Looking for sock trends that give your usual shoes a little something extra? Think ruffled ankles, burgundy knee-highs and tiny flowers peeking out of loafers.
These ideas include simple white pairs plus colorful styles you won’t want to hide under your pants.
You can keep things simple or go all out with patterns. I especially love the pretty cuffs with pointed shoes.
From sneakers to sandals, there’s plenty here to try with footwear you already own.
Read also: 10 Neutral Dress Outfit Ideas You Need to Try This Year
Sock styling ideas worth saving
white socks and dotted tights
We’re starting off strong with these white socks over black polka-dot tights. I love them with the chunky black loafers and oversized blazer.
Try the same combination with a black mini and high-neck top. The dots give you plenty of pattern without adding another color.
little ruffled ankles
How cute are these little ruffled edges? The white socks sit just above the white sneakers with black stripes.
If you want something a little sweeter than a plain cuff, this is a simple swap to try.
scrunched socks and mary janes
This outfit may just be one of my favorites here. I love the cream sweater with the black pleated mini, but those scrunched white socks and double-strap shoes are the detail I’d keep.
Let your socks gather above the ankles rather than pulling them straight up.
gray socks above tall boots
Don’t want your socks hidden inside your boots? Try a gray pair that peeks above the tops, just like these.
The taupe buckled boots look so pretty with the gray sweater and white mini skirt. You only need a little sock showing to follow this look.
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ruffled knee-highs and green sneakers
I am obsessed with this mix. The white patterned knee-highs have little ruffled tops that look so cute beside the brown plaid skirt.
Try them with green sneakers and a green track jacket if you want the same sporty pairing. Don’t forget to leave those pretty cuffs showing.
burgundy over-the-knee socks
If you are looking for a bolder sock color, then this one is for you. The burgundy pair reaches above the knees and looks gorgeous beneath the long cream sweater.
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The black open-toe heels let the color show right down to the toes. I’d keep the black bag too.
scalloped cuffs and pointed heels
How pretty is this combination? The white socks have delicate scalloped cuffs, with black tights underneath and pointed slingbacks over the top.
Choose a pair with a decorative edge if you want to try this yourself. That little detail is my favorite part.
slouchy socks and black sandals
The socks-and-sandals fans are going to love this! Pale gray-beige socks bunch up above chunky black sandals with shiny emblems on the straps.
Keep the folds loose if you want that same slouchy look.
yellow flowers and brown loafers
These floral socks are just too cute. I love the tiny blue flowers against the yellow background, especially with the cream ruffles at the top.
Pair yours with brown tassel loafers and cuffed blue jeans. Make sure the hems leave those little flowers on show.
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white knee-highs and sporty shorts
If you’re looking for a sporty way to wear taller socks, go with this black tank and shorts combination. The white knee-highs are worn straight up with silver-colored sneakers.
A red shoulder bag adds a little color. You could choose another bright bag if red isn’t your thing.
gray socks and taupe clogs
Don’t want to go all out with patterns? No problem!
Try gray ribbed socks with taupe clogs and cream pants. I love the turned-up hems and the little folds around the ankles.
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tiny dots and buckled flats
I am obsessed with these dotted socks. The pale yellow background and tiny black spots look so pretty with the glossy black flats.
The rows of thin buckled straps are worth keeping if you want to follow this combination. There’s no need to add another print.
white slouch socks over leggings
Want your socks to be part of your leggings outfit? This white pair sits over gray leggings, with lots of loose folds through the ribbed tops.
Simply scrunch yours down to try the same shape.
rainbow tie-dye colors
Who doesn’t love a little color? These socks mix pink, purple, blue, green and orange in uneven tie-dye bands.
I’d wear them with plain white sneakers so some of that rainbow still shows. You can leave the ankles a little gathered like they are here.
red socks and mint sneakers
This is such a fun color pairing. The bright red socks look so good with the mint-green sneakers and their pale stripes.
Try a white graphic tee and black shorts to follow the outfit. The light-blue jacket tied around the waist adds another color without hiding the socks.
a little white above red sneakers
If you are looking for something simple to put together, this one is for you. Just a little white sock shows above the red sneakers beneath cropped wide-leg jeans.
I love the black puff-sleeve top and small leopard-print bag with this. Your socks don’t have to be the loudest part of the outfit.
pink cuffs and brown stripes
This is another cute way to wear socks with clogs, but there’s a little more color this time. The cream socks have dusty-pink cuffs, brown stripes and a brown heel.
I especially love that big gold-tone buckle beside them. Leave the striped tops visible when you scrunch your pair.
little pink hearts underneath
How adorable are these pink hearts? They cover the soles of the white socks, while the ribbed tops stay plain.
The brown leggings keep the rest of this look simple. I’d choose these for the sweet little pattern alone.
beige socks and matching sandals
If you love sticking to one color family, save this idea. The tall beige socks have an open pattern and rolled tops, with matching narrow sandal straps across the toes.
The cream draped hem looks lovely above them. Try similar shades rather than worrying about an exact color match.
cream socks and black shorts
Last but definitely not least, we have these simple cream socks with black fitted shorts. I love the long ribbed tops and loose folds around the lower legs.
If you want to turn this into a full outfit, add an oversized tee and your favorite sneakers.