Reluctance to try the sock-and-sandal combo that’s hot on fashion runways is probably rooted deep in the psyche of women who fear the retro. Daughters traumatized by old photos of their mothers in Birkenstocks and thick woolies or even great-grandmothers in heels and frilly ankle socks are missing out on a trend that makes more than just fashion sense as we transition into Spring. Local temps proving coldly uncooperative with your urge to splurge on backless mules and chunky sandals? Team sheer socks with shiny metallics and wild prints with leather platforms, and we promise you won’t see in your mirror the sepia tones of sock-and-sandal looks from a bygone era.
Take these pairings out for a spin now, and you can ditch the hosiery when the weather warms.
Color Block Socks
Farfetch calls these striped socks from Marni an experimental yet coherent aesthetic. We say they make up the perfect weekend wardrobe when you don mules and jeans. Unexpected details and asymmetric silhouettes add even more pow to the color blocking. These golden beige and anthracite grey silk blend striped socks feature ribbed trimming.
Marni Striped Socks, $100, Farfetch
Team with:
Basic Slip-Ons
Beige is an easy color to coordinate with your golden beige and grey socks. These basic covered slip-on pumps feature a low heel and middle stitch design.
Charles Keith Basic Slip-Ons, $39, Charles Keith
Calf-High Rib Knit Socks
Bluebell blue and natural white color block these calf-high rib knit cotton socks. Cuffs are striped in pink, yellow and blue.
Stella McCartney Blue Short Striped Socks, $149, SSENSE
Team them with:
Mules
Brown leather and lambskin Lato mules from Robert Clergerie were made in France. The color is skin.
ROBERT CLERGERIE Lato mules, $495, Farfetch
Tiger Stripe Socks
Wild tiger stripe prints and chunky, edgy black leather sandals just go together in the urban jungle.
Kenzo Blue Tiger Stripe Socks, $12, SSENSE.
Pair them with:
High Heel Sandals
Black leather high heel sandals boast a geometric heel detail, ankle strap and buckle fastening. The heel height is 2.5 inches.
Zara Leather High Heels Sandals, $119, Zara