October 30, 2006
Style Friday, Monday edition: still talking about socks
Things that are kicking my ass today: daylight savings time (kids! awake! at 5:00 am!) and the weather (today: 80 degrees! tomorrow: 55!). It’s also possible that I OD’d on Halloween candy this weekend and am having some sort of Smarties Withdrawal.
Anyway, I’m beat. You?
Thank god there is more to say about socks, because that keeps me from having to think of something interesting to write here. Honestly you all, I had NO IDEA that socks could inspire such passion! Such angst! Such a lot of questions!
Then again, I don’t really wear them, so how would I know?
Let’s tie up the loose sock threads, shall we? Busy Mom asked what “the proper color sock for viewing between dark brown shoes and khaki pants” might be. Answer: khaki, or something light. NOT dark brown; in this particular case, matching socks to shoes will make your legs look stumpy. If you’re feeling daring, you can coose a third color (navy or hot pink or lime green) and make a statement with your socks; I love the idea of “freelancing” socks. But do this carefully and thoughtfully, because it WILL draw attention to your ankles.
Laura brought up a related point: “when do you know to wear a brown shoe and when to wear a black shoe? And what about those various shades of brown from dark to taupe? And what about navy shoes? I have been existing in black shoes and socks land for awhile, since I am unknowing.”
Oooh, good question.
Black and brown are both neutrals, and thus go with virtually everything. VIRTUALLY. Which means “almost, but not quite.” Black and dark brown shoes are best with dark trousers or skirts; pairing dark shoes with light colored or lightweight skirts and pants draws attention to your feet, and not necessarily in a good way. Think about the line you are creating; black trousers with black shoes (and black socks, if needed) creates a sleek, fluid look.
HOWEVER, you CAN wear dark shoes with light pants; choose a light-weight shoe, though, to balance the color of the pants.
shoes and trousers by J. Crew
These black peep-toes are the perfect foil for the ivory herringbone trousers; the shoes are noteworthy but are not the focus of attention. And I know you’re saying to yourself, “Dude, I’m TOTALLY not wearing WHITE WOOL TROUSERS to playgroup.” No, but I’ll bet you own some light-colored chinos, yes? Same rule. Light color or light fabric needs a lighter shoe. For winter, opt for something with some weight–jeans or corduroys or wool pants–and pair them with some cool black or brown shoes. For summer, go with light colored pants and lighter shoes–a sandal or open-toed pump.
Or, pair them with some nice navy shoes! Navy is a fantastic neutral alternative; treat it pretty much like you would black or brown. Navy shoes are great with everything EXCEPT black pants and skirts; they are beautiful with brown, for example, and with lighter colors, navy can be a nice alternative to brown or black, although again think about balance (open-toed or sling back or strappy navy shoes are best with lighter fabrics or colors). The same is true for lighter brown shoes. I love these in “Vicuna.” I think they would be beautiful with dark brown pants or black pants or dark jeans, AND with camel or caramel colored pants AND with navy pants AND . . .
You get the idea.
Think about it this way: do you want people looking at your shoes or socks? Or do you want the focus to be somewhere else, like your pretty face or your Superhero necklace? Make a choice, rather than just throwing socks and shoes on and running out the door. But for the love of god, do NOT wear black clogs with white socks and shorts. Please. Because I will see you and it will take everything I have in me not break down weeping right there in the Target grocery line.
Posted by Susan @ 9:00 am • Uncategorized
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October 30th, 2006 at 10:11 am, Karyn Says:
Dude. My feet and ankles are a damn sight prettier than my face or most things ABOVE the ankle these days. Well. The cleavage is okay. But otherwise… hm. Guess I need to find me some pink socks.
October 30th, 2006 at 10:45 am, Abbey Says:
yesterday I was dressing, had a light tan knee length skirt, a white button down shirt and pink sweater vest. I reached in to my drawer for my creamy heathered tights when your words flashed across my mind. I gently put them back down. I put on black, which matched the shoes. It looked odd. Finally I changed into a denim skirt and wore the black. But what should I have worn? Brown? Or no tights with a brown boot? Or black boot? Thank you, guru.
October 30th, 2006 at 10:54 am, Laura Says:
Who knew I had such a good question? Thanks for the answer, and the advice over on my blog.
Now I am in search of boots with a wide calf. A 17 inch calf is not often found in women’s footwear. Darn years of exercise!
October 30th, 2006 at 10:55 am, Susan Says:
Abbey, GOOD CALL on the cream-colored tights. Nice work.
With a tan skirt, you can do the following: tan tights with brown shoes (preferably LIGHT brown, not chocolate), no tights with brown boots, or tan OR brown tights with brown boots. Not black tights OR shoes with tan skirt.
Or . . . NAVY shoes with tan skirt! How pretty would that be?
October 30th, 2006 at 3:38 pm, Jenorama Says:
I am laughing so hard. I have totally worn the black clogs with white socks and shorts.
If you lived near me for real, you would have a heart attack.
But you saw the socks I wore when I met you.
October 30th, 2006 at 9:57 pm, Jeana Says:
I KNEW that was you I saw crying in line at Target!
October 31st, 2006 at 5:10 pm, Kelly Says:
Okay, here’s another sock question for you. I am often known to wear my gray (knee-high) socks with brown shoes. Is this acceptable? Some part of me senses/believes that gray socks should not be worn with brown shoes. And yet I do it anyway.
November 1st, 2006 at 10:49 am, Jennifer Says:
wow, you are doing mom-land a great service. I finally have come up for air after having 4 kids..seems I have been pregnant/and or trying to lose pregnancy weight forever. I don’t know how to dress anymore. Shoes and socks, I do need help!
And I hope I don’t make you weep, but I have been wearing black clog-like shoes (land’s end mocks) cause they are so comfortable (and I don’t always stop to think about what socks I am wearing…) I did decide I look like a chicken farmer’s wife in them and bought some cute leather shoes to wear instead…but I forget to change my chicken shoes sometimes when I go out…confessions of a backwards mom..
thanks for the tips,
Jenny in Ca
November 1st, 2006 at 12:50 pm, Susan Says:
“Chicken shoes” is funny. But really, change your socks.
Trust me.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:25 pm, Jan Says:
Gold toe socks are my very favorites. i hate it when the seam across the toe is itchy, bulgy, bumpy, or otherwise irritating. Gold Toe socks seams are usually smoother and flatter. And Gold Toe socks last longer for me than any other brand. Well, except for Thur-lo, which are so thick they require a size larger shoe, and so padded that really, wearing a shoe seems almost redundant. But as I was saying, I love me some Gold Toe socks. And no I don’t own stock, or get paid for endorsing them (I wish).
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:30 pm, Susan Says:
Jan! My husband wears Gold Toe socks! He LOVES them!
I need to get me some of those, I think.