While it may seem like an otherwise small and insignificant accessory in a suit, socks make or break a man's appearance. Failure to choose socks that match and flow cohesively with the rest of your outfit will create an unflattering look. On the other hand, the right pair of socks will enhance your appearance by maintaining a sense of unity and cohesion. But how do you know which socks to wear with a suit?
Match Socks With Trousers
A good rule of thumb is to choose socks that match your trousers. If you are going to wear black-colored trousers, for instance, it's recommended that you wear socks of a similar black color. The purpose in doing so is that it elongates the appearance of your legs while minimizing attention of short trouser legs In other words, if you happen to be wearing trouser pants that are too short, which is an all-too-common problem, wearing the same colored socks will help to hide this flaw. In the event that you cannot match your socks to your trouser legs, you should match your socks to your shoes.
What About Patterned Socks?
Of course, some guys prefer the stylish and more modern appearance of dress socks featuring a patterned design, such as plaid or checkered board. In this case, it's best to choose a pattern in which the background color is the same as the primary color of your shirt. Sound confusing? If your checkered socks have a navy-blue background, you should wear a suit that's either navy or has navy as its primary color.
How to Wear Dress Socks
Dress socks should be worn at least mid-calf height, sometimes going all the way up to the knee. Most dress socks are made of cotton and/or wool; however, some luxury brand dress socks may feature more exotic fabrics such as silk and cashmere. When wearing dress socks, it's recommended that you keep them pulled up as high as possible. When socks begin to bunch up around the ankles, it may reveal a portion of your legs, which is a major fashion "no-no."
Hopefully, this will give you a better idea on which dress socks are right for you. Also, keep in mind that thinner socks are preferred over thicker ones when wearing a suit. Thinner dress socks conform to suits, creating a more fluid appearance in which everything naturally flows together.
