When did socks become uncool?

[lljkk]

So I have like ZERO interest in fashion. But I just started an office job and am trying to sort out footwear (I wear cycling shoes for commuting).

I just realised that no one besides grandies, children, active in sports wear or weirdo foreigners like me allows their socks to be seen in public. I think maybe you natives don't mind frozen feet.

When did that happen?
(And more importantly, what else am I missing?)

Trousers + ankle boots = socks hidden
Trousers + ballet flats = no socks
Trousers + courts = no socks
Knee high boots + tights = no socks
Dress + tights + courts = no socks

Why do you want people to see your socks? They aren't v sexy. I suppose you could wear brogues?

I want warm feet! :) Didn't realise I would be so restricted in choice of footwear as a result.

I agree with you. So many fashion looks are predicated on not wearing socks.

I simply would not wear closed shoes w/o coverage - to wear them with bare feet would be unhygienic and most uncomfortable imo.

The Japanese seem to be good at doing socks from my experience. It might be worth taking a look at Japanese street-style photos for sock ideas. I'm talking about more classic dressers rather than the over the top styles often associated with Japan, though.

But it's not just footwear, iyswim. I can only wear full trousers to work (or maybe leggings). Because can't wear socks with any other clothing.

This British sock phobia thing is such a revelation.

Is it part of the general British revulsion about feet?

I only wear sandals without socks, all other foot wear as to be sock compatible, boots or trainers. Court shoes and ballet pumps are not tolerated here.

I don't think so, we like ballet flats and sandals so are happy for feet to be shown off. I think feet are sexy and socks are not. If you need to wear trousers, wear courts or ballet flats, or boots?

I hate feet.

But my FIL has been telling me for the last four years that am I too old for socks and jeans.

I wear them anyway. I love the heat!

I wear socks inside knee high boots, too....

Meanwhile, DD2 wears her fur lined boots without socks in dec. Yuck.

Fortunately, they are £8 Primark boots so they can go if they are manki. I should add they have been brilliant boots.

Of course normal people wear socks in knee high boots, you don't wear tights under skinny jeans. I also put socks over tights in boots, because boots ruin tights.

I luffs my socks. I wear socks 24/7. I wear 3-4 prs in bed (DH would divorce me otherwise). I will take them to my grave....

japan does some cute socks. some are for ballet flats and court shoes.
They go around the foot and toes but not up the ankle
I have some which are grey satin with butterfly crystals. Not everyone ones taste but they do some more simpler styles. They stop your feet going sweaty in the shoe. I had some lovely cream lace ones but they got a hole in.

There are also long socks in lots of lenghts.

The only problem is if you buy from Japan the sizes tend to finish at 25cm 25.5cm and that is about 5 1/2 size 6 uk.

I love socks, especially long socks. I have a collection and Avoca brand is my favourite. I only really wear them with long boots in winter, however, and then I don't care if they're seen as they're too nice to be completely hidden.

Well yes obviously under knee high boots, but again they're not seen. No need for visible socks at all, just not chic unless you're 15 with the legs of a gazelle.

I wasn't aware socks were uncool as such....

But with the footwear that I wear, socks are either hidden (boots), or unnecessary (sandals, flipflops, ballet flats).

I hardly ever wear trainers/converse but if I did I'd wear trainer socks (again, hidden).

Perhaps you're right - visible socks are a bit dated.

Cointreau, I would not wear ballet flats without socks. I know they are cooler without socks but my feet would get horribly sweaty and messing about with footsprays etc is just too much hassle. Maybe my feet are weird though because I know lots of people do wear them sockless.

Frances, I don't seem to have that problem (but I always wear leather shoes). And if it's hot enough to be sweaty, I'm in sandals!

I have got some of those tiddly sockette things to wear inside shoes, but they poke out at the edges, yuk.

I wear leather shoes too but I just can't do it without socks - just feels wrong to me. I think I am just doomed to uncoolness.

I agree with you on the hideousness of "sockettes". Plus they always slip off my feet anyway.

Avoca: £17 for a pair of socks

My feet are about size UK 7, so no trainer/ballet socks work for me, either. They still wouldn't be warm enough. I noticed someone wearing little sheer socks (like tights) with their trainers yesterday. Extra-hidden socks, even!

I need to go travelling, double check what rest of world is doing. I hope this sock aversion thing is not universal.

Who cares about chic? Warm comes first. Coldest spring in 50 yrs.