From Taboo to Trend: Sock-and-Sandal Pairings Are Really Happening

By Andrea Cheng
Updated Mar 31, 2014 @ 11:05 am
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Once considered a widely accepted fashion faux pas, an unfortunate blunder that befell the stylishly challenged, socks and sandals worn together is, news flash, a thing now—a trend that designers and celebrities alike are embracing with carefree abandon. The proof lies on the runway.

Christopher Bailey rocked headlines when models stormed the Burberry Prorsum spring/summer 2010 runway in ribbed socks with open-toed platform sandals, marking the unexpected combo's first major appearance. Sure it might have sparked intrigue among the fashion crowd, but it wasn't until four years later that the pairing gained a foothold. This season collections from  Band of Outsiders, Creatures of Comfort, Vivienne Tam, and Louise Goldin showcased the frumpy meets fashion style, and the look shows no signs of waning. Hermes and Alberta Ferretti showed the pairing for fall 2014 fashion.

After the initial shock, admittedly, the surprisingly endearing combination holds a certain offhand allure. But not any old sock or sandal will work. Team pretty pastels with metallic sandals, or get playful with polka dots and nude straps. Take on the sporty trend with color-blocked socks and buckled heels. If you're intimidated by the trend, take baby steps and stick with those that fall in the same color family. Still at a loss? We did all the work for you and pulled together nine pairings that will charm you and everyone's socks off, err, on.

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1 of 9

Fine-Knit Apricot Socks + Metallic Flats

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Socks: HampM, $13 for two; hm.com
Sandals: Birkenstock, $90; birkenstockusa.com

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2 of 9

Color-Block Socks + Buckled Heels

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Socks: Madewell, $9; madewell.com
Sandals: Steve Madden, $130; stevemadden.com

3 of 9

Polka-Dot Print Socks + Nude Strappy Heels

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Socks: J.Crew, $13; jcrew.com
Sandals: Zara, $80; zara.com

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4 of 9

Twisted Yarn Socks + Chunky Ankle-Strap Sandals

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Socks: Asos, $6; asos.com
Sandals: Topshop, $90; topshop.com

5 of 9

Preppy Striped Socks + Slingback Flats

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Socks: Brooks Brothers, $10; brooksbrothers.com
Sandals: Aldo, $52; aldoshoes.com

6 of 9

Delicate Lace Socks + Rose-Gold Kitten Heels

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Socks: Falke, $28; shopbop.com
Sandals: Loeffler Randall, $295; barneys.com

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7 of 9

Printed Mint Socks + Sleek White Heels

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Socks: Richer Poorer, $12; richer-poorer.com
Sandals: Acne Studios, $490; acnestudios.com

8 of 9

Camo Print Socks + White Gladiators

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Socks: Hot Sox, $14; renfrosocks.com
Sandals: Whistles, $375; whistles.co.uk

9 of 9

Neutral Trouser Socks + Two-Tone Wedges

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Socks: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $17 for three; ralphlauren.com
Sandals: Dolce Vita, $149; dolcevita.com

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By Andrea Cheng