Tucked behind the chunky white workout socks and neutral footies in every girl’s sock drawer is that pair of boldly patterned socks. And we get why that particular set chills with the dust bunnies over every other: that unexpected pop of color and kooky print is just too cute to pass up on the racks, but throws you off your style game when it comes to completing your everyday look — and that’s even before you get to the shoe selection. We’ve made a style resolution to get the most out of our wardrobes in 2015, so here we’re showing you three ways to show off your crazy cute patterned socks ($20) like you mean it (in a totally non-Steve Urkel way). Scroll through to see how we’d wear the pair to the office, on a night out and on a lazy weekend.
ON DUTY
Think geek chic for this look that pairs modern thick-soled oxfords with slightly cropped or cuffed trousers. Emphasis on slightly to ensure you only flash the fabric around your ankles, not your skin above the sock line — so skip the capris or culottes. Clash your shirt with your socks to keep the quirky vibe alive and streamline everything else, from your jewels (think: simple + geometric) to your bag (you’re set with a classic leather tote) to your outerwear (add a cool girl touch with a moto-style wool coat).
Hansel from Basel Numbered Crew Socks ($20) + COS Loose Textured Trousers ($135), Zara Striped Patchwork Blouse ($60), Charles & Keith Cheated Sole Loafers ($66), J.Crew Double-Cloth Motorcycle Jacket ($268), BAGGU Basic Leather Tote Bag ($160), Fox & Doll Dot Stud Earrings ($185 for set of 3), UNA UXO Hex Ring ($44)
PARTY ON
There’s actually nothing better to wear with your patterned socks than your go-to party getup: a mini dress and strappy-heeled sandals (all together, it’s quite possibly the most playful sartorial trio in the world). So your socks can really have their time in the spotlight, stick with neutral-toned pieces like your LBD or LWD, then keep your accessories in the same color spectrum, either dark or light, respectively. Since we went with the latter, we rounded out the look with bright rose gold jewelry and a “matching” tanned leather cross body bag and blush coat.
Hansel from Basel Numbered Crew Socks ($20) + ASOS Hermione Heel ($74), Magno Satin Shift Dress ($60), Topshop Split Back Duster Coat ($150), MYR Studio Rain Bag in Drop ($370), Baublebar Ice Athena Ear Cuff ($38), Honey My Heart Stacking Rings ($90 for set of 3)
WEEKEND RETREAT
On your days off, anything goes. And so we’re slipping our sock feet into sandals (#dealwithit). It might seem strange at first, but it *works* with on-trend slides and Birkenstock-style sandals (though if you just can’t even, try ’em with your fave fashion sneakers). Build up around the comfy-cozy footwear with casual staples like baggy boyfriend jeans, a paper thin long-sleeved tee and a wooly cardigan that sweeps the floor. Finish with luxe-feeling accessories like a leather pouch and a gold charm necklace, ’cause even in socks + sandals, you fancy.
Hansel from Basel Numbered Crew Socks ($20) + Madewell The Sightseer Knotted Sandal ($60), J.Crew Tissue Long-sleeve V-Neck Tee ($33), H&M Jeans Boyfriend Fit ($30), Pixie Market Long Furry Sleeve Cardigan ($68), Need Supply Talisman Necklace ($30), Leelanau Trading Co. x UO Mineral Leather Cross-Body Bag ($69)
What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!
