5 styling tips for pairing shoes and colourful socks

In this season, socks—and even better, colourful socks—are the ultimate allies of shoes, so essential they even have a whole drawer to themselves. Whether plush, with elastic piping, in warm wool or breathable cotton—and even better when dyed in vibrant colours—socks move beyond their merely functional role to become standout stars of the most stylish outfits of the moment.

It’s a combination so familiar that our minds register it as second nature. From school uniforms to their rise in the 1960s alongside Mary Quant’s miniskirts, socks have evolved with the times. In the 1980s, they embraced the sporty spirit of urban fashion, while in the 1990s, they became essential to both preppy and grunge style codes. Since then, fashion houses like Prada and Gucci have elevated this intimate item to a full-fledged style statement—one that now leads the current fashion narrative. In line with Fall-Winter 2025 fashion trends, the styling of socks and shoes blurs the boundaries between masculine and feminine, embracing a universal, versatile, and flattering approach.

How to wear shoes with coloured socks this season

Because socks offer more than just heel support—they add a thoughtful layer of style. They’re capable of breaking away from the delicate femininity of ballerinas or low-heeled Mary Janes to create a look of intellectual refinement. This styling choice can feel both formal and rebellious, bringing in a sense of playfulness or nodding to the understated chic of Parisian aesthetics. Ultimately, it’s one of the oldest—and simplest—tricks in the book to elevate any outfit with a single slip.

High-heeled mule shoes with knee socks

Miu Miu Otoño-Invierno 2025Daniele Oberrauch/Gorunway.