How hip is your hosiery?
They say all good outfits start from the bottom up, which is madness really, when you consider how little time we all spend thinking about socks. The humble sock cuts a lonely figure in our chest of drawers, often overlooked for tights, but this summer it’s the unsung hero that’s finally stepping into the spotlight. Why socks? Perhaps it’s because the weather’s been so damn cold, wet and miserable. Perhaps it’s because they’re an affordable luxury. Perhaps it’s because they deliver just the right amount of je ne sais quoi to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Perhaps socks are the one item of clothing that everybody wears, no matter what generation you’re from or what size you are. Perhaps it’s all of the above.
Let’s face it, this year’s summer has been abysmal. It’s been so bad we’ve all switched sandals for socks, and Marks & Spencer has reported a massive increase in sock sales. Sophia Worrell, press officer for Marks & Spencer, told GH’s fashion director: ‘We’ve seen a huge increase in sales for our white ankle socks, up 306% compared with last year! And searches for socks on Pinterest have increased nearly 20% since the beginning of the month.’
Until we are bestowed with hot and sunny bare-ankle weather again, glancing down and catching a glimpse of a pop of colour or a shimmer of sock is a great way to boost our mood. Once, being able to see your socks was a fashion faux pas, but not any more. This season, it’s all about showing off your socks – no hiding them beneath boots and trainers. Look to any fashion insider and their socks will always be visible. If your sock drawer is anything like ours, it’s a sea of dark colours with a smattering of white (now turned grey) socks. So, it’s time to ditch the boring basic black for something bold, beautiful, possibly even sexy! Yes, you read correctly, sexy socks! Get ready to embrace a new era of hosiery – here are the five trends for happy feet.
The scarlet sock
Not just for Christmas, ruby red hosiery (both socks and tights) is having a major moment and is surprisingly easy to wear. Anyone who loves wearing a bold red lip can pull off red socks – there’s a shade to suit every skin tone. The fashion crowd are wearing theirs with polished loafers and jeans, but red socks will also pack an instant punch to crisp white trainers.
The sexy sock
Move over, fishnets – the seductive peek-a-boo sock is in town. When you want your evening outfit to feel elevated, sheer black pop socks are as cute as they are cool right now. Slip on a see-through sock beneath black trousers and watch how this wardrobe staple comes alive.
The standout sock
It has been said the elevation of the statement sock to status symbol is owing to guests at dinner parties being more regularly asked to remove their shoes. No one wants to be that person with old, threadbare socks with an unpainted toenail poking through (we’ve all been there). Don’t let your socks be an afterthought. Choose conversational stripes, spots or sparkle for a hit of personality and playfulness where it counts most.
The sporty sock
Not just for lunchtime gym visits and weekend workouts, the athletic-looking sock has now become part of our all-day wardrobe. Pristine white, ribbed, bold colour, go-fast stripes and sporty logos are the styles to be seen in on the school run, at the coffee shop and in Waitrose.
The designer sock
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a pair of designer shoes or handbag, how about the next best thing? A luxury sock! Fashionistas in the know will instantly recognise the signature colours and logos. At these eye-watering prices, don’t hide them beneath boots – be sure to show them off!
They say all good outfits start from the bottom up, which is madness really, when you consider how little time we all spend thinking about socks. The humble sock cuts a lonely figure in our chest of drawers, often overlooked for tights, but this summer they’re the unsung hero that’s finally stepping into the spotlight. Why socks? Perhaps it’s because the weather’s been so damn cold, wet and miserable. Perhaps it’s because they’re an affordable luxury. Perhaps it’s because they deliver just the right amount of je ne sais quoi to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Perhaps socks are the one item of clothing that everybody wears, no matter what generation you’re from or what gender you are. Perhaps it’s all the above. Let’s face it, this year’s summer has been abysmal. It’s been so bad we’ve all switched sandals for socks and John Lewis / Marks & Spencer have reported an increase in hosiery sales over the last few months up xxxxx%. Until we are bestowed with gloriously hot and sunny bare-ankle weather again, glancing down and catching a glimpse of a pop of colour or a shimmer of sock is a great way to boost our mood. Once, being able to see your socks was a fashion faux pas but not anymore. This season’s it’s all about showing off your socks – no hiding them beneath boots and trainers. Look to any fashion insider and their socks will always be visible. If your sock drawer is anything like ours, it’s a sea of dark colours with a smattering of white (now turned grey) socks. So, it’s time to ditch the boring basic black sock for something bold, beautiful, possibly even sexy! Yes, you read correctly, sexy socks! Ready to embrace a new era of hosiery? Here are the five trends for happy feet.
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