Temperatures are rising, and people are shedding more and more layers of clothing. Men are starting to choose more lightweight options, and swapping pants for shorts while getting into t-shirt and tank top season. Another thing that men are also getting into is “ankle porn” or going sockless. That’s right, men have found that they don’t have to wear sandals or flip-flops to escape the hassle of wearing socks.
Going sockless is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular each year. It’s great for Spring and when done correctly, compliments lightweight suits and casual wear very nicely. Besides being a fashion statement or an option to avoid socks, men just want to show off their ankles. There’s nothing wrong with giving the people a healthy dose of “ankle porn” from time to time.
Like any fashion trend, there are rules to going sockless. For instance, there is a time and a place. Don’t show up to a funeral with your ankles hanging out, it’s just disrespectful. Suck it up and wear the black socks that day. Also, going sockless for board meetings or court appearances sends the message that you’re not serious. Save the sockless moments for barbecues, Spring/Summer weddings, social events (especially outside), or a casual office environment.
Now it’s time to commit. Perfecting this trend first requires that you choose pants that have a length that finishes at or just above the ankle. The best pants for the job would be slim, tailored, or skinny pants. You can also cuff or pin the ends of your pants if they’re too long. Nothing wrong with “Macgyvering” the situation. Smoke and mirrors are a necessary part of fashion.
Next, pick out the perfect accent piece, i.e. your shoes. There’s an art to pairing pants with shoes. Jeans go best with chunky lace-ups such as Derbies or brogues, while chinos pair really well with loafers, drivers, or boat shoes. If you want to go more casual you can wear joggers with a stylish pair of sneakers. However, if you’re trying to knock them all dead, choose a Spring suit that can be worn for weddings with a pair of double monks. Does the trick every time.
Though this is a discussion about how to go about being stylish without socks, there’s are other ways to play the game. Earlier it was stated that smoke and mirrors are a part of fashion so it’s perfectly fine to fake the sockless look while wearing no-show or invisible socks. No need to fully commit if you’re worried about your feet sweating or a foul odor. Wearing no-show socks will help prevent athlete’s foot, bad smells in your shoes, and aid with blisters. Foot issues are so unattractive.
