The London Lounge

Gentlemen,

Manton wrote in another thread:

Personally, I don't like things to match (except socks). I would rather that the pocket square reflect some colors in the shirt or tie, or else contrast in a complementary way; e.g., blue and white tie with a dark red square.


First question: to what part should the socks match? Trousers, tie, shirt?
Second question: anything against contrasting socks, e.g. black & bordeaux striped Falke Shadows (see http://www.falke.com) with a dark blue suit?

Paul

In strictly formal or serious business situations, socks should match the trouser's color and remain discrete.




In any other circumstance, socks may be used to add a bit of flair to the overall image. This, of course, only if the trousers are cut at the appropriate length i.e. not too long, just resting on the top of the shoes with only a microscopic amount of break. The sock's color will normally recall a color in the shirt, tie or pocket square.












Fred Astaire was particularly talented in using socks to his advantage providing glimpses of color while dancing. In this picture, Astaire has chosen a sock's color that recalls his pocket square and contrasts the rest of the outfit.



Brilliant, wouldn't you say?

Cheers

Dear Mr Alden,

You perfectly captured the spirit I meant. The striped ones I had in mind hen I mentioned the Falke shadows. Let us hope other members post similar interesting answers.

Paul

Manton might have had his tongue firmly in his cheek and meant that he liked the left sock to match with the right one.

That's my general rule also, although I've been known to identify port and starboard ankles with the correct socks. Can be somewhat less than blatant if burgundy and bottle green are chosen.

bengal-stripe wrote:Manton might have had his tongue firmly in his cheek and meant that he liked the left sock to match with the right one.

Yes. Though I agree wholeheartedly with Alden's post, and in fact try to use my sockes precisely in the manner he suggests.

bengal-stripe wrote:Manton might have had his tongue firmly in his cheek and meant that he liked the left sock to match with the right one.

Remember the 1950s? We wore day-glo orange and green socks, one on each foot. Of course, those were the days when we also wore heliotrope shirts with canary yellow knit ties. Ah, what a time it was...

Remember the 1950s? We wore day-glo orange and green socks, one on each foot. Of course, those were the days when we also wore heliotrope shirts with canary yellow knit ties. Ah, what a time it was...

I can't say that I remember the 50s, being only 25 myself, however I do own orange socks! I generally prescribe to the idea that they should match the trousers, and still follow the rules on most occasions. It is summer though, so I allow myself a bit of color now and then in my casual wardrobe. I also recently purchased bright baby blue socks with white stripes. I only wear these socks with white pants, but boy at they eye-catchers! Some people love them, others hate them, but at the very least, I've always been complimented on the amount of courage it must have required to put them on.

alden wrote:In strictly formal or serious business situations, socks should match the trouser's color and remain discrete.




Brilliant, wouldn't you say?

Cheers

Alden, where are these images from?

Old illustrations from Apparel arts