How To: Wear Socks and Heels Like a Grownup
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How To: Wear Socks and Heels Like a Grownup

So, I’ve talked about the whole socks with heels trend before, both here and on a Fox 19 segment about the shoot I styled for A-Line‘s August issue. After we finished the TV clip, Fox 19 anchor Sheila Gray seemed a little skeptical about the idea of wearing socks and heels as an actual adult person with, you know, A JOB. I told her I’d prove it can be done!

Thrifted blazer, belt & sweater; Moda International skirt; DKNY heels

Remember…

The key to NOT looking like jailbait is all in the styling.  A few tips:

Images, Style.com

> Stick with neutrals like black, gray, and taupe. This goes for the socks and shoes.

> Socks should hit 2-3 inches above the ankle. Much lower and they look like ’80s-hooker babydoll socks, much higher and they look too Catholic Schoolgirl. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but we’re keeping it PG for the office here.

> Wear a blazer, they make anything look more serious. As a matter of fact, your entire outfit should be serious and business-y. Think structured jackets and Roland Mouret-worthy dresses.

> Wear with a skirt that’s knee-length or longer. Nothing too poufy–you don’t want to look like Sailor Moon. An a-line or pencil skirt works best.

What are your tips for wearing this trend the grownup way?

10 Comments
  • Reva

    October 3, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Great post!

  • Chris

    October 4, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Love that Blazer!
    Where’s that thrift shop?
    🙂

    • tamia

      October 5, 2011 at 11:23 pm

      Ha, thanks! It’s been so long I’ve forgotten where that one is from…

  • Rachel

    October 6, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Beautiful look! I’ve been trying to figure out a way to pull off the socks and heels look at work. Thanks for the pointers.

  • Paula

    October 7, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    It’s funny, I would like all the looks better with simple tights instead of the socks, having socks sitting in my drawer for 2 years … cute wolford socks … maybe soon. 🙂

    • tamia

      October 9, 2011 at 9:41 pm

      You should test ’em out! One thing: socks make heels WAY more comfortable to walk in than tights do!

      • Mary

        October 10, 2011 at 11:19 am

        Admittedly, I don’t work in an office, so I can get away with more-unorthodox looks. In winter, I wear heels + socks to work with jeans or more work-y pants and my feet are so grateful. In fact, I love socks + heels so much that when summer comes around, my feet are shocked again at the discomfort involved in wearing heels on bare feet!

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    October 8, 2011 at 8:18 am
  • Barbara

    January 18, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    I love the look you show with socks and pumps.Ive worn socks with mules for a long time,even with higher heels. Im going to try your look.

    • tamia

      January 18, 2012 at 9:15 pm

      Well, the socks definitely come in handy if you happen to buy shoes that are 1/2 size too big because they were on sale. Not that I’d know from experience or anything…