Standard dress socks come in your standard black— those are nice for your high school proms and Grandma’s dinner parties— but if you want to look exciting and fashionable, you need to embrace patterned dress socks.
Yes, I’m talking about argyle socks; 9001 points to you if you read my mind.
First, I’d like to address geometric patterned socks; they aren’t as elaborate, but have more flare than none. Not to be ambiguous, I am talking about a pattern that has crisscrossing lines along the side of the sock, resembling DNA for the most part.
This geometric pattern, sometimes specifically and simply called “geometric” is often paired with other argyle socks in packets labeled “argyle socks.”
Now, these really aren’t argyle socks, as argyle is a specific pattern based on the tartan pattern from Scotland; however, the diamond pattern along the side is a “sibling pattern,” if nothing else.
So, if you were about to mock your roommate for wearing geometric socks while you flaunt your argyles, I hope my explanation makes you think otherwise. Your socks are buddies; you guys should be too.
The main attraction, the argyle sock, is the most recognized vibrant pattern-based formal sock. I say ‘pattern-based’ to avoid those who might say, “What about floral socks?” and I say ‘recognized’ to avoid the random geometric triangle-based sock with the entire rainbow in it. How was I supposed to predict that— moreover, why would I wear it?
To remind others and to illustrate what the argyle pattern looks like for those who have never seen it, the pattern consists of intercrossing diagonal lines overlapping solid diamonds.
The solid diamonds connect corner to corner and the diagonal lines cross at the center of each diamond and the “spaces” between diamonds.
The sock itself is usually black, gray or brown in color and, more often than not, the diagonal lines are white; however they can be any color lighter than the other colors in the pattern.
At this point you might be saying, “Jeff, big deal. Why are you talking to me about socks… more specifically the pattern? You have not mentioned much about how regal they might look on my feet or why I should buy a pair.”
I apologize, because there is one last important thing to talk about color-wise.
The colors can tell a lot about the person who wears the sock, especially if it is supposed to be matching another piece of clothing.
The diamonds, as stated before, are solid in color, but a sock will have either one of two different colors. I have a pair of black argyles with red diamonds, as well as another with black and Carolina blue diamonds on gray (yes, my Hopkins socks, ironically not bought at the bookstore).
The multiple colored diamonds alternate, so the colors aren’t touching. Color is important when wearing argyles with an accompanying vibrant piece of clothing, such as a polo.
Polos aren’t as fancy as button-down shirts; however, they are perfect for relaxed-formal occasions and some places of work, such as internships.
If you want to add a little sprit of ‘class’ to a regular polo and khaki ensemble, wearing matching argyle socks is a perfect way to achieve that ‘formal’ effect.
Polos usually come in three forms: solid, single color with dark stripes, and multiple colored stripes.
For a solid polo, a red one for example, I would wear my red argyle socks mentioned before, because of the single color on the diamonds.
I could also wear the same socks with a red polo with thin black stripes. I’d want to avoid wearing them with a red and orange polo with black stripes because the socks lack the orange to reflect the shirt. Luckily, I have a pair of orange and red argyles on black which would work perfectly with the hypothetical orange and red polo.
For a more concrete example, I own both a green polo with navy stripes and a pair of green and blue argyles which complement each other exquisitely.
As a final note, I will recommend that one should try to avoid wearing solid polos with complex socks, and vice-versa.
Overall, argyle socks are extremely fashionable. They can spice up an outfit, feel really soft and cheer up your day.
When you are bored with biochemistry and can’t bear to sit through the next forty minutes of it, just cross one leg up onto your knee and admire the quality of your socks.
Maybe some lucky lady will see your socks and strike up a conversation, and maybe you’ll have a date that night. Or maybe you’ll just get a compliment— probably the latter. Either way you’ll look nice.
Just please don’t wear gym sneakers with argyle socks to class; that’s just tacky.
Argyle socks are even perfect for formal occasions, and pretty much go with any dress shirt; matching tie color is nice.
I should also mention that women can wear argyle socks just as well; they usually longer and are brighter in the selection of colors and include even more interesting combinations, such as hot pink and purple.
Maybe you will get that date after all, if you and the girl whose eye you catch are wearing matching argyles.
