Summeriswinding down and it feels like the whole world (read: Northern Hemisphere) is enjoying the last few weeks of warm weather before it's time to start layering up.
And while finding shorts and a tee that match or a pair of ultra-breathable sneakers is hugely important in the summer (or any time, really), there’s one combination of clothing you shouldn’t be sleeping on this year: socks with sandals.
The oft-ridiculed footwear style has taken a turn over the past few seasons, becoming an absolute must-have, and 2023 is no different. From the fattest flip-flops imaginable to Birkenstock's most iconic sandals hitting middle-age, we're celebratingfreeing the toe more than ever.
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Getty Images / Edward Berthelot
Going open-toe is a prerequisite in the hotter months of the year, however, pairing socks with sandals gives you a further level of flexibility — both aesthetically and functionally.If you’re anything like me, you’ll be spending every free minute this summer outside, which means you’ll often be out all day and into the evening. Summer and fall nights can get quite cool. Wearing socks with sandals can help combat that.
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Though the style has been long considered a fashion faux-pas and the trademark “German on vacation” look, wearing socks with sandals — when styled right — opens a myriad of opportunities, while offering increased comfort and warmth. To prove that the style is here to stay, we’ve rounded up the best sandals with socks combinations.
Browse the best socks with sandals in 2023 below.
Marni Mules and Stray Rats Socks
Logo-Intarsia Cotton Socks
$25
Stray Rats
Kicking off with a more low-key pairing to ease you into the socks and sandals life, these minimal Marni mules come crafted from calf leather and have been paired with grey socks from American streetwear label Stray Rats.
Birkenstock Sandals and Jacquemus Socks
LES CHAUSSETTES
$45
Jacquemus
Kyoto Sandals
$150
Birkenstock
One of Birkenstock's newer models, the Kyoto Sandal comes with the brand's signature comfort but a more sporty look than its other models. Plus, this brown colorway matches perfectly with Jacquemus' gradient socks.
MCM x Crocs and Marni Check Socks
Check Socks
$115
Marni
Belt Bag Clog
$395
MCM X Crocs
Rarely does a week go by without a new Crocs collaboration and luxury label MCM has been one of its more regular collaborators. This version of its classic clog comes with a mini version of MCM's belt bag strapped to the top.
Suico*ke Sandals and Collina Strada Socks
Star Burst Socks
$70
Collina Strada
Japanese label Suico*ke is a master in crafting high-quality sandals, so this list wouldn't be complete with a pair from the brand. We've paired its popular Moto sandal in all-black with Collina Strada's colorful star burst socks.
Our Legacy Mules and Needles Socks
Embroidered Argyle Socks
$40
Needles
Camion Mule
$460
Our Legacy
Think you can't dress up and wear socks and sandals? Think again. These leather slip-on mules from Our Legacy and argyle socks from Needles make for a more traditional, formal look.
Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa Sandals and Wacko Maria Socks
Leopard-Intarsia Socks
$30
Wacko Maria
Becky Punk Love Mule
$220
Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa
Going from a traditional pairing straight to an unconventional one, these Jean Paul Gaultier sandals with punk-inspired spikes and blue leopard print socks are sure to turn some heads.
Merrell Sandals and Neu York Socks
Neu York Logo Socks
$25
Highsnobiety
Hydro Moc AT Cage 1TRL
$87
Merrell
A sandal that looks as though it's come from the future, we've paired Merrell's Hydro Moc with socks that honor Neu York — our multi-media celebration of the Big Apple.
CAMPERLAB Sandal and Ami de Cœur Socks
Ami de Cœur Socks
$65
AMI ALEXANDRE MATTIUSSI
Brutus Sandal
$165
CAMPERLAB
Doubling down on green hues, these distressed CAMPERLAB sandals and AMI socks make for a great pairing.
Dries Van Noten Sandals and Anderson & Sheppard Socks
Cotton Socks
$35
Anderson & Sheppard
Heavy Platform Sandals
$377
Dries Van Noten
It's tempting to always pair black sandals, such as this chunky Dries Van Noten pair, with a black pair of socks but sometimes you can't always play it safe.
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of style trends and a keen eye for emerging fashion movements, I can confidently speak to the evolving landscape of footwear fashion, particularly the controversial yet increasingly popular trend of pairing socks with sandals. My expertise in the fashion domain extends to a wide range of styles, from streetwear to high-end luxury, allowing me to analyze and appreciate the nuances of the combinations featured in the provided article.
The article highlights the resurgence of socks with sandals as a must-have fashion statement in 2023, challenging the long-standing notion of this combination as a fashion faux pas. It emphasizes the versatility and practicality of this pairing, especially during transitional seasons when temperatures fluctuate.
The key concepts and trends discussed in the article are as follows:
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Socks with Sandals Trend: The article recognizes the evolving perception of socks with sandals, positioning it as a stylish and functional choice. It suggests that when styled appropriately, this combination can offer a myriad of opportunities in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
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Transitional Season Fashion: The article acknowledges the importance of adapting footwear choices to transitional seasons like summer and fall. Wearing socks with sandals is presented as a solution to combat cooler evenings while maintaining a fashionable look.
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Brand and Style Pairings: The article provides specific examples of sandals and socks pairings from various brands, showcasing a diverse range of styles and aesthetics. These pairings include:
- Marni Mules with Stray Rats Socks
- Birkenstock Sandals with Jacquemus Socks
- MCM x Crocs Belt Bag Clog with Marni Check Socks
- Suico*ke Sandals with Collina Strada Socks
- Our Legacy Mules with Needles Socks
- Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa Sandals with Wacko Maria Socks
- Merrell Sandals with Neu York Socks
- CAMPERLAB Sandal with Ami de Cœur Socks
- Dries Van Noten Sandals with Anderson & Sheppard Socks
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Fashion Innovation: The article showcases innovative designs, such as the MCM x Crocs collaboration featuring a mini belt bag strapped to the top of the classic clog and the futuristic-looking Merrell Hydro Moc sandal.
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Color Coordination: The pairings demonstrate thoughtful color coordination between sandals and socks, emphasizing the importance of aesthetic harmony in fashion choices.
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Formal Socks and Sandals Combination: The article challenges the perception that socks with sandals are limited to casual wear by featuring a more traditional, formal look with leather slip-on mules from Our Legacy and argyle socks from Needles.
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Unconventional Pairings: The inclusion of Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa sandals with punk-inspired spikes and blue leopard print socks highlights the trend's willingness to embrace unconventional and eye-catching combinations.
In conclusion, the article reflects a nuanced understanding of contemporary fashion trends, showcasing the versatility and evolving acceptance of socks with sandals as a stylish and functional choice in 2023.