From the Mailbag Where can I find some interesting but not crazy socks?
Above Socks: Lands’ End Canvas
I just got promoted at my job and I’ve totally upgraded my wardrobe. Now that I’m wearing pants that actually fit me instead of 3 inches too long, I want some snazzy socks to pair with my new nicer shoes. I looked all over last night and couldn’t find a damn thing. Sure I can get black, or navy, but I want something a bit more. I am still only 23 and like to show people that I’m youthful and modern, but as far as socks go….I’m lost.
– Jim
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The bold sock phenomenon has gotten some serious legs (or ankles?), and I don’t think it’s a trend that’ll fade anytime soon. The phrase “stand out quietly” gets thrown around this website a lot, and wearing a pair of bold & interesting socks with a well tailored suit, casual wear, or something in-between is a great way to do just that.
No one usually sees your socks. But when you sit down and maybe cross your foot up onto the opposite knee… there they are. Just enough personality. Finding that midpoint between fun and seizure causing is key. Here’s three styles of socks that walk that line pretty well, with a couple somewhat loud+risky pairs thrown in for good measure:
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The Thin Stripe: Express – $9.90 (or any 4 for $25) | Hawkeye Supply Co. – $6.00
Socks are one of the areas where Express really excels. Most of their options balance just enough color with pattern, and their thin stripe socks are proof. Symmetrical, with green or ice blue striping. The Hawkeye Supply Co are from Nordstrom and bring a two color thin stripe option. White for plain, purple for pop.
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The not too colorful argyle – Lands’ End Canvas – $14.50 | BOSS Orange – $13.00
Argyle by nature is a busy pattern. Lots of lines going every which direction. So if you go argyle, keep the colors a bit muted. Or, if you want to go loud, find socks that keep the pattern under control like the pair from BOSS Orange.
For free shipping from L.E.C. use promo code SSCANVAS and pin 1202. Expires 4/5
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The Bold Rugby: J. Crew Rugby-Stripe – $12.50 ($10 if you buy three) | Merona – $2.50
These are what most guys think of when they set out to find a pair of interesting socks. Rugby stripes. Meaning big, bold, blocky. Colors can get a bit brighter here because they’re well balanced with the pattern. Check Target for the Meronas. They’re not online now, but for $2.50 they can’t be beat.
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The Wildcards: L.E.C. Nautical Stripe – $14.50 | Hawkeye Supply Polka Dot – $6.00
Bright white stripes on a navy background? Perfect for injecting a spring/summer vibe into a year round grey suit. Just keep everything else solid and more relaxed up top (go with a light blue dress shirt, not a bright white). The green poka dots are toned down in color, but man those dots are fat. Try them with lighter chinos and a casual blazer. Neither are for beginners.
Do you buy into the bold sock style? Even when dressed up? Leave your take on the bright ankle trend below.
The target merona line has some nice socks for low prices. The rugby stripe was already shown, but they also have nice argyle patterns and at about 1/3 the price of the cheapest of the other options, it’s an awesome deal. They also have some patterns that aren’t as office friendly, I got some black ones with skulls for a night out at the bar, also for $2.50.
Uniqlo has an amazingly comprehensive range of solid color and simple patterned socks for reasonable prices. You can find your socks on the web site and then order via phone.
Can’t believe you didn’t mention “Happy Socks.” They can be found under $20 and feature some of the boldest patterns ever. Not for beginners, but for someone really wanting to make a statement, you can’t go wrong here.
http://www.happysocks.com/us/category/combed_cotton-stripes
Digging the Express argyle socks too. Awesome post Joe.
H & M has some nice options as well.
You beat me to posting about Target’s socks! They’re good socks, lots of styles, and they’re cheap.
I can vouch for their quality too. Are they the thickest socks in the world? Nah. But they’re holding up extremely well for me.
You can order from Uniqlo? I thought you had to go to their one stupid store in New York. So you call to order? What’s the shipping like. The website is very unhelpful
Hey Joe,
Check out my most recent post and tell me how you feel about my socks http://t.co/TeRl5vJ
I think you will be slightly intrigued.
Bests,
Sabir (www.MensStylePro.com)
Any idea if Target has them online anywhere?
They carry some socks online, but not the non-boring ones…
How has nobody mentioned Viccel socks?! They’re some of the best quality socks I’ve seen and can be had for like $8 a pop. My biggest problem with socks is they never stay up during the day but these really seem to do the trick.
PS. If you want the discount check out the link in Kemel’s StyleForum signature:
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=143081&highlight=viccel
I rock happy socks on all days requiring socks, but they are defintely pretty far into the realm of crazy. The socks I have on right now are striped cotton candy pink, aqua, yellow, hot pink, lime green, teal, orange, and violet. I get compliments on a daily basis, even when they’re just barely poking out under slacks, but if you aren’t going to make the narcissistic commitment to 100% swagger 24/7, they’re a bit hard to pull off
It’s an idiosyncrasy in this day and age but yeah, you simply call their “one stupid store in New York,” press the number for phone orders when prompted to do so, and then ask for whatever you want. This, if you’re keeping track, would be the time to ask about shipping rates. I have never ordered over the phone since I live in NYC but it is definitely possible.
Swag!