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 them with? What shoes to pair them with?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I have a particular fondness for quirky styles. When incorporated correctly into an outfit, high socks can truly personalise your look, giving it a unique edge!

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

High socks are best worn with shorter outfits, such as a mini skirt, a skater dress, or short shorts. If you want to maintain a classic and simple style, I recommend choosing high socks in neutral tones (black, grey, brown, navy, burgundy...) that match your shoes. If you prefer a more unique look, there are many colourful styles available! Lastly, you can wear a wide variety of shoes: boots, ankle boots, as well as closed-toe heels, sneakers, or even flat shoes like loafers or brogues.

Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover:

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

Why Wear 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 high socks with short clothing so that they’re fully visible is a trend that emerged in the 1970s: young women wore them with school uniforms as a change from knee-high socks, and to keep warm.

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

High socks add a cute and youthful touch to an outfit: they temper a short and sexy skirt while bringing a fresh vibe to your look.

Staying Warm in a Dress or Skirt

When it starts to get chilly, knee-high socks are a great alternative to tights for keeping warm. Since they leave the upper part of your legs exposed, you can wear them at the beginning of autumn or on those first lovely days of spring.

👉 Another tip is to wear them over your leggings, to keep extra warm. Plus, this will stop them from slipping down, especially if you're wearing textured leggings (like dotted, fishnet, or striped ones…)!

To Tone Your Legs and Enhance Your Outfit

By drawing attention to your legs, over-the-knee socks enhance them and create a more streamlined silhouette. They’re perfect for balancing out an oversized jumper, especially in a bohemian style, giving you a feminine and elegant look.

👉 Do you love the oversized style? Check out our article dedicated to it!

Additionally, high socks are a cost-effective and practical tip to replace thigh-high boots in an outfit. They're easy to find in most shops and are suitable for women of all sizes. They're also a bit more sensible than knee-high leather boots, making them easier to wear every day. 😉

What clothing goes well with knee-high socks?

If you were to remember just one piece of advice about knee-high socks, it's this: wear them with short clothing to really show off your legs. Here are some stylish outfit examples to help you find the look that suits you best!

A flared mini skirt

The short pleated or frilled skirt is perfect for teaming up with knee-high socks, whether you're heading out with friends or going for a shopping spree in town. Inspired by school uniforms, this adorable look will be great for showcasing your legs.

👉 This style is not necessarily suitable for all occasions: it's best to avoid it for work or solemn events (funerals, sad occasions…), as it conveys a sense of lightness that may not be appropriate for the context.

A skater dress

The result you get with a dress is often a bit more formal than with a skirt. This allows for a cohesive look: the knee-high socks, worn with shoes and a stylish dress, add a touch of freshness to your entire outfit.

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

A Mini Short

Sassy and summery, the mini shorts are a fantastic choice for those who want to showcase their legs. Pairing them with knee-high socks adds a sporty vibe to your outfit, giving you a dynamic and determined look. This style is perfect for a slightly cool summer day with friends at the beach or spending time with family. However, as mentioned earlier, it's not really suitable for too formal an occasion.

How to Match Sock Colours with Your Outfit?

Whether it's online or in specialty shops that focus on underwear and socks, there's a wide variety of over-the-knee 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're looking for a classic and simple look, I recommend opting for neutral colours. Black is the main colour you'll find in this type of outfit, but there are other options that work just as well. These include:

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

These are colours that don’t clash harshly with other shades, allowing you to highlight the rest of your outfit.

👉 To create a cohesive look in your outfit and make your legs appear longer, I recommend choosing socks that match the colour of your shoes. This can also give the illusion of wearing a pair of boots with just simple ankle boots!

Light-coloured socks for a romantic touch

To create an adorable and delicate winter look, you might want to go for outfits in 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 complete your look!

Patterns and Colours to Showcase Your Unique Style!

Finally, if you define yourself by your unique and colourful look, know that a pair of patterned knee-high socks can be a great ally in showcasing what makes you unique. If you love the kawaii style of Japanese girls, for instance, you might choose socks with cute little animal patterns around 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 knee-high socks for a stylish and elegant outfit.

Boots

Boots are a clear choice to wear with high socks, as they keep them securely in place. Additionally, their height, which generally reaches about two-thirds of the height of the high socks if your boots sit below the knee, creates a proportional relationship that naturally enhances your legs!

👉 Are you wondering how to wear rubber boots while still looking a bit stylish? If you let your socks peek out from your boots, your high socks will add a touch of flair to your outfit, allowing you to look great even when it's raining!

Ankle boots

Perfect for autumn and spring, ankle boots pair beautifully with high socks, provided they are the same colour or in a similar tone. If possible, go for ankle boots with heels, as they will elongate your legs and give you a very feminine posture.

Pumps

Contrary to what you might think, it's entirely possible to wear open-toed shoes with high socks. The only requirement is that the toe area of the shoes (where your toes are) remains enclosed. By opting for colourful socks that match pretty heels, you can achieve a look that is both stylish and unique, with your shoes contrasting the sometimes youthful vibe of the high socks.

Flat Shoes

High socks can also be beautifully paired with flat shoes like ballet flats, brogues, derby shoes, or loafers. However, I recommend saving this type of combination for an outfit with a slightly chic dress or with a simple and 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 wearing white or black socks, which you can pair with a slightly oversized sweatshirt that falls over your short skirt. This type of outfit is particularly suited for young girls or young women in informal settings such as:

• a night out with friends,
• a sports match,
• a themed sports evening,
• a walk in summer or spring…

Over-the-Knee Socks

Over-the-knee socks are comfortable and help keep your feet and legs warm during the winter months. They are an essential accessory, especially if you enjoy wearing skirts and dresses.

You’ll find a wide variety of styles in clothing stores, as well as in online shops if you prefer not to go out. For instance, BaseRange offers several different designs. You won’t have any trouble finding a style that meets your needs and expectations.

On this online shop, you'll discover:

• Ankle Socks
• Cuffed Crew Socks
• Over-the-Ankle Socks

You’ll find a wide range of colours including pink, grey, and even black and white. Plus, there’s something to suit every budget. Order now and enjoy free delivery for orders over €80. You’ll benefit from fast shipping and delivery.

Moreover, choosing BaseRange means choosing quality as well. In fact, the knee-high socks from this brand provide optimal comfort. It's essential to feel good and not wear socks that scratch or irritate your skin.

That's why BaseRange is dedicated every day to providing you with one of the best qualities so you feel good throughout your day. Knee-high socks will keep you well covered. This is particularly handy for sporting activities. For instance, if you're involved in extreme sports or skateboarding, they can help protect you from certain injuries. Plus, this is 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 high socks and incorporate them into your wardrobe, so you can 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 over-the-knee socks or any other type of accessories! Our online store offers a wide range of styles, carefully selected for their originality and elegance!

Bohème Long Dress