How to Style Knee-High Socks?

Do you love the high sock trend and want to make it your own? Are you wondering what clothes to wear with them? What shoes to pair them with?

I'll assist you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I have a special fondness for unconventional styles. When incorporated correctly into an outfit, knee-high socks can truly personalise your look, giving it a unique touch!

That’s why today I’m sharing this comprehensive guide dedicated to them, complete with outfit examples and practical tips.

Long socks are best worn with shorter clothing, such as a mini skirt, a skater dress, or even a pair of shorts. If you're aiming for a classic and simple style, I recommend selecting long socks in neutral tones (black, grey, brown, navy, burgundy...) that match your shoes. For a more unique look, there are plenty of colourful patterns available! Lastly, you can pair them with a variety of footwear: boots, ankle boots, closed-toe heels, sneakers, or even flat shoes like loafers or Oxfords.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• What high socks bring to an outfit,
• How they enhance your silhouette,
• What clothes to pair them with for a unique look,
• What colour socks to choose with your skirt or dress,
• What type of shoes to wear with them depending on your style!

Why Wear Knee-High Socks?

Are you keen to add this accessory to your wardrobe? In the following lines, discover three great reasons to do so!

For a Cute and Trendy Look

Wearing knee-high socks with a short outfit so that they are fully visible is a trend that emerged in the 1970s: young women wore them with school uniforms as a way to switch things up from the usual below-the-knee socks and to keep warm.

If you weren't born in that era, you might remember this look from the late 90s, with iconic outfits like that of Britney Spears in the music video for “Baby One More Time”.

High socks add a cute and youthful flair to an outfit: they can tone down a short and sexy skirt while bringing a refreshing touch to your ensemble.

Staying Warm in a Dress or Skirt

As the weather starts to cool down, knee-high socks are a great alternative to tights for keeping warm. Since they show off the top of your legs, you can wear them at the start of autumn or on the first sunny days of spring.

👉 Another tip is to wear them over your tights for extra warmth. Additionally, this will stop them from slipping down, especially if you're wearing textured tights (like polka dots, fishnet, or striped ones...)!

To Tone Your Legs and Enhance Your Outfit

By drawing attention to your legs, knee-high socks accentuate them and enhance your overall silhouette. They are perfect for balancing out an oversized, bohemian-style jumper, for instance, giving you a chic and feminine look.

👉 Are you a fan of the oversized style? Check out our article dedicated to it!

Additionally, over-the-knee socks are a savvy and practical tip to replace thigh-high boots in an outfit. They are easy to find in most stores and are suitable for women of all sizes. They're also a bit more understated than leather knee-high boots, making them easier to wear on a daily basis. 😉

What to Wear with Knee-High Socks?

If there's one piece of advice to remember about wearing high socks, it's this: pair them with short outfits to accentuate your legs. Here are some stylish outfit ideas to help you find a look that suits you!

A flared mini skirt

The short pleated or frill skirt is perfect for pairing with knee-high socks, whether you're heading out with friends or going for a shopping spree in the city. Inspired by school uniforms, this adorable look is sure to showcase your legs beautifully.

👉 This style may not be suitable for all occasions: it's best to avoid it for work or solemn events (funerals, sad gatherings...), as it gives off a sense of lightness that wouldn't really suit the context.

A skater dress

The outcome with a dress is often a bit more polished compared to a skirt. This allows for a cohesive look: wearing knee-high socks with stylish shoes and a chic dress adds a fresh touch to your entire outfit.

This type of outfit is perfect for a first date or a night out with friends.

A Mini Short

Flirty and summery, the mini shorts are a perfect outfit for those looking to showcase their legs. Pairing them with high socks will give your outfit a sporty vibe, creating a dynamic and determined look. This ensemble is ideal for a slightly cool summer day spent with friends at the beach or with family. However, as mentioned earlier, it's not really suitable for formal settings.

How to Match Your Sock Colours with Your Outfit?

Whether online or in certain specialty stores selling underwear and socks, there is a wide variety of knee-high sock styles available. To help you make your choice, here are a few simple tips.

A versatile neutral colour for a simple and chic look

If you want a classic and simple look, I recommend opting for neutral colours. Black is the primary colour found in these types of outfits, but others can certainly work well too. This includes:

• navy blue,
• grey,
• brown,
• beige,
• burgundy.

These are colours that don’t sharply contrast with others, allowing you to highlight the rest of your outfit.

👉 To create a cohesive look in your outfit and elongate your legs, I recommend choosing socks that match the colour of your shoes. This can also help create the illusion of a pair of boots when wearing simple ankle boots!

Light-coloured socks for a romantic touch

To create an adorable and delicate winter look, you might opt for outfits featuring bright and pastel shades such as:

• light pink,
• white,
• beige,
• ecru,
• light brown…

In this case, go for white socks, which will highlight your legs and perfectly complement your outfit!

Patterns and Colours to Showcase Your Originality!

Finally, if you define yourself by your unique and colourful look, keep in mind that a pair of patterned knee-high socks can be a great ally to showcase what makes you unique. If you adore the kawaii style of Japanese girls, you might want to choose socks with little animal patterns at the top! 😻

What Shoes to Wear with High Socks?

To wrap up this article, I’ve put together a selection of shoes that you can wear with your high socks to create a stylish and elegant outfit.

Boots

Boots are a clear choice to wear with knee-high socks, as they keep them securely in place. Additionally, their height—usually around two-thirds the length of the socks if your boots sit below the knee—creates a proportion that naturally enhances your legs!

👉 Are you wondering how to wear rubber boots and still look stylish? If you let your socks peek out from your boots, those knee-high socks will add a touch of flair to your outfit, making you look good even when it's pouring rain!

Boots

Perfect in autumn and spring, ankle boots pair nicely with knee-high socks, as long as they are the same colour or in a similar tone. If you can, choose ankle boots with heels, which will lengthen your legs and give you a very feminine posture.

Pumps

Contrary to what you might think, it is definitely possible to wear open-toed shoes with high socks. The only requirement is that the tips of the shoes (where your toes are) need to be closed. By opting for colourful socks that complement your stylish heels, you can achieve a look that is both chic and unique, with your shoes providing a nice contrast to the sometimes youthful vibe of high socks.

Flat Shoes

High socks will also be beautifully complemented by flat shoes such as ballet flats, brogues, derby shoes, or loafers. However, I recommend reserving this type of combination for an outfit that includes a smart dress or a simple, elegant skirt.

Sneakers

Lastly, you can also wear sneakers with a skater skirt and high socks to create a sportswear look! In this case, I recommend white or black socks that you can pair with a slightly oversized sweatshirt that falls over your short skirt. However, this type of outfit is more suited for a young girl or woman in an informal setting such as:

• a night out with mates,
• a sports match,
• a sports-themed party,
• a summer or spring stroll…

Knee-High Socks

Over-the-knee socks are comfortable and help keep your feet and legs warm during winter. They’re an essential accessory, especially if you often wear skirts and dresses.

You'll find plenty of styles in clothing stores, as well as on online boutiques if you prefer not to head out. For instance, check out BaseRange, which offers a variety of different designs. You won’t have any trouble finding the perfect style to suit your needs and preferences.

In this online store, you'll find:

• ankle socks
• crew socks
• over-the-ankle socks

You’ll find a wide range of colours including pink, grey, and black and white. Plus, there are options to suit every budget. Order now and enjoy free delivery on orders over 80 euros. You'll benefit from fast shipping and delivery.

Furthermore, choosing BaseRange means choosing quality. Indeed, the knee-high socks from this brand will provide you with optimal comfort. It's important to feel good and not wear socks that itch or irritate your skin.

That's why BaseRange is dedicated to providing you with one of the best qualities every day, so you feel good throughout your day. Knee-high socks will keep you well covered. This is particularly handy for sports. For instance, if you participate in extreme sports or skateboarding, they can help protect you from certain injuries. Additionally, it's a new trend that's becoming increasingly popular in summer, especially when paired with shorts.

I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas on how to pair tall socks and incorporate them into your wardrobe to create a unique and feminine style!

To complete your outfits, check out our dresses and skirts in a bohemian style, which will pair perfectly with knee-high socks or any other type of accessories! Our online shop offers a wide range of styles, carefully selected for their uniqueness and elegance!

Bohemian Long Dress