Sock Psychology
Finding joy in socks when even eggs feel like a lot
While #sweaterweather gets all the glory, fun socks have always been my thing.
As a sock enthusiast, I’ve enjoyed how they tell secret stories under your clothes. So the fact that socks have gotten more attention in recent years has only made me more hype.
As spring in New York City inches closer, I’m inspired to give my socks selection a refresh. Also, it’s been years. Like, my five-year-old son wasn’t even an idea when I last bought a pair of socks (and I’m not counting the ones you have to buy at trampoline parks).
The questions now are: Which socks? How many pairs? To go with which shoes? What’s the look? How much should I spend?
Luxury Sock Dilemma
According to Glossy, socks have evolved into a "status symbol." Good to know, but I care little. And unlike the Celine bag I really desire, stylish, well-made and long-lasting socks are within my reach.
Yes, Miu Miu’s tall socks (above) and Maria De La Rosa’s metallic socks are having a moment. I love a cheeky sock and a metallic thread as much as the next person, but these pricey options immediately make me think about egg prices and question my life choices.
On the other hand, luxury has levels. My husband roller blades in designer socks that are of amazing quality. It’s one of his few splurges, he says they protect from friction and they survive the wear of skating. Plus, I love they way he looks in them!
Luxury also means function without sacrificing form. The Strategist recently did roundup of stylish compression socks I found helpful.
For anyone who thinks compression socks are only for those with child or the AARP crowd, check again. Outside of prestige eye creams, they’re among the best travel hacks. Your blood circulation will thank you, especially on international flights.
Image-wise they’ve come a long way. This time last year, Naomi Campbell launched a capsule compression collab with Hugo Boss. And model-now-magazine mogul Karlie Kloss was never shy about showing her faves off.
The Sock Psychology
For me, socks have become the new lipstick – that mostly affordable luxury that survived recessions and wars as a psychological pick-me-up. I'm constantly eyeing fancy pairs at checkout counters, planning exactly how I'd style them, promising to treat them like the luxury items they are... then putting them back.
Meanwhile, my tween daughter only wants no-show socks and I'm OFFENDED. You have your whole life to be boring! This is your sock prime! Get into it, girl.
Anyway, as I join the rest of the fashion Internet in mourning Jonathan Anderson's departure from Loewe, I'm reminded that true luxury isn't about the price tag – it's about the storytelling wink. And sometimes, that wink comes in the form of a really great pair of socks.
Trend Alert (If You Care About Such Things)
Mary Jane sneakers are apparently summer's hottest footwear, which means your sock game needs to be on point. No pressure or anything.
Styling Philosophy: My Chaos Theory
Rules are lame and constricting, but here's my sock tip sheet:
Think of your shoe-sock dynamic like a Salsa partner. A demure heel + wild sock combo = interlaced style in motion.
Create cerebral statements only you appreciate. (I wear stamp-themed socks with my old pair of Vivienne Westwood Vans designed to look like stamped envelopes on the side. (Has anyone noticed? Two people in several years. Victory!)
Sock-by-Shoe Cheat Sheet
Kitten heels: Whatever contradicts expectations
Chunky heeled platforms: Go dainty.
Loafers: Channel Wes Anderson with quirky patterns.
Heels: WWRD (What Would Rihanna Do?)
Running shoes, sneakers/trainers: Knee-highs with tennis skirts, chic hoodies and blazers.
Mules, ballet flats, Mary Janes: Befriend crew and ankle socks of all patterns.
Hi-low: I love when I see a Chanel sock with a pair of Reebok sneakers or K-Swiss.
Open-toed: I used to hate when the seam at the toe was exposed. Now I can care less. I invite you to do the same.
In the past, my go-to sock sources have been & Other Stories for reliable patterns with quality that holds up even with aggressive washing machines; Out of Print for literary-themed designs that speak to my inner bookworm and English major; and surprisingly, random independent pharmacy stores that are unexpected treasure troves of unique finds.
My favorite cultural souvenirs are socks that come from museum gift shops—think The Tate, MoMA, the Smithsonian—where art meets ankles.
And I can't forget to mention Polo socks seem to last forever.
The range of sock options these days is both exciting and overwhelming, but hopefully this curated list (that’s also my wishlist) helps you navigate the choices too.
Next-level
Chanel mixed fiber socks. You know you have to hand-wash these, right?
Dreamy
Treat yo self
Tibi has an assortment of global airport code socks, from Heathrow to Hong Kong and in a range of colors.
French sock brand Atelier St Eustache has one of the best range of styles I’ve seen, from gradient cotton to tulle, and beyond
High style without the high price
What I’m loving
White Lotus, but make it fashion. Parker Posey’s fashion receipts:
Funny and clever:
Speaking of 🥚…
Don’t miss this in Paris:
In London:
In several spots in Africa:
Coming soon to India:
ICYMI
This made me think of the art-inspired style edit I did back in December. Schiaparelli for the win, always.
Vogue Arabia had a word on animal prints.
So many great recs, especially love the Natori and Atelier St Eustache tulle socks! I also use socks as a little treat - my favorite brand is Le Bon Shoppe :)
Great sock suggestions and love the list of shoe/sock combos 👌🏾