Matching your Socks with your Outfit

There are two kinds of men out there: the ones that try to dress reasonably well, combining their whole outfit; and the others, who pick up the first thing that comes out of their drawers, totally unaware of the good taste for fashion. I assume that you belong with the first group, or at least are trying to become one of us (why would you be reading this article if that’s not the case?), so, let’s try to solve this matching socks messy riddle…

Remember, the first thing people notice about you, is your face. The second is your shoes, and, inevitably, the third would almost always be the thing that is next to them:
Socks!!!

Different types of socks exist by the dozen, in a variety of fibers, cuts (i.e. low, medium and high), colors, and patterns. This overwhelming selection of styles and colors might explain why so many of us have a hard time picking socks that match what we’re wearing. Improper coordination of socks can easily spoil your look, no matter how handsome and well-dressed you are. But, interestingly, matching socks is often perceived as a trivial part of the dressing process. It shouldn’t be this way.

Matching with Shoes or Trousers?

Socks should match the color of your trousers not your shoes. Matching socks with your shoes isn’t such a smooth move. It will make your beautiful, expensive shoes more invisible, or you’ll look as if you have bootees on. Socks should be an extension of the trousers in color tone. They can be slightly darker than your trouser color. This gives an uninterrupted visual line from your waist to your shoes. We don’t want our observer’s eye to stop at our ankles.
Obviously, there are some exceptions, or permitted modifications for this rule. You can use a secondary color in the sock (patterns, etc.) to match a tie, pocket square or shirt color. A burgundy tie for example with a touch of burgundy in your sock can be a great look.

Remember to keep in mind that your socks and shoes should be darker than or the same tone as your top. So unless you’re going to the gym or wearing white patent leather shoes with a white tux, there’s no reason for you to wear white socks ever again.
Non the less, no matter what kind of sock you’re wearing, always try to be careful on how you show them off. When you are walking or standing, the only way anyone should see your socks is if your trousers are too short.

Different Socks for different styles

Formal

To spice up your dressy look, you can match the pattern in your socks to your shirt, tie or even the pinstripes in your suit. For example, if you’re wearing a black suit with a red tie and black shoes, you can wear black socks that feature a subtle red argyle pattern or polka dots. As long as the background color of your socks matches your shoes, this rule is always a safe bet. With tweed you might want to consider wearing earthy colors or pick one of the shades featured in the tweed pattern and opt for solid colored socks.

In more formal settings, black over-the-calf stretch nylon cotton or wool socks are fitting. You should also know that according to purists, socks should extend over your calves any time you’re wearing a tie. This prevents any part of your bare leg from being exposed while seated and puts an end to occasional tugging, which is inexcusable.

Casual look

The same matching rule applies for casual attire; pair the colors of your socks’ pattern to another part of your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing classic blue jeans, black shoes and a white T-shirt, then opt for solid black socks or a black pair that features a subtle blue pattern. Remember, you can match the patterns in your socks to your top, belt or jacket, so long as the background matches your shoes.

Sports

Finally, when it comes to athletic socks, white is fine but you can add a cool touch to your look by matching the lines or logo featured on your socks to your shorts or T-shirt. Gray socks are also a safe and stylish option for sportswear.

9 simple steps for choosing your socks

1. Round out your sock wardrobe; pairs for athletics, evening wear, business and casual wear will prepare you for most activities.
2. Consider color, weight, length, shoe or boot choices, and the weather when making a sock decision.
3. Keep in mind that black, brown, gray and white go with most colors.
4. Select a heavier wool or thick cotton for heavier shoes such as hiking boots, oxfords or workman-type footwear.
5. Go for silk, nylon, thin cotton or hose with business shoes, evening wear or sandals (if you need to wear socks with sandals at all).
6. Remember that business suits dictate complementary color and weight choices; light socks don’t make it with dark suits.
7. Wear socks or hose that closely match your business trousers. Nude stockings are neutral and almost always correct.
8. Choose crew or ankle socks with shorts; knee-length socks are palatable for British police officers or mail carriers.
9. Go for cotton crew or ankle socks with sneakers, tennis shoes or any other athletic shoes.

Sources: Askmen, AskAndyAboutClothes

Related Posts

• How to choose the right socks?
• Men`s shoes style
• What better than a great foot massage?
• New Sony PSP!!!
• A guide to choose the perfect tuxedo