This £4 Accessory Is Changing the Way Cool Girls Get Dressed

There was bound to be a rebellion from one of the fashion tribes about the ugly-pretty trend losing its cool in 2016. Blame the S/S 16 collections for making coquettish full skirts and bon-bon pinks cool again. In an attempt to turn the tide back towards eccentric, off-kilter fashion, socks have been making a silent, stealth comeback.
This simple accessory is the hallmark of oddball dressing. An entire outfit can be flipped from elegant to kooky with the simple addition of a pair of weird and wonderful socks.
We’re not simply talking about Jacko-style white socks and patent brogues (although go right ahead, you rebel), rather grey-ribbed cashmere socks worn with spring sandals or kitten heels with baggy luxe socks as seen at Prada Men's A/W 16 (the more crumpled, the better).
Then the shock of the decade was at the Chanel S/S 16 show when a model appeared wearing white socks and flatform sandals, busting the myth that this combo is for grandparents on Whitby beach (or the like) only. We were stunned. Coco would be shocked.
In short, exposed fashion socks are a symbol of dressing for yourself; you’re not trying to look attractive. And as we all know, not really caring what everyone else thinks of your outfit is the coolest style sensibility of them all. Hit that sock drawer!
Scroll down to see how some fashion pros are bringing back kooky socks, then check out our sock shop at the bottom!
On Aymeline Valade: Haider Ackermann top, skirt and shoes.
On Susie Lau: Vetements Floral Dress (£1140).
On Celine Aagaard: CK Jeans Logo Jumper (£90) available in oatmeal.
Wear: Joshua Sanders Bow Trainers (£264) available in black.
Related: Why It's Okay to Look Pretty This Year
Shop our sock edit:
Feeling inspired? Shop socks now! Would you wear socks and sandals? Let us know in the comments below.

-
I Know You're Stylish If You Replace Your Hoodie With This Equally Comfy (But Much Chicer) Jacket Trend
Inspired by Kerry Washington.
-
I Just Spotted the Easiest Way to Dress Up Casual Jeans For Fall on a Celeb in Milan
This three-piece outfit is as elegant as it is cool.
-
Forget Minimalism—at Prada, Pastel Coats, Frankenstein Skirts, and (Lots of) Jewels Marked a New Era in Fashion
Say hello to every item chic people will be buying come spring 2026.
-
The New Prada It Shoes for Fall 2025 Are Here, and They're Vintagey Cool-Girl Heels
As seen on Lily James in NYC.
-
This Is the Sofia Coppola Way to Style Jeans for Summer
We're beguiled.
-
The It Sunglasses of Summer 2025 Are Officially Here—They're Chanel, of Course
The accessory of the season.
-
This Pretty Accessory Trend Is How Fashion People Are Making Baggy Jeans Look More 2025
Time to elevate.
-
Harry Styles Just Paired Short Shorts With the New It Sneaker Color of the Summer
A vibe.