When it comes to accessories, most women immediately think of jewelry, scarves, handbags, or maybe even hats. But we’ve gotten out of the habit of thinking about socks. Today we’re diving into how to style socks in ways that feel modern, intentional, and downright delightful…especially for us older women who grew up thinking patterned socks were just for little girls.
Quote of the day: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” John F. Kennedy
I know, I know…society has beaten it into us that we should be age-appropriate and serious. On top of that, the trend of the last 8-10 years was no-show socks.
Well, times they are a-changing.
My crew recently stepped out in a full display of playful, fashion-forward socks, and each look proves that short socks are more than a fleeting trend. They add warmth, personality, and especially interest.
Let’s walk through each outfit and talk about how to style socks so they feel grown-up, current, and fun.
Pro tip: If you are new to the Styling Socks idea, you can, of course, hide them under pants and jeans and only have them show when you sit down. But for this style showcase, we made sure to show off our socks to the nth degree.
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As we know, my mom is the queen of collecting owls. And because she had a pair of owl socks, she actually had fun with this look.
She paired her rust culottes (worn for summer weather in the past) and layered an ivory top to blend with the colors of the socks.
And then wore them with snakeskin flats.
Details:
-If this isn’t a classic owl outfit example, then I don’t know what is. My mom is showcasing owls almost everywhere. I counted 9…how about you?
-She has worn this crochet top over a leopard print top and by itself (where you can see how long it really is)
Valerie wasn’t too sure about this idea of styling socks. She had to rush out and buy a pair at Just Be Youtiful to join the crew.
Yet the sheer black polka dot socks are a hit, as she paired them with a black-and-white floral dress and a red jacket.
If the bold novelty socks feel too far out of your comfort zone, sheer patterned socks are the perfect middle ground. They’re breathable, pretty, and easy to style with skirts, cropped pants, or dresses.
Details:
-The black band of Valerie’s socks makes it look like her shoes have an ankle strap. But they don’t. She folded the band down closer to the shoe, and it works fabulously.
-We talked about whether her thrifted Prada purse was real or fake. We don’t know, and does it matter? It’s a fabulous color and shape, no matter what.
-I Love how Valerie threads her scarf through the shoulder straps of her jacket. You could attach your scarf in the same manner with a brooch.
Cathie wasn’t too sure about this prompt either, but I love how the feminine tulle skirt plays so well with the flower socks.
Between the shoes and socks, you get a bit of dichotomy with the more masculine houndstooth print and feminine flower socks. It’s such a beautiful pairing.
She kept the rest of the outfit simple with a white sweater and a black purse.
Details:
-All of us were gaga over Cathie’s shoes. They are the brand, Vivaia, and are knit so very comfy. They don’t have this exact pattern anymore, but they have some fabulous options.
-The truth is, Cathie did not love this idea of styling socks. She’s still in the “hide them” mindset and even brought booties to change into after our photos. But before she changed, she got loads of compliments on her outfit. So kudos to her for joining us.
-I love how Cathie layered the gold necklaces. If you have a bunch of delicate necklaces, this is an easy trick to do.
If you know me, you already know I’m the biggest sock fan in the group. I’ll happily wear bold, embroidered, illustrated, novelty, or unexpected socks with outfits. You’ve been seeing them in my Daily Outfit posts for the last year.
So for today’s look, I paired my favorite embroidered socks with chunky loafers and a layered dress-and-cardigan outfit.
I believe that socks add instant charm and dimension, especially when styled with a skirt or dress, where they become a focal point instead of a hidden layer.
Pro tip: Forget about lengthening the leg line…who cares if you look taller or thinner because that doesn’t make you a better person.
But making people smile…now that’s a superpower.
Details:
-First off, these socks are just dreamy. I’d buy them in every colorway if I didn’t have restraint. They are a bit thicker than my trouser socks or sheer socks, so they are perfect for my shoes that are a tad big.
-The brooch is functional in that I am holding the cardigan together above the button, so the cardigan vees out to create a cool silhouette. I also used it as my pop of color and carried the same brightness with my glasses, earrings, bracelet, purse, and the scarf on the purse.
-This is your sign to layer a skirt beneath your dress. My friend, Marsha, is a pro at this, and it never fails to make me want to try it. BTW, here is the skirt by itself.
I know some of you are thinking:
“Won’t I look childish?” “It’s not my style.” “I couldn’t pull it off.”
Who cares. Your style should evolve…if you’ve never tried it, how could it be your style? Of course you can.
We have to stop associating short, fun socks with our childhood wardrobes. The fashion world has moved on, and frankly, so should we. Today’s sock options are stylish, witty, elegant, artsy, and expressive. They are made for adults who enjoy fashion, creativity, and comfort.
Besides, there are so many good reasons to at least TRY them:
Fashion doesn’t come with age limits. It comes with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to play.
If you’re ready to experiment, here are a few easy guidelines:
A quirky sock with a sleek, modern outfit becomes cool like mixing high and low fashion.
Cropped pants, culottes, skirts, and dresses are your best friends, but start with baby steps if you aren’t sure by covering them with jeans and pants.
Choose patterns, textures, or colors that add a finishing touch.
Floral socks with menswear loafers? Yes.
Sheer socks with bold shoes? Absolutely.
Animal socks with neutrals? You betcha.
If they make you grin when you put them on, that’s your sign.
You can style socks at any age, and you can do it confidently.
I’ve talked about socks before, if you want to peruse some other articles:
–Compression socks
–Socks and boots
We’re here to embrace joy in fashion, not be tied down with outdated rules or the worry that someone else won’t like what we are wearing.
So the next time you reach for your shoes, consider adding a pair of fun little socks underneath. Your feet will be warmer, your outfit will be more interesting, and your style will tell the world that you’re not afraid to have fun.
Isn’t that what fashion should be about?
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The post How to Style Socks at Any Age (Yes, Even the Fun Ones) appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
