Guide: To match socks, shoes & trousers

Length & Visibility

Choose socks that are long enough. When sitting down, no bare skin should show between trousers and shoes – whether you’re wearing a suit or chinos.

Exceptions:

• Espadrilles or loafers with shorts
• Summer shoes worn without visible socks (or with no-show socks)

Material by Season

• Summer: Lightweight cotton or wool blends keep you cool and comfortable.
• Winter: Thin wool socks provide warmth without bulk.

Formal Occasions

• Go for extra-long socks in high-quality materials – ideally in a fine wool or silk blend for maximum comfort and elegance.

Colour Matching

Your sock colour should complement either the trousers or the shoes – without standing out.

• Tone-on-tone with the trousers often creates the most refined impression.
• Not sure what to choose? A black sock with black shoes is always a safe bet.

Choose shoes based on the formality of the occasion.

Footwear plays a key role in how your outfit is perceived – think of it as a style indicator:

• A suit worn with espadrilles or deck shoes creates a relaxed, summery look.
• A suit with loafers or oxford shoes raises the level to a more formal expression.

What you wear underneath the suit also matters:

• A tie or classic shirt sharpens the overall look.
• A polo, linen shirt or open-collar cotton shirt softens it for a more casual feel.

Casual & Smart Casual

• Jeans and sneakers = Relaxed and laid-back.
• Jeans and loafers or Chelsea boots = A more polished, smart casual look.
• Chinos and oxfords or loafers = A refined yet effortless weekday outfit.

Some shoes work better with certain trousers:

• Sturdier shoes like Chelsea boots pair best with jeans or heavier chinos.
• Slimmer, more elegant shoes like loafers or oxfords fit tailored trousers or suit trousers best.