Give the Socks and Sandals Trend a Try This Summer

socks and sandals
Anna Sui Spring 2020; A.P.C. Spring 2020; Chalayan Spring 2020; Fendi Spring 2020; Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2020; Simone Rocha Spring 2020.

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Although it’s normally associated with dorky dads and tourists, the socks and sandals look has gained new appreciation in the past year and since we’ve been at home. If you can’t go outside, you won’t be wearing shoes as much, meaning quality socks are the ideal choice. And if you happen to sometimes slip on an indoor slide or slipper, that’s great too. I have been experimenting with that pairing as I try to find the balance between luxe indoor style and a solution for covering up my always cold, non-pedicured toes.

Meanwhile, everyone from Justin Bieber to Sophie Turner has taken the humble pool-slide-and-sock look for a spin, and Kendall Jenner donned camping socks with Birkenstocks last summer. Meanwhile, Katie Holmes wore the trend to a formal affair by wearing a heeled sandal with a sheer sock, proving that the combination can be just as cool outdoors as in.

socks and sandals
Photographed by Corey Tenold

Still not convinced? The socks and sandals trend hasn’t just returned for those living in heather gray sweat suits and swooshed athletic socks. The trend was spotted throughout spring and summer 2020 collections in many iterations. Platform Teva-like sandals and socks were paired with breezy lace dresses and bucket hats at Anna Sui, while T-shirt dresses at A.P.C. were styled with wood-based strappy heeled sandals and a pair of colored socks. There were flatforms and finely ribbed socks at Fendi, while sweet, floral, embroidered versions slipped into spiked flat slides at Simone Rocha. Meanwhile, classic leather sandals and classic white calf socks were shown with sleeveless dresses at Chalayan and flowing caftan-like dresses at Salvatore Ferragamo. Designers and celebrities agree: it’s a trend to try. And the good news is the socks and sandals trend can go from completely casual to laid back luxe, and working from home is an opportune time to find the combination that works just right for you, whether you’re looking to jazz up your favorite summer sandals or elevate your most basic slides.

Here are 7 sock and sandal pairings to try at home and outside from now until fall.

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Milano sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Sock

L.L.Bean merino Ragg socks two pack

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Shoe, High Heel, and Sandal

Nicole Saldaña Amanda floral embrodered sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Shoe, and Sock

Happy Socks Emma ankle socks

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Sandal, and Apparel

Grenson Lois sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Sock

Cos lightweight ribbed socks

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Sandal, Apparel, and Shoe

A.P.C. Thelma sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Sock

Maria La Rosa mid-calf yellow rainbow socks

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, and Sandal

Bottega Veneta padded flat sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Shoe, and Sock

Comme Si cotton striped espresso socks

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

Everlane double-strap block-heel sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Sock

Fendi ribbed knee-high socks

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Footwear, Sandal, Electronics, Hardware, Computer, and Mouse

ATP black Doris leather sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Sock

Simone Rocha floral jacquard socks