Fashions may change, but style is eternal. In the ever-evolving world of men’s fashion, navy socks are one of the constants you can count on. Often overlooked, usually underestimated, navy blue socks are a style staple that can still bring a surprise or two. A failsafe sock drawer staple that goes with basically everything, navy and darker blue socks have earned their top spot as the choice of the smart set. Read on to learn how to take them from unimaginative to utterly elegant.
Navy blue is arguably the unsung hero of the colour wheel. Navy is easy to wear with the colours of most wardrobe staple pieces we all have in our closets – grey, black, white, khaki, denim. But despite navy socks featuring in almost every man’s sock drawer, they are easy to write off as, well, a bit dull. Seen as a reliable choice – nice and smart without being flashy – navy socks (alongside black socks) are undeniably the first choice for those who like to play it sartorially safe. But navy doesn’t have to be boring. The very traits that make this colour the sensible sock option, are also traits that make navy a wonderful shade for adding a bit of polish and panache to your look. Navy socks are versatile and timeless, effortlessly bridging the gap between formal and casual. Its natural sophistication, paired with its adaptability, makes it a staple in every stylish man’s wardrobe.
For a clean and contemporary look, you can’t go wrong with mastering the monochromatic. Pair your navy blue socks with varying tones of blue: from smart navy trousers or darker jeans, to a chunky knit blue jumper or polo. The seamless transition from trousers to socks creates a visually elongated silhouette, adding height and a touch of sartorial elegance. For this look, try Simply Sartorial in French Blue or Royal Navy.
Navy blue is a wonderful base colour for subtle pattern in socks. Whether it’s a discreet polka dot, cool checks, or houndstooth, patterns on your navy socks can add some personality and interest to your outfit without being overbearing. They’re also perfect for both formal and casual occasions – step it up at work or down the pub. With its navy foundation and sprinkling of green polka dots, Spot of Style in Emerald is a simply, stylish navy sock option that is easy to wear with most daily outfits. For something a bit bolder but still simple, you can’t go wrong wrong with Jermyn St. Houndstooth in Blue. Not quite navy but the black and blue combination keeps it feeling darker and smart.
Navy blue goes really well with a host of other colours. To take make a stylish statement with your navy socks, pair with contrasting colours like red, emerald green, mustard or even orange. Navy socks will be the complementary grounding touch to trousers in brighter shades like mustard or burgundy. Wearing colour on top – a pink shirt, a red plaid shirt, a lavender jumper, perhaps? Navy socks are the perfect accessory. For a navy sock that does the contrasting, celebrity stylist Michael Fisher has created Blazer in The Block Collection – navy and lavender colour blocked socks. Always a winner.
The wonderful thing about navy socks is that they go with all manner of shoes. Forget the old advice that navy and black should not be worn together. Navy socks and black shoes are a proven, polished combination. Whether it is a classic black oxford, black Gucci loafers or black monk straps, particularly when it comes to smart or professional dressing, navy socks are a winner. Clean white trainers are also a match made in heaven with navy socks – cool, contemporary and casual. And wondering if brown shoes shape up well with navy socks? You better believe it. Brown shoes and navy socks are a lovely choice to go with grey tailoring or tapered grey trousers and a smart jumper.
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