Are your socks sabotaging your style?
If we asked you about the elements to consider when putting your outfit together, there's a pretty good chance you'd leave socks out of your list of clothing and accessories. In fact, your socks are most probably lying in a mismatched heap somewhere, and you could care less about which matched (or mismatched) pair you put on - after all, no one can really see em, right?
When we think of socks, we think of comfort. Which is, of course, one of the purposes it serves. But beyond that, socks protect our feet from abrasion/blisters and wicks away perspiration that may in turn cause you additional foot problems. A pair of socks can also easily break your outfit.
It is a pity then, that socks are rarely, if ever, given as much attention as it deserves by most men. Epically when carefully put together outfits end up failing because of a seemingly minute detail - the wrong type of socks. Thankfully, the rules of wearing socks are quite simple and straightforward. Here are the Do's and Don'ts to consider when pairing socks with your outfits:
DO match your socks with your trousers. This helps create a fluid, streamlined look. This failsafe rule ensures you don't wear garish socks that can be very distracting. It's not always easy to match the colors bang-on, in which case opt for socks in a slightly darker shade.
DO make sure your socks match the event and your ensemble.
• Dress: These socks are usually lightweight, knee-high, have a slight sheen to it and are of exceptional quality. They usually come in a variety of fine fabric such as silk, as well as in wool and cotton. Athletic or casual socks for black tie events, for instance, are never okay.
• Casual: These types of socks are worn with jeans, chinos and the like. The rule of matching socks with trousers still applies, but you can play around with more patterns and a wider color palette, as long as you don't go overboard. Casual socks are usually mid-calf.
• Athletic: While athletic socks are very similar to casual socks, they usually depend and vary on the features required for specific sports such as cushioned soles etc. Since perspiration is pretty much a given, these socks are usually in cotton which allows your feet to breathe.
DON'T wear mismatched socks. You may not notice, but you can be sure others will, and it really does make a difference. If your socks are stained, get rid of them. Wearing matched, stain free socks saves you from embarrassment in case you have to take your shoes off in public. You can thank us later.
DON'T wear white socks, unless it's for a sporting activity because 1 - you're not Michael Jackson, and 2 - white socks look terrible when worn, for instance, with suits. You are guaranteed to ruin your outfit, and you can rest assured that even the world's best tailored suit won't save you.
DON'T roll or fold your socks. Not only does it look tacky, but it also exposes your hairy legs when you sit down.
DON'T wear socks with sandals. This is possibly the most unforgivable sock faux pas you can commit.
You know what they say - rules are meant to be broken! So if you think you can carry off loud, vibrant socks, then more power to you.
By Rihaab Mowlana
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