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!
love all the outfits but would they suit to all the body types?? hope they do!! 🙂
Just what I was looking for, great article!
Faye xo
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
@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.
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”
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! 😀
I absolutely adore all the outfits in this post! Great outfit ideas for wearing thigh high’s. thanks!
I LOVE THIS ENTRY! VERY INTERESTING LOOKS. <3
Lovw it! Cher from Clueless always wore thigh-high socks!
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 😉 )
I thought I was the only one who loved thigh high socks. Cute outfits 🙂
Love this. It kinda adds geek chic touch to every outfit 🙂
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.