Knock My Socks Off- Can I Really Pull Off Wearing These Socks?

I flip through a lot of magazines, so that's lots of fashion spreads and millions of ads. Every time I see a girl in a pump with a little ankle sock or a knee-high sock with boots I always think it's a cute look (in a private school uniform kind of way). But can real people really get away with wearing knee socks in real life? Maybe.
photo right: courtesy of LuckyMag.com

The Verdict:

The ankle sock is cute in a sort of retro 80's (a la Madonna) school girl vibe. But, if you were anywhere around to witness Madonna parade around in these socks or you actually wore them yourself, it's a pass. If you were an infant in the 80's or born in the era of MC Hammer (Bell Biv Devoe or the Backstreet Boys), go ahead and strut your stuff.

The knee-high or over-the-knee/thigh-high sock is a different story. I think this sock can be worn a variety of ways depending on the look you're going for. But be careful to avoid looking like a year 2000ish Britney Spears video (you remember that with the pigtails and the short plaid skirts).

• Layering- My personal favorite. This can work for a variety of people because you can start with a shorter dress, skirt or wool shorts and wear with tights as a foundation and try layering a thicker textured over-the-knee and then pull on rugged knee-high boots (just make sure they are shorter than the socks) for a chic country look. Pull it together with a more polished blazer or leather jacket to avoid a Little House on the Prairie look. **The more adventurous and fashion forward can skip the foundation tights and go with a over-the-knee or thigh-high sock with a short dress, long cardigan, and any type of boot (ankle/knee length) for a hot look.


• School Girl Chic- Throwing on knee-highs with a short skirt without layering is cute for the super young (no one over 21 should even think about doing this) or if you're a Japanese Harajuku girl (oh yeah -or one of Gwen Stefani's back up dancers). Please heed this look with caution.

I Heart Ronson by Charlotte Ronson

photo courtesy of Jcp.com

Cotton Solid Thigh-High Socks $15, American Apparel.