At the risk of sounding conservative, it’s time to pull up your socks. There’s no room for mediocrity—and it’s definitely not the hour to be wearing mediocre socks—not when the current fashion zeitgeist demands that you be on your best behaviour. So with 2024’s sartorial rulebook in mind, note this: the higher your socks, the better your regard in cool girl society. It certainly seems like discipline teachers won’t be facing any more issues with socks that don’t meet the uniform standard. Unless of course, they’ve suddenly decided that high socks are to be banned, just to vex an entire generation in its wake.
So apart from pairs that extend past the ankles to the mid-calf and even way beyond, what makes the rest of the outfit brief? As per all fashion trends that wax and wane, the runway is the most discerning classroom. If London stalwart Molly Goddard could offer her fair share of teacherly advice, it seems the ever-popular Mary Jane combo will be a failsafe option. Whilst Miu Miu’s fall/winter 2024 collection might advise to call upon some colourful pantyhose stockings for a splash of preppy quirk. But for those opting for the sexy librarian approach, then maybe a sheer knee-high paired with a little kitten heel will be all it takes.
No doubt, we’re definitely borrowing notes from the street’s A-list students too. With some of our favourite style savants taking their own liberties—case in point Gigi Hadid and her famously controversial Birkenstock and washed socks pairing—it only seems like the rules grow more and more limitless. Like those scrunched-up socks everyone’s wearing with their low top sneakers: simply scroll to see Minnie’s rendition. Or the tweedy loafer combination as seen on Emma Corrin and Olivia Rodrigo. So we’ll gladly take heed. Below, a celebrity-approved masterclass to styling a trusty pair of socks. As the wise and great Dumbledore once said? One can never have enough socks.
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Loaf up: Emma Corrin
Effortlessly easy and cool, the loafer-and-high-socks pairing is a reigning favourite at the moment. Not to mention, it’s a perfect way to tie in the colours of the rest of your outfit—like Emma Corrin does with her oversized bow ensemble.
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Loaf up: Olivia Rodrigo
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The classic low-top: Minnie of (G)I-DLE
Another popular styling trick with the fashion-forward set right now? Slim-fitted socks that flatter the calves when worn with a low-top sneaker like those Adidas Sambas you’ve probably got in your closet. Perfect for all your casual afternoons out, and everything else in-between.
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The classic low-top: Zhao Lusi
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Marks and Spencer cotton crew socks, $30
Available at Marks and Spencer.
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Sexy librarian: Charli XCX
Socks can be brat too. To turn up the heat, opt for a lacy or sheer pair that goes right up to the knees—but more importantly, you’ll want to team it up with a little slingback or kitten heel. For a polished alternative, look to Wonyoung’s wool entry, paired with smart layers and a statement pair of glasses.
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Sexy librarian: Wonyoung of IVE
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The Mary Jane lowdown: Davikah
In the world of prep, the Mary Jane sits on the throne. To deliver the delicate codes of its silhouette, a soft, silky pair of mid-calf socks or thin, stretchable socks will do the trick.
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The Mary Jane lowdown: Billie Eilish
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To the knees: Madison Beer
Comfort goes a long way when you’re wearing socks under those knee-high boots. Just ask Madison Beer. But if extra warmth and protection is what you’re seeking (likely, given temperatures will be dropping soon in other parts of the world), then look to Jisoo’s thigh-high, thick socks to really keep everything warm and toasty.
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To the knees: Jisoo
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Ann Demeulemeester lace-up knee-high boots, $1,900
Available at Farfetch.
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Balletcore reigns on: Seulgi of Red Velvet
If the bow trend stays, then so will balletcore. If you’ve got a pair of ballet sneakers or flats, the failsafe white sock might be your go-to à la Seulgi, but don’t be afraid to play with colours and contrast like Kim Sejeong does.
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Balletcore reigns on: Kim Sejeong
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Harajuku style: Jennie
If it’s full leg coverage you’re looking at, then let Jennie’s Harajuku style be your playbook. While the K-pop starlet looks like an absolute sweetheart with her mini skirt and rain boot pairing, Emma Chamberlain offers a monochromatic trick to wearing those pantyhose stockings.
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Harajuku style: Emma Chamberlain
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Off-duty: Gigi Hadid
Controversial or not, it seems the style savants don’t seem to mind. Both Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber are walking examples of how to ace off-duty model style with some socks and a trusty pair of sliders.
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