Types of socks, pair of socks by Jos A Bank
Most men consider accessories as after-thoughts when getting dressed. They're usually the last things hastily tossed into the bag, or occasionally forgotten altogether, because they play a much smaller role in the overall look and feel of an outfit. We can make due if we forget a belt, a pocket square, or a watch, but showing up shirtless is a bit harder to cover up.
Nowadays, as the preferred style has shifted to slimmer fitting clothes, every piece of your ensemble has to be in concert to achieve the look you want. With an inch of shirt showing beyond your jacket sleeves, cufflinks can add much-needed pop to your top half. With pants sitting inches up your leg while seated, you have the opportunity to say a lot with your socks.
Don't forget to make sure your socks are long enough to account for the rise of your pant legs when you sit. Mid-calf or over-the-calf socks are a safe bet because unlike women, nobody wants us to show any leg.
"I'm conservative"
Don't worry if you're not the adventurous type. Conservative can still be classy. Black socks go with everything, and are never out of style. If you want to deviate from black, but still aren't ready to take the leap to patterned, a general rule of thumb is that your solid color socks should be the same color or darker than your trousers. No white socks unless you're auditioning for a Michael Jackson tribute group.
"I'm getting closer to the edge"
If you're feeling a bit more daring, upgrade to a patterned pair of socks or even a muted argyle. Go with a subtle diamond, or striped design, or an argyle comprised of blacks, browns, and dark blues, to give your outfit style, but not garner too much attention.
"I'm a wild man"
For those who like to stand out, accessories are a great way to make a statement. If you want to make a splash, pick out some brightly-colored argyle socks that complement the rest of your suit. Light blues, purples, and yellows, will not only stand out, but can be the cherry on top of a well-coordinated outfit.
Although not visible all the time, and usually an afterthought when it comes to getting dressed, your socks can say a lot about you. They are also a great way to experiment with a bolder-than-usual style without committing to a loud ensemble. So the next time you feel the urge to take a risk with your wardrobe, test out a flashy pair of socks to see if a new style suits you.
