Socks appeal for Spring - breaking all the rules

Sunday, 18 March 2012

Sartorial experts would have us wearing socks that match our trousers (or pants if you're American; but that gets confusing for those on this side of the pond who don't see the need to match socks and underwear). The reason apparently is that it makes out legs look longer. I don't follow the logic of this advice as you will usually only see a man's socks when he is sitting down; a time when it's hard to judge leg length.

Anyway, rules are made to be broken. I was clearing all the odd socks out of my drawer when I thought I'd try a few colour combinations with my pink, blue and khaki chinos. The blue ones are a very old pair that have survived many years of patching and probably deserve a post of their own one day. Without doing this intentionally most of these combinations are based on complementary colours (at opposite ends of a colour wheel - see below), although others are more harmonious combinations (like blue and purple). If you have an idle moment you can experiment by playing around with your socks, trousers and a colour wheel!

 












Labels: , , , ,

6 comments

  1. Fred Gonsowski19 March 2012 at 16:42

    I hope your are wearing your pants SHORT or ROLLED like seen in the Sartorialist, with your collection of colored socks, so people can see them. Short pants, a great look that I don't know why more people aren't wearing? Short pants ALWAYS better looking than the too long pants, or dropping drawers seen on oh soo man sloppy dudes in America ;-}

    ReplyDelete
  2. Grey Fox20 March 2012 at 10:49

    I love these comments - thanks! I've always disliked short pants (trousers) - it reminds me of outgrowing trousers as a teenager! People will have to wait until I sit down before seeing my socks. I agree, though, that too long is unacceptable.

    Incidentally, it's interesting that we call underwear "underpants", which suggest we should, as in the US, call trousers pants as you do. GF

    ReplyDelete
  3. Scott Nelson20 March 2012 at 21:08

    im a huge fan of these colored socks, and agree with fred about how you should be showing a little sock with a slightly lifted trouser. can i also just put in a plug for the lighter but still deep brown sueded brogues. well played good sir.

    laineux-barbouze.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grey Fox20 March 2012 at 23:55

    Many thanks - I'll try the shorter trouser!

    I enjoyed your blog by the way. GF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Grimshaw25 March 2012 at 03:19

      Those of us in middle-age(i am 45) may attempt the shorter trouser or rolled cuff but our children exhibit their true conservatism and mock.Just be prepared for that- especially if you have girls.
      Better than the floppy-cuffed chino displayed, go, if possible, for the more european/preppy skinny chino with coloured and/or striped sock

      Delete
  5. Grey Fox25 March 2012 at 08:15

    Thanks Mike - you're right of course, I should just bite the bullet! GF

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)