A wise man once said a businessman matches his socks to his trousers. A gentleman matches his socks to his mood. One of our followers recently asked how a man actually goes about doing this. We happen to take a great amount in joy in owning and wearing socks of all colors and fabrics. Our sock drawer looks like a rainbow with colors ranging from electric blue to pumpkin orange. Stripes, polka dots, solids, pin dots, tipped and others create a bit of a kaleidoscope.
Most men either overlook their socks completely and end up looking like a 4th grader when they show any ankle, or they go overboard and buy 20 pairs of black socks and wear them with everything they own. As we all know men have less room in their wardrobe to express themselves than our female counterparts. Why not take every opportunity to maximize and accessorize? Women often dress according to their mood. Whether happy, or sad they change their hair, nails, clothing etc. to fit their mood. Men can– and on occasion should–do the same.
Instead of the tried and true method of matching your socks to your pants, step outside your comfort zone. If you’re feeling particularly cheerful go for a pastel. If you’re feeling patritoic go for the colors of your alma mata. If you’re feeling studious try an argyle pattern. If you’re feeling luxurious and sophisticated try cashmere. If you’re feeling daring go sockless from the start. If you’re still not confident go for something solid in a primary color that coordiantes with your shirt, tie and/or pocket square–you’re wearing one right?
About our Style Editor: Grant Harris, MBA ● Image & Style Consultant
Grant Harris is Owner & Chief Style Consultant at Image Granted, LLC; a Washington, DC based Image Consulting Company dedicated to solving the complex image, style & fashion issues of today’s professional man. Mr. Harris provides private & corporate wardrobe consultations, closet organization, personal shopping & other value-based services for men in need of practical & affordable style advice.
A 2006 Virginia Military Institute (VMI) graduate with a BA in Psychology, Grant quickly earned an MBA in Organizational Development and Psychology in 2007 from the American InterContinental University (AIU). Mr. Harris has appeared in several media outlets including TIME Magazine, CNN Newsroom, and The Wall Street Journal.
Grant was born and raised in the DC metro area. Having acquired many stamps in his passport Grant is passionate about international travel, reading everything he can get his hands on, and satisfying his healthy obsession with socks. You can follow Image Granted on Twitter & Facebook. Contact Grant about his styling and/or speaking services corporate@imagegranted.com or 703.554.9184.
Well-Dressed: Providing Grooming and Style tips for Black Men. TheBlackManCan believes that you should never judge a book by its cover, however a books cover can be just as important as its content.
