I’ve been fighting a monstrous cold all week — but that’s okay because I usually get a cold right before the cool weather officially rolls into town. In case you’re wondering why I’m all bare-legged and jacket-less, it’s because fall hasn’t decided to grace us with her presence quite yet — at least here in Austin. Oh hey, NINETY DEGREES. Looking at you with the stank eye.
Let’s talk about socks for two seconds.
I wear most shoes sans socks — especially when it comes to ankle boots and ballet flats. There are a few flimsy reasons: With flats, even no-show socks tend to creep out. And with ankle boots, socks make my feet feel slippery (which means I look like I just learned to walk). Those reasons aside, for the most part I tend to prefer going sockless anyway.
Whether you’re playing on the sock team or the sockless team, here’s how to keep things looking first-class.
Sockless Team
This is my little secret: these washable terrycloth shoe inserts. Just slip them in and, boom, you’ve got sock comfort + sock moisture management + a tiny bit of sock warmth.
Sock Team
For those of you who simply can’t go sockless because of extreme temperatures, I love the look of a thick knit sock slouched down over jeans — like this or this. I even kind of did this on accident a few years back. And these are my all time favorite thick knit socks.
Top: old from JCrew (similar)
Skirt: Aritzia
Boots: Kenneth Cole — on sale!
Bag: Nordstrom
Bracelets: Moulton
Rings: Moulton
xo
well, i surely needed this. i have been wearing flats with no-show socks, but they did tend to creep out. i love the look of the thick knit socks with skinnies! YAY! have a great weekend. thank you for your blog and all of your handy tips.
I’ve been stocking up on pretty socks because I have some boots with ankle-flashing side straps like those and can’t bear to go sockless. I quite look the look of a colourful chunky sock peeking out!
Love that plaid flannel. Gorgeous colors but still sort of neutral. Great look, Caroline!
XO, Gina
Was so excited my reversable faux leather bag came yesterday after I had a rotten day at work. My 18 year old daughter took one look at it and asked “For me?” Nope, it’s mine! My new NY City bag!
Love your ideas, I worked womens retail for years and got a job on weekends as the big box home improvement store(day job is law enforcement), so my closet was full to overflowing. Every floor set we were encourage to buy a piece. I took everything out, tossed in different piles of kind, throw, donate and I just can’t part with. I ended up with 43 items out of over 200 pieces. Wonder why my head hurt everytime I tried to get dressed. So, my issue is I have 5 of these items that are animal print-love animal print. 4 are leopard and one is zebra. All of them are either jackets or sweaters. I notice you don’t have any animal print so what to do, so how do I decide what to keep?
If you love all of them, can you split them up by season? For example 2 for fall, 2 for winter, 1 for spring? I just finished my organizing and have 4 capsules sorted out. Some things I will wear in two seasons, like my pants for both fall and winter. I decided to leave shoes out of the count because I live in Portland, Oregon and need more sweaters! My color scheme for fall included ivory but not white. I moved my white tops into spring.
The weather is killing me here in Oklahoma too! You look amazing. I usually wear the no-show socks with my low ankle booties (I don’t have a cut out pair), but I may need to look into those inserts!
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
I have been enjoying all the information you share along with your outfits lately Caroline. Also, I listened to you on the Jess Lively podcast yesterday and I truly enjoyed it, so much valuable information and open talk – kudos girl. Keep up sharing these “everybody wants to know – but no one is talking about them” topics on the blog!
I totally get the sockless thing. When it gets cool enough to wear leggings then I’ll go with socks, or straight to tights, but I’m in the sockless camp.
I feel you on the lingering heat! I live in central FL and it is still hot hot hot here. But I am itching to wear fall clothes! A skirt paired with ankle boots has been my go to look lately — perfect for the weather while still having a fall feel :) Also..THANK YOU for this post. I’ve been wearing no show socks with my ankle boots but the insoles look way better and will work great with my nude flats as well. Love your blog.
I have the same boots that are pictured on this page. No show socks don’t really work for the low open sides. I wear something that covers only the toes in this case. I agree with you about the insoles looking better when wearing a sock. Bare feet in leather or non cloth foot beds in FL humidity can get slippery inside.
I think I am a tights girl. I love the no sock look and wear that when it is warm enough. I really like the look of socks with skirts etc…but not on me. I try but it looks wrong. So it is tights for me. I am in Illinois and it is getting COLD.
I have Hue no-show socks and I love them. They only peek out of really low-cut flats, but are easy to adjust and stay put. I hate the ones that slip off my foot all the time.
In the cooler months – which have definitely hit me already – I stock up on fun printed socks that fit my color palette (purple, nude, cream, navy). For work I stick with subtle prints – stripes, small dots. I’ve found that a subtle printed sock looks a little more intentional peeking out of skinnies than plain old socks, plus they make me happy.
Lovely fall outfit for all our non-fall like weather here in Austin!
http://www.lonestarlauren.wordpress.com
1st of all, very cute outfit with the shorts. I’m totally Team No Socks whenever possible. I was born in the Caribbean growing up my siblings and I were completely sock-less, and shoeless if possible. When it gets very cold (New Yorker now) I love any socks with patterns & colors & pictures. I’m a big fan of Stance socks for all of their variety. And when you wash them they don’t super shrink like some other brands.
Cute outfit! Great post! My last purchase for the fall season, this tote, came yesterday. It is lovely. Thanks so much for the recommendation, Caroline! For those asking, yes, it is a bit smelly, but I’m sure that will go away with a bit of airing out.
Also, Aldo has some really nice shoe inserts that I have used. Thanks for reminding me that I don’t have to keep them in just one pair of shoes. ;-)
I hate socks, but it gets so cold here that in the winter I have no choice to wear thick, warm socks (and boots because it’s the only shoe that looks good with socks). But this year I think I need some cute, warm socks that would look cute over my jeans!
xo Julie
Cap and Gown Style
When the weather allows me, I won’t wear socks but I have to now, because it’s 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hi, Caroline
I just found your blog (today!!), and just wantet to say that I’m absolutely lovin’ it and can’t stop reading!! Congratulations on your work and outfits!!!
xoxo,
Vania
Love your skirt and bracelets! I’m a sock person but I don’t wear socks with flats, I think it’s very uncomfortable.
Sophia | sophiebysophia.blogspot.com
Ugh, I have also been fighting a nast cold all week, so I feel your pain! I rarely get sick, and when I do it usually passes quickly, but this one is holding on with its dear life, despite lots of rest, Emergen-C, tons of water, echinacea tea, you name it! Hope you feel better soon!
I’m anti-socks and hosiery if I’m wearing dress shoes, flats, etc., with pants at work (even though I live in MA–where we have cold winters and hot summers–the key is “outside” shoes to deal with the heat or the cold). At home, I’m definitely wearing socks, because I’m probably either in jeans, leggings, or workout clothes. Thanks for that link for the inserts–my shoes definitely smell funky from the lack of socks!
Feel better, Caroline! And happy anniversary! Really love the cozy look of this outfit :)
Nicolle
I swear by these for the sockless look. I can’t wear flats or converse without something on my feet. my shoes get so gross if i don’t. these aren’t expensive and I only have one pair of flats that don’t keep this hidden. They are AMAZING. They’re better than similar ones by peds (which I’ve used and don’t stay on my feet). they’re great in workout shoes too if you’re wanting to go for the cute sporty look. I LOVE these. they tend to be available in black and nude, but i have some maroon ones too. I HIGHLY recommend these to everyone…it’ll save your shoes from getting gross but you won’t have socks to deal with. :D
http://www.walmart.com/ip/George-Women-s-Hidden-Cotton-Liner-Socks-2pk/24415109
I’ve worn these liners. It makes a difference in humid heat of the day while walking outside. Shoes tend to get gross and feel much more sweaty when going bare. The sockless look is the best look.
I stumbled upon your blog while listening to Jess Lively’s podcast and am so glad I did! I love the concept of your blog and find it to be so refreshing and inspiring. Minimalism seems to be a common topic and something more of us are craving lately. I actually wrote a post a few weeks ago about wanting to live more simply. I’ve recently gone through and edited down my closet and am looking forward to putting something in place like you’re doing in the future! Can’t wait to see more from you!
http://thesmallbird.blogspot.com
I am new to your blog and OBSESSED. You’re like my minimalist fashion counterpart! So much inspiration. Swoon! (also, you are GORG)
Well hey there, Dana. Fancy meeting you here! (I found your blog a few weeks ago and LOVE it and found Caroline’s blog yesterday…FUN!)
I just use a tiny bit of baby powder when I don’t want to use socks :) it works perfectly
Love this outfit!
Personally, I need to wear socks with booties…. at least something that covers my toes! I’ve used those no-show socks that are made to wear with flats, but I hate how they creep up or always feel like they’re going to fall off my heels. I recently got these Toe Toppers by Peda Bella, and I absolutely love wearing them with booties!! They keep my toes covered up, add a little extra warmth, and they don’t show at all! Now I can show a little ankle with my booties without an ugly sock peeping out. Hope this is helpful for anyone else in a similar position! :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NGJEBW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2VSS4DN1MTZ61
You are looking too cute without socks. we always think that if you wear shores type footwear without socks it looks too odd but you have prove wrong this fact through your above picks because you are looking too much charming.
Love the look! Absolutely no Socks is 100% the way to go!
I absolutely agree shoes are always better without socks! I completely stopped wearing socks like 22 years ago when I was 13 !
Seriously I don’t think I’ve even owned a pair of socks since middle school – I unconditionally wear all of my shoes barefoot always period end of discussion! You are totally right about that!!
Those ankle boots and whole outfit is terrific!