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What's your philosophy about socks? Wait, you don't have a philosophy about socks? How is that possible? Yes, I know, normal people think about socks as the things that keep their feet warm or keep their shoes from rubbing or cover their ankles. But I over think these things, and that's why you all love me.
Or something like that. Right? Right.
Sonnya has also been over thinking her socks, which makes me feel good. "Which socks looks best with jeans/tennies, do you always go with the white athletic sock? What about with driving mocs? No socks? What do you do with those crazy patterned socks that your mother-in-law buys you?"
I live for questions like this.
Let's start with jeans-and-tennis shoes: If we're talking about running shoes, or actual athletic shoes, then socks are necessary, always. You can choose anything from a low cut pair that hits below your ankle bone to a longer sock that comes part way up your shin -- but I suggest scrunching those down a little, rather than pulling them up straight. Also please don't wear your athletic shoes with anything other than athletic gear, or perhaps jeans. That's it, though.
If we're talking about athletic inspired shoes -- a cute Puma flat or a pair of Keds, for example -- you have a couple of options. If you're comfortable with it, bare feet are fine; if you don't like to be bare, look for very low cut athletic socks, the kind that come up to your ankle bones but no further. This will give you a little cushion without making you look like you're off to the gym. Because in a cute pair of Keds, you're NOT going to the gym. Please.
Driving mocs are designed to be worn with bare feet -- or really, they're designed to replace your dress shoes when you're driving, but for running around, they're meant to be worn with bare feet. Look for a pair made of suede or soft leather, so that they'll mold to your toes (seriously). If you're not a fan of bare toes inside your shoes, try toe socks -- they cover just your toes and the balls of your feet, and while that may sound weird, they're really comfortable.
In really cold weather, pair loafers or driving mocs with socks that match your pants -- brown socks with brown pants, navy socks with jeans. Or choose socks that match your shoes, but only with pants that have a fairly long hem; otherwise, you'll be cutting yourself off at the ankles and making your legs look stubby.
If you want to do color or pattern, though, feel free to go all out -- I like a nice argyle, but stripes and polka dots are great too. Keep pants and shoes neutral and make your socks the statement; I had a friend years ago who wore basic khakis with penny loafers and wild socks all the time. It was fun to see the flash of lime green when he sat down; it was always unexpected with his conservative pants and shoes. J. Crew multi-color striped knee-highs, $12.50 (currently 20% off three or more).
And that brings us to the wacky socks that Sonnya's mother-in-law is sending her. I am not a fan of holiday socks, or Elmo socks, or those socks with the individual spaces for each toe. But sometimes people think it's fun to send those to you, and then what do you do? How about this: Save them for around the house, when your feet are cold -- or, better yet, use them as your travel slippers the next time you visit the giver. Then when she sees you padding into the kitchen for coffee wearing the bubble gum pink socks with the pom pom trim, you can tell her that you wear them around all the time because it makes you so happy to see them propped on the sofa when you're unwinding after a tough day. And you can thank her again for her thoughtfulness.
Of course, that means she will keep sending you crazy socks, but really, who doesn't love a fun pair of socks for home? Just don't wear them to the office. Or on a date. Or out of the house, ever. I'm begging you.
What's your sock preference? Are you a sock person, or do you typically go bare?
