Whether you’re wondering what color socks to wear with brown shoes because you’re attending a wedding, switching up your workwear wardrobe, or wanting to know more about men’s fashion, we’ve got your back! We’re super serious about socks, here at ShoesCast.
Now, shopping for socks (dress socks or otherwise) might not be a priority for everyone. But, we’re getting tired of wearing socks made of scratchy, scanty fabrics that tear around the toe area after a hard day at work. We’re getting tired of socks falling down our ankles or changing shape after one or two wears.
Also, we know exactly what type of socks we want. We want socks made with high-quality durability, noteworthy breathability, and super-soft goodness. We want socks that are engineered to hold on to our ankles and calves all day long, whether we’re running errands, sitting at our desks, or attending an event.
And, we don’t want socks whose patterns look like they were stolen from cheap hotels’ carpeting. We want dress socks made with solid colors, subtle patterns, and fashion-forward designs that work under cuffed tweed trousers, pleated linen trousers, and patterned tailored trousers.
Sure, everyone knows not to speak against a man by the type of shoes he wears. But, the socks you wear speak so much about you. The right socks help you look polished, proper, and put-together, show respect to the dress code and send a message to everyone that you have your crap together.
Today, we’re bringing you everything you need to know about what color socks to wear with brown shoes.
1. Navy, for a simple, subdued style
Starting with classics, you can’t go wrong with navy socks. Whether you go with solid, unpatterned navy socks or navy socks with different designs on them, you’re going to adore the way they complement brown shoes.
Navy socks are one of the most versatile socks out there because they work wonders with both brown, black, and grey shoes, as well as darker brown, black, and grey outfits.
We suggest going for ribbed socks such as Bombas Knee-Ribbed Dress High Socks or patterned navy socks such as Nice Laundry Personal Edition Dress Socks. We also have to mention the very expensive, but statement piece, nonetheless Gucci GG Pattern Cotton-Blend Socks.
2. Grey, to keep things timeless and effortless
Grey socks, alongside navy socks, are one of the most versatile socks, too.
First off, you can wear them with dark grey suit sets, grey tailored trousers, or dark grey Oxford shoes for a monochromatic moment (that works when you match different shades of grey). Other than that, you can wear them with black shoes and black-on-black outfits, or brown shoes and light grey outfits.
One thing to keep an eye on when you’re shopping for grey socks – dark grey socks mimic black socks and work with darker outfits and other shades of grey, while light grey socks mimic navy socks and work with lighter outfits and numerous shades of brown.
We suggest going for timeless socks you can wear year-round such as Polo Ralph Lauren dress socks or J.Crew Ribbed Dress Socks.
3. Lighter shades of brown, because risks pay off
Now, an unwritten rule you’ve probably never heard of states that you should never wear black or brown socks with brown shoes. Black socks can take away from the earth-toned ensemble you’re going for and damage the balance between warmer shades.
Brown socks, on the other hand, can make the entire outfit appear cheap because they’re extremely difficult to match. Black shoes and black socks work great together because they create an elongated silhouette, but brown socks can only achieve the same effect when they match the shoes to a tee.
However, you can cheat the system by combining brown shoes with lighter socks. Creams, tans, khakis, and beiges work great with dark brown shoes because they create a contrast. And, when you’re wearing a suit or an outfit that features these shades, you’re guaranteed to appear fashion-forward.
4. Darker shades of green, for an earth-toned ensemble
Of course, we can’t forget about the greens, which happens to be the reason why we saved them for the end. Greens work with browns because they give off that earth-toned vibe, but you have to be cautious to choose the right shades of greens and browns.
More often than not, deeper browns work with deeper greens which means you can throw on army green, hunter green, and phthalo green socks with umber or mocha shoes. Moreover, you can throw on sage green and olive green socks with tawny or caramel shoes. Choose the color of your socks wisely!