Classic or crazy: how to wear men’s socks?

Show me your socks and I’ll tell you… what you know about fashion! Socks peaking from under your trouser legs can define the style of the whole outfit and show what’s in your soul. Black and classic or colourful and crazy – how to choose the best socks for the occasion?

Formal style – should socks match the shoes or the trousers?

The more formal the look, the stricter the rules. Business meetings and black tie events require a conservative approach to fashion.

Observing the dress code is a sign of respect for the importance of the situation. Formal trousers, especially those with tapered legs, should be slightly cropped – the socks are visible and should match the trousers or the shoes.

Some insist that the socks should be lighter than the trousers, others say that the colour of the socks should be determined by the shoes. As long as you follow one of these rules, you can be sure that you’re not committing a crime against fashion.

Remember to wear longer, mid-calf length socks with a suit, because no-one should see your bare legs when you sit down or when the legs of your trousers naturally ride up.

Casual extravagance – patterned and colourful socks for men

When you’re not going to an extremely important meeting with conservative gentlemen in Armani suits, you can allow yourself to loosen up and have some fun when preparing your outfit.

Even when you’re going to the office, your socks can match any item of clothing you choose – your tie, shirt, blazer, pocket square or even cufflinks. Socks can also reflect the mood you’re in that day – you’ll be surprised with how many compliments you’ll receive.

Even a boring grey blazer, black chinos and elegant Oxford shoes can be enlivened by a pair of crazy socks with a colourful pattern – it can be an emerald green embroidery or Alexander McQueen‘s sinister skulls.

Don’t forget that even crazy socks with Marvel characters should be made from high-quality materials – washed-out socks from your younger years will definitely not do. Don’t be fooled by what some self-proclaimed fashion gurus say – there’s no such thing as vintage socks.

Sports socks – longer or low-cut?

The choice of sports socks is governed by completely different rules. It’s even said that going to the gym or a playing tennis is the only excuse for wearing white socks. If you’re doing sports, choose longer socks made of terry cloth or breathable cotton.

In the summer, when moccasins and espadrilles make a comeback, wear extra low-cut socks and liners – they should be invisible but comfortable. If you wear sneakers with every day looks, match the colour of the socks to the rest of your outfit or the style of the sneakers.