Thigh-high socks are back on-trend, we repeat, thigh-high socks are back on-trend! Whether you adore the coquettish, flirty energy they provide, or whether you’re on the fence about them because you think they make you look like a traditional, parochial schoolgirl, thigh-high socks are here to stay! What shoes to wear with thigh-high socks, though?
Knee-high socks and thigh-high socks have been around for centuries, but the fashion-forward duo didn’t seem to possess the same “statement piece, a wardrobe must-have” energy.
From the Ancient Roman Times and Marie Antoinette’s extravagant and avant-garde fashion reign to the roaring twenties and Twiggy’s sixties, we’ve witnessed socks go from mere feet warmers to (often political) fashion statements.
Nowadays, we’re seeing the knee-high and thigh-high sock trend come back to style thanks to Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and Hailey Bieber rocking them on a regular.
Bella Hadid might have even started the trend with a grey skirt suit and knee-skimming black socks she wore during Milan Fashion Week. Or, when she recycled the thought behind the outfit with a brown skirt suit and sheer white knee-high socks.
It might have also been Hailey Beiber with her signature ensemble consisting of a black blazer dress, sheer black thigh-high socks, and chunky, lug-sole loafers.
Whoever started the trend, we’re super, super excited to rock a similar style while running errands, grabbing brunch with our coworkers, or going out with our girlfriends. How to style thigh-high socks? What shoes to wear with thigh-high socks? Uncover everything you need to know down below!
How to style thigh-high socks?
Now, the leading ladies of social media aren’t the only ones rocking the thigh-high socks ‘fit.
Whether you turn to the latest runway shows, Fashion Week street style, or celebrities who aren’t as TikTok and Instagram active, you’re guaranteed to uncover some of the most fabulous thigh-high socks gems out there.
Styling thigh-high socks shouldn’t be that hard, right? Wear something short enough to show them off and you’re good to go, right? True, but that’s not everything you need to keep an eye on when you’re trying to show off your very expensive, $290 worth, pink, cotton Gucci Lamé GG socks.
Right off the bat, one of the easiest ways to style thigh-high socks happens to be the (seemingly) most fashionable one.
Combine whatever thigh-high socks you own with a matching skirt suit or a matching dress that shows off the socks. Depending on the occasion, you can throw on some chunky loafers or even strappy stilettos.
On the other hand, there’s nothing stopping you from experimenting with color combinations, patterns, and styles. More often than not, you’re better off wearing your thigh-high socks with something short to show them off.
But, that’s not to argue that you can’t wear them with a floor-length dress with high slits on the sides or something of the sort. What have we learned, then?
When you’re wearing knee-high or thigh-high socks, make sure you wear them with something that shows them off rather than something that hides them – that would beat the purpose of wearing them at all.
Whether you’re wearing sheer socks, knitted socks, patterned socks, or simple, sleek socks, follow that rule and you should be good to go. With that out of the way, here’s a rundown of different styles of shoes that would work best with thigh-high socks.
What shoes to wear with thigh-high socks?
1. Thigh-high socks and chunky, lug-sole loafers for a signature Hailey Bieber style
At the beginning of the year, our favorite fashion magazine Vogue stated that “according to Hailey Bieber, a pair of chunky loafers is the ultimate cool-girl staple,” and we couldn’t agree more!
Knowing that Hailey continues to rock her thigh-high socks and chunky, lug-sole loafers on a regular makes our outfit suggestion even better.
Whether you’re searching for something to wear to a party, an event that requires you to be on-trend, or even a date night, you can’t go wrong with thigh-high socks and loafers.
We’re, of course, rooting for Gucci loafers, but you can achieve the same cool-girl look with affordable alternatives from Zara, Mango, and ASOS.
2. Thigh-high socks and ballet flats for a feminine touch
We’ve been known to have a complicated relationship with ballet flats. However, ballet flats are guaranteed to add a feminine touch to whatever you’re wearing. Whether you’re sporting a flowy, floral dress, a tailored suit set, or a black blazer dress paired with sheer black thigh-high socks.
Chunky, lug-sole loafers are awesome because they’re edgy, elegant, and on-trend. Not everyone, however, wants to wear the type of footwear that makes your feet appear humungous.
Now, one of the ways to combat the chunky trend happens to be to swap the chunky loafers for timeless, chic ballet flats. We adore the Everlane Mary Jane flats because they’re simple and sleek, or the Alaïa crystal-embellished leather ballet flats because they’re the exact opposite.
3. Thigh-high socks and pointy-toe pumps for a dash of elegance
Whenever you’re wondering what shoes to wear with thigh-high socks, remember that the answer oftentimes depends on the type of socks you’re thinking of.
Chunky, knitted socks are great with Wellies and knee-high boots, but sheer socks or patterned, designer socks might be better with loafers, pumps, or even sandals (more on that down below).
We suggest wearing thigh-high socks with pointy-toe pumps when we’re referring to sheer stocking-like socks, fishnet socks, or even funky, fresh designer stocking-like socks (we wouldn’t combine knitted socks with pumps, though).
4. Thigh-high socks and strappy stilettos for a “Hot Girl Summer”
Even though we’re obsessed with the thought of wearing thigh-high socks with pointy-toe pumps (va-va-voom, am I right?), we’re even more drawn to the thought of wearing them with strappy stilettos.
Hailey Bieber has been rocking that outfit for ages! She’s clearly onto something because sheer thigh-high socks combined with strappy stilettos are guaranteed to turn heads. And, the only thing to keep an eye on with that ensemble would be to match the color of the socks to the color of the stilettos.
Sheer black socks and black stilettos are a fool-proof way to keep up with the trends, but you can experiment with hot pink ones (like Zandaya) or white ones (like Aubrey Plaza). Hot Girl Summer, here we come!
5. Thigh-high socks and high-heeled booties for the safest way to rock the trend
Here’s something for girlies who don’t want to experiment with thigh-high socks and pointy-toe pumps or strappy stilettos (not all of us want to channel our inner Zandaya).
Wear your thigh-high socks of choice with high-heeled booties and rock the trend without the fear of going overboard.
Actually, the two make for the perfect transition ‘fit when you’re going from summer to fall or even from winter to spring because the socks add a little warmth while revealing enough of your bare legs to make a statement.
We would also like to suggest going for block heels such as Khaite Admiral ankle boots or Santoni Hanalei ankle boots.
6. Thigh-high socks and thigh-high boots for a “match made in heaven”
How do you wear the trend without actually wearing the trend?! Whenever you’re wondering what shoes to wear with thigh-high socks without standing out too much, don’t shy away from experimenting with thigh-high boots.
Sure, the socks are going to add some warmth and comfort to your boots and make them appropriate for winter. But, the socks are going to add a dash of “je ne sais quoi,” too.
Whether you opt for patterned socks, socks with interesting, intricate trimming on top, or chunky, knitted socks, they’re guaranteed to make your outfits more eye-catching (granted that they’re peeking over the boots, that’s the whole point).
7. Thigh-high socks and rubber Wellies for a “Christian Girl Autumn”
We’re aware that some of you might be confused about the “Christian Girl Autumn” trend.
We’re here for the trend because we absolutely adore ripped denim bottoms, chunky cardigans, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. For those of you who don’t understand the trend, the Christian Girl Autumn is pretty much a continuation of the Hot Girl Summer.
And, you can have your own CGA moment with knitted thigh-high socks, rubber Hunter boots, and a chunky cardigan. We suggest going for as many knitted pieces as you please, as well as keeping the color palette pretty creamy, khaki, and autumnal.
8. Thigh-high socks and chunky, combat boots for a grunge statement
Of course, we can’t answer the question without mentioning everyone’s favorite chunky, combat boots.
We know we argued about how high-heeled booties are the easiest way for you to experiment with the thigh-high socks trend, but we stand corrected. Chunky, combat boots might be a bigger and better crowd-pleaser. Dr. Martens are always a statement, but you can go with whatever combat boots you own.
Wear your thigh-high socks with chunky combat boots, leather shorts, and a chunky sweater and you’re ready to take on the fashion world. Good luck!
