How to Wear Sock Boots

Co-authored by Elle Monus and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: May 15, 2022 References

Sock boots are made to fit close around your ankle, similar to the fit of a crew sock. They’re comfortable and versatile, and they add a touch of high-fashion to any outfit. You can typically find sock boots in materials like suede, leather, neoprene, and knit fabric. These trendy boots come in a variety of styles that you can dress up or down, so you’re sure to find a pair that are a perfect match for your personal style and wardrobe!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating Casual Outfits

1
Wear your sock boots with a sweater dress for a cozy look. The sleek, clean look of a sock boot can add a touch of class to an otherwise low-maintenance sweater dress. The snug sock boots will offset the cozy dress, and they’ll also draw attention to your legs, creating a flattering silhouette.^{[1]
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- Try cinching your sweater dress with a belt to create a flared shape at the bottom. This will provide more of a contrast to the slim sock boots.
- Wear sock boots made from sweater material for a fun, cozy look.
2
Pair your sock boots with wide-leg jeans. Since sock boots fit close to your leg, they look great under wide-leg jeans. For a stylish everyday outfit, try wearing a pair of brightly-colored sock boots under a pair of wide leg jeans, then top the outfit with a blouse in a color that coordinates with the boots.^{[2]
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- Avoid wearing sock boots with skinny jeans. Since you likely won’t be able to tuck the jeans into your boots, you’ll end up with your pants bunched up around your ankles.
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3
Layer colorful socks underneath your sock boots to add more color. This is a great way to jazz up plain black or brown sock boots, although you can add contrast to a colorful pair of boots, as well. To pull everything together, match the sock to another piece of your outfit, like your skirt or shirt.^{[3]
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- Try to find a pair of socks that are slightly taller than your sock boot so they’ll be visible.
- Consider wearing a pair of boot socks trimmed with lace or other fun embellishments!
4
Balance out a bulky sweater or jacket with sock boots. Sock boots can make your legs look longer and thinner. This makes them a great way to add a slimming contrast when you’re wearing a bulky, over-sized sweater or coat. ^{[4]
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- Wear a baggy midi skirt to add even more contrast to your tight-fitting sock boots.
- Try wearing your sock boots with a slouchy one-piece jumpsuit for an on-trend look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing up Your Sock Boots

1
Match your sock boots to your outfit for a monochromatic look. For a clean, streamlined outfit, pair your sock boots with a dress, coordinated top and bottom, or jumpsuit that’s identical (or close to identical) to the color of your sock boots. This look is super fun for a night out on the town with friends.^{[5]
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- This style was all the rage in the '60s. If you want to channel that retro look, try wearing a midi-length tube dress with your sock boots!
2
Wear your sock boots with a mini skirt to show off your legs.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} If you want to show off your figure, try wearing a tight miniskirt with some equally tight sock boots. The cut of the boots will draw the eye right to your beautiful legs.^{[7]
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- This is a perfect look for the dance floor or a date night.
- To add some extra coverage while still showing off your legs, wear a floor-length coat over your outfit.
- Wear some lace or fishnet tights to bring even more attention to your legs.
3
Pair your sock boots with a ballerina-style skirt for a flirty evening look.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} If your style is fun and romantic, try wearing your sock boots with a pastel ballerina skirt made of tulle or crinoline. The soft, clean lines of the sock boots will go perfectly with the delicate shape of a light and airy ballerina skirt.^{[9]
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- This look is perfect for a classy event, cocktail party or wedding
- A sock boot made of velvet or soft fabric would pair well with a floaty tutu.
4
Try wearing thigh-high sock boots for a bolder look. Sock boots come in lots of different heights, including thigh-length. Pair some black thigh-high sock boots with a leather skirt and a sleeveless turtleneck for a serious, sexy look.^{[10]
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- Thigh-high sock boots also go great under a long, statement trench coat.
- This is a great look to wear to a concert or a night out at the club.
5
Wear your sock boots with dress pants or a pencil skirt for work.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} Sock boots can be appropriate for work, depending on how you wear them. Pairing a black sock boot under a neutral-toned wide-leg dress pant is a great way to add a little style to your work outfit while still looking professional and put together.^{[12]
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- Go with a classic leather or suede sock boot for work.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing Your Boots

1
Buy boots in a neutral color for the most versatile option. Sock boots come in an array of colors, but if you want to be able to wear them with anything, buy them in a classic neutral like black, brown, or nude. That way, they won’t clash when you wear them with a colorful outfit, but they’ll also go with more subtle clothing.^{[13]
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- Choosing a neutral color will also make your stylish sock boots more work-appropriate.
2
Choose sock boots in bright or unique colors to add a pop to your outfits. If your style is more on the bold side, try choosing a pair of boots in a fun color. You can wear them with a neutral outfit to add a splash of color, or you can mix-and-match shades to add an interesting contrast.
- A pair of plum-colored boots would look good with white slacks, a navy pencil skirt, or a camel-colored suit, for instance, but you could also wear them with bold colors like hot pink or yellow.
- Red is a favorite on fashion runways. and it especially stands out when paired with black or white.
- Try matching your boots to the season. Look for sock boots in jewel tones for a playful fall look, or opt for powdery pastels for summer outfits.
3
Choose a heel that you’re comfortable walking in. Some people are comfortable walking in tall heels, while others prefer a lower heel. If you don’t want to add a lot of height, opt for a heel that’s no more than 2 in (5.1 cm).^{[14]
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- If you want the look of a higher heel but you don’t want to sacrifice comfort, look for sock boots that have a platform near the toe area. Since your feet won’t be perched at such a severe angle, you’ll have more stability while you’re walking, while still getting the silhouette of a higher heel.^{[15]
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  Research source} A plump-style heel can also work, drawing the eye up through your outfit.^{[16]
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  Elle Monus
  Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.}
4
Try sock boots made from velvet or suede for a classy look. Sock boots can be worn to dressier affairs, especially if you buy them in rich fabrics like velvet or suede. Pairing a velvet sock boot with a tulle skirt, for instance, would create an unforgettable evening look. Just keep in mind that these types of sock boots will usually be pricier than those made from faux leather or neoprene.
- Avoid wearing your velvet or suede sock boots in snowy or wet weather, as they could become stained.
- In order to clean your velvet or suede boots, brush them with a soft-bristled shoe brush, always moving in the direction of the fibers.^{[17]
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5
Choose sock boots that fit comfortably around your calves. Unlike other types of mid-calf boots like cowboy boots and snow boots, sock boots are meant to be pulled on just like a sock. When you try on your sock boots at the store, make sure the opening of the boot fits close to your calves. However, the boots should not cut into your calves, as this could restrict your circulation.
- Sock boots typically shouldn't slouch around the calves.
6
Try an open-toed sock boot for a summery look. Sock boots can be worn year-round, even in the summer months. Opt for a peep-toe sock boot in pastel or nude to wear with summer dresses, skirts, and even shorts.^{[18]
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- These types of sock boots are especially flattering when worn under a maxi skirt
- Try painting your toenails a fun shade for a surprise pop of color that peeks out of your sock boot.