One of my teammates recently posted, sock doping is so 2015, shorts doping is 2016, and she’s right, and looked great in those shorts.  She is right and I have seen way too many sock photos lately, yet somehow she’s way off wrong. Socks continue to be an obsession for many people, myself included, and they’re not going away.

Which made me wonder, Why socks?

People are over the top about socks because they serve many awesome purposes. Socks are often the only customized piece of the work uniform. Work regularly demands a certain type of shirt or pant or shoe, but a little peak of sock color never offended anyone. Maybe it even help impress the boss with creativity and expression. Work socks peak out just a tiny bit, covering that small stretch of ankle between pant hem and shoe. So innocent. The smallest visible article of clothing, but makes a big impression. Kind of like sagging with great boxers, except getting to sag at work. Which is even better. A little low risk rebellion.

Socks are absolutely the cheapest way to express individuality. A beautiful kit or bike or dress or shoes would do the same thing, but not the same price tag. Feeling bored by an outfit? New socks are in the budget. And with that small investment comes freedom of expression. Color in a sea of grey. Design in a swath of plain. An easy statement exhibiting color, design and spontaneity. Judging by all the cool foot tubes out there, I’m not the only one who thinks socks are greater than they seem.

Socks done right:

Mountains

Airports

Paisley-For work socks, Evoke pairs paisley with dress shoes in the best combo I’ve ever seen. I fantasize about pairing those socks with my vans.

Thanks for reading!