The smallest details can make a big difference in your professional appearance. Socks, for example, can elevate a formal suit, or add a touch of personality to a casual one. This guide will answer all your questions about wearing socks with suits, from length and colour to choosing the right style.
What Type of Socks Should I Wear?
Proper suit etiquette requires mid-calf, or a longer sock. This ensures your legs remain covered, even when you sit down. This maintains a polished and professional look. An exposed ankle can detract from the formality of your outfit but can work for casual attire.
When No Socks Work
A suit can be stylishly paired with a bare ankle for a casual summer look. Think shorter, slim-fit trousers and loafers – it's a sharp combination that's become quite popular. However, ditching socks entirely is best reserved for informal settings.
The key to pulling off the sockless suit is maintaining a cohesive casual look. Choose loafers or dress sneakers over a formal shoe like oxfords or wingtips. Consider no-show socks as a compromise, offering the benefits of socks while maintaining the desired ankle exposure.
Overall, a sockless suit is a great summer option for casual occasions.
Socks to Avoid
We recommend avoiding athletic socks. Their thick, bulky build creates unsightly bulges under dress pants and clashes completely with the refined lines of a suit. These socks are best saved for workouts and casual wear.
Similarly, avoid worn-out socks with holes or stains. A well-fitting suit deserves high-quality dress socks to match. Invest in a few good pairs and replace them when they show signs of wear. Remember, your socks, though subtle, are an important detail that contributes to your overall polished look.
Choosing the Right Sock Colour.
Colour plays a key role in sock selection for suits. Here's a breakdown for common and suitable sock and suit pairings.
Black Suits
Demand a touch of formality. Stick to neutral shades for your socks
- Black Socks: A timeless, and elegant choice that creates a seamless look from trousers to shoes.
- Dark Grey Socks: Offer a slightly more casual touch for a black suit.
Navy Suits
Offer more versatility when it comes to sock colour. You can choose from classic to bold options.
- Navy Socks: A classic and understated option that complements the navy hue.
- Grey Socks: A professional choice that pairs well with navy.
- Red Socks: A bold statement that adds a touch of personality. However, ensure the red complements your overall outfit.
- Brown Socks: Brown socks can complement a navy suit but avoid matching them to your shoes. Choose contrasting colours like tan or brown for a more visually interesting look.
Grey Suits
Offer a platform for a wider range of sock colours
- Dark Grey Socks: A professional and safe choice for a grey suit.
- Navy Socks: Shades of blue often work well with grey suits, offering a cohesive look.
- Turquoise Socks: A bold choice that can add a touch of personality to a grey suit, but ensure it complements the rest of your outfit.
Remember, your socks should ideally be a few shades darker than your trousers. This creates a polished look and elongates your leg line.
Express your Personality
Solid-coloured socks are a classic choice, but expressing your personality with patterned socks can elevate your suited look. From polka dots, stripes to argyle, there's a world of patterns to explore. Select a design you love that complements your entire outfit.
The key to styling patterned socks is ensuring the background colour coordinates with your suit. This creates a cohesive flow and prevents the socks from clashing with your attire. For instance, a navy suit with a subtle pinstripe pattern pairs well with patterned socks that have a dominant navy background and a contrasting accent colour.
Remember, the level of formality also plays a role. Bold, loud patterns might be perfect for a fun suit at a cocktail party, but a conservative pinstripe suit calls for more subtle patterns or solids.
Solid vs. Patterned
Both solid and patterned socks can work wonders with a suit, depending on the occasion and your desired level of formality.
- Solid socks offer a timeless, polished look and are easier to match with various suit colours and patterns. They're a suitable choice for any situation.
- Patterned socks add a touch of personality and can elevate a simple suit. They require a bit more attention to detail to ensure they coordinate well with your outfit.
Ultimately, the choice is yours! Experiment and find what matches your style. Don't be afraid to express yourself through patterned socks, just remember to keep the background colour in line with your suit for a put-together look
Must be Paired
Always wear socks that match! Mismatched socks can detract from your polished look, no matter how well-chosen your suit is. By following this tip, no matter what socks you choose, your socks will be a seamless and stylish addition to your entire outfit.
