outfits this year, it’s an easy way to play up your personal style without breaking the bank.

If you want to experiment with this fashionable sock trend, we rounded up some great sock options for the season ahead.