Foot Fashion: Matching Socks to Shoes

By: Aysha Schurman

Mismatching socks and shoes leads to all kinds of foot fashion trouble, such as socks and sandals, black dress socks with sneakers and athletic socks with fancy shoes. If you ever get confused about how to match your socks to your shoes, just start by knowing what not to do. After that, matching socks to shoes can get a little complicated.

For women, matching their socks to their shoes can be a smart fashion choice, except when it isn't. For men, matching socks to shoes is always a good idea, except when it-s not. Despite the many debates about how socks should be matched to shoes, it all boils down to the particular sock a particular person is trying to match to a particular shoe.

Since socks can cause a harsh line breaking up the shoe and pant area, it's best to blend the basic components for the best look. Dark shoes should have matching socks, or socks darker than the shoes. Light shoes should have matching socks, or socks in a lighter color than the shoes. These rules keep that break line from standing out.

However, by keeping the break line too hidden, socks can run the risk of creating a bootie effect. The matching socks will overwhelm any detailed aspects of the shoes and can make it look like you're wearing baby booties. Take the opposite route with socks if you need a more contrasting look by picking colors that stand out from your shoes.

The overall thickness of your sock should be determined according to style. Thinner socks go with dress shoes, and thicker, casual socks go with sports or casual shoes. Climate and shoe thickness should help determine height. Shorter socks work in warmer temperatures with lighter shoes, and longer socks work in colder temperatures with heavy shoes.

When it comes to sandals, though, style and climate cease to matter. There is no sock on earth that will match. Even if a certain famous earthy shoe company officially announced that it's okay to wear socks with their foot-forming sandals, they lied.

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Always check if new shoes need waterproofing or regular polishing before you wear them. Preparing the material can help prevent damage, as can regular cleanings and proper storage. When storing shoes, stuff them to keep their shape, and store them standing up, never laying on one side.

Balance your selection of men's shoes with a little bit of classical and a little bit of modern style. Wear dress shoes for work or formal affairs and casual shoes for kicking back, and try not to mix the two styles.

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