Which socks for which shoes?

Socks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when upgrading your wardrobe, but the fact is they have the potential to refine an entire look. In addition, there are many opportunities to be creative and experiment with colours and patterns that match your personal style. However, which socks actually pair with which shoes?

In general, there are no strict rules to follow, however there are combinations that may be less desirable. Regardless of taste and preferences, it is wise to have a varied range of socks in different colours and materials. With a selection of quality socks to vary between, you'll quickly understand why they're worth an investment. In this post, we give general recommendations for which socks are best suited to different types of shoes. These tips may of course differ depending on which dress code applies or which trousers you wear, and remember that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your personal style.

Oxford shoes

Perhaps you have received an invitation to a wedding this summer, or are you planning to get married yourself? If you're wearing Oxford shoes with your suit or tuxedo, it's important to piece together the entire look. For a formal dress, we recommend thin, fine socks with an extra high shaft, ideally they should go up to the knees. Make sure the socks harmonise with the rest of your outfit to create a unified aesthetic. Therefore, choose a discreet colour such as black, dark blue or grey that goes tone in tone with your suit. If the event is less formal, you can experiment a bit more, both more colour and pattern.

Colour coordinate socks and Oxford shoes with your suit:

Brown Oxford shoes: Feel free to choose a pair of dark blue socks with a navy blue suit.

Black Oxford shoes: For a black suit at a formal event, a black sock works, for a more casual occasion, dark grey or dark blue socks also work. A grey suit is best paired with a pair of grey, black or dark blue socks.

Loafers

Loafers are a great shoe because they both have a high degree of style and can be worn all year round. During the winter months they can be worn indoors and during the summer months they are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. However, which sock actually pairs best with them? The answer, of course, depends on the occasion, dress code and which trousers you wear. During the colder seasons, it can be nice to wear a coarsely knitted sock with a high shaft in wool or merino wool regardless of the trousers.

As the temperature rises, wearing loafers without socks is perfectly acceptable. If it would feel uncomfortable, a "no-show" sock can be an alternative, but not to be confused with the ankle sock, as we’d like to avoid the small edge that rises up above the edge of the shoe. If you are going to a finer event during hot summer days, thinner socks with a high shaft are recommended for a dressier look.

Colour coordinate socks and loafers:

The choice of colour for the socks is really entirely up to you. For a more playful touch, you can choose a patterned sock with a classic pattern. However, here are some general tips on colours that work well together:

Black loafers: For a black loafer, dark grey and navy blue socks is a suitable choice for grey and blue flannel trousers respectively. A white sock can go well with a pair of blue jeans for a classic look. If you're wearing a pair of light chinos, light grey socks can be an option.

Dark brown loafers: Green or brown socks can complement a dark brown loafer. If, on the other hand, you wear a suit with your loafers, we recommend wearing a sock that goes tone-in-tone with the suit, or barefoot if it is, for example, a linen suit at a less formal occasion.

Sneakers

Socks in sneakers feel like an obvious choice. During the summer, we see a lot of people wearing ankle socks in their sneakers - something you have to be a little careful about in terms of style. Because, again, you don't want the edge of the sock appearing. A "no show" sock is a better option if you want bare ankles. If you're a fan of canvas sneakers in the summer, they're best worn barefoot for a casual and comfortable look. For chunky sneakers, a pair of socks with a high shaft is best.

Colour coordinate the socks and sneakers:

White sneakers: When it comes to white sneakers, you can match them together with white socks or another light colour. If you prefer a darker sock, navy blue or grey is a safe choice, while a black sock can look a bit harsh in contrast to white on sneakers.

Black sneakers: A dark colour that goes tone-on-tone with the shoe works here, such as navy blue, dark grey or black.

Boat shoes

Boat shoes are best worn during the summer months, with or without socks. Originally the shoe was designed to be used on sailboats, but today it is used to a much wider extent. The shoes are traditionally worn without socks, but in a more Preppy style they are often seen combined with coarser ribbed socks. Here you go for the colour and texture that you prefer.

Sandals and slippers

Socks in sandals have become a bit of a watershed moment. Just a few years ago, almost only teachers and other professionals were seen wearing socks in sandals as a practical choice for comfort. A phenomenon that many laughed at. However, in recent years it has become increasingly common to wear socks in sandals as a stylistic feature, rather than for convenience. This is a clear example of how certain style attributes and trends, previously considered unthinkable, are slowly being integrated and accepted by the masses. However, what is really right and wrong? The simple answer to the question is that there are no fixed rules. If you choose to wear sandals or slippers outdoors in the summer, white ribbed socks with a high shaft can be just as stylish as wearing the shoes barefoot.

The Arizona and Boston models from Birkenstock have been a popular choice among many in recent seasons. Their comfort and design make them an obvious choice for a more relaxed look. Now the question is asked: what element do you want to give your style? Pairing them with thicker cotton socks can give a sporty look, while a barefoot version adds a more classic touch to your look. The same applies to slippers intended for indoor use. Here you go for the option that you find most convenient.