Wearing visible socks with heels, loafers, or sandals has been a polarizing style move since the beginning. In its simplest form, it’s a nod to the schoolgirl aesthetic, but at its most contrived in 2023, it’s become a full-on trend, seen everywhere from the red carpet to the street. While there are ways to “play it safe” with the combination, simply by appearing preppy and polished in a thinly folded ankle sock and logo-less loafer, the runways are inspiring a next-level statement. Tibi‘s spring 2024 collection offered a monochromatic spin with brightly-colored socks to accent an otherwise neutral outfit. At 3.1 Phillip Lim, there were sheer stockings pulled to the shin that amplified translucent ballerina flats.
Now, SZA has officially brought the look to the fancy pumps category, sporting a frilly white sock with an embroidered trim and bow with her black heels. While accepting an innovator award from WSJ. Magazine, the 33-year-old musician flaunted a Maison Margiela runway ensemble, which featured an undone hem and purposefully ragged stitching. In contrast, her socks and heels felt prim and proper. They drew attention to the Peter Pan color on her minidress, making for an event-ready take on dark academia.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner have all stepped out in tall socks and loafers in recent months, teaming the trend with unexpectedly sporty and relaxed wardrobe essentials, such as lived-in, baggy denim shorts, oversize button-downs, and baseball caps.
As we watch for more takes on the visible socks look, scroll to see our favorite examples so far – starting with SZA’s high-fashion approach on the red carpet.
Related: Billie Eilish Re-Launches the Fishnet Trend in a Big Way For 2023
Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris
SZA Wearing Heels and Socks
SZA styled a Maison Margiela look to accept her WSJ. Magazine innovator award, which was the deconstruction of a runway jumper with a Peter Pan collar and loose threads at the hem. The polish came by way of her dainty socks and pumps, an unexpected pairing that became the standout detail of this witchy, dark academia-infused outfit.
Getty / Gotham
Taylor Swift Wearing Loafers and Socks
While Taylor Swift made headlines in this Free People pleated miniskirt on an NYC outing in June 2023, it was her beige lettuce-trim socks and heeled oxfords by Malone Souliers that made us do a double-take. A sporty twist on the schoolgirl aesthetic, Swift finished the ensemble with an oversize pinstripe shirt from The Row and gold jewelry, including a Catbird x Phoebe Bridgers “Give You the Moon Charm” necklace.
Getty / Raymond Hall
Hailey Bieber Wearing Loafers and Socks
Bieber embraced a phase in summer 2023 when she was wearing high socks with nearly her entire shoe closet, including her Adidas Sambas. On a New York City outing with husband Justin, she flaunted her abs in a cropped baby tee and low-slung vintage Levi’s shorts that were cinched with a belt from The Row. To accent her tortoise sunglasses and Bottega Veneta Jodie bag, she slipped on a pair of sleek leather heeled loafers. Folded white socks brought attention to her footwear choice, while adding polish to an otherwise casual outfit.
Getty / MEGA
Kendall Jenner Wearing Loafers and Socks
While on a photoshoot in Oct. 2023, Jenner sported heeled loafers with black socks, which offered a more subtle take on the trend with a less-obvious contrast at the ankle. She tucked a simple black tee into high-waisted tailored Bermuda shorts and topped the ensemble with a dusty blue trench coat.
