WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
If you’re one of those people who’s still wondering ‘are socks and sandals cool?’ then we hate to break it to you, but yes. During lockdown we all swapped coolness for comfort, prettiness for practicality, and embraced the magnificent combo that is socks and slides. And the best thing is, with winter on its way, rocking a sock with your favorite summer sandals is a cheap and easy way to double up your footwear rotation. No need to wave goodbye to your trusty pool slides for another year: you can just keep your toes warm with a pair of socks.
Now that we’re back to staying in, a super cozy and comfortable high-quality sock is an essential we all need, alongside a new pair of sandals to finish off that laid-back luxury indoor style. But there’s more to this trend than Crocs, Tevas and Birkenstocks – read on to discover the latest sandals trends and the best socks to go with them.
Sandals Trends
The Funky Flatform
A pair of platform sandals gives extra height, extra comfort, and extra style points. This pair from Ganni ticks all the right boxes with thick lugged soles that you could probably go hiking in, and on-trend leopard-print strapping. Take style tips from Anna Sui SS20 where stacked red platform sandals were paired with cherry red socks, and wear yours with a pair of leopard-print or gold metallic socks.
Shop this style: Ganni Leo Printed Sandals
The Luxe Sandal
Whether it’s Kendall Jenner in Wolford ankle stockings and Jimmy Choos, or Katie Holmes in sheer socks and Fendi heeled sandals, these two women have proved one thing –– wearing socks with sandals can look both sexy and smart. How to make this socks and sandals trend work for you? Swap anything ugly, orthopedic, or sporty for something altogether more chic like this pair of color-blocked Burberry slides.
Shop this style: Burberry Colour Block Slide Sandals
The Leather Mule
For men looking to elevate their sandal game, look no further than a pair of ‘Throwing Fits’ (the only podcast that matters from former fashion bros Lawrence Schlossman and James Harris) and Jian DeLeon – everyone’s favorite menswear editor – approved mules. While we love a Reebok Beatnik, these Jacquemus clogs take the biscuit on the luxury level. Welcome to the #muleboyz.
Shop this style: Jacquemus Slingback Leather Mules
The Sprezzy Slide
Swoosh sweatpants, swoosh socks, and swoosh slides –– it’s the uniform of every teenager from LA to Tokyo. Time to leave Generation Z behind in slides stakes –– let them simp over standard pool slides and TikTok whilst you get yourself a pair of designer slides. These numbers scream luxury with their classic Gucci monogramming, Bottega-style square toe, and cross straps just like your favorite Isabel Marant slides.
Shop this style: Gucci GG Slide Sandals
The Best Socks For Sandals
The Logo Sock
We’ve all fallen prey to a branded sock –– think back to those forgotten Vetements and Gosha Rubchinskiy pairs you used to wear on the regular –– but the truth is that some fashion houses do them better than others. Get yours from less hyped brands in more low-key colors and you’ll be bound to wear them for seasons to come, or until you poke a hole in them or lose one in the washing machine, whatever comes first. We like these Isabel Marant ones exactly for all these reasons: they’re understated but still stylish from a brand that never goes out of fashion.
Shop this style: Isabel Marant Logo Socks
The Tube Sock
The once-maligned white sport sock has now become a classic wardrobe essential. It used to be that wearing any kind of footwear besides a sneaker with white socks would draw comparisons to the King of Pop or some swagless tourist, but now it’s harder to find any fashion-conscious individual who doesn’t wear loafers or sandals with a pair of crisp whites. Distance yourself from your dad’s gym sock look by getting a pair from Alexander McQueen.
Shop this style: Alexander McQueen Stripe Socks With Motif Weave
The Camp Sock
While going on that one lockdown hike and wearing your Arc’Teryx jacket because Virgil has one are the closest you’ll ever get to camping, here’s one more Gorpcore trend you can hop your feet into –– camp socks. Camp socks are thick and woolly to keep feet toasty and stand up to long days on the trails, so they’re bound to become your go-to socks for those cozy nights where you’ve ordered takeout and have committed to sessioning ‘Emily In Paris’ in one go so you know what the memes are about. These outdoor staples have been remixed by one of the most iconic modern American designers and blend a classic mélange construction with signature Thom Browne detailing.
Shop this style: Thom Browne 4 Bar Melange Cotton Socks
The Next Level Sock
Fancy yourself a bit of a master in the sock game? Time to take it to the next level, play with color, texture, or contrast to create unforgettable sock and sandal combos. At Salvatore Ferragamo, sandals were styled with the totally impractical but luxury looking leather socks, but you don’t have to go that far –– these Issey Miyake socks are knitted with a unique lattice-like pattern and have a contrasting two-tone colorway mixing a vibrant green ankle with a flat black foot segment. Color-blocked, contrasting, and textured, everything you need to elevate your sock game this season.
Shop this style: Issey Miyake Men Two Tone Knitted Socks