What Socks to Wear With Dress Shoes

When wearing dress shoes, you have three primary socks to choose from a no-show, mid-calf, and over-the-calf.

This article will explore each of these sock types along with different types of dress shoes you can wear with them. By the end, you will know when it is appropriate to wear one particular sock over another.

General Rules to Follow

To always ensure that you look your very best, follow these basic rules when choosing socks to wear with dress shoes:

  1. Never wear athletic socks with dress shoes. Unless you are Michael Jackson, white socks and dress shoes will always clash. The material and lengths are different and will never look good together.
  2. No-show socks are informal wear only; think casual Friday, summer company barbeque, or a night out with friends. Don’t wear them when presenting to clients or attending a formal event.
  3. Over-the-calf is the most formal and is the safe choice for any dress shoe.
  4. Always match your socks to your pants, not your shoes. This will prevent your shoe and sock from appearing like an elongated boot.
  5. For patterns, don’t mix and match. If your pants have a pattern, then wear solid socks. If your pants are solid, then you can opt for patterned socks.

Types of Dress Shoes & How to Match Socks

When considering sock choice, the type of shoe you are wearing matters. There are many different types of dress shoes, with each having a sock type that will best complement it.

Oxford

top down view of brown oxford dress shoes

Among the most popular variety of dress shoes, oxford shoes have a closed lacing system and are worn for various occasions, including work, smart-casual, and formal events.

These versatile shoes can be worn with a no-show, mid-calf, or over-the-calf dress socks. But what dictates the type of sock you wear will depend on the setting. No-show socks lend themselves best for casual to smart-casual settings where you can express your personality through your outfit. Mid-calf socks are good for the workplace or where all-day comfort is a concern.

Over-the-calf socks will be best for professional office settings where appearance is key and for formal events. Over-the-calf won’t require midday adjustments and will present well even when crossing your legs while seated.

SettingOxford
CasualNo-show or mid-calf
ProfessionalMid-calf or over-the-calf
FormalOver-the-calf

Derby

man wearing brown derby dress shoes

Derby shoes are very similar to oxfords, but their key distinction is the lacing system. Derby shoes have an open lacing system that is a touch more casual, lending themselves good for informal wear. Like oxford’s, a derby shoe can be worn with a no-show, mid-calf, and over-the-calf socks. Of course, the situation will dictate which sock type is best.

SettingDerby
CasualNo-show or mid-calf
ProfessionalMid-calf or over-the-calf
FormalOver-the-calf

Formal Wear

man in suit putting on formal shoes

Whether attending a black or white-tie event, shoes worn to these occasions will often be opera pumps or black oxfords. Over-the-calf socks are most appropriate as they will stay up for the duration of the event and never need to be adjusted.

SettingFormal
CasualN/A
ProfessionalN/A
FormalOver-the-calf

Monk Strap

man in blue suit with monk shoes and socks

Clad with either a single or double strap design, with the latter being more casual than the former due to the extra buckle, monk strap shoes are suitable for casual or office wear only and not formal wear. As a result, the shoes are best with either no-show or mid-calf socks. Gentlemen can opt to wear an over-the-calf sock if preferred.

SettingMonk Strap
CasualNo-show or mid-calf
ProfessionalMid-calf or over-the-calf
FormalN/A

Loafer

man wearing loafers without socks inside 1

If there is any shoe more synonymous with no-show socks, it would be the loafer. Whether worn with a classic penny loafer or a luxurious Gucci horse-bit loafer, no-show socks ensure that you have a nice visual line between the shoe, ankle, and bottom of the pants. When worn in the office, mid-calf socks should be considered.

Lastly, depending on the aggressiveness of the hem on your pants, you may want to consider wearing an over-the-calf sock with a loafer. This will ensure that your shins don’t peek out of the bottom of your pants when sitting.

SettingLoafers
CasualNo-show or mid-calf
ProfessionalMid-calf or over-the-calf
FormalOver-the-calf

Chelsea Boot

man jumping with chelsea boots and socks on

The socks worn with Chelsea boots may be determined by the outfit you’re wearing. Specifically, men wearing uncuffed pants, be it chinos, dress pants, or denim, should wear mid-calf socks. This will ensure comfort and prevent the cuff of the boot from rubbing against your lower leg while walking. Women that may pair a Chelsea boot with a skirt, shorts, or cropped pants often wear no-show socks. This will still provide comfort to the feet without blistering the heel or toes.

SettingChelsea Boots
CasualMid-calf
ProfessionalMid-calf or over-the-calf
FormalN/A

Theo Lawson

With a five-year background in men's fashion, Theo Lawson has shifted his focus to the world of socks. To him, socks are more than just a piece of clothing - they're a way to express yourself and make a statement.

To improve his knowledge, Theo consults with manufacturers and interviews industry leaders to stay up-to-date on the latest sock trends. His dedication to the field has earned him the trust of companies, celebrities, and sock enthusiasts, making him a true testament to the impact that one person can have when passionately pursuing their expertise.

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