THE JOURNAL
Thought your slip-on shoes were destined for a winter of hibernation? Think again. Thanks to the enduring Ivy trend, championed by the likes of Tyler, the Creator and spotted across catwalks galore, the cold-weather-friendly combo of socks and loafers has moved firmly out of nerdsville and into high-fashion territory. But before you whip your horsebits out of their dust bags, a reminder: the socks you pair them with aren’t just a means to keep your ankles toasty, but rather a vehicle to showcase your impeccable style and personality. In that spirit, we’ve compiled five characterful chaussettes that are sure to grab attention this winter – plus the smart investment shoes with which to ground them.
01.
The tie-dye socks and chunky loafers
Chunky rubber soles, hardy calf leather, goes-with-everything hue – Grenson’s pleasingly practical Pete loafers are a no-brainer if you’re on the hunt for high-quality kicks that will weather the test of time. But should that all sound a little serious, then rest assured you can always infuse a touch of levity and a splash of colour in the accessories department – these Japanese-made tie-dyed socks by Mr P.should do away with any straitlaced connotations.
02.
The Fair Isle socks and taupe loafers
Note: a smooth suede loafer in an earthy taupe offers a more laid-back alternative to a classic black or brown leather – and this almond-toed pair by Kingsman in collaboration with British cobblers George Cleverley wouldn’t look amiss sat alongside your favourite blue jeans or a casual weekend suit. For an unexpectedly stylish pairing, try these jacquard-knit socks by Japan’s Anonymous Ism.
03.
The diamond socks and retro loafers
These two-toned loafers by all-American cordwainers G.H. Bass & Co. are pretty jazzy in their own right – quite literally in that we could imagine them twirling about a nightclub stage on the feet of Messrs Duke Ellington or John Coltrane. For an ultra-modern take on this throwback style, how about a rule-breaking colour clash? These forest-green intarsia-knit socks by Japan’s Beams Plus will pop brilliantly against the glossy burgundy leather.
04.
The fuzzy socks and low-key loafers
As enamoured by Marni’s brightly coloured, fabulously fuzzy sweaters as we (and the rest of the fashion world) are? Good news: you can now rock the look all the way down to the socks. No doubt these grungy-yet-joyous creations deserve to be the focal point of whatever outfit you’re wearing, so best to opt for a shoe that lets them shine. Our pick is John Lobb’s black suede penny loafer, which embodies the very best in traditional shoemaking – but doesn’t shout about it.
05.
The monogram socks and classic loafers
By now, the Gucci horsebit loafer needs no introduction. But how does one reinterpret a decades-old menswear hall-of-famer in a way that feels fresh? First, trade the classic black for a burnished brown leather, and opt for the newer, more streamlined Jordan silhouette. Then, dial up the kitsch factor with these stand-out logo-clad Gucci socks for a pairing that would make Mr Harry Styles proud.