Forget crow’s feet: in 2024, the internet has declared that your sock length can determine your age. Apparently, an ankle sock signals that you’re a millennial, while a longer, crew sock signals you’re a Gen-Z. I’m technically a zillennial – born on new year’s eve, on the cusp of the generational line – so where does that leave me? Socks up to the middle of my lateral malleolus, the curved bit on the outside of your ankle?
Having worn everything from trainer socks and knee-highs to those strange, boat-like pop socks (horrible) – M&S calls them “footsies” (double horrible) – I understand the debate. But if we’re talking socks, I’m a Gen-Z through and through, except for exercise purposes, when I’ll occasionally allow a trainer sock for practicality and comfort.
New ways to wear socks, according to the runways:
Truthfully, I never used to be bothered about socks, but these days they’re at the heart of many of my favourite outfit pairings. It might sound strange, but people pay a lot more attention to your sock choice than you might think. Wear a great sock, and it will likely go unnoticed, but wear a rogue or jarring sock and someone will say something. I once wore a baby pink pair that were not cohesive with the rest of my outfit, but I naively assumed that my feet would be safe under my desk. Unfortunately, a colleague spotted me attempting to tug down my trouser hemline to hide the offending sock. I won’t be making that mistake again.
The trick to steering clear of hosiery embarrassment? Stock up on trusty pairs that you know you can rely on time and again, in shades that complement the rest of your wardrobe. Landing on the “perfect sock” is no mean feat (feet?), but there are a select few brands that specialise in excellent socks, which hold just as much practical value as they do style kudos.
“When you keep going back to the same store for one pair of specific socks, even though the store has more to offer, that’s when you know it’s the perfect sock,” asserts Kristina Falke, international PR director of heritage German brand, Falke, a label that’s beloved by stylists and fashion insiders worldwide. “I think that’s the power of an accessory like socks – even if you wear something mainstream, a sock or tights can uplift a pair of shoes or outfit and make it unique.”
