How to Wear Knee High Socks

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt

Last Updated: October 31, 2021 References

Knee-high socks are a great way to jazz up an outfit and give your look a stylish edge. Use them to add a retro flair or create a stylish, layered look. They look great with shorts, skirts, dresses, heels, and boots, for example. Pair stylish pieces with your socks to create an adorable casual or dressy ensemble.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Socks

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Go for dark neutrals if you want a balanced and stylish choice. Choose neutrals such as black, navy, and brown for a versatile sock option. These shades look great with nearly any outfit. Since the neutral is dark in tone, your outfit looks balanced overall, rather than potentially bright or loud.^{[1]
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- Since your bottom choice is dark, both colored and neutral tops look great.
- You can also choose a charcoal grey or slate-blue colored sock for a dark, neutral choice.
2
Choose a pair of colored socks for a bold look. If you aren’t afraid to have all eyes on you, go for a colored pair of knee-high socks, such as a red, green, or light blue. This is a great way to add a pop of color to a mostly neutral outfit. When wearing colored socks, try to choose tops and bottoms that are neutral in color so your outfit doesn’t look too loud.^{[2]
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- For instance, wear a pair of funky red socks with dark denim shorts and a white T-shirt.
- Select a pair of novelty socks for a fun, unique look. Choose socks in a tie-dye, polka-dot, or printed pattern, for instance.
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3
Try textured socks if you want to add detail to your outfit. If you want a unique knee-high sock option, look for a pair with an interesting pattern, such as sheer or fishnet. These sock choices add a bit of interest to your outfit, and they can look quite classy if styled with dressy pieces.
- For example, wear a pair of sheer black knee-highs with a black cocktail dress.
4
Pick a pair with stripes at the top for a sporty, tomboy look. If you want a casual, active style, choose a set of athletic black or colored socks with 2 or 3 stripes. These give a slightly sporty edge to your outfit, and they look great with gym shorts and a tank top.^{[3]
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- Wear these with a pair of cleats and you’re all set for soccer practice.
- For a cute, tomboy outfit, wear athletic socks with a jersey T-shirt dress.
5
Wear a pair of tights underneath for a subtle style. If you are worried that your knee-highs look too risque, you can easily pair your socks with a set of tights. Wear nearly any pair of tights you’d like if you want to cover up a bit more.
- For example, choose a sheer pair for a dressy look or go with a patterned set of tights for extra detail.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Pairing Socks with Outfits

1
Wear your knee-high socks with shorts and a tee for a springtime look. If you want to wear knee-high socks in warm weather, pair them with a denim short for a cute and stylish choice. You can wear a graphic T-shirt, a flirty tunic, or a form-fitting tank top, for instance.
- This looks great with flats or boots in a neutral color.
2
Pair your socks with a jersey dress for a cute and flirty outfit. If you want an adorable and casual outfit that you can style for any season, go with a cotton dress in a solid color. This is a simple, attractive outfit that looks great for going to school or meeting up for coffee with a cutie.^{[4]
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- To wear this in the summer, choose a flowy tank or T-shirt dress.
- For a winter or autumn look, go with a long-sleeved shirt, thermal tights, and a scarf.
3
Go with a cocktail dress if you want to dress up your socks. While knee-high socks aren’t appropriate for all formal occasions, give them a dressy touch by wearing them with a stylish cocktail dress. Choose a neutral color for a subtle style, or go for a rich, saturated shade for an elegant look.^{[5]
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- For instance, choose a burgundy, navy, or emerald colored dress to wear with black knee-high socks and black kitten heels. This looks great for a date night outfit.
- If you want a more conservative outfit, put on a sheer pair of tights underneath.
4
Throw on a sweater and a skirt for a trendy autumn style. For a flirty but tasteful outfit, wear dark-colored socks with a knit sweater and a solid-colored skirt. Try not to choose a mini-skirt, as this can look skimpy. Instead, go with a skirt that comes to about your knee for a classic look.
- This looks great for a fall or winter outfit, and you can throw on a pair of tights and slouchy beanie to keep warm.
- To test the length of your skirt, hold your arm to your side. If your skirt goes past your fingers, it should be an appropriate length. Use your best judgment based on the overall look of your outfit.
5
Put on a denim or leather jacket for a stylish outer layer. Since knee-high socks add another layer to the bottom of the outfit, they look great when you layer other clothing on top too. Choose a denim jacket for a casual, day-to-day option, or go for a leather blazer for an edgy, evening choice.^{[6]
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- This is a great idea for a fall outfit.
- For a casual outfit, pair a jersey dress, sheer tights, knee-highs, and denim jacket.
- For an evening look, wear a denim skirt, black blouse, and leather jacket with your knee-highs.
6
Cover up with a winter jacket when it’s cold outside. If you want to wear your knee-high socks in the winter, be sure to wear another pair of tights underneath. In addition, throw on a parka or trench coat to keep warm while outdoors.^{[7]
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- Wear your coat with a sweater and skirt or sweater dress, for example. These options look great when wearing knee-high socks in the winter.
- Don’t forget your gloves, scarf, and earmuffs!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Selecting Your Shoes

1
Go with a pair of heels for a flirty, dressy option. For a more subtle style, choose a low pair of heels. If you are going out for the night, consider wearing a set of pumps for a sexy touch. Heels look great with dresses and skirts in particular.^{[8]
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- When wearing knee-high socks, pick a heel in a similar color to keep your look balanced. For instance, wear black pumps with black knee-high socks.
- For a cute, classic look, go with a pair of Mary Jane heels, know for their buckled strap. Wear this with your knee-highs for a night out at the bar or going out on a date, for example.
2
Wear a pair of flats with your socks for a casual style. If you want a shoe to wear when running errands, going to school, or hanging out with your friends, try pairing flats with your socks. You can choose a simple neutral flat or go with a flat with buckles or studs for added interest.^{[9]
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- Wear flats in the spring, summer, and fall. If you wear them in the winter, you may slip if walking on snow or ice, as flats are not very slip-resistant.
- Flats look particularly cute with knee-high socks, a patterned skirt, and a neutral top.
3
Try a pair of ankle boots for a versatile choice. Ankle boots look great with knee-high socks for both casual and dressy looks.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} For instance, wear these with shorts and a tee or with a cocktail dress for a cute, stylish outfit.
- Ankle boots are a great choice no matter what season. In the winter, you can choose a waterproof or slip resistant option.
- Wear knee-high socks with a jersey dress and ankle boots with a small heel for a cute and flirty date night outfit.
4
Rock knee-high boots with your knee-high socks for a bold choice. If you want a dramatic statement shoe, try wearing boots that are 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) shorter than the height of your socks. If you’d like, you can scrunch your socks down for a cute touch.
- This looks great with a stylish dress or skirt, for instance. You can go with a slightly A-line cut for a classic silhouette.
- Also consider wearing a pair of sheer tights underneath if you want another layer. While wearing knee-high boots is still a bold look, adding another layer keeps your look balanced and toned down.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you wear thigh high socks without looking too young?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

If you're afraid to look a little bit like a caricature or a juvenile, pair your knee high socks with boots that are maybe just a little bit shorter than them.
Question

Are knee-high socks appropriate for work?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Unless you work in a very relaxed and low-key workplace, the knee socks and short pants/skirt look may be a little too casual. Of course, if you’re wearing long pants or a long skirt that falls below your knee, nobody will know the difference!
Question

Why do people wear knee-high socks?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Some people just like the way they look. They can add a fun and sexy twist to any outfit that shows off your legs! They’re also good for adding warmth and comfort on cold days, and are a practical choice if you’re wearing tall boots.

Warnings

Avoid picking very colorful or bright shoes. This may add too much interest and make your outfit look busy. Instead, keep it simple with a neutral pair in a solid color.

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