Socks and SandalsRehabilitating a fashion faux pas.

Socks and SandalsRehabilitating a fashion faux pas.

  • Words George Upton
  • Photograph Yana Sheptovetskaya

Of all the great fashion faux pas, none have endured quite like socks worn with sandals. Trends come and go—even “ugly sneakers” have had their moment in the spotlight—but our collective distaste for this particular look seems to transcend periods and cultures. 

But what is it about socks and sandals that jars so? It’s not as if wearing sandals by themselves is particularly controversial (unless you’re attending a business meeting or have been summoned to court), and the addition of socks is a practical solution when it’s hot and you expect to be walking long distances. It seems we are suffering a hangover from the Victorian era; we’ve inherited a horror of seeing underwear—that which should be hidden from view—displayed so brazenly in public. Or else it’s an irrat...

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