6 Ways to Get the Sock-and-Heel Thing Right

Does this combination soundly oddly specific? That’s because all the little details—namely ornate embellishment offset by soft texture—are key to getting it right. Bonus: Now you have a good excuse to buy incredibly impractical (but awesome) shoes.

Shop the look: Malone Souliers velvet mules, $1,264; matchesfashion.com. Isabel Marant socks, $80; ssense.com.

If the finished effect feels like you’re channeling at least two Spice Girls, then you’re on the right track. (Unless one of them is Scary, in which case I say abort mission and move on to pairing #3.)

Shop the look: Prada velvet platform sandals, $825; neimanmarcus.com. Miu Miu socks, $45; mytheresa.com.

Want to recreate the same idea with different pieces? Stick with a united color scheme (note how one green picks up the other here), and a thin stretchy fabric. Remember: a tighter fit = less bunching.

Shop the look: Zara slingback heels, $90; zara.com. Topshop socks, $6; topshop.com.

Good news! You probably own a few versions of these things already, so it’s totally okay if your first attempt at this mash-up feels off. (So long as the shoe is sleek and the stocking's short, though, it won’t.)

Shop the look: Coach beadchain heels, $235; coach.com. Falke socks, $22; shopbop.com.

While the colors here don’t need to exactly match, you must pick a few that harmonize. Quiet clashing, like the soft gray against warmer tones here, adds subtle edge.

Shop the look: J. Crew snakeskin leather pumps, $209; jcrew.com. Rochas socks, $194; farfetch.com.

In a heavier weight material, like suede or satin, a barely-there stiletto is substantial enough to anchor another layer. Now choose one that’s extra thick and cozy—the bolder the contrast, the cooler the look!

Shop the look: Ravel embellished sandals, $73; asos.com. & Other Stories socks, $12; stories.com.