I’ve seen lots of people across a range of body types layer long, chunky socks under their casual knee-high and mid-calf boots lately. The tops of the socks are visible, peeking out from the tops of the boots, and are part of the outfit. Cosy, maximal, interesting, and texture-rich.
Layering long socks under taller boots has the advantage of filling in the gap around the calf when boots don’t fit snugly against the leg. It also provides extra insulation. Since we’re having a cold Winter in Seattle, it’s been a popular look.
Keeping the socks a solid low-contrast colour to the jeans/pants and/or boots is an easy way to go because it’s creating vertical integrity despite the layers. Subtle, yet effective. In the example above the socks are low contrast to the jeans and medium contrast to the boots. The socks would have created a more horizontally cutting line in a high-contrast solid bright red, French blue or hectic pattern. Of course, that in itself would be a fun Maximal outfit statement, especially if the high-contrast socks pick up a colour in the rest of the outfit. You simply have to be at peace with how the horizontally cutting lines affect outfit proportions.
Chunky socks are not dressy no matter how you slice and dice it, so it’s a casual look full stop. The look becomes even more casual when the socks are scrunched. I’ve also seen the visible chunky socks and boots pairing work well with casual skirts and dresses.
The closest I’ve come to wearing this combination was back in the ‘80s when I scrunched red leg warmers over skinny blue jeans and into red suede ankle boots. I loved the look back then, but haven’t worn it again. How about you?
