reader mail monday: socks with shoes – yes or no?

dear hip hip shoe-ray,

I'm seeing more and more women wear knee or calf-height socks with shoes these days – and paired with skirts or shorts so you can really see the socks. I can't tell if it's a good look, which makes me think that it's not. any suggestions for wearing socks well?

yours truly,
timid

dear timid,

socks. even just the word evokes kind of a dorky sentiment, doesn't it? not necessarily in a bad way, just...dorky. though the fall 2010 runways suggested socks with shoes was the next big thing, a lot of everyday people were hesitant, seeing as it wasn't the easiest look to pull off.

BUT! it can be done! I've started to see it around more lately as well, and for the most part, with good results. it particularly works with lace-up oxfords or ankle booties, like here:



just be sure to keep the shoe ankle height or lower (the heel can be however high you'd like). if you choose a calf-high boot, for instance, the shoe ends up competing with the sock.

some candidates:


above: the J shoes sidesaddle for $175.


above: the seychelles bismuth for $125.


above: the nine west cassie for $130.


above: socks can also work well with flats, particularly oxfords like the worn with love oxfords from ruche for $47.99.

good luck!

sincerely,
hip hip shoe-ray

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top photo via new york magazine.