STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

How to wear knee-high/over the knee socks

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Those are all pretty pieces, but I would wear the socks with pants or maybe cropped pants. Every time I see someone wearing knee socks and a skirt or dress, it just sticks out like a sore thumb. I genuinely like the look but I guess only in magazines. The ensemble ends up looking costumey sometimes, and passer-bys stare like five-year-olds at who ever is wearing knee socks.

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

Hmmm. Ok, well I would only want to wear them with skirts or dresses because I would want them to show.

What about with a skirt or dress but peeking out from knee-high boots?? Then its not so school-girl.

cahabo · Kate Spade

I wear knee socks with skirts and cropped pants. I don't like to have the top of the sock show though. I only wear knee socks with pants when I'm wearing boots, otherwise it's kind of pointless right?

dangergirl · Kate Spade

i definitely think you can wear them with dresses and skirts as long as the rest of the outfit is sophisticated rather than cute and schoolgirlish. i really like the dress you posted btw!

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

cahabo wrote:

I wear knee socks with skirts and cropped pants. I don't like to have the top of the sock show though. I only wear knee socks with pants when I'm wearing boots, otherwise it's kind of pointless right?

I guess that's the key- -not letting the top of the sock show, so the socks end up looking more like funky tights.

I wear fun socks with pants because I like it when the socks peek out when I cross my legs. It's like my dorky little secret.

HeatherLynn · Gucci

Here are a few pics of celebrities doing it:

She has fairly boring socks over black tights.

I think it has potential to be cute, but could also look like a fashion disaster as well. I think (like mentioned above) it looks better when they appear to tights vs socks. However, I think some people can pull it off and make it look good.

member · Hermes

I like the outfit you posted, but I agree that the knee high or over the knee socks would look better peeking out of boots. That will take away from the school girl vibe. I'm with you though - I'd want them to show, especially the tops, otherwise, what's the point of wearing them at all? No one would see them.

ETA: I just saw HeatherLynn's post and I really like the knee socks over the tights look! I must be the only one though - I wouldn't want them to look like tights - I'd want them to look like knee/over the knee socks.

-- Edited by shopchicago33 at 10:22, 2007-10-16

FashionPrincess · Hermes

I've been thinking about this very thing ever since I tried on my argle knee socks with my new oxford shoes. It does have the potential of looking too "Clueless" but I think with the right outfit it could work. Now whether or not I'll be comfortable doing it or not remains to be seen. If you do it, be sure to post a pic.

Drew · Gucci

I definately think it can work, and frankley I like the outfit you posted. I'd love to see it on to really know if it could come together. Here is my only hang up though: I think over-the-knee socks would be high maintence. Socks always fall down on me, no matter the length (well, except sports socks, haha). So, you run into the problem that you are constantly fidgeting with your fun socks, which isn't too appealing.

I think that look is best for photographs, not for every day wear for reasons of practicality.

sydney · Kate Spade

I think this is a trend that is better if you are younger too. Or if you are wearing it to a party or something

cc · Marc Jacobs

I think it works as long as the skirt isn't too short so that there isn't a ton of skin showing and you also avoid the 90s Clueless era trend of minis with thigh-highs.

Here are some pictures that I found which might help you

a lot of the pictures from the Fall collection on Samatha Treacy's site feature over-the-knee socks

Here's a blog post about this trend and a Times UK article about whether grown women can wear knee socks.

littlebean · Kate Spade

So here's my opinion. I like how it looks on Jessica Alba and in the images that cc posted -- I think that solid neutral colors over tights or on their own can work in a fashion-forward way with skirts or dresses. But to me, socks in the brighter colors or in argyles seem really "Clueless"-era school girl if they're worn with skirts, dresses or cropped pants. If you want to wear socks like that, I think they look best just peeking out over tall boots.

That being said, feel free to disregard what I write since fashion is about doing your own thing. I would never, ever wear the outfit that SJP is wearing with the argyle socks and bright blue t-shirt dress, but taking chances makes her a style icon and I salute her for marching to the beat of her own drummer.

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

CC- I love all those pictures. I think wearing the socks in a solid, dark color would be best. I'm not sure if I'll ever wear this look...but if I do I'll be sure to post pix! Thanks girls!!!

sydney · Kate Spade

littlebean wrote:
So here's my opinion. I like how it looks on Jessica Alba and in the images that cc posted -- I think that solid neutral colors over tights or on their own can work in a fashion-forward way with skirts or dresses. But to me, socks in the brighter colors or in argyles seem really "Clueless"-era school girl if they're worn with skirts, dresses or cropped pants. If you want to wear socks like that, I think they look best just peeking out over tall boots.

That being said, feel free to disregard what I write since fashion is about doing your own thing. I would never, ever wear the outfit that SJP is wearing with the argyle socks and bright blue t-shirt dress, but taking chances makes her a style icon and I salute her for marching to the beat of her own drummer.

WELL SAID!