Socks, Socks, Socks!

Alternative title: How many pairs of loafers is too many?

Socks, left to right, top to bottom: Blue Maria La Rosa, Pink Gucci, Red Augusta, Sheer White Hearts Amazon, Sheer Navy Dots J. Crew, Hunter Green Augusta, Pale Pink Maria La Rosa, Pink Lurex Sezane, Black Sheer Dots J. Crew

This week’s post is available to all subscribers because as much as I consider myself a budding sock aficionado, I would love to see your fabulous sock suggestions in the comments. (Don’t miss the recs by some of my favorite Substack writers at the end of the post!) And if you like what you are reading, consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive posts like this every week. Onward!

I’ve been on a bit of a magical mystery tour in regards to socks over the past year, and if you know me at all, you recognize I’m nothing short of thorough when it comes to current obsessions. Let’s just say that I’ve tried a lot of socks. Many, many socks.

Here are some that I find worthy of your attention.

Falke

My monogrammed silk Falke socks make me ridiculously happy. You might even find me randomly pulling my pant leg up throughout the day just so I can gaze affectionately at the bright red SJD. I know. I never said I was normal.

This particular pair of socks is so lovely and the teeny tiny perforations running up and down the length of the sock are just exquisite. Yes, they are expensive, and that’s why I bought the charcoal grey shade because they quite literally go with anything.

I purchased these directly from Falke due to the embroidery and it took about 3-4 weeks to receive them from Germany, but you can also purchase many of their styles here with much quicker shipping. I’m a fan of this pair as well.

Maria La Rosa

Maria La Rosa creates the most unique socks in terms of shades and embellishments. The above pale blush silk socks are probably the brand’s most chill option, but seriously, try to find that perfect shade of pale pink anywhere else.

The majority of Maria La Rosa’s socks don cool stitching techniques and/or beadery sewn into the sock like this pair. (I’m wearing blue with red beads in the top left of the photo collage, aren’t they cool?)

Target

I can’t begin to tell you how many people I’ve persuaded to purchase this 6-pack of lettuce-edge socks and for good reason. They are super versatile - I wear them with loafers, sneakers, ballet flats, you name it. Also, um, NINE DOLLARS FOR SIX PAIRS. Enough said.

I also like this 3-pack of scalloped edge socks - great neutral tones. These are a little thicker and cushiony if that’s your thing.

Gucci

Did I need to shell out the cash for these cotton-blend socks with the interlocking G? Probably not. Do I love them a whole hell of a bunch? Yes. Yes, I do.

(I’ve also been pining over these for months. The heart wants what it wants, but I’ve remained steadfast! Someone pat me on the back!)

Amazon Sheers

See how I just flanked those Guccis between Target and Amazon options? High, low, YOLO.

I love to wear sheer socks with or without patterns, especially in the evening or when I want to dress up my ankles a bit. Amazon has some great options, like these no-pattern pairs or these with hearts.

FWIW, I have these lettuce-edge pairs, which are similar to the Target ones, but I definitely reach for the Target socks more.

Augusta

Augusta knows a good color. This green and red, in particular. However, heed my word, this specific blend stretches throughout the day. They shrink right back to size after washing, but yeah, it’s something to keep in mind.

J. Crew

I am devoted to this 3-pack of sheer, swiss-dot socks. I wear them all the damn time. Ideal for dressier heels and, dare I say, sandals.

Uniqlo

I can’t wear these unisex socks (my size 6.5/7 feet are too small), but my goodness, if you have larger feet, look at all the colors of these socks! A veritable cornucopia of rainbow goodness! Buy them and think wistfully of me!

Calzedonia

I heard about Calzedonia from

Garance Doré

and have loved every (quite affordable!) pair I’ve purchased. Some of my faves are these ribbed short socks (3 for $15!), these sparkly stunners, a perfect thin beige pair, the sweetest bows, and this navy sheer.

I’m wearing the thicker wool/cashmere blend in the above photo.

Bombas

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the athletic socks I wear every day of the year while training to be the next race-walking sensation in the Senior Olympics. Bombas are the BOMB. (You knew my dorky ass couldn’t resist that one.)

Comme Si Yves Sock

When I decided to venture deep into the sock universe, Comme Si was the very first recommendation I received and there’s a reason I saved this brand for last. I love them. Wholeheartedly adore them.

The soft cotton blend, the sweet little tag on the back, the colors! (Not bright enough? How about these?) The way they feel on my feet, the way they wash, the way they wear…I’m here for it all.

Start with the heather grey or black and go from there. In Whoorl We Trust.

Let’s hear from others, shall we? These four women are authors of some of my very favorite Substack newsletters, which you should most definitely check out.

Joanna Goddard

of Big Salad

I love Bon Shoppe socks — the colors are really good, they feel warm and comfy, and how great is the sporty stripe? These are my favorites.

Liza Belmonte

of Every Body Gets Dressed

This is extremely timely as I upgraded my sock drawer last month after discovering the delight that is wearing wearing wool or cashmere socks. I have kept a few pair of brightly colored cotton ones to wear with loafers in the spring and autumn like these and these. However, the rest of the drawer is made up of wool and cashmere pairs. It sparks joy to put shoes on when you wear these. I love these thick, cosy ones. I confess this isn’t an area of my wardrobe I’ve dedicated a huge share of my budget to so I’ve resorted to COS which has been very good, although I’ve heard great things and plan to try smaller brand Comme Si.

Sarah Shapiro of

Sarah’s Retail Diary

I love the Stems three-pack - great thinness for loafers, super comfortable, and they stay up. They also wash well and have held up, which sadly is not always the case with socks.

Rachel Solomon of

Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style

I love to walk, and there is nothing more disturbing than a “quitter sock!” A sock has to have color options yes but also staying power! I have tried soooo many brands. Cheap and uber pricey. The consistent winners for me are Tabio (for casual, ribbed) and Darner LA (transparent). I also note that designer sock prices are insane — if that’s something you’re into, I have found that children’s socks work and are half the price! I am a size 7-8, tried Gucci children’s L. Oh and also also, wash socks in lingerie bags so one doesn’t disappear!

Now it’s your turn…what are your favorite socks?

xxSJ