How to properly combine trousers and socks with shoes

Simple black and blue tones for a man are a constant, but very boring standard. “Timeless classics” actually looks rather drab and banal. It is much better to wisely combine bright underwear and light pants with shoes, creating original looks.

Useful tips

The first and main rule, which all experts recommend using, accessories are selected to match trousers or jeans, and not shoes. The second option also exists, but this solution is not suitable for everyone. Lingerie that blends in with boots visually shortens your legs. A contrasting combination, on the contrary, adds height to a man. That is why matching socks with trousers is considered a classic option that suits everyone without exception.

Many people talk about this. Advice on choosing underwear to match your pants is given by Sven Raphael Schneider, editor-in-chief of the popular portal Genteman’s Gazette. Tim Gunn, who studies fashion history, offers similar advice. At the same time, he also says that gray socks go with blue pants, and black accessories go with gray trousers.

Hardy Amies, a famous fashion designer from Great Britain, also had his say: “Pick socks to match your trousers or suit - they should match in shade,” says the man. — If you wear pants of a different color, you can look for options with similar colors. Well, or take dark socks with a shade that predominates in the suit.”

He also spoke about black accessories for any clothing. In some cases, according to the designer, this creates an interesting effect of pleasant negligence. However, in some images this combination should not be allowed - the style will look too boring.

Hardy also recommends bolder combinations. Socks may not match any item of clothing, but be made in a similar color scheme. Some focus on the shade of the tie.

At the same time, contrasting options are the best way out if you don’t have an accessory that matches your trousers. Similar, but still different shades look alien next to each other. This creates a sloppy effect.

Michael Anton, an expert on classic men's style, also spoke out on this matter. He said socks should be paired with pants or “something worn above the waist.” That is, it means either a tie or gloves.

An expert from Germany, Bernhard Retzel, says that you should not choose socks that strictly match your trousers. You need to think about the overall combination of shades, and even take into account the color of the pocket square.

What to combine patterned models with?

It is much more difficult to combine socks with an ornament - here it is important to make the image not too colorful. But it’s not for nothing that experts say that a real dandy will not choose monochromatic accessories, because it’s too boring.

Bernhard Roetzel in his book says that argyle socks go best with everything.The color of the cage itself can be combined with a shirt or sweater. For formal looks, it is better to choose a “stripe” pattern.

Observe the following rules:

• You cannot combine similar prints in accessories. Even with pants.
• It is better when the shades of the linen are present on the trousers.
• It’s great if they don’t blend in with the trousers, but go with them.

What to wear with light-colored socks?

White models are among the most controversial in the world of high fashion. Hardy argues that wearing them is simply unacceptable. Sven Raphael Schneider agrees: white socks can only be combined with shorts. They look good in sporty looks, but nothing more.

Tim Gunn even says that the accessory can only be worn with a white suit and matching shoes. However, in this case he is not a style adviser - lovers of such extravagant images themselves know how to dress.

In general, there is only one verdict: white models are out of the wardrobe.

Rules for combining textures

Socks should match not only in color, but also in texture - this is very important. For thin suits, equally thin cotton models are suitable. But for a tweed suit you can use wool. Coarse wool socks look good with large grained leather boots.

Silk options are quite controversial. They look beautiful with a formal tuxedo or luxurious tailcoat. Thin linen is a universal option. Such models are suitable for summer informal looks.

Is it possible to wear shoes without socks?

This is another controversial option. Whether or not to wear shoes without socks depends on your style. Moccasins, loafers and monks can be worn this way. It is generally customary to walk barefoot in sandals.But oxford shoes look out of place.

Tim Gunn believes that this combination is only relevant in a relaxed atmosphere. So you can go on a picnic or a walk, but under no circumstances should you wear shoes on your bare feet to the bank or to work. This will be a direct violation of business style.

Please note that walking in shoes without socks in any case is fraught with calluses and corns. So it’s better to choose the so-called “invisible” options.