Men's Style Tips: Socks and shorts in summer, with stylist Eero Böök
Socks and shorts. A summer style issue as old as time. As you ditch the jeans and your knees make their debut to the outside world, the question is: should you still be showing off your socks? The short(s) answer is, absolutely. We catch up with Eero Böök, the co-founder of Kintsugi Agency and the Head of Men’s Fashion for Ivalo, to discuss shorts, socks and stylish summer looks.
What colour of socks would you wear with dark shorts?
With dark shorts, you can go as wild as you dare. In this instance, I would actually pay more attention to what shoes you wear rather than the socks.
What coloured socks would you wear with lighter shorts?
Pastel socks always bring positive vibes into your look (try London Sock Company’s Pastel Simply Sartorial Ribbed, 3-pair collection). This summer, the shades of mint, purist blue , aqua, cantaloupe and mellow yellow are also on trend.
What footwear should you wear with socks and shorts?
Photo by @cutsforhim
It depends on the shorts, but classical sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths always looks stylish and relaxed. If you’re going for a more edgy look, boots such as Prada’s Rocksands or Bottega Veneta’s high Chelsea boots look super cool with socks that sit higher. If your look needs to be smart and sophisticated, I would recommend loafers.
Sandals and socks?
ABSOLUTELY! But, I would still only wear this combination in street or sporty looks.
When do socks not work with shorts?
When the length between the two is not balanced. There are various sock lengths to consider, for example, I would recommend using ankle-length socks and shorts looks great with smarter looks. The crew length – socks that sit mid- to upper-calf – is the most common, and usually you can’t go wrong with that.
When should you opt for trainer socks?
Trainer socks are great when you are wearing low sneakers or you don’t want to show the sock too much. They also are the best pairs to wear when you want to sport the slightly shorted 5-inch shorts, which are popular right now. Want to go for a smarter shorts look? Try a tailored shorts and blazer set with a trainer sock in a colour that really pops.
What is the best way to style bright socks with shorts?
If you can wear complementary colours, it’s always eye-catching, so find a connecting colour between the socks and shorts. Also, full white look styled with bright socks is really cool and playful, and adds something a little ‘extra’.
What is the best length of short to go for?
This summer, Bermuda shorts – which sit about one inch above the knee – are booming, so I would recommend that length. For more fashion-focused look, I would recommend wide over-knee length shorts are a bold choice. Check out Alexander McQueen’s ‘Casual Shorts’, for example.
Photo by @cutsforhim
How would you style our Aqua socks with shorts?
Well, I love the colour so I personally would only wear the socks (just don’t get caught in public!) … But seriously, I am all about mixing bright colours, so strong violet and warm ‘solar’ orange would work brilliantly with the Simply Sartorial Aqua to create a proper colour explosion.
Is it possible to ‘dress up’ shorts in the summer for smarter occasions?
Of course, I would pay attention to the fabrics and accessories. I would recommend linen as it is a light and elegant choice (shout out to Italian brand Lardini, they know what they are doing). When it comes to accessories, brown loafers and a minimalistic belt always make everything look smarter. Just avoid big buckles.
And there you have the short(s) of it … socks and shorts, a summer style win. Thanks Eero.
