Stylish Sock Obsessives Tell All (original) (raw)
A sock for every occasion.Photo-Illustration: Retailers
On most days, I work from home, so I am a rather utilitarian and repetitive dresser from my neck to my ankles. However, the one area of my wardrobe that gets a perhaps undue amount of attention is my socks. Some days, feeling fancy means putting on socks with a fun pattern that’ll peek out from under the cuff of my jeans. Other days call for cozy merino wool, because there’s a real chill in the air. Fancy outings call for a sheer sock or stocking. And some days you just need reliable, basic cotton socks.
I consider a nice pair of socks a very acceptable splurge for oneself — or the perfect gift for any occasion. One year for my birthday, I asked my husband to get me five fancy pairs of socks. It was absolutely thrilling to see what he would pick, even though I’d asked for it.
I’ve long traded sock secrets — favorite brands, styles, cuts — with a handful of friends, and we’re always excited when we discover something new. I also love catching the eye of someone on the subway who I can tell has put some thought into choosing their socks. Sock people are good at finding other sock people. For this guide, I talked to over a dozen stylish and opinionated women in fashion, retail, and media — fellow sock people — to hear what their go-to sock picks are for every scenario.
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“These socks are my go-to almost every day,” says fashion buyer and writer of Mom Friend Jen Cook. “As an elder millennial, I refuse to get on the visible sock train, and these stay hidden under every pair of sneakers I own.”
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Investigative journalist Marian Wang applied her expert research skills to her hunt for the perfect no-show socks, which led her to this pair: “Unlike many no-show socks that have just a tiny dab of silicone gel at the heel for grip, these socks have a ring of gel all the way around the edge, which is much more effective.” There’s also silicone at the ball of the foot, which helps your socks stay in place in flats. “If I were only buying one pair, I’d get these,” says Wang.
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“I found these seven years ago, and I order a new pack every 18 months or so,” says Lynsey Waite, a brand strategist based in Brooklyn. “They have a nice cushion and they don’t slip, ever. I wear them on long walks, to play tennis, and to do HIIT workouts.”
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Even the sock snobs among us have grabbed a mismatched pair on laundry day. When she’s having one of those days, Diana Lee, the co-founder and CEO of marketing firm Constellation Agency, grabs these socks from her son’s drawer. “I can always count on my son’s Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned No-Shows in black or red,” she says. They’re supportive and sweat wicking.
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For a mid-calf sock with a high level of support and compression, this Bombas option offers support for both the feet and ankles. I switched to these after my physical therapist told me I had “weak feet,” and though this may not be the solution to making my feet stronger, they feel great and stay dry while I’m out sporting.
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Another one of my favorite ultrasupportive running socks is this Bandit pair, which offers more breathability combined with lots of compression. I wore these playing tennis in the heat of the summer, and my feet remained remarkably un-sweaty, while the socks took on almost no noticeable wear.
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“I exclusively wear these Adidas crew socks for running, because I like the cushion and am a firm believer in crew socks for all forms of workouts and with all forms of workout gear, especially over leggings,” says Cook. These come in white and black.
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“These socks have a bit of compression, are breathable and moisture wicking, and they look cool,” says Andrea Cheng, a marketing executive based in the Bay Area. “I wear them for long walks or on days when I know I’ll be moving a lot.”
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“I went down an internet rabbit hole a while ago looking for Taylor Swift’s ruffled gym socks,” says Lexi Mainland, a Brooklyn-based writer and editor focusing on interior design, architecture, and gardens. “They are from Free People’s athletic line and excellent in every way. They come in many cute colors (will they change white to opalite, though?), and I love how the heather gray looks with gym shoes.”
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Photo: Retailer
“I have these in multiple colors and wear them all the time,” says Waite of Le Bon Shoppe’s Her socks, one of the L.A.-based brand’s signature styles. “They’re thinner, so great with both sneakers and loafers, and a tiny bit dressier than an athletic sock.” Ramos is also a fan: “I love the pop of color these add to any of my more basic and neutral outfits. Seriously, the color selection is so good!”
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This thicker-but-not-too-cushioned style from Le Bon Shoppe is another great daily wear option. “I wear these with sneakers around town (along with everyone else in Brooklyn). So many colors, just the right thickness, and perfect ankle height,” says Waite.
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Alexa Buckley, co-founder of shoe brand Margaux, told us that her “absolute favorite” socks are from Kule (which happens to be one of our favorite stripes brands). She calls the socks “whimsical and comfortable” and says that they “add the perfect punch of color to any outfit.” The socks — many of which feature retro tube-sock-style stripes — are made of thick acrylic and nylon, which Buckley says go well with boots during the colder months. And also important, they stay in place: “The elastic holds your foot beautifully, and they’re just thick enough to keep you warm without being so thick that you’re unable to slip into a sleek pair of boots,” says Buckley. Artist Shantell Martin, who owns this smiley-face pair, likes that they come in fun designs to offset her simple wardrobe. “I mostly wear black and white, but I still like to bring a bit of color and fun into my wardrobe,” she says. “These socks are great for that.”
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“These are made from organic cotton, and I like that the company plants a tree for every sock sold,” says Courtney Adamo, an entrepreneur and writer based in Byron Bay, Australia. “This style is great for everyday or even doing sports (playing pickleball or walking). They’re thick and snug and easy to wear.” She also recommends the Verona sock. “They are much thinner, and while I actually don’t wear them very often, my teenage girls steal them all the time.”
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“These feel so lovely on your foot, almost delicate — they feel special, like someone really cares about your feet (LOL) and not so much like an afterthought,” says stylist Juliana Salazar, who notes that the brand offers colors you might not find elsewhere, like this summery lilac.
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In case you want something without ribbing, these affordable ones from Los Angeles Apparel are designed for warm weather and made from a lightweight, breathable knit.
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Of all the brands making show-off-worthy socks on the market, art director Krystle Kemp says that Hansel From Basel “is the one that creates fun-to-wear socks in the most aesthetically appealing way.” According to Kemp, the sock line’s designs fall “somewhere between subtle and loud, and they strike the perfect balance of eye-catching interest and thoughtful design.” Ear-piercing start-up Studs founder Lisa Bubbers is a fan, too. “Hansel From Basel socks are the most beautiful, delicate little works of art made in Japan,” she says. “They’re made for showing off with some loafers or a chunky heel.”
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French brand Bonne Maison also makes socks that feel like works of art. “They’re expensive, but they are worth it because they fit well and have fun designs as well as solids, stripes, and polka dots,” says Alexis Ching, a HR professional based in Brooklyn. “I like that they have seasonal collections whose socks coordinate with each other.”
[_Editor’s note: Bonne Maison lists all prices in euros, so the price shown is an approximate conversion in U.S. dollars._]
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Designer Batsheva Hay told us her favorite socks are Brother Vellies’s Cloud Socks. “They feel like leg warmers that happen to hold your feet,” Hay says. “They’re extra-roomy and soft and ’80s, and the pink color — flamingo — is so perfect.”
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“I do love a cashmere sock when it gets cold to wear around the house,” says Alisha Ramos, creator of the newsletter Downtime. “My favorites are the Cozy Sock by Margaux, which is a blend of wool and cashmere. They’re extra-thick, soft, and come in a nice blue color. They feel like the definition of luxury.”
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“I love these socks both for wearing around the house during the colder months and for stuffing into my trusty Bean boots when I need to brave the elements for an overpriced latte,” says Cook. “They’re supersoft and plushy, but not too thick that they can’t be worn with shoes.”
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“I always stock up on these thick organic-wool socks from the organic grocery store on Lopez Island, Washington, whenever I am visiting my family,” says Adamo. “They’re so cozy and thick that you don’t even need slippers.” That said, Adamo adds, “They’re okay to wear with big boots, but they’re almost too thick to wear with normal shoes.”
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“The merino-wool Bombas are the greatest socks for any winter activity (including napping),” says Mainland. “They are thin enough to not make your feet sweaty or your shoes too tight, but they are impermeable to the cold.”
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“Last time I was in Japan, I stocked up on these thick cotton socks from Kapital for myself and as souvenirs for friends. They’re my go-to when the cold snap makes its way to the Bay Area,” says Cheng. “I love seeing the smiley faces when I put them on in the morning or kick my feet up on the couch.”
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“I love Darner socks because they come in so many different types of fabrics, and I like how they hit where a tube sock does — super-chic and a little dorky, too,” says stylist Christina Pacelli. “My favorites are the mesh socks worn with sneakers or an oxford platform.” Designer Tyler McGillivary loves Darner’s socks, too, in large part thanks to their smooth mesh texture. “Their heavy-duty, transparent mesh material looks so good with heels or peaking out of boots.”
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Embellished with a cute ruffle, the Léane socks, recommended by Adamo, come in rich colors like rust, burgundy, and navy. “They’re great if you’re wearing loafers or boots or any outfit where your socks are showing,” says Adamo.
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“It’s rare I need a dressy sock, but when I do, I turn to these from Hansel From Basel,” says Cook. This sheer style is halfway between a sock and a stocking. “They’re chic and fun and look great with loafers.”
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“I don’t love having my chalky white, lizard-y ankles make an appearance in deep January, so it’s important to me to cover up,” says Mainland. “These lacy crew socks from Stems, made from a combination of polyamide and elastane, are “really chic, durable evening socks,” adds Mainland.
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Another style Mainland recommends is from the German brand Falke. “I love to bust out a pair of dressy socks in the winter with a nice pair of slacks or a cozy skirt,” says Mainland. “I particularly like Falke’s sexy knee-highs.” They also come in an ankle height.
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Wolford has a reputation for its long-lasting — and pricey — hosiery. Sarah Pierson, who co-founded Margaux with Buckley, confirms that its socks are worth the high price. “Wolford’s stockings and socks are no doubt an investment, but are also totally worth it,” she says. “By the time your Wolford pair gives out, you’ll have worn through an aisle’s worth of drugstore sheers. Trust me, I’ve wasted too many CVS ExtraBucks proving this point.” To keep the socks in tip-top shape, Pierson suggests washing them with a delicate detergent (she likes The Laundress) in a mesh bag and never putting them in the dryer.
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SLT founder and CEO Amanda Freeman told us that Sticky Be socks are her go-to for everything from SLT class to a long run. “They’re super-thin and have a great grip,” she says. The socks come in various lengths and feature phrases like “Be Great” and “Be Strong.” “Depending on my mood, I choose the motivational statement I’m most in need of, and, of course, the color I’m feeling that day,” says Freeman. “They are comfy and easy to put on.”
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These grippy ombré socks, which Richer Poorer co-founder Iva Pawling says she wears both for working out and in lieu of slippers, “are super-grippy, great for lounging around the house, and also for their actual intended purpose of Pilates and barre.”
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Great Eros co-founder Christina Viviani says Swedish Stockings’ Ingrid ankle socks are her favorite for “the fit and fabric” as well as for “its vision of building a sustainable company by using recycled yarn for every pair.” Plus, she says, they’re just a downright reliable pair of black socks.
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Shoe designer Emme Parsons told us about Plus Ultra, which makes socks that have all the material technology of workout socks but that could easily go with regular clothes. “The concept is dress socks that you can work out in,” says Parsons. “They are super-versatile and a good price point.”
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When we polled a group of stylish women about their favorite white socks, three of them mentioned the Everyday Sock from Comme Si, which has a statement-making green tab in the back and wide ribbing. Stylist Ryan Gale says they’re both subtle and luxurious and work well with everything from a sneaker to a dressier loafer.
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“These socks are so good that I’ve got my husband onto them, too,” says Ramos. “They’re just the right thickness, and the length of the sock is a happy medium. They go over my leggings easily, but are not so long that they bunch up.”
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Toniesha Renee, head of content strategy for hip-hop and R&B at Interscope Records, says she wears these Nike crew socks daily because they offer cushioned support and, perhaps most important, look cool.
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