Socks have historically been one of the most under-appreciated players on Team Fashion, especially when it comes to women’s fashion. Men’s fashion has been appreciating socks for so much longer than we have, but with the whole gender-based fashion thing slowly melting into the past, women everywhere are starting to bask in the glory of a stylish sock.
It’s arguable that socks are the most genuine representation of a person’s individual style, and possibly even their personality. Think about it. For one, you don’t find people in malls paying for brand-name socks for that perfect Instagram shot. The majority of a worn sock isn’t even visible! When someone buy’s a pair of cute socks, it’s usually because they instantly pass the Marie Kondo test.
But socks are becoming more visible. (And maybe I just cursed the world by introducing the idea of Instagram sock models. Sorry about that.) Style adventurers everywhere are beginning to rediscover this under-appreciated clothing element, incorporating fashion socks into their most stylish #ootds.
via Caminimm
The best part about socks-as-fashion is that there are an infinite number of styles available, so everyone can find what they like. Ultimately, though, socks can be divided into two categories: inside socks and outside socks.
Fashionable socks: outside (Rihanna) vs. inside (Karen Cardiel)
Inside socks are barely visible to others, except maybe for a glimpse at the ankle or two. Maybe they peek out over the top of a pair of boots, or they poke out between a pair of sneakers and ankle pants, but for the most part, they’re a silent supporter.
Outside socks, on the other… foot, are actual outfit elements that are meant to compliment what you’re wearing, or maybe draw attention to a great pair of legs or heels. Or both.
Photo by Lia Clay for Teen Vogue December 2016
With higher demand for socks come more unique and creative options. Along with new and creative options come an army of fashion-lovers with little to no idea how to wear this stuff. As far as our advice goes, let’s just say this: thank goodness for the internet.
How the Internet Wears Fashion Socks
Here are some brands who are making waves in the world of fashion socks:
Ozone Socks
This is sock brand has been around for nearly 20 years, and at the helm of the operation is a true fashion industry veteran, complete with an incredibly stylish pedigree. With artistic, stocking-designing parents, Laurie Mallet was clearly destined to make Ozone into the go-to brand for unique fashion socks. They have a particularly good collection of floral socks that shouldn’t be missed, and yes, they have a Sock of the Month club.
Yo Sox
This is a family-owned brand that saw a gap in the sock market for unique, interesting socks that were made well and affordably. The result is Yo Sox. They sent me a care package a couple of years ago and I still sock those bad boys on a regular basis (s/o to this pair of fabulous flamingo socks). The quality of these socks really is impressive, and their style options are always increasing. Their multi-design sock bundles offer a decision-free option for those who can’t pick from the vast number of styles on the website and gets the typically $12 socks down to $9/pair.
Weartro
Weartro stands for “We Wear Art,” and as soon as you see their Van Gogh sock collection, you’ll understand that they really mean it. You can even snag a free pair of socks while their super generous promotion is still going!
Foot Traffic
Foot Traffic started with a guy who loved socks, and has blossomed into a thriving business with roots in Kansas City, MO. Whether you’re looking for ankle socks, knee socks, no-shows or legwarmers, Foot Traffic has your back. If you’re obsessed with those veggie socks up there, they’re only $9. For sock lovers who are less discriminate, check out the sizeable clearance section for socks as low as $3 per pair.
Sock Dreams
This little Portland-based shop has been around for a long time, and definitely had a hand in my relationship with fashion. When slouchy socks and thigh highs came into style around the mid-2000s, you could hear every thick-thighed girl sigh heavily. This was long before inclusion was trendy, and Sock Dreams’ incredibly extensive size offerings were a much-needed breath of fresh air. They’ve continued on the body love war path throughout the last decade and are still thriving as an independent business built on acceptance. Oh, and the socks are hella cute, too.
Header photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery
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