Match Point
The safest, most standard by-the-book rule: Socks Match Pants or Shoes.
The theory behind matching socks to your pants is to create a visually seamless extension of your leg, color-wise. It is cohesive, without a blip. This makes you appear taller, and can also give a person more standing by enhancing visual gravity. Matching does not mean socks should be exactly identical in color, but fall in the same hue. A shade lighter or darker on the spectrum works well. It doesn’t relegate socks to complete anonymity, but they’re not screaming for to be noticed either.
Socks should command attention, not demand attention.
Etiquette Tip
Be sure to have at least a few pairs of socks long enough so that bare skin will not be seen when you sit down or cross your legs. You don’t want to be sitting in a job interview, or front-row at a fashion show, absentmindedly tugging at your socks or flashing hairy legs. Think of it this way:
If you’re wearing a tie, socks should extend over your calves.
If you’re wearing a tie, socks should extend over your calves.
Factoid
“Sweat Equity”
Your feet produce half a pint of perspiration a day.
Each foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands. These truths do not bode well for the poor pair of shoes that has to suffer through a season of socklessness.
