Socks and Shoes

Growing up, “socks” and “shoes” almost always came to my ears in the same sentence. “Get your socks and shoes on!”Any time we went anywhere, “socks and shoes!” It was engrained into my childhood.

But at some point, completely unbeknownst to me, this phrase slipped away as I entered adulthood. Maybe it was the first set of heels that helped to push “socks” away from “every day” and more towards “exercising only.” I own a solitary pair of sneakers, and they’re classic Converse… I wear socks with them in the winter, but in the summer? Forget it! Sunshine = move quickly… There’s no time for socks!

However, since I’ve moved to Chicago, my Mom has been really into sending me socks. Lots of them! Okay, well, three pairs, but that’s a lot when you have 4 pairs of white athletic socks to your name.

Since Fashion Month is in full effect, I’ve been trying to look less at the new collections, and remember that spring is here – fall fashion can wait. So upon reviewing many of the spring collections shown last year, I saw a ton of sock/heels combinations… Something I used to “poo-poo” when I saw it out in public. But… You know how you start to sympathize with things the longer you stare at it? As in, it becomes more “normal” and understandable the longer you visually “get to know” an idea. “Lots of quotes”, “sorry about that.”

When I bought my infamous green shoes (pictured above), I was wearing a pair of Mom-socks that were very soft, fuzzy, and pink – but thin enough to fit comfortably inside the shoes with my feet. I just didn’t want to be gross and take off my socks in the store, so I tried on the shoes, buckled ’em up, and checked myself out. It was true! I did start to love the look.

So, naturally, I became semi-obsessed with the pairing. What do I mean by “semi-obsessed”? I mean I went through my entire collection of shoes with the only cute socks I own, and had a flipping party about it.

Payless ShoeSource shoes ($9) with Betsey Johnson socks from TJ Maxx ($7)

I couldn’t find the original socks I tried on with these shoes, so I grabbed these ivory and gold striped socks with a ruffle and bow on the top, scrunched them down, and adorable happened.

Steve Madden Pewter Heels with longer fuzzy pink socks from Mom

This was definitely a combo that reeked of hesitation. The pewter shine of the heels and actually reflected a bit of the pink in the sock with gave them kind of a beautiful, purple-y radiance. I don’t know if I would rock this coupling too often… But at least I tried!

Nine West suede pumps ($15) and crazy chevron socks (?)

Okay… I. Love. This. Combo. If it weren’t for the March issue of Lucky Magazine (which had a section dedicated to the beauty that is grey, orange and white) I wouldn’t have given this a second thought – but I adore it! So pop-y!

Here’s another photo for good oogling measure.

Sooo goooood.

Via Spiga green satin heels ($40) and basic brown knee-high socks

Okay. This obviously did not work. I think that the color combo is gorgeous, but the whole slingback idea just isn’t sealing the deal for me. Oh well! Onward.

MIA Mary Janes ($40) and pink fuzzy socks from Mommy

Yeah, this worked like a fricking CHARM. I love black and light pink together, though, and the details on the shoe are very cute and oxford-ish, which compliments the charm of the pink very well. Also, unrelated, but this shoe has a killer shape.

You love it.

Next…!

Dollhouse Oxfords from Marshalls ($15) and crazy chevron socks

It was at this exact moment that I realized I only have two pairs of closed-toe shoes. This is a problem. A problem that will need to be taken care of immediately.

So the chevron socks look good with these little booties, but also very… eclectic, we’ll say. I’m unsure what I’d wear with this on any day other than Halloween… Suggestions?

Steve Madden Mary Janes ($25 from Marshalls) and brown knee-high socks

Okay, I don’t need your help with this one, I can recognize that its an awesome combo… Maybe my favorite? Okay, tied for first with the green heels and the gold striped socks. I can definitely see myself wearing this with a cute eyelet skirt, or maybe brown plaid bermuda shorts and a dark tee for a nerdy-chic look.

So much win.

So the moral of the story, for me, is that socks and heels can definitely work. Like many ideas in fashion, however, not all pairings are created equal. Perhaps slingbacks don’t really go so well with socks… But mary janes and chunky sandals DEFINITELY do! Some selective sock picking skills are necessary, but it’s definitely something to experience with!

Which combo(s) do you think worked out? Which would you never wear?

I can’t be the only one recovering from a sock+heel hatred, are you out there? What’s your story?

xoxo.

PS! This sock frenzy is not over. Stay tuned for more sock addiction posts and where to buy!