Is it Acceptable to Wear Bare Feet with Sneakers during the Summer Season?
Relaxed Summer Vibes: Navigating the Summer Sock Conundrum
Summer may mean breezy days, but looking stylish while staying cool is quite the balancing act. You want to wear minimal clothing, but you can't always ditch the essentials. Take socks, for example. They can keep your feet fresh while preventing blisters and shoe stink, but they can also lead to overheated feet. On the other hand, going sockless can leave your heels vulnerable and potentially create an unpleasant odor. The elusive no-show sock, billed as the perfect solution, often ends up crumpled beneath your toes, leaving us in a pickle during those sweltering summer days.
Brendon Babenzien, founder of the menswear label Noah and the creative director of J.Crew's men's department, offers a pragmatic approach. "For me, sockless is acceptable, but in a specific, limited context," Babenzien remarks. "It's all about the occasion and what you're wearing. The key is to strike a balance." Babenzien, who spent his youth surrounded by the surfers, skaters, and beach bums of Long Island, associates the sockless look with that effortless, carefree style. However, he cautions that it fits best with a casual attitude. "It's sockless with loafers. On rare occasions, it can work with a canvas sneaker, but even then, it depends on the day since canvas shoes can get quite smelly," he adds. No-shows, he admits, are not his cup of tea. "I like the idea of appearing sockless, but actually wearing socks. Something about it just doesn't sit right with me."
The tradition of wearing loafers and sneakers without socks dates back to the dawn of Ivy style in the early 20th century. Over the years, this trend has ebbed and flowed. In the 2000s, the casualization of office dress codes and the influence of Thom Browne's ankle-baring suits combined to create a new era of sockless abandon. From Pitti Uomo's peacocks to Midwestern groomsmen, bare ankles were everywhere, year-round. Thankfully, it seems that we have returned to an era of embracing socks once more.
Sid Mashburn, Atlanta's renowned haberdasher, shares Babenzien's sentiments. Growing up, Mashburn rarely wore socks unless he was donning lace-ups. "I used to go sockless with double monks all the time, but these days, I'm wearing more socks than before," he says. As the summer heat kicks in, Mashburn approves of going sockless with any casual shoe, from sneakers to chukka boots. He even goes sockless with a pair of Belgian loafers and a tuxedo, provided his ankles are not too pale. "I don't like the break in dark leather and white skin, but with a proper tan, it changes everything," he explains. While Mashburn steers clear of no-shows, he does not judge others who choose to wear them.
The debate over socklessness in summer appears to follow generational lines. Austin Chen, a 24-year-old digital content creator, is a firm believer in keeping socks on at all times when leaving the house. "Going sockless is both gross and a disservice to humanity. There's something uncomfortable to me about direct foot-to-shoe contact," he declares. Chen finds no-shows acceptable in extreme situations, but prefers the coverage of traditional crew socks, even in the summer months.
The upcoming return of flip flops hints at a shift in summer footwear trends that will challenge Gen Z's dedication to crew socks. Until then, if you are aiming for a cool, stylish look in the summer heat while occasionally stepping out barefoot, choose your socks carefully and strike a balance between comfort and aesthetics. And, if you insist on wearing no-shows, it might be best to keep that preference to yourself.
Styling Tips
When it comes to choosing socks for warm weather outfits, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Socket Selection
- No-show socks: These are perfect for casual, warm weather outfits.
- Ankle socks: Just enough to peek above the shoe line, these are a versatile choice for a relaxed style.
- Crew socks: Although less common with shorts, they can add a touch of personality when paired appropriately.
Colors and Patterns
- Neutral colors: Match your socks to neutral shoes for a seamless look.
- Brighter hues: Opt for bolder colors and patterns to inject personality into your outfit.
Footwear
- Sneakers: Most versatile and suitable with shorts.
- Loafers or slip-ons: A great alternative for a more polished look.
Balancing Act
- In tandem: Ensure your socks complement rather than overshadow your outfit.
- Step up in comfort: Prioritize comfort for a relaxed, carefree vibe.
- When styling for warm weather outfits, consider no-show socks for a casual, stylish look, or ankle socks that peek above the shoe line for a relaxed style.
- For footwear, sneakers are versatile and suitable with shorts, while loafers or slip-ons offer a more polished look.
- To balance comfort and aesthetics, ensure your socks complement rather than overshadow your outfit, and prioritize comfort for a relaxed, carefree vibe. This can be achieved by following general guidelines such as matching neutral socks to neutral shoes or opting for bolder colors and patterns to inject personality into your outfit.
