When it comes to styling knee-high socks, memories of 1990s fashion often flood back, reminiscent of schoolgirl-inspired attire. Interestingly, this trend can be traced back to the iconic TV show Friends, where Rachel Green’s character popularized the look by pairing a plaid mini-skirt with knee-high socks in one episode. Regardless of who originated the style, it has remained a timeless choice for both casual and semi-formal wear.
What Shoes to Wear with Over the Knee Socks
To complete the look, you’ll need the perfect shoes to pair with your knee-high socks. Here’s a comprehensive list of ten shoe styles that complement this fashion staple, along with additional details on how to style them together. From rugged riding boots to sleek loafers, we’ve got you covered. For a laid-back, country-inspired look, consider pairing knee-high socks with riding boots or Hunter Boots for a rustic vibe.
For a more practical option, rain boots can add a touch of whimsy to your outfit. If you’re looking for something a bit dressier, Chelsea Boots or Oxford Shoes can elevate your style. For a more relaxed approach, loafers or pointy flat shoes can create a chic, effortless look. Ankle booties can also be paired with knee-high socks for a trendy, fashion-forward ensemble. Finally, block heels or T-strap shoes can add some glamour to your overall look.
↓ 10 – With Riding Boots For Snowy Days
Want to make a stylish statement while staying cozy in the snow? Look no further than knee-high socks that pair perfectly with riding boots. A bold red color is always a great choice for snowy days, and it’s even more versatile when worn over black tights or jeans – whether you’re heading to work or just running errands. And don’t forget to check out our list of the best footwear options for jumpsuits!
For those who want to take their snowy style game to the next level, Sorel offers riding boots in three vibrant colors: Redwood, Black, and Quarry. With a price tag of $139.00, they’re an investment worth making. If you’re looking for other great finds, consider pairing your new boots with a Gloverall Check Duffle in Royal Stewart Plaid ($166.00) or a Ghany Water Resistant Shiny Nylon Down Puffer Vest ($575.00).
↓ 9 – With Blue Hunter Boots for a Funky Look
When seeking to express one’s unique taste and style, there’s no better way than donning a neon ensemble. To make a bold fashion statement, consider pairing a bright, funky pullover with ocean blue hunter boots. The Women’s Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots in this vibrant hue are an excellent choice. Despite their premium price tag, these British-made boots are well worth the investment due to their exceptional quality and durability. With proper care, they can be worn for many years to come.
For a fresh take on the classic hunter boot look, opt for the ocean blue color instead of the more common black variety. This versatile shade pairs beautifully with jeans, tights, and even white skinny pants. When selecting hunter boots, remember to choose a size at least half a size larger to accommodate thick socks during chilly days.
↓ 8 – Skinny Jeans and Rain Boots for Rainy Days
When the rain starts pouring, getting to work or class can be a chore. That’s where having a reliable pair of rain boots comes in handy. These waterproof wonders not only keep your feet dry but also provide comfort and support. For those drizzly days, I’ve put together two stylish outfits featuring grey knee-high socks paired with bold red rain boots. The first look is perfect for the office, while the second is more casual and ideal for a leisurely stroll in the rain.
To help you stay warm and toasty, I’ll also share some cozy outfit ideas. For a comprehensive look, here’s what I’ve included: a pair of Joe’s Jeans Icon Ankle jeans ($75.99), a Chelsea28 layering turtleneck ($49.00), a Blanket Plaid Scarf Red ($29.90), M&S COLLECTION 2 Pair Pack Soft Knee High Socks (£8), and the Original Tall Rain Boot from HUNTER ($150.00).
↓ 7 – Chelsea Boots and Knee High Socks for Fall
When it comes to deciding when to don knee-high socks, we firmly believe that autumn is the perfect time. As the weather cools down, these stylish accessories can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. For this season, we recommend pairing them with either Chelsea or gladiator boots for a chic and comfortable look. In particular, Dr. Martens’ Kensington Flora Black Snake (£130.00) is an excellent choice for those who want to elevate their footwear game.
↓ 6 – With Loafers for Work
Elevate your office attire by combining knee-high socks with sleek loafers for a stylish and unexpected take on a formal look. The key is to balance the boldness of the socks with the understated sophistication of the loafers, creating a harmonious blend that’s both polished and playful. For inspiration, consider the Vince Yaeger Loafers at $425.00.
↓ 5 – Classy College Look with Pointy Flats
Take your outfit to the next level by pairing knee-high socks with pointy flats, a stylish combination that’s perfect for college students looking for an alternative to high heels and traditional sneakers or Converse shoes. Not only does this look great, but it also ensures you can go all day without feeling fatigued from tired feet. For inspiration, consider the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Noir leather ballerinas ($995) or Kaitlyn Pan Studded Strappy Ballerina Leather Flats ($113.
99), which showcase how stylishly you can pull off this look.
↓ 4 – Street Style With Ankle Booties
Daniela Ramirez, a blogger from Nany’s Klozet, demonstrates the versatility of pairing knee-high socks with ankle booties. By showcasing this stylish combination for both summer and winter seasons, she proves that this look can be worn throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
↓ 3 – With Block Heels for Brunch
Keiko Lynn’s latest fashion post showcases a stylish way to wear knee-high socks for morning coffee or brunch. Her vintage-inspired outfit perfectly blends Disney charm with timeless elegance, making it a look that can never go out of style. For a bright and cheerful daytime outfit, a yellow check dress is an excellent choice. Although the specific dress featured in Keiko’s post may be sold out, we’ve curated a list of top 5 yellow tartan/check dresses that are worth considering this season.
Not only do these dresses come at affordable prices, but they’re also versatile enough to layer over or under for year-round wear. Some standout options include the Part Two MIDINA day dress (£94.99), Mads Nørgaard DREAMELLA day dress (£139.99), New Look yellow check button-through pinafore dress (£22.99), LUCK & TROUBLE tartan dress AUD $59.95, and Zaful tie-waist tartan dress for AUD $20.49. For a more formal look, consider the J.
Crew Chateau Parka in windowpane check ($210 or $227) or add some rugged charm with Mercury Block Heels from Free People ($62.13). To complete the outfit, don’t forget to add some accessories, such as the Acecharming French Beret ($12.39), a lightweight and classic option that’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any look.
↓ 2 – With Oxford Shoes for Traveling
When venturing out on a trip, packing light is often the name of the game. To achieve this, it’s sensible to prioritize bringing your favorite tops and bottoms rather than an abundance of shoes, socks, or tights. Surprisingly, a pair of Oxfords and two pairs of socks can suffice for an entire week-long journey. The key to pulling off this minimalist approach is finding the perfect combination that balances contrasting styles.
For instance, pairing Oxford-inspired shoes with knee-high socks creates a harmonious blend of masculine and feminine elements, resulting in a chic travel look. Below, we’ve created three versatile outfit combinations featuring these essential items.
↓ 1 – With T-strap Shoes for Date Night
T-strap heels are a staple in any fashion-conscious woman’s wardrobe, offering both comfort and romantic charm. The oxblood t-strap shoes featured here exude a sense of sophistication and whimsy, making them an ideal choice for a date night outfit. Not only do they provide excellent support, but their stylish design also adds a touch of elegance to any ensemble.
For those looking to incorporate more T-strap heels into their wardrobe, we recommend the following styles:BC Footwear Local T-strap Pumps Heels in Oxblood Color ($69.99)Lidia T-Strap Espadrille Wedge by TONI PONS ($64.95)MICHAEL Michael Kors Berkley T-Strap Platform Dress Sandals ($120.00)Sam Edelman Yordana T-Strap Sandal ($79.97)Jewel Badgley Mischka Conroy T-Strap Evening Sandals ($119.00)
