You have a lot of hard decisions to make from day to day, don’t make choosing socks one of them. Here’s a simple guide.

When in doubt, socks should be one shade darker than your trousers, like this:

If those are in the laundry, as an alternative go with socks one shade lighter than your shoes, like this:

If you want to add a little texture follow the rules above but include a subtle pattern, like these herringbone cashmere socks:

If you’re experimenting with “statement” hosiery, or looking to add a little flavor to a simple outfit, start with a subtle stripe where one color is already included in your look, and the other is a tasteful contrast. Like this:

If you’re looking for something with even more punch, go with vibrant colors that contrast against a more muted/neutral look, like this:

Final note: socks come in a variety of weights. Keep your thin socks with your lightweight fabrics and sleek shoes, and your beefy socks with your heavier cloths and sturdier footwear. Consistency in weight always makes sense - for both comfort and style.

Thanks for reading.

Yours in style,

Dan Trepanier