sandals — the ultimate WFH footwear choice —
thrived in a society that had fully learnt to appreciate
the idea that comfort is king.
However, there are rules. The type of sandals you
choose to wear with your socks are critical. As the
stylist Steph Stevens, who has dressed Alexa Chung
in the look more times than she cares to remember,
points out: “It’s got to be a low wedge or at least a
sandal with a heavy-duty sole.” Stevens recommends
white socks with Jesus creepers. “I’d advise leaning into
the whole Germanic aesthetic,” she says. “It’s a great
look, especially with a long, ankle-grazing dress or a
pair of jeans. Think somewhere between Woodstock
and John Lennon.”
Most crucial, though, is investing in a selection of
socks worthy of exposure. Opt for soft cotton mixes.
Ribbed styles are acceptable; trainer socks are most
definitely not. I’d also draw the line at knee-high
support-stocking styles, though evidently there are
fashion purists who disagree.
If your socks are to become as important to your
look as your shoes, it makes sense that you should
invest in them. Balenciaga and Gucci offer excellent
options for those who don’t mind paying a
premium; otherwise classic but reassuringly expen-
sive brands such as Falke and Birkenstock (“Birken-
socks” come in natural shades such as beige and
grey and are excellent) are your friend. On a budget?
High street socks are not to be sniffed at. The
Swedish chain Monki is the home to some of the
best, while Arket also has excellent options.As for colour, neutrals are an excellent place to
start. Novice socks-and-sandals wearers may find
sartorial comfort in teaming something inoffensive
such as dark green or navy with a pair of equally
muted sandals.
There is fun to be had too. For a Gen Z-inspired
take on the trend, try fluoro or tie-dye socks
with rubber sandals or pool slides. And if
statement sandals are your thing, experiment
with colour — blue satin sandals (try Marni or
the Attico) teamed with matching socks is an
excellent combo. Lucinda Chambers, the former British
Vogue fashion director and co-founder of the fashion
label Colville, is a master at this look. The German
influencer (sockfluencer?) Veronika Heilbrunner also
steps hard on this trend, routinely teaming her Chanel
sandals with a neat pair of black socks.
For many, the absolute joy of this look is the
new lease of life it gives their existing sandals
collection — all you need to do is add socks to
come up with an outfit that’s ahead in the style
stakes. After all, with socks in your armoury, you no
longer need the excuse of a heatwave or a holiday to get
your sandals out. You heard it here first. ■ @karendacreOh, how we laughed when
fashion’s hardcore wore
sports socks with their
sandals. But now the entire
country wants in on the act
Above left Street
style at men’s fashion
week in Florence.
Above, from top
Ribbed socks,
£95, Balenciaga;
matchesfashion.
com. Tie-dye socks,
£5; weekday.com.
Cashmere socks,
£55, the Uniform;
libertylondon.com.
Below Gigi Hadid
and David Beckham.
Right Influencer
Sonia LysonGetty Images, ImaxTree, Backgrid
The Sunday Times Style • 35