Sock it to You

Shoes, belt, cuff links, necktie, tie clip, handkerchief …  

 

There’s just a short list of items that the modern man can use to set himself apart or add a little dash of bling to uniform-like, standard business, or business casual menswear.

 

Recently, however, it appears that an additional item of clothing has been joining the ranks, a staple that gives us flashing glimpses with the momentary lift of a pant leg – the shy sock.   

 

Us men usually take some time selecting a new tie or pocket square to complete or change up our look, but rarely do most of us give the modest sock such a prominent level of stature.

 

It seems that the sock has finally come out of its shell. Fleeting are the days of regulation black and navy … and if you were feeling adventurous, the muted argyle. 

 

Men are now being dared to put their best foot forward with breathtakingly colorful stripes, animal prints, polka dots, and even camo.  

 

Celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon, such as Rob Kardashian finding his sock line gaining momentum; he even goes as far as printing messages on the soles that give such endearing directives as “kiss me” to the pedestrian phrase “YOLO.”

 

Upscale brands such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton have seen an uptick in their men’s patterned sock lines and have reached out to celebrity designers. And even big box retailers such as Target and Kmart have taken notice.

 

The trend is reaching across the canyons of age and backgrounds, as the feet and calves of the Millennials all the way back to the Greatest Generation are being embraced in vivid colors and patterns. 

 

Even the most conservative of the fashion world – politicos – are stepping into something new. When all five living presidents recently came together for the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the elder George H.W. Bush glowed on the presidential platform with his hot pink patterned socks that peered from under his gray suit and out of his traditional, lace-up Oxfords. 

 

When looking at patterned socks, look to connect their shades with colors above your waistline and try not to match a pattern with your current look – like trying to match paisley socks with a paisley tie. And if you’re already patterned out, leave the patterned socks in the sock drawer for next time and look at simply a solid.

 

The sock has been treated as a utilitarian man’s garment tool for the majority of the modern era, but given some extra attention, I know you will discover an effective new weapon of choice from your wardrobe chest in helping to dictate a fresh, personal style. 

And after all, I think it’s time that the only type of underwear that’s acceptable to show off in public – the sock – should receive a second or third look.