Ask CF: How Do I Wear Thigh-High Socks for Fall?
Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!
Since we began our Ask CF series, we have answered some great questions from our readers. This week, we received two similar questions about one topic. Therefore, we thought more of you might be wondering how to wear thigh high socks for fall, too. Read on to learn our best tips!
Ask CF Question
Dear CF,
I’m currently having a fashion dilemma, and want to incorporate my brand new collection of thigh high socks into my wardrobe, but I am consistently frustrated because I cannot find the right outfit. Also as a working college student I want to find an outfit that is easy to wear and walk around campus in and that can transition for work.
Please help,
Over-the-Knee in Frustration
Our Response
Dear Over-the-Knee in Frustration,
Thank you for your question. I can definitely relate to it as I myself have struggled with this fashion dilemma before. But with a little experimentation, you can wear thigh-high socks without a problem. I have created a few outfits below for inspiration on how to wear this trend. And if some of you aren’t into thigh-high socks, a shorter pair of socks or a pair of tights would work just as well. I hope these outfits inspire you to play with your own outfits yourself. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Outfit #1
Product Information: Dress, Jacket, Necklace, Socks, Watch, Shoes
An easy way to wear this trend is to pair thigh-high socks with a shorter dress. Heather gray socks are a great option since their neutral color means they work with everything. Wear a simple swing jacket over a printed dress to keep you warm and covered. Finish the look with a simple pendant necklace, a watch, and some oxfords in a similar hue to your socks.
Outfit #2
Product Information: Sweater, Boots, Bracelet, Socks, Skirt, Earrings
Cream-colored thigh-high socks are another example of a neutral-hued pair that will go with everything. For this outfit, layer a sweater over a pleated mini skirt. (If this skirt is too short for work, you could either layer darker-hued opaque tights under your socks for coverage, or opt for a longer skirt.) Next, slip into some cognac riding boots. Accessorize with some pretty drop earrings and a statement-making bracelet.
Outfit #3
Product Information: Shirt, Bag, Socks, Shoes, Shorts
Thigh-high socks can also work with shorts. In this look, I chose both items in black for a simple and classic pairing. Tuck a printed button-up shirt into these high-waisted shorts – this shirt is see-through so make sure to wear something appropriate underneath. Keep the look simple and classy with these dainty flats and a structured bag.
Outfit #4
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Scarf, Socks, Bracelet, Shoes
While this outfit is basically a reincarnation of the first, I still thought it was important to include an option that used a pair of socks that weren’t neutral in color. I personally love the color maroon for fall so I began there. This a-line dress is such a great classic shape and you can never go wrong adding on a structured blazer. To tie the colors of the outfit together, throw on a printed scarf. Brogues and a simple bracelet complete the ensemble.
Outfit #5
Product Information: Sleeveless Shirt, Tank, Socks, Shoes, Shorts, Belt
While this look may not be work-appropriate (unless of course you happen to be Jimi Hendrix’s roadie), I thought it was important to showcase the versatility of thigh-high socks. The outfits above all have a similar aesthetic to them, however that doesn’t mean the trend is limited to one style. As you can see with this outfit, they can also work for those of you who are a little less dainty and a lot more rock n roll.
While the band tank alone would suffice as a top for this look, try layering on a sleeveless button-up for a unique aesthetic. Vintage-inspired cutoffs are three-season staples that pair easily with just about anything. Simple black socks, a wide belt, and Converse High-Tops add the finishing touches to the look.
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What do you think?
Would you wear thigh high socks? Have you worn them before? What is your favorite way to style them? Do you like these outfit suggestions? Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
Posted on on September 4, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Ask CF, Clothing, Fall, Fall 2011, Fashion Inspiration, How To, Inspiration, Outfits, Socks, thigh high socks, Tips, Trends
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Paula*
Loving outfits three and five! Don’t know if I’ll actually get to wear anything like it though. Florida weather never really cooperates.
Camila
I love over the knee socks!! Unfortunately I live in south america, where my socks would probably melt in seconds….
Aali
Can you relink the sleeveless shirt and shorts in the last outfit? I love it! Thanks a lot, I love over-the-knee socks<3
eli
i love the last look. even though i wouldnt wear it because i dont usually wear shorts. but a lot of the parts of the other outfits are great!
Ann
My tip would be sock glue. Lots and lots of sock glue. (aka body adhesive)
Also I’ve found that black thigh highs go with just about everything. They are my fall fashion staple.
Jessica - UCLA
Aali: Here is the link for the sleeveless shirt. http://www.karmaloop.com/products.aspx?ProductID=165328&VendorCode=LCC
Sadly, I can’t find the shorts online anymore. They must have sold out since I did the article. Sorry about that.
Thank you all for your comments!
Cara
Sadly, I begin to think thigh-high socks only work without criticism on girls with very thin legs. I have a more hourglass shape, and it would be nearly impossible to make anything higher than a knee sock modest enough for work. I therefore have more knee socks than thigh-highs, and I do wear these all the time.
Meg
For the faint of heart, I wear mine over jeggings under knee height boots. They usually only stick out a bit, so I don’t have an entire leg of argyle, even though that would be awesome.
Pam
I loved almost every outfit!! I’m definetly trying them!
ps.: I love this website!!
Kristina
I bought black thigh highs and I have yet to wear them because they were challenging to wear! Your outfits are very cute. Idk if I can ever find an appropriate way to wear them though. I’m pear shaped and 5’8″, and I’m not sure they’re going to be as high as I want them to be, or they’ll cut off my circulation and be super unflattering :/ Just have to wait and see. As open as I am to all things in fashion, thigh highs might be meant for thin legs only. :(
Nikki
4,2, and 1 are my favs
Ashley
The socks in outfit two are over-the-knees (or OTKs), not thigh highs, jsyk…
Anyway, to hold up socks of any length:
-sock glue (as has been mentioned): to get the stuff specifically designed for socks, check out sockdreams.net, or look at dance stores (not sure) or see if there’s an Irish dance feis happening near you (I got my first thing of sock glue when I danced at my first feis, since it was being sold there),
-put them on over tights: this doesn’t always help, but sometimes it’ll work,
-sock garters: if they’re your thing, go for it! ;)
I love thigh-highs, but rarely wear anything longer than OTKs because my thighs aren’t stick thin and most thigh-highs will dig in too much. ^^; I did have one pair that looked great because they didn’t dig in at all, but to my dismay they’ve since been lost…
estella
love all the outfits but would they suit to all the body types?? hope they do!! :)
Demmy
Thanks for this article. I’ve had problems with knee high scoks too.
Roze
Ah! The third outfit reminds me of the one Sarah Silverman got busted for in some magazine. I honestly thought it was cute though!
Faye
Just what I was looking for, great article!
Faye xo
D
Black pumps, black lace thigh high socks, black miniskirt, white work blouse with black buttons and any colour cardigan/jacket etc – perfect outfit for summer-to-autumn season that is also work-appropriate.
Melissa L.
Love over the knee & thigh high styles! I usually wear them with boots and tights in the fall/winter. It minimizes the look if you think it might be a little too suggestive/whatever else for your campus. Wearing a casual dress/sweater dress, black tights, grey thigh high socks and black boots creates cool layers, keeps you warm in the winter, and is really stylish!
Nadine
Love this. It kinda adds geek chic touch to every outfit :)
Alison
I will regularly be visiting this website for tips and idea, you have put some great collections together.
Loving the shirt in outfit 3. Can’t wait to read your next blog!
Emily
I never thought I would wear thigh-high socks…but these outfits actually make me want to! Wow. I always thought they looked childish or slutty, and never the appropriate level of cuteness, but I love the look with a dress and a blazer, or with a cute skirt and dressy top! Thanks for this idea. I plan to use it soon!
Ann
Hmm, for people wondering about if thigh highs would flatter your shape, I would suggest getting the super long knit ones, the ones you’re supposed to fold over to create a cuffed look. That way they’ll look a little bulky at the top of the sock (but not overly so), so your thighs don’t look as big in them. They won’t look like they’re cutting into your thighs. That’s my theory anyway.
Hannah
I’m wearing thigh high socks with my rain boots today! Underneath a denim skirt. My rain boots are black with white hearts and the socks are black and white stripes. It’s a very whimsical look.
Rin
Great outfits! I love thigh high socks, but feel like they are impractical for my wardrobe. I love the socks with the dresses, since they’ll fit my wardrobe best.
Ashley
@Ann: The problem’s more that the tops of thigh-highs are often made for narrower legs, so anything nearing that stretch limit will cause them to dig in. Yes, cuffed ones can make it look less like it’s digging in, but often it won’t make much of a difference. Pretty unfortunate, really, because anyone can rock thigh highs so long as they actually fit right.
Danielle
I am so excited to wear some thigh highs! :) I attempted the other day and almost collapsed of heat exhaustion…
Freedom
I love outfit number 4, but i don’t think the cuff and scarf are unnecessary though. I would particularly choose more quality blazer and dress in regards to being more sturdy and tailored, but still using the same silhouette and design.I
For those who say you can’t rock thigh high socks, are you forgetting a la Cher from clueless? she rocked those ! she looked so cute and not all “suggestive”
Natalie
I am impressed! I always thought thigh-high socks would only be good for dressing up as a schoolgirl á la Britney Spears! But the outfits you’ve put together here are really cool – and long socks would definitely be useful for me in the coming winter months. I might give them a try! :D
Lashonne
I thought I was the only one who loved thigh high socks. Cute outfits :)
Danielle
Finally! I am the only one I know around that wears these things to school. I always get the feeling I look a little too costumed but this helped to give me a few more ideas on how to wear them. (Though I do love the schoolgirl look ;) )
Jeanie
Hey College Fashion! I’m sick right now and trying to figure out what to wear for class. I live in Florida so I can’t bundle up until I get inside air conditioned buildings. I never know what to wear when I’m sick to make myself look good and feel better! Could you please do a post on this, so next time I’m sick it won’t take me so long to get ready for class?
Stephanie
Anyone else feel a bit weird wearing high socks with short profile shoes like oxfords or flats?
I feel like they almostHAVE to be worn with tall should like boots to look right….anyone agree?
p.s. Can anyone find a photo of a celeb or a street fashion photo showing someone wearing short shoes with high socks so I can have an example? I just can’t picture it in my mind with out it looking like they don’t go together lol
Sophia Lee
I absolutely adore all the outfits in this post! Great outfit ideas for wearing thigh high’s. thanks!
Lauren Star
I LOVE THIS ENTRY! VERY INTERESTING LOOKS. <3
Michelle
Lovw it! Cher from Clueless always wore thigh-high socks!
Charina
Is it ok or acceptable to wear a thigh high socks with my knee high 4inches heeled boots. I have this really cute boots fr BCBG, black in color, and I just recently bought a black thigh high socks. I guess since I don’t own a thigh high boots, I wanna do this pairing to have that effect.
Ashley
@Charina: Of course! :) I know a lot of girls who’ve worn thigh-highs with boots to achieve that effect.
Jenny
@Cara I know, I’d love to be able to wear these but to be honest my legs are just too big to pull it off…but I might wear the outfits. Just change the socks to tights :D x
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