AT every recent fashion week from Copenhagen to New York, it’s been hard to ignore the look that every cool girl is sporting – socks and loafers.
What started out as a strictly monochrome look with white socks and black loafers has now grown into a series of quirky and cool off-shoots, from glittery socks to knee high sheer styles worn with a variety of fashion’s favourite flat shoe.
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This is one trend that isn’t going away because, frankly, it’s too comfortable to ignore.
Thanks to socks, you get to skip any awkward rubbing and painful blisters from new shoes, so there’s no breaking in period plus this smart style pairing works with a variety of outfits, from jeans or shorts to midi dresses, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Our top tip? Invest in your favourite type of loafers and then a range of socks in different colours, patterns and finishes to give you a wealth of cool combinations.
SQUARE TOE LOAFERS / GLITTER SOCKS
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While sparkly socks were once reserved for party season, this shimmering style is great way to add some glam to any outfit.
For a subtle take on this trend, try pairing your shoes with socks in a similar colour to your shoes.
This also has the bonus of creating the illusion of a longer leg as the eye can travel for longer without interruption.
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TASSEL LOAFERS / COLOURFUL SOCKS
Tassel loafers might’ve once had connotations of bankers and finance bros on Wall Street but these days this style has been adopted by fashion insiders for a borrowed from the boys feel.
Tassel detailing is often found on almond or pointed toe women’s loafers, offering a slightly more feminine twist to the trend.
When it comes to what socks to rock, try adding a brightly coloured pair to your tasselled loafers.
Pink and bright red are the most universally flattering colours as they have a warm base colour, so they won’t drain your skin tone.
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SHORT SOCKS / CHUNKY LOAFERS
If you have heavier legs, swap daintier thin soled styles for a chunky treaded loafer to help balance your lower body’s proportions.
As well as offering a slimming look, tractor styles also offer extra comfort as the soles will absorb more shocks, so they’re a good option if you’re on your feet for hours at a time.
Keep your sock length shorter with this more substantial style and why not swap the original white sock for something a little softer?
Cream and beige shades will tone down the back to school feel of this trend, plus a subtle beige undertone will create a warming effect just like red and pink styles.
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SPOTTY SOCKS / SUEDE MOCASSIN LOAFERS
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Feeling adventurous?
Swap your plain socks for something a little more eye catching – from polka dots and florals to stripes and strawberries, jazzy prints make a fun addition to this school marm-inspired trend.
Cool girl label Damson Madder’s butter yellow and brown polka dot pair nail two trends in one and are the perfect match to wear with a pair of brown suede loafers.
However, one thing that is important to consider is that this sock style looks best worn pulled up so that you can see the prints – looks for pairs with non-slip grip around the top of the sock or be prepared to hitch them up regularly – no one wants a saggy sock!
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SHINY BROWN / LOGO SOCKS
To add a designer feel to this trend, swap suede and matte leather for a high shine shoe – glossy leather adds an expensive air to the humble loafer, creating a more polished look, literally.
Classic brown and black are a timeless option, although metallic finishes can also add a fun edge.
Styled with a pair of designer-logo inspired socks reminiscent of catwalk styles from brands such as Gucci, Prada and Ganni, this combination has a luxury feel that will add interest to even the most pared back outfits.
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