The Socktorialist

It seems that we're not the only ones in the world concerned about sock wearing. I recently got an email from a blogger devoted to socks called The Socktorialist. Here's a picture from his blog that I thought looked quite cool and got me thinking about mismatched socks. The Socktorialist claims this was a dressing oversight but it's too good.



I started thinking about mismatched socks and soon discovered there's a whole world devoted to it. There are sites that sell mismatched socks - little miss matched, painted kiwi, united odd socks - discussion forums, gizmos that stop your socks getting lost when you do laundry from socks cop, it goes on and on!

Bewildering information overload on google.

A Sartorial point of view

They say a true gentleman never allows the gap between his socks and trousers to show when he sits. It also seems that the colour of men's socks can be dictated by geography - here's an international view of men's sock style from a very well know fashion blog, the sartorialist. The Sartorialist is a must have bookmark if you're interested in fashion snaps from the streets of NY, Paris, Milan, London.

In our experience American men are the most bold in their choice of sock colours. Should socks match shoes or trousers, or not at all? Check his blog and let us know what you think!

Sex & The City's fashion lead

Knee socks and over the knee socks in every variation have been touted as being 'in' this winter and leading the way in fine style is Sarah Jessica Parker wearing over the knee argyle socks as part of her new Sex & the City wardrobe.
Add to it the socks with sandals combo and you need a PhD in advanced sock styling - clearly not a look that can easily be carried off by mere mortals....
The official Sex & the City site even has a section devoted to all the fashion looks by character, by series!

BOOGALOO STU.......rocks!

PERFORMER, DESIGNER & DJ BOOGALOO STU LONDON
"enough about you...let's talk about me"
You have to admit it takes a very confident person to pull off this look. I've never seen a man wear knee high socks with such style. Boogaloo Stu not only designs his own outfits (complete with socks & tie) but has also just released his second single "Just want you to know". What a night at his relaunch of 'Shinky Shonky' in Soho. What else can I say!

It IS all in the detail!

It's amazing the kind of conversations you get into once people know you have a cool sock website. Granted it was at a pub at a friend's birthday party. Here's someone who had EXACTLY matching Calvin Klein underwear and Burlington argyle socks in the same shade of green. (Shame I didn't get a better picture as it was taken on my mobile.)

I have to admit I was very impressed.

How to wear them DILEMMA?

So fine, socks are in the magazines but people ask - how do I wear them? (If you're one of those million girls who wore UGG boots don't even try and tell me socks aren't flattering.) As a starter if you're feeling a bit insecure buy a few magazines and see how they're styled up to get the general idea.

Here are TEN tips for the gals:
1. Over the knee socks look good but THINK twice before wearing with a miniskirt (slightly too school girl rah rah)
2. It's nice to CONTRAST a thicker ribbed sock with a floaty dress.
3. It's fine to see a bit of SKIN between your sock & dress otherwise you may as well wear tights.
4. Saying that, over the knee socks aren't as warm as wearing tights so you can keep it a SECRET if you're so inclined.
5. If you're going for a more 'fashion' look you can SCRUNCH down your knee socks to resemble a slouchy boot and wear with court shoes (pumps). If you keep the colours similar it will even look like you're wearing a boot.
6. If you're a sock NOVICE best to stay away from patterned socks as it's a much harder look to pull off (and not as flattering on the leg if you're concerned about that).
7. Short ankle socks can look really good with HEELS in the evening - it makes your outfit look less boring and also resembles those 'shoe boots' that are in fashion - again keep the same colour as your shoe unless you're more daring.
8. Socks are an easier look to pull off with CHUNKY heels than stilettos.
9. Think of socks as you would an ACCESSORY. It needs to match with everything else you have on.
10. Finally, if you're going to wear socks with SANDALS (yes, you heard right - girls only though!) make sure it's not going to rain that day.

Socks are IN!!

If you haven't noticed the fashion mags recently socks are IN (and brightly coloured tights too) and everywhere! Not that they were ever OUT from our point of view but they have been 'blessed' with the fashion wand so if you were afraid to stick your leg out before, it's OK to wear them now.

Chunky socks with shoes & open sandals - you name it. And if you don't believe us socks even feature in ads from Miu Miu to Balenciaga (love those Balenciaga lego shoes).....