With the menswear fashion week shows in London, Milan and Paris finally winding down, I thought I would touch on a trend I noticed a few weeks back: Socks and sandals. I don’t really want to say I called it, but, I kind of called it. The damn things are popping up everywhere! This is obviously not for everyone (or anyone, for that matter) but I thought it would be fun to explore the different ways they were worn on the runway. I’m not sure the world is ready…. but are you?
(Images via Lee Oliveira & style.com)
MUGLER
First we’ll look at the Mugler show. Although I can’t stand thigh/knee high socks on guys, I thought I would share this anyway. The slightly sheer sock and the smallest bit of toe works for this look. So from ankles down? I’ll allow it.
AGI & SAM
Alright. This is where you’ve lost me. I thought it would only be fair to share this even though I don’t fully back it. Socks and sandals are one thing, but TOE socks and sandals? I’m into the print-on-print-on-print-on-print, but I would swap the toe socks for regular ones.
JAMES LONG
One of my favourite shows of the season, James Long, kind of gave us a taste for everything. Print on print, almost skirt looking shorts, and of course, socks and sandals. This is probably the most accessible way to try this look out. Black on black is classic and forgiving.
ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVICH
Again, looks like we’ve got another toe sock situation on our hands. Only fair to share this one, too… right?
SHAUN SAMSON
Shaun Samson giving us the sportswear take on socks and sandals look. This interpretation is more “I just ran out of the house to pick up groceries” than fashion forward, but there’s something liberating about taking something you see every day and reinventing it. Yeah, I’m doing the same thing your 80 year old grandpa does… ON PURPOSE! Take that, society!
3.1 PHILLIP LIM
THE KING! Phillip Lim has recently become a front runner for my favourite designer. Both womenswear and menswear lines are equally solid season after season, but this collection solidified my fan-boy status. White on white, black on black, this is exactly how you do socks and sandals. The earlier multicoloured toe socks were making my lose faith in this trend but Phillip is making me feel good about it again.
Some thoughts if you’re thinking about trying out this look:
1. Wear clean socks. Nobody wants to see your yellow stained laundry day nastiness.
2. Wear with confidence. You’ll get looks, you’ll get stares. Embrace it!
3. If you’re going to do it, do it. Don’t chicken out and go the safe route. Make it obvious that you’re doing this on purpose!
I understand I may be speaking to no one here, but if you’re daring enough to try this with me this summer I wish you the best of luck!
Read more from Andrew – and follow @pullteeth Twitter for real time updates of socks with sandals, and other stuff, too.
Tagged Andrew Chipman, Pullteeth, runway trends, Sandals, Socks, trends
