Socks and sandals: fashion faux pas no more?

Get the sporty-spice/grandpa/model off duty hybrid-vibe that's cute, comfy, and on every style influencer's spring and summer outfit idea line up

So many style influencers have been rocking socks and sandals, and it has been surprisingly successful despite the stigmatization around the duo (it was said, back in the day, to have served grandpa vibes…and not in the ironic way we appreciate now).

Socks and sandals now being in is delightful news, not only because I have cold feet and like down-to-earth fashion versatility for all seasons, but because I root firmly for the underdog and, like every other living, breathing human on the planet, love a comeback-makeover moment. The socks and sandals look is an easy, comfy pair that is so easy to root for.

The key element in making the sock and sandal trend work is for the sandal to be chunky and strappy. The surprise and interest element that comes from wearing a bulky shoe is what allows the socks and sandals look to give whimsical funkiness, and from there, depending on the sock type, can lean in different aesthetic directions otherwise.  These are my three favorite ways to build upon this look and try out the sock and sandal trend for yourself:

1. The easiest way to style socks and sandals, I think, is to go for an athletic look. Pair white tube socks and super tall, sporty platform sandals (better yet, with practical Velcro or slide straps) with a pair of fitted black leggings and a crewneck sweatshirt. Athleisure is the perfect counterpart to the socks and sandals look when going for a cute sporty-spice vibe. Make sure the white tube socks are over the leggings so the effortless, athletic aesthetic is maximized.  

2. Leaning on the athleisure look with a twist, another styling option would be textured bike shorts and an oversized tee or a one-piece tank-shorts body suit paired with a zip-up hoodie—cropped or oversized depending on your mood. Not only does this give that girl if you’re into that, but you’ll be so comfy. Stick with the sporty platform sandals and athletic socks for the same look, or go for a pair of pastel colored socks to add a happy go lucky twist.

3. For a more elevated, dressed up look with socks and sandals, try a dress (mini, midi, maxi, or matching set all work here!), chunky heels or wedges, and a pair of ruffled socks with a feminine twist. For balletcore vibes, lean towards a fluffy chiffon-ruffled sock, or for a modern, glam-fairy look, wear anklets over the sock. Either way, this look works.

No matter how they’re styled, the socks and sandals duo is warm, comfy (finally, warm feet year long and a break from the blisters!), and so on brand for the 2022 energy of wear whatever the f you want. So, with the tremendous amount of inspo coming out with socks as the key accessory to the look, I am happy to finally report this deeply misunderstood underdog of a trend is definitely leaning doable and mainstream—finally.