Dress socks are getting a huge revival; they’re not like the standard neutral tans, navy, or black socks you grew up wearing whenever you were forced into a suit. Now dress socks are available in limitless colors and patterns. 

That means that now your socks aren’t just a mandatory part of your wardrobe. Dress socks can now function as a way to tie your whole look together, or just show a bit of your personality when your pants show a glimpse. 

While these fresh new designs are fun to experiment with (and wear throughout the day, really), there’s still something to be said about how and when to wear them. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve created this quick guide to get you into the game and looking better than ever. 

Colored Dress Socks with Suits

With the ever changing trends surrounding men's wear, an age-old debate has risen to the surface once again. Do you have to wear socks with a suit, or can you skip it? Or should socks match pants or shoes?

Some purists insist a suit isn't quite right without socks, while others suggest the bare ankle is actually an asset to your suit. Others ask what are the proper navy suit socks to wear?

Here’s the thing: Both camps are right, sort of.

There are times when you can go without if you do it right. The same can be said with socks; you still need to do it right. First things first: if you're wearing socks, they need to be long enough that you won't expose a slip of skin when you sit. Naturally, it's a good idea to double check before you leave the house. Triple check to make sure your socks match.

 

In summer, suits aren’t ideal for keeping you cool, although many suits for warmer weather do have a more forgiving design. In these situations, it’s understandable that you’ll want to ditch socks. 

Most people have their socks match pants since socks are more similar to clothing than shoes and it blends together more. You also get bonus points if you match your pocket square with your socks.

 

However, since you're still wearing dress shoes, it can get uncomfortable after a while. It's never pleasant to end up with a blister after an office gathering (and probably pretty unexpected, too).

So rather than ditching socks altogether, consider a little compromise. Wear low cut, no show socks, especially if you're wearing shoes like loafers. You'll still stay cooler, but you'll also be more comfortable throughout the day. 

We'll get back to discussing more about matching dress socks, but before we move forward we'd like to call out our recommended dress shirts that are great for any occasion - oh, and you're darn right they match a variety of pants and shoes.

Should socks match shoes or should socks match pants? 

This is another long-lived debate, so let’s go ahead and tackle it now. While many guys tend to think of their socks as something they put into their shoes, and therefore match their socks to their shoes, it isn’t optimal.

That’s because when your socks perfectly match your shoes, it can create a lack of definition. In short, it looks like you have huge boots on, rather than dress shoes with matching socks.

That's one reason it's wise to avoid matching socks with shoes and match with your pants instead. Think of your dress socks as an extension or accessory to your pants. It allows you to create a more streamlined, 'put together' look. Not only that, when you match your socks to your pants, you have a lot more variety to choose from.

 

Many slacks have undertones or barely noticeable patterns, which gives you a wider range of colors and patterns to choose from. (Here's how to match grey pants with brown shoes and a grey suit with black shirt.) For example, you can pull steely undertones from the slacks, and choose socks that feature a steel gray within the overall pattern, such as an argyle pattern that has a steel gray base, or diamonds. 

What color dress socks should I wear?

As we mentioned before, the number of dress sock colors and patterns are limitless. Here, we'll go over a few basic rules to help you choose the right color based on the situation.

When to wear gray, black or navy

These colors are good for less casual situations when you need your socks to add to your outfit, without being distracting. You don't have to use typical shades, instead of a medium to light gray, you can use a gunmetal tone to add some contrast without going overboard to match the color.

 

Black is an appropriate choice for professional settings, especially paired with black or gray slacks and shoes. Navy socks is a good choice when you need to keep it on the ‘business casual level’ with tan or light-colored slacks, or if you're wearing a blue suit with brown shoes. Learn more in our guide to best men's dress shoes.

 

While these colors are reliable classics, there are some instances they may not fit the bill. For instance, when you’re wearing brown shoes, black socks and slacks aren't a good look. If you’re wearing black shoes or slacks, avoid the navy socks, it creates another classic faux pas. Instead, consider brown socks or navy blue socks as alternatives for some occasions or to match various suit colors. 

 

When to wear bright, solid colors

Bright colored socks can add a refreshing burst of color to your outfit, provided the occasion is appropriate. Naturally, somber occasions aren’t the ideal setting to break out your new coral colored dress socks. 

 

However, a retirement party, wedding reception, or other celebration will be appropriate. In most cases, these occasions are still somewhat formal, so sticking with solids rather than patterns can still be better.

 

When to wear patterned dress socks

They can be quirky and fun dress socks to add personality to an outfit. Knowing when to use them is key. It isn’t just about the pattern either, you need to coordinate socks into your outfit. If you’re stumped on how to do this, look at the pants you’ll be wearing for inspiration. 

For example, if you're wearing dark pants with a hint of hunter green, look for socks that include the same tone in the pattern. If you want to wear blacks shoes and navy pants you can include something a sock pattern that is a little darker.

Likewise, you can also choose a palette for your outfit that complements that of your socks. The real key to wearing bright, patterned socks is coordinating and choosing the right occasion while being bold. We love this blue wave-inspired patterned dress socks from Nimble Made.

 

Conclusion

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, you can choose your socks with confidence. If you’re in doubt with your choice, remember to avoid matching and focus more on complementing colors for your outfit.

While you’re at it, remember not to create a color faux pas by matching brown with black, or black with navy. When you’re ready to break out some funky colors and bright patterns, just make sure you plan it out and choose the right occasion. After that, have fun with it. 

For more, check out this guide on sock sizes, and our recommendations for best white sneakers.

 

Frequently asked questions about if socks should match shoes or pants

What color should your socks match?

Socks can match either the color of your pants or shoes for a cohesive look, but they can also add a pop of color or pattern to your outfit if you prefer.

Is it OK to wear black socks with khaki pants?

Yes, black socks can be paired with khaki pants for a classic and versatile combination.

Can you wear black socks with brown shoes?

While black socks can be worn with brown shoes, opting for socks that complement the pants or shoes can enhance the overall coordination of the outfit.

Should shoe color match pants or shirt?

Generally, it's more important for shoes to complement the pants rather than match them, while the shirt can serve as a contrasting or complementary element in the outfit's color scheme.