Just years ago, it would have been the fashion faux pax of the decade – socks with sandals? With slippers? Or – even more frightfully – loafers?
But visible socks have seen an evolution from awkward and un-sophisticated to the height of athletic and preppy chic.
The concept has been taken beyond high fashion – and into the mainstream – with countless trendsetters flashing a peek of the fabric over their footwear, as long as it’s not white trainers, which have been declared ‘highly passé’.
Speaking to FEMAIL, London-based personal stylist Lisa Talbot revealed that the move away from concealing our socks likely came as we embraced sporty leggings, crop tops and sneakers into everyday looks.
‘Wearing our socks visibly is a fascinating trend that has become very prominent since the rise and acceptance of wearing ‘active wear’ in our daily lives,’ she explained.
Hailey, 26, gave New Yorkers a lesson in proportions in a micro miniskirt and over sized, ground-grazing coat as she went on a coffee run this month
‘The sporty white socks are often now seen as part of an integral accessory and the most affordable.’
What’s more, she says, our cringing at pairing them with exposed shoes slipped away as more and more celebrities embraced the style blunder, taking it from awkward to devil-may-care trendy.
‘In past seasons we saw see lots of celebrities wearing socks with sandals, it became accepted, rather than a fashion faux pax, as seen on the likes of Rhianna, David Beckham and Taylor Swift.’
During Paris Fashion Week in March, countless celebrities made sure to give their socks a starring role, oftentimes teaming the look with a monochromatic outfit or otherwise neutral tones.
When worn with a simple ensemble, the additional sliver of fabric not only accents the legs, but gives everything a classy collegiate feel.
Everyone from ‘It-girl’ Hailey Bieber to breakout Netflix star Sebastian Croft has been seen sporting the trend.
Earlier this month Hailey, 26, gave New Yorkers a lesson in proportions in a micro miniskirt and over sized, ground-grazing coat as she went on a coffee run – and also rocked some black loafers and white socks.
Elsewhere Sebastian, 21, looked super stylish as he wore high rise socks with suit shorts, a blazer, button-up and bowtie for the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2022 in London last December.
Sebastian, 21, looked super stylish as he wore high rise socks with suit shorts, a blazer, button-up and bowtie for the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2022 in London last December
Meanwhile just this week in California, model sensation Winnie Harlow took her look further by making sure her white tube socks peeped out over glittering golden ankle boots
And earlier, in Los Feliz, Kaia Gerber stayed true to the trend’s sporty origins with white Nike sock over some chic trainers
What’s more, she says, our cringing at pairing them with exposed shoes slipped away as more and more celebrities embraced the style over the years. Taylor Swift pictured in 2014
Meanwhile just this week in California, model sensation Winnie Harlow took her look further by making sure her white tube socks peeped out over glittering golden ankle boots.
And earlier, in Los Feliz, Kaia Gerber stayed true to the trend’s sporty origins with white Nike sock over some chic trainers.
And it’s not always a relaxed look either.
Despite being a controversial combination, socks with heels has been a beloved style move with the fashion set for several years.
Last year saw stars like Bella Hadid, Yara Shahidi and Isan Elba, as well as influencers in Copenhagen and Paris wearing long sporty gym socks with glamorous stilettos.
During Paris Fashion Week in March, countless celebrities made sure to give their socks a starring role, oftentimes teaming the look with a monochromatic outfit or otherwise neutral tones. Pictured: Irina Shayk
Charli D’Amelio pictured arriving at the Prada fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week last year
Several celebrities sported a chic sock cameo as they arrived for shows during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year
Amelie Zilber pictured arriving at the Prada fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week in Milan, in February 2022
A model presented a creation during the Gucci Women Fall/Winter 2022-2023 collection – opting for a visible sock moment – as part of the Milan Fashion Week last year
Last year saw stars like Bella Hadid (left), Yara Shahidi (right) and Isan Elba, as well as influencers in Copenhagen and Paris wearing long sporty gym socks with glamorous stilettos
Thick white socks paired with stiletto heels showed of the Isan Elba’s style savvy in New York City last year
Socks have made an undeniable cool comeback – and stylist Lisa tells FEMAIL that this could only be great news for your wardrobe.
‘A sock is such a simple accessory that can add colour, texture and even print to your outfit,’ she said.
What’s more, it could offer a fun or quirky spin on a seemingly tired look.
‘Let your personality come out with your choice of sock,’ the fashion expert added.
Lisa says that the ‘crew sock’ (worn mid calf ) is the ‘sock for this season’.
The stylist explained: ‘Wear with a slip skirt, midi dress or a pair of shirts and tee or if you want to add a pop of colour wear your socks under a wide leg trouser with a blazer for people to see as you walk.’
She added: ‘A sheer sock is super elegant if you want to add to a dress for an elevated look, worn with a heeled sandal creates a really feminine outfit.’
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk