How to Match Dress Socks to Your Outfit and Put Your Best Foot Forward
The devil's in the details. And knowing how to match dress socks to your outfit is part of the finishing touch to a timeless outfit. Always put your best foot forward in the boardroom or the ballroom (and feel comfortable day or night).
May 23, 2024
Written by Jericho Bundac
Image CreditPeter, @ptguzzo, wearing Grey Over The Calf
That's not it. White gym socks and navy dress trousers are not how you match socks to your outfit. It screams, "I don't know what I'm doing." Even if you have an immaculate suit, a crisp dress shirt and an impeccable tie—wearing socks that clash with your outfit undermines your timeless style. Refine your style and don't leave any details to chance.
Add an extra level of polish to your outfits and match your socks like someone who belongs in the corner office—not a cubicle. Here are six tips you should know to learn how to match dress socks to your outfit:
1. Match the Socks to Your Trousers
There's beauty in simplicity. Match your socks to your trousers and make looking polished effortless. Your legs will also look longer and create a slimmer silhouette. It's a win-win. A simple yet sophisticated look emanates confidence. It’s appealing without being distracting. You look refined and polished while exuding timeless style. And that will always look good.
2. Don't Let Socks Overpower Your Outfit
Socks with bright colours and wild patterns make a statement. But let me ask you, "Do you want people looking at your socks? Or your handsome face?" Don't let your socks be the centre of attention. Just like pairing your tie with a suit, use restraint when choosing your socks. Know that the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts.
3. How to Match Dress Socks to Your Outfit: Lean on Foundational Colours
Using neutral colours like navy, grey, and olive green makes looking polished in socks effortless. Pairing your navy suit with navy socks is a no-brainer. And you eliminate the risk of your socks overpowering your outfit and sticking out like a sore thumb. Get socks in rich, neutral colours, and you'll look sophisticated from head to toe.
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4. Use Understated Patterns and Colours
We're not advocating for solid socks all day, every day, and twice on Tuesdays. Patterned socks are a great way to add depth, dimension, and visual interest to an outfit—especially a solid-coloured suit. But the best way to incorporate patterned socks into your ensemble is by using understated patterns. The most powerful statement is understatement, and understated patterns like houndstooth or herringbone refine your style in classic suits.
Refined style means nailing the details others overlook, including high-quality socks. The best materials and fine craftsmanship take your comfort and style from the ladder's bottom rung all the way to the top. Use refined knowledge and master how to match dress socks to your outfit.
The Best Material for Dress Socks: Cotton
Like all apparel, men's dress socks come in various materials with different characteristics. Cotton dress socks reign supreme thanks to their breathability and absorbency. Feel confident delivering your presentation on cool, dry feet.
Consider Construction
Not all socks are made the same. In addition to materials, it's worthwhile to look into the sock's construction. It can play a significant role in the sock's durability and your comfort.
Consider the sock's needle count. They typically range from 90 to 240. The higher the needle count, the thinner the sock. Thinner socks mean a more comfortable fit, dry feet, and a clean, sophisticated look.
Aklasu dress socks are made in Italy with 100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton on a 240-needle knitting machine. They're hand-finished with reinforced hand-linked heels and toes. You'll love the premium material and world-class craftsmanship. Don't miss out on comfortable, durable and stylish socks. Check out our of collection men's dress socks now.
6. Pick the Proper Length
The best materials and fine craftsmanship make looking polished in socks a slam dunk. But don't make a common mistake with socks. You need to know one more piece of information when matching your socks to your outfit: the proper length.
As a general rule of thumb, the lower the cut of your socks, the more informal the occasion. Save the ankle socks for the gym and reach for longer lengths for the office and formal events. Mid-calf and full-length socks provide the appropriate aesthetic for a day at the office or an evening of celebration.
Celebrate your biggest events in style and comfort now that you know how to match dress socks to your outfit. Get all of your details in order by downloading our free Tie Pairing Guide, so you'll always look like the most polished man in the room.