If you’ve been around the fashion block, you might have noticed an emerging trend regarding how men choose to style their loafers.
White socks.
Bold, crisp, white socks, often contrasted against a dark-grained leather, be it brown, black, or burgundy.
What began as perhaps a fairly niche stylistic choice in the classic menswear community has quickly gained traction, making its way to the streetwear community, and beyond.
To some, this look might seem a bit odd, at first. White socks… with loafers? While loafers aren’t the most formal shoe per se, many attribute a certain sophistication to them that a pair of white crew socks simply don’t have.
Or… do they?
The historical context for white socks and loafers is actually there. It’s a look that harkens back to the golden years of ivy style, old-school prep, and, perhaps surprisingly to some, a bit of an American tradition.
So to answer the question – are white socks with loafers cool? Can you pair the two?
We vouch for a resounding “YES!” Here’s why.
It’s Ivy as Hell, Man
For many, pairing white socks with anything that’s intended to be an otherwise “smart” outfit is kind of a major no-no. However, not all “smart” style aesthetics are consistent, and some in fact benefit from this initially somewhat odd combination.
That style? Ivy.
One of the pillars of classic menswear, ivy style, also known as American ivy style, is largely derived from elite college campuses (as the name would suggest) in the mid 20th century, although it even draws upon eras as late as the 80s or 90s, in some regards.
Think relaxed-but-smart oxford cloth button downs. Crips khakis and chinos both flat-front or pleated depending on the exact era. Knit wool sweaters. Tweed jackets and navy blazers adorned with gold buttons. Maybe even a rugby polo. And of course, loafers.
Only, those loafers were often paired with white socks, believe it or not. The reason why students of elite ivy schools in the past did this is a bit muddled.
On one hand, as youngsters, many would argue that they were simply trying to keep their outfits a bit grounded with something more casual – and a pair of white socks could do just the trick.
Or perhaps it had a more practical origin. People back then had fewer clothes than they do today – yes, even the fairly well-off students attending ivy institutions.
While this meant that they likely didn’t wash their clothing after each wear, the same standard could not be held for underlayers like socks.
While a dyed garment might show signs of wear after some time, white socks don’t fade in color with frequent washing.
Regardless of the actual reason for this trend, it certainly was that – a trend. Only, it hardly ever went away, persisting for generations of ivy school-goers, and eventually trickling down to the greater American public who, much like today, often seeked to mimic the styles and tastes of the upper classes.
And so, the basis for white socks with loafers, especially in the context of ivy style, has a significant historical basis. Though you might have first seen this trend and thought to yourself, what the hell is that guy doing?, the fact is, there’s a genuine precedent for the look.
And in our opinion? It looks pretty damn good. Sharp, even. We say to you, “It’s ivy as hell man.”
How to Style White Socks with Loafers
Now that we’ve established the basis for the look, hopefully you’ve been at least partially convinced that white socks with loafers are indeed a solid look.
We know it’s certainly a bold style. That little bit of white peeking out from the hem of your pants is only accentuated by the more open nature of most loafers. You can see a lot of sock! And for it to be white, well, you’re practically shoving it in everyone’s face.
So, it’s important to get the rest of the look right. Here are a few outfit concepts that anyone can pull off. Trust us!
1. Full Ivy
One of the easiest methods is to simply copy the classic American ivy style formula.
Pair your white sock and loafer combo with chinos, preferably in a tan, stone, or khaki color. Then, add an oxford cloth button down or a classic long-sleeved rugby shirt.
If you opted for the former, add a wool crew-neck sweater, preferably something with a bit of weight to it. Avoid smooth, thin Merino wool knits, as these don’t provide the texture many often associate with the look of the era.
If you want, add a tweed sport coat or a navy blazer on top to finish it off and provide another visual anchor for the outfit.
That should leave you with an easy, iconic outfit that is timeless, sharp, and pays full homage to the origins of the white sock and loafer look.
2. Modern Ivy
This one closely mirrors the first, but adds a slight twist.
Stick with the same khakis and OCBD (oxford cloth button down), but instead of a sweater or a blazer, swap in a denim trucker jacket. An unexpected choice at first, this looks somehow feels right at home, and lends a slightly more rugged, casual edge to the ensemble.
Looking to add just a bit more flair? We thought the white socks were enough, but hey, it’s your outfit. We suggest including a casual tie, either of a knit or a regimental striped variety. It works surprisingly well with a denim trucker – see for yourself!
3. Get Yuppie with It
Our last outfit formula suggestion draws inspiration from the slight dandiness of the 1980s yuppie era. After all, yuppie style was popularized by many who attended the very same ivy institutions that minted the white sock and loafer look in the American consciousness.
Try pairing your white socks and loafers with a full suit – preferably something with wide lapels (single-breasted or double-breasted), and a fairly full-cut leg. Bonus points for cuffed pants, worn with suspenders or a belt if you so choose over a dress shirt – ideally one with vertical stripes.
Add an abstract or geometric tie to polish off the look.
Extra Style Points
Aside from its origins in classic American style, and its recent rebirth and growing population in adjacent fashion spaces like the streetwear community, white socks with loafers can also offer a few other visual benefits in their own right.
For one, it adds a little bit of visual interest in an area where most outfits seek to be harmonious and discrete. It emboldens the shoe and makes your loafers stand out a lot more.
It can also be seen as a signal that your outfit is intended to be relatively “smart casual.”
Whereas many today regard simply looking “put together” with a degree of formality, the white sock stands out and implies that despite your well-pressed chinos and collared shirt, there’s nothing truly formal about your outfit.
In a way, it helps those less informed about the intricacies of men’s style better understand your aesthetic intentions, even if they don’t quite get why.
Lastly, we encourage experimentation wherever possible, and this is an incredibly easy, low-investment place to start. If you feel like perhaps some of your outfits have been playing it too safe, mix things up a little!
Those who don’t get it aren’t meant to get it. It’s your style journey! Have fun with it – even if that fun simply boils down to a humble pair of white socks peeking out from your loafers.
We think it’s pretty damn cool.