Sock Around the Clock
Most sock drawers are a snooze, but yours doesn't have to be. Leveling up your sock game is wildly underrated, and jazzing it up can become a small thrill that works in your favor. We've compiled just a few unexpected ideas to keep your style looking sharp from the feet up, so let's roll!
1. Cotton Crews as Everyday Staples
Cotton crew socks became a wardrobe cornerstone in the ‘40s, prized for their breathable, soft natural fibers. Bring them back with casual sneakers or classic loafers for a versatile and comfortable look. Organic cotton socks also offer the same softness with environmentally friendly production methods.
2. Statement Socks for a Bold Style
For a playful way to express personality without loud outfits, choose bold-patterned socks. Whether it's polka dots or quirky graphics, they turn basic shoes into style highlights. Not to mention, streetwear culture embraced statement socks in the 2010s, so you'd be in good company.
3. Bombas for Cushion and Cause
These gained traction in 2013 by combining plush cushioning with a social mission: donating a pair to those in need for every purchase. Bombas' patented honeycomb support system eases foot pressure, and antimicrobial yarns help prevent odor, so you'd score a comfy upgrade that feels good inside and out.
Bombas Sock Review by Lexington Podiatry (The Foot + Ankle Specialists)
4. Sheer Mesh for a Trendy Look
Sheer mesh socks utilize translucent fabrics, such as nylon or polyester blends, to add a light, textured layer to outfits. Popularized by runway shows in the late 2010s, they peek above sneakers or heels with subtle shimmer.
Complliments 3 Pack of Sheer Patterned Crew Socks on QVC by QVCtv
5. Nike Dri-FIT to Add Sporty Flair
Dri-FIT technology was introduced by Nike in 1991, engineered with polyester microfiber to wick away moisture efficiently. They keep feet dry during intense activity and offer ventilation zones, but beyond athletic use, these socks complement casual looks for streetwear appeal.
Nike Dri-FIT Socks | Best Socks for Summer by Aeronz
6. Tie-Dye Ankles for Y2K Vibes
Vintage tie-dye patterns made a comeback in 2019 as ankle socks. The colorful bursts fit perfectly with chunky sneakers or denim shorts! Bright, swirled designs also bring nostalgic, carefree energy to your wardrobe, inspired by both the '60s and the Y2K playful aesthetics.
DIY: TIE DYE NIKE CREW SOCKS by Candie
7. Adidas Stripes for Retro Edge
Made from cotton-poly blends, these socks offer durability and comfort. What makes them even better is that they evoke a retro vibe when paired with vintage Adidas sneakers or modern kicks. Adidas' signature three-stripe became iconic in the ‘70s and the latest Gen Z fashion scene, too.
Adidas Originals Adiletten and Stance Boneless Socks by Blue Tomato
8. Thigh-High Knits to Add Drama
Thigh-high socks made from wool or acrylic blends offer warmth and make you feel fabulous. Fashion influencers repopularized them in fall 2020, pairing them with miniskirts or layered over tights, and it's hard to argue with texture that keeps legs cozy during cooler months.
Thigh High Sock Rubbing Try On Haul | ASMR by Lisa ASMR
9. Lace Socks With Chunky Shoes
Delicate lace socks introduce femininity and can even be matched with oversized sneakers or combat boots. Made from cotton or nylon lace, they add intricate detail that contrasts with rugged shoe styles, and the juxtaposition nods to vintage Victorian influences.
10. Bold Argyle Patterns for Classic Cool
Originally, Scottish clans popularized the argyle pattern, which seamlessly combines diamonds and stripes. This style gained prominence in the 1920s, when the Duke of Windsor popularized it in British fashion, pairing the socks with golf attire for a preppy aesthetic.
I GOT MY SOCKS ON (SHAYTARDS) | ARGYLE SOCKS DANCING by Tico+Tina: Quantum Freedom Lifestyle
11. Mismatched Pairs to Stand Out
Breaking the "matching sock" rule became trendy when JW Anderson sported mismatched socks in 2018! Wearing two different patterns or colors makes a playful statement, adds personality, and is a fun way to mix styles without overthinking.
Mismatched Ankle Socks With Stripes And Leggings Outfit by RockingSocks99
12. Transparent Socks to Frame Shoes
Clear socks made from TPU and nylon blends highlight your shoes instead of hiding them. Designers in Milan and New York embraced this look in 2019, creating a soft glam look on heels and sneakers alike. Ariana Grande was spotted in this style in her 2016 MAC Viva Glam campaign, and who doesn't want to be like Glinda?
Seethrough White Socks | Tryon Haul by Emsammast
13. Stance Art for Pop Culture Feet
Stance Socks turned sock-wearing into art by collaborating with Marvel, Rick and Morty, and more since 2009. With bold graphics and premium cotton for comfort, wearing Stance keeps your feet cozy all day.
The most entertaining socks review ever made...Stance socks review by Golf Guy Reviews
14. Ruffle Socks for Balletcore
Here's a graceful yet casual vibe you can add to any outfit, nodding to classic dance aesthetics. Inspired by ballet slippers, ruffled socks add a delicate, feminine touch to just about any outfit. Popular since 2015 in both Japanese kawaii fashion and Western street style, these socks layer beautifully under loafers or Mary Janes.
Ruffle Socks by RSD SEWING PATTERNS
15. Chain Cuffs for Alt Fashion
Calling all metalheads! Chain cuffs pay homage to the punk and goth scenes of the ‘70s. Whether real chains or printed motifs, they add an edgy flair to boots or platforms. Chain-cuffed socks also use detachable metal chains, allowing wearers to customize their look with different accessories.
16. Tabi Styles With Street Cool
Tabi socks separate the big toe from the others, and it's a style dates all the way back to 15th-century Japan. If it wasn't enough that Maison Margiela made them a high-street staple in recent years, the design also improves balance by allowing the big toe to move independently, which is beneficial for yoga or martial arts.
DIY Tabi Socksㅣmadebyaya by madebyaya
17. Embroidered Socks With Personality
Socks with embroidered designs change everyday basics into fashionable accessories. This stitching tradition is centuries old, but it saw a revival, thanks to indie brands focusing on handmade uniqueness. Cotton blends give comfort while adding handcrafted personality.
DIY Embroidery on socks by Craft House
18. Fishnet Layers for Texture
Layering fishnet socks or stockings over opaque pairs is pretty eye-catching. Fishnets became punk icons in the ‘80s and returned as a fashion favorite, with people today styling them under sneakers or heels for a playful edge. However you rock them, you're going to stand out in the best way.
Crochet Fishnet Stockings, Mesh Socks / Crochet Lace Thigh high Socks by Neng Crochet
19. Happy Socks Collab Drops
Happy Socks built a cult following through vibrant patterns and collaborations with artists such as Keith Haring and the Andy Warhol estate. Since launching in 2008, limited-edition drops have kept collectors hooked—and those graphic-heavy designs combine playful art and comfort.
Happy Socks | Funky Colourful Socks by Louis Houng
20. Neon Socks for Added Flash
Bright colors inspired by '80s and '90s rave culture can instantly energize any outfit. Brands like Stance produce neon socks with reflective threads, enhancing visibility for nighttime runners or cyclists. As an added bonus, some neon socks incorporate UV-reactive yarns, too, which glow vibrantly under certain lighting.
