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The next time you’re in your local grocery store, see if you can count the number of men with shirt-collars on more than just your fingers. Since I tend to stop by after my gym sessions, I’m certainly guilty of this as well. But, whether we like it or not (and if you’re reading this, I’ll wager you’re in the latter), the world as we know it gets more casual by the day.
And, on the spectrum of formality in menswear, brown is, historically, pretty far down the totem pole compared to black, blue, and grey. But, perhaps now more than ever, some brown patterned socks can add some interesting flair to outfits across the spectrum. We’ve got some new ones in stock I think you’ll find quite easy to style.
We’ve covered this at length before, but brown socks are, in general, easiest to match with many shades of brown shoes. While lighter, tan-esque dress shoes and darker trousers may have been en vogue by #menswear dudes in the late twenty-teens, we seem to have regained our wits and righted the ship. These days, I try, whenever possible, to keep my shoes darker than whatever pant and sock I’m wearing. That way, I draw a little visual interest and elongate my frame.
I prefer smaller patterns in my socks, as they work harmoniously with the rest of my outfit. This is especially true if the shoes have some texture (like suede) or a tassel, buckle, or strap. It helps the sock connect my outfit and pull it together rather than dominate it.
This is a subtle variation on a classic combination- a navy jacket and some trousers with a little texture. In fall/winter you’d gravitate towards wool and brushed flannel. In summer, something a little lighter; perhaps a hopsack jacket and some cotton or linen trousers.
David’s put together a really nice example for us. Of course, the jacket and trousers are quite versatile and perhaps even interchangeable with other items. You could swap the dark navy jacket for an olive or sage green one with larger windowpane pattern and the medium blue shirt for an off-white or cream Oxford and it would look excellent.
What I’d like you to pay particular attention to, though, is how everything works together. The color of socks works harmoniously (there’s that word again) with other items in the outfit. Each item looks like it belongs there.
From further away, it might look like a pretty standard pair of brown socks. But, get a little closer, and the details start to reveal themselves. That’s a bit of magic- everything works together, but it looks so effortless you can’t quite put your finger on why.
One of the challenges a lot of us have in menswear is making a shirt and pants more interesting without going overboard. There are only two or three elements to work with, and it’s easy to give into the temptation to try too hard and in far more than we should. Sometimes it’s trousers that are just too loud, or a shirt that’s probably better as a painting than apparel. Or, the need to break out the “funky” sock.
I don’t mind a brightly colored one (my purple ones get plenty of wear), but if there are any secondary themes here, it’s that items in outfits should complement rather than fight each other for attention and those items should subtly draw interest.
Take this second look here. Much as in the first, the pattern on the sock is smaller. Further away, you might not even notice it. But, that’s kind of the point. Once you get a little closer, you’ll notice how much thought went into such a “simple” outfit.
The texture on the ecru trouser is accentuated by the sock, and each color in the square knot works with the warmer tone. A stark white trouser, by comparison, would actually stand out with a clash of cooler undertones.
The rich color and elegant last of the shoe anchor the whole look, both literally and figuratively. Dark suede could work here, too, but the accent stitching on the shoe loops into the seam of the trouser, and–again–complements the sock choice.
It may seem like a lot of thought for an otherwise “simple” outfit. But, as the saying goes, a little goes a long way.
I’m going to come right out and contradict myself here. At the beginning of the piece, I said tan shoes had their time some years back and may have implied wearing them often these days might date you. Here’s the thing: tan shoes can work really well. And, in many cases, they’re actually a great choice.
Take this casual application, for instance. It works really well because of the wash on the jeans.. I certainly don’t mind dark denim- and definitely mix even black denim and brown together every now and then. But, whether the fading is factory washing or the product of years of wear, it’s a great shade of blue for this look.
Conversely, a solid sock might look a little…plain…here. That’s where a subtle pattern comes in and a bit more interest. The pattern allows the sock to shine, but not overwhelm. And, the colors in each work well with one another. Up top, try this look with a white Oxford and a navy Shetland sweater. On warmer days, drop the longer sleeves and try a white T-shirt and a linen overshirt.
In an increasingly casual world, a brown sock, whether solid or patterned, has more of a place in a man’s wardrobe. It isn't as austere as a stark black, and it’s not overtly “business” as navy. And it’s not as “safe” or “corporate” as grey might be.
Instead, brown brings earthiness, warmth, and texture to any outfit. Combine them with a complementary pattern and they’re remarkably easy to style. Wear them dressed up with a jacket for the office out to dinner, try them to elevate a seemingly “basic” shirt and pants, and add a little interest to a weekend outfit.
Brown socks with a small pattern certainly make getting dressed easier while still make you look good. And, isn’t that the point of all this?
Yours in Style,
Tony Gorga
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