One of the questions I receive most frequently each year as the weather cools is, “How can I wear socks with my loafers and look stylish?” I’m teaming up with one of my favorite sock brands, Bombas, to share three different outfits in which I’m wearing socks and loafers. Yes, you absolutely can wear socks with loafers stylishly.
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The main thing to remember about wearing socks with loafers stylishly is simply to treat them like an accessory rather than underwear. If your socks don’t show (unless you sit down), like when you’re wearing booties and full length jeans, then treat them like underwear. That means you’d want to wear socks that are in the same color as your pants or boots. But if your socks are going to show when you walk and move around, treat them like an accessory.
Remember, when you accessorize an outfit you choose items that are a little unique, eye-catching even. So that means it’s perfectly acceptable, and even preferable, for your socks to contrast with your loafers and your pants. They shouldn’t look like an extension of either, but a completely separate element in your outfit.
Throughout today’s blog post, I’m wearing Bombas’ pointelle calf socks. A 19th-century French knitting technique, pointelle gives these an elegant, almost lacy look, perfect in sneakers, loafers and flats alike. They may look delicate, but these socks have powerful features, like built-in arch support and slouch-resistant cuffs. They’re 89% Supima® cotton, 10% polyester and 1% elastane, so they have nice stretch, but they’re also soft and silky on your skin. Most importantly, they stay put as I walk.
I think the plum pair work nicely with my burgundy corduroy pants. The pointelle pattern adds some contrast even though the colors are fairly similar. So if you prefer not to wear socks that stand out as dramatically as my ivory ones, these patterned socks would be a nice option. The 3-pack set includes a pair of black pointelle socks, too, so those would work nicely with black or grey pants or jeans.
But here I’ve chosen to use the ivory pointelle socks to bookend my outfit with my ivory sweater. They stand out nicely against my black loafers and grey pants, but the ivory/grey/ivory combo is impactful and pulled together.
I had originally intended to wear red socks with my red sweater and jeans below. However, the Merino cashmere blend socks I ordered didn’t quite work with this shade of red. However, I think the red socks in this four-pack from Bombas would have worked well. However, those Merino cashmere blend socks are lovely, I’ll wear them later. They’re more of a crimson red.
So with my red sweater and jeans I returned to those ivory pointelle calf socks. I actually think this is a very sporty look, and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing it that day. I love the contrast of the ivory socks with the deep brown loafers here.
Bombas is just good at socks. My Bombas socks last longer than any others in my drawer. They stay put, keep their shape and launder beautifully. They don’t have as many knee sock options as they do calf, but you will find a few great options in knee high lengths. And Bombas has a 100% Happiness Guarantee (Whether your dog puts a hole in your slipper, your washer eats your sock, you spill on your new tee, etc… Bombas has your back & will make it right!)
I’ve collected more of my favorite Bombas fashion socks for women in the shopping widget below. Right now everything is 20% off at Bombas, sitewide. It’s a great time to buy some pretty socks to wear with your loafers this fall and winter. And remember, every time you purchase something from Bombas, they provide socks, undies or a shirt for someone who needs them.
Be sure to check out this recent blog post to see the gifts I’ve got for my family from Bombas. They make great Christmas gifts.
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Blessed for My Day
This pre-holiday season is always extremely busy for me. If you’re trying to wrap things up at work, get a home ready for hosting, prepare a Thanksgiving feast or pack for trip, it’s probably full of busy jobs for you, too. Those tasks can seem time consuming, mundane, tiring and tedious at times, especially when we’d rather have the fun begin already. Ha!
But I’ve discovered that one way to enjoy the work more is to be thankful for it. The Bible reminds us to do our work in the name of the Lord Jesus and to give thanks to God as we go about our tasks. Today let’s make the load a little lighter by keeping that biblical perspective.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17
I really enjoyed this informative post Kay. For most seasons my feet are cold without socks. I usually try to wear socks in the same colour as my pants or footwear but this post has given me new perspective. I like the idea of treating them like an accessory. Maybe Santa will deliver some pretty socks this year!
This is so helpful. I am trying to figure out the new sock style trends. I have asked for some socks for Christmas & my birthday (which happens to be the 26th). So I will see how I do! Always look forward to your content
Trend or not, I’ve got to wear socks in the winter. I do like the look better with a chunkier style loafer or oxford. I keep the dressier loafers and shoes for the warmer months where I can go sock-less.
This was great. They show the young models wearing white socks with T-strap Maryjanes. I’m not sure about that, but I want to wear the Maryjane shoes without having cold feet, lol, any ideas? Maybe thin colored socks matching the pant?
Again I would really suggest a contrasting sock. Otherwise you lose the definition of the shoe. Have fun with them. The Mary Jane shoe especially should be worn with a bit of whimsy, so I’d contrast. Something like these would be nice https://rstyle.me/+quTw-zhMqSxVtbuZghxWBg
Thank you, Kay, for today’s BFMD. As I’m prepping for a houseful of guests for Thanksgiving dinner, I fortunately have lots of help from various family members. We make sure to include favorite dishes for everyone, which makes us all feel good, and I look forward to seeing my large and loud extended family in my home. I’ve been cleaning for days, which reflects well on ME, but who am I doing all of this for? Today’s verse helps me keep it all in perspective! As I continue to cook and clean, I’ll remember to do it all in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Thank you, Lord, for the many, many blessings!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!
This is very helpful. I’m going to give those socks a try. I love the design. Are they a thin weight to wear with shoes that can’t handle a heavy sock?
Happy Thanksgiving Kay.
Right, they are not thin, but definitely not thick.
Good morning Kay. Loved the post. The burgundy pair are yummy! You have inspired me to beef up my sox collection! I actually wore PANTY HOSE with a skirt to church the other day! I know they are out of style, but you say “wear what you love and what makes you feel confident”. I am taking your advice & at 66 I’m going back to my panty hose. My legs were warmer, I think it looks better, my skirt fit better and I felt properly dressed. That is just me. Question: when you list the items in your outfit, where we can click on it to find – what does the c/o after it mean? I love the bright red cashmere hoodie. You have several and I’m seriously considering investing in one! Do they get static when you pull them off and on over your head? I’m in the Houston area and right now it’s 50 in the morning and 85 by 2:00 so, sweaters are an on&off all day long thing! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Hi Laura, I think it’s super fine to wear pantyhose. I do often. The c/o in my posts indicate that the item was give to me courtesy of the brand or store. If I get static I use a dryer sheet and rub over the garment.
Love all your advice about wearing socks with loafers. These days I find myself wearing a good pair of tennis shoes due to foot problems. Does the same principle apply to wearing tennis shoes?
Generally, except I prefer more casual socks for pairing with sneakers.