Step out of line and put your foot in it
This bold statement shocked fuddy-duddies who believed socks should be darker than the color of your shoes and should match your pants.
In Korean, this twist is also known as an “English variation,” a way for a gentleman to express his personality by bending the rules.
And if you’re stuck wearing a boring suit all week, why not jazz things up? Trendy socks can create a different mood for each day of the week. Here’s how.
Monday: Start the week looking neat.
If you’re short, avoid double-breasted suits at all costs unless you want to look like a chubby penguin.
But you can still express your individuality. Team a navy suit with a purple tie, and sneak a pair of blue polka-dotted socks on to your pins.
Make sure that your socks are darker than the suit, so that the polka dots stand out. Socks like these give a sense of fun even with a formal suit.
Tuesday: Boost your creativity during a meeting.
Fred Astaire was known as “the color magician.” He enjoyed wearing wacky combinations, like jackets and pants with different fabrics and patterns. He would sport an orange knit under a brown checked jacket.
Give your Tuesday wardrobe an Astaire twist with deep maroon pants and even darker socks. The naughty glimpse of your socks just poking out over your shoes says that you are a person with a great sense of style.
Wednesday: Halfway there, time for a rest.
Abandon all caution today and throw on a colorful knit sweater under an ocher wool jacket and brick-colored corduroy pants.
And for your feet? Burgundy socks, of course. Make sure that your shoes are slightly brighter than your socks.
The goal is to put together an outfit that organically matches up to create harmony. This will give off the impression that you are as warm and vibrant as your clothes, indicating composure and willingness to participate in any type of conversation.
Thursday: A compromise between formality and sensation.
A navy jacket and grey pants are considered the epitome of business casual. But who wants to look like they’re dressed for school?
Add sensation to this classic combination by picking suede shoes in mid-brown or camel, and go on a limb with an orange tie and socks. This might seem a bit loud, but it’s a basic twist that anyone can pull off.
Friday: A carefree finish.
A grey casual jacket and a heavy cotton shirt are perfect with beige chinos for a casual Friday. Substitute your tie for a dark indigo bandana to enhance the pared-down ambience. Fold it diagonally and tie it in a jaunty knot around your neck.
Choose your socks to complement the blue shirt and bandana. A green and white, argyle pattern would go well. Although the outfit is casual, the top half is still relatively muted, so choose socks with a striking color and pattern to express the freedom of the upcoming weekend.
Argyle socks, particularly in bright colors, also say you’re not afraid to express your inner geek.
If you are going casual with a monotone jacket, choose socks with a gaudy color and flashy pattern. And then feel free to enjoy the weekend!
Saturday: Rock like Elvis.
A good choice for Saturday is the Harrington jacket, an item popularized by Elvis Presley when he wore it in his 1958 movie “King Creole.”
A good Harrington jacket is lightweight and short, with a check or tartan lining.
Pair it with dark jeans and white sneakers for a stylish yet comfortable look. But remember that if you’re toning down your clothes, you can afford to make a bold statement with your jacket lining and your socks.
Sunday: Take a rest and recharge your batteries!
Red socks look gorgeous when they’re peeking out from between chukka boots and slightly cropped corduroy pants. Chukka boots, typically calfskin or suede ankle-length boots, are essential for any self-respecting fashionista who wants to express creativity through his socks.
You don’t need to worry about whether anyone will be able to see your socks because of your high boots. That’s what the slight crop on the pants is for.
British and Italian gentlemen favor this style at the weekend. Any color or pattern on your socks will do, as long as they’re not boring. To cap off the relaxed mood ahead of a new work week, choose a slouchy cardigan instead of a jacket.
Tip for any day of the week: Match your tie to your handkerchief.
While this is all about expressing your individuality, keep these guidelines in mind to avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark.
First, consider what textures you’re matching with your socks. Anyone can pick ties, hankies and socks of the same color. Where you’ll stand out is if you make sure your fabrics go together too. If you’re wearing a knit tie, choose thick wool socks.
Avoid combinations like silk socks with a causal look and thick cotton socks with a formal suit. These are guaranteed style breakers. The same goes for golf socks with chukka boots.
By Kang Seong-min JoongAng Ilbo [estyle@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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