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Would You Wear… Thigh-High Socks?

Last Updated on February 26, 2019 by Caitlyn - FIDM
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodson in Thigh High Socks

Photo Credit: 1

For this week’s Would You Wear?, I decided to focus on one of fall’s most anticipated trends: over-the-knee socks. These tall stockings are predicted to be a huge trend for fall 2010. Although they’ve been hip for a little while now, they will be insanely popular this fall.

Last year, Blake Lively caused a ruckus in the fashion world when her character Serena van der Woodson on Gossip Girl wore her thigh-high socks to school.  Since then, celebs such as Alexa Chung (pictured above), Kirsten Dunst, and Rihanna have been photographed wearing them as well.

Thigh High Sock Example 1

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Thigh High Sock Street Style 2

Personally, I think thigh-high socks are one of this fall’s most wearable styles. They look fabulous with flat boots, heels, skirts, dresses, shorts and rompers. They can easily transition from fall to winter and can be pulled off no matter what your personal style may be!

These socks are also an easy-to-wear trend for college girls on the go. For an effortless, adorable look, throw them on with a dress and messenger bag and you’re good to go to class!

Weekend Outfit Idea…

Thigh High Socks Sample Outfit

Product Information: Dress – Modcloth, Vest – Buckle, Socks – Nordstrom, Boots – Blufly, Earrings – Miss Selfridge, Hat – Amazon

Your Thoughts?

How do you feel about this trend? Leave a comment and let me know. Do you think this is a cute new way to keep warm? Would you wear thigh-high socks with flats or heels? Would you wear the sample outfit? Do you think these look too schoolgirl-esque? Debate below!

Tags : Alexa Chung, Blake Lively, fall trend, Knee Socks, Leighton Meester, thigh-highs

61 Comments
Originally published on August 17, 2010
Previous Would You Wear… a Jumpsuit?
Next Would You Wear… Skinny Cargo Pants?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karissa says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I have been dying to try this trend ever since I saw Aria where them on PLL; they are so cute! I love the outfit- fantastic job Caitlyn!

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    ahhhh, any type of high sock reminds me of my high school uniform…but I wore them all the time, so it’s okay! I LOVE the sample outfit you gave, sooo cute! I’m in the faculty of Fine Arts though, so wearing anything nice to school is like having a bull’s eye on your back. All of my nice clothes collect paint spatter, greasy inks and other staining liquids. Boo. But I love what I’m doing, so no complaints. And if there is ever a scenario for dressing up, I go full tilt! Thanks for the ideas, CF!

    Reply
  3. Luinae says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    I really, really like them- they fit in with my “look” as well.

    Reply
  4. Germangirl says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Those socks do look great an girls with legs like Bake Lively but as much as I’d love to wear them, they look awful on my legs! I really feel like they emphasize dimples and not so slim legs…

    Reply
  5. Hannah says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love thigh-high socks, but they’ve been given the thumbs-down by my family. My dad says they’re not such a classy look, which is too bad! I love them. They’re cozy and chic. I’m looking forward to pairing them with OTK boots, flowy dresses, and chunky-knit cardigans for fall.

    xoxo Hannah

    Reply
  6. Jen says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I’m in love with the outfit you put together; it’s so adorable! I’ve always been a huge fan of thigh-high socks. Unfortunately, my thighs are too chubby to wear them haha!

    Reply
  7. arisel says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love the outfit you put together… I have to get my hands on that dress!

    Reply
  8. Vivi says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Absolutely I’ll wear thigh high socks! They are so cute! Great article but wish you made more outfits ideas!

    Reply
  9. OMG-CF says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Love this look! I just bought some thigh-highs this weekend. I’m thinking of wearing them over sheer tights for more coverage!

    Reply
  10. Sapphire says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    My only criticism of this article is that you only put up one sample outfit. It was ADORABLE, I want mooooore….

    I’ve never worn thigh-high socks before, but I really want to – especially as they become more popular, there are more styles available that are more cute than sexy.

    Reply
  11. Elle says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love this look, I actually wore them all last winter and fall with some calf high boots. I’d definitely try it with taller boots like in your sample outfit! So cute!

    Reply
  12. Katie says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    i love thigh high socks i wear them a lot

    Reply
  13. Maddie says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Those are really cute! I love the outfit, its so me.

    Reply
  14. Charlotte - University of Birm says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I wear a lot of ankle- and knee-high socks but I’ve always been a little fearful of thig high socks- I guess I don’t know how flattering they’d be on my thighs!!
    I love the trend though and the outfit you’ve put together is gorgeous.
    Maybe i’ll give it a try :]]]

    Charlotte xxx

    Reply
  15. Laura says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I also love what the girl in the top photo is wearing, with the red tights!
    =^.^=

    Reply
  16. Liz says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    You put together such a sweet victorian look that I think it takes the edge away and I’d feel more comfortable trying it. I wouldn’t be brave enough to do tight skirt and thigh-highs though!
    Do you think you could scope out some “real” people wearing them? Other college gals and bloggers? I’d love some more accessible inspiration 🙂

    Reply
  17. Shadowcat14 says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    NO! It reminds me of the all girl’s catholic school I went to where I had to wear knee highs. Some were so long they became thigh highs.

    Reply
  18. Caitlyn - FIDM says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Epps – Good point with the slimming effect. I had not even thought about that, but it is so true!

    Liz – Thanks for the idea about finding more “real” girl looks. For my next post, I’ll definitely keep that in mind!

    Thanks girls for all the love on the polyvore set! I may have to make two sample outfit sets next week.

    Reply
  19. Kate says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    As pompous and elitist as this sounds, I’ve been rocking thigh highs on the regular since I was twelve- that’s about seven years ago- long before anyone else thought they were cool. So, naturally, this fall won’t be any different.

    Reply
  20. Ally says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Loveeeee these, I already live in them! The best ones I’ve ever bought are from American Apparell – tall girls have issues finding socks long enough sometimes! The ones from AA I’ll sometimes clip to a garter belt to prevent slippage. So comfortable. <3

    Reply
  21. francine says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    i loooooove thigh-high socks, but i’m afraid it looks a bit too sexy to wear them in school as serena van der woodsen does. how can i wear thigh-highs in a more normal way that is not so provocative?

    Reply
  22. Laura says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I also can’t find the hat!
    MUST
    FIND
    HAT!!!

    Reply
  23. Jaclyn says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I’m not willing to have the Clueless era or wardrobe come back. Thigh-highs are a no-go in my book.

    Reply
  24. Faith says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I like the look, but it’s not one I can pull off. My legs would look like sausages.

    Reply
  25. Karen says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    personally LOVE IT!! <3 I&#039m slightly glad that not too many girls at my school would wear thigh-highs so I get to stand out xD

    Reply
  26. Lizzy says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I think this is really cool and have tried wearing them before but I got “thunder thighs” (literally! lol) and I’m not sure if they just dont fit or I’ve never found ones big enough yet for my thighs…. though I know Torrid is blowing up with these so I might have to try again!

    Reply
  27. Ann says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love thigh highs and OTKs! I just ordered a bunch, although I usually have to buy OTKs since on my thin legs they stretch out into almost thigh highs. That’s something to keep in mind when buying these kind of high socks: the stretch.

    A lot of girls are afraid of that possible bulge of skin right outside the sock, but there are pretty simple ways to avoid this. When shopping for socks you don’t want to look just at the length, but also at the width stretch of the sock. Some socks don’t stretch much and that’s how you get that unflattering bulge. A way to look for this is to look at the weight estimates for the socks or some places, like sock dreams, actually list the maximum width stretch of the sock so you don’t even have to estimate it. It might be better to go a little larger than what you think you’ll need, especially if you’re on the cusp of a larger size. You’ll definitely avoid the bulge then.

    For skinner girls a lot of socks are going to stretch lengthwise, so it might be better to go for the shorter sock and stretch it up unless you’re really tall.

    As to what to wear it with, I can pretty much wear it with anything short. Short skirts, short dresses… but my favorite is wearing them with a pair of dark-wash denim shorts! I think they actually add a touch of class to a look while still being sexy. I’m also hoping that they’ll make my wardrobe more versatile as fall comes around.

    I also prefer solid thigh highs and OTKs to those opaque ones. The opaque ones tend to have a sort of lingerie look unless you really know how to work them. I would definitely go for a more solid pair if you’re just starting out.

    Reply
  28. Tara says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love thigh high socks! My feet are tiny so any knee-highs become thigh-highs on my legs.

    My friends thought I was on crack ever since 6th grade because, unless I’m at work, I’m always wearing socks that go above the knee..but now they are all starting to wear knee high socks.

    Reply
  29. Lee B says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I never comment and never see this many comments—but TOO CUTE.

    Reply
  30. aish says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    love them
    already hav a pair of black opaque thigh high socks

    Reply
  31. Laina says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Interesting, thigh high socks have become a trend? I’m like Kate, been wearing this look since I was 12. I was always chided by the somewhat more conservative dressed residents in my city.

    My favorite way to wear them is with a pair of short-shorts. And you don’t have to go with plain gray/black/tan! In the winter, I layer colored thigh-highs over black tights. It’s best when you’re showing just a sliver of skin, rather than a large gap between your knee and mid-thigh.

    Reply
  32. Lisa says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I’d go right into the store and buy this outfit if I saw it on a manniquin. I’m a summer and this would look so beautiful on me! I wish I had it T^T

    Reply
  33. Ivana says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love thigh high socks! I have a pair of black and wore them twice last fall, after i saw Serena wearing them and looking so chic. I’m sorry i don’t have a pic from my outfits to show you, but i will tell you this-it takes a lot of efford to make an outfit with them! My advice is – don’t ever try this trend if you are shorter then 170 cm and don’t have so skiny legs. I don’t have skiny legs but i’m 172 cm, so i make a balance somehow, but only with black socks…every other color would make my legs look too fat—–total fail!
    =)

    Reply
  34. Laura says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    I always thought this loo was a little too “catholic school girl” for me, but I am seeing this trend everywhere for the fall. I think I may just have to try it! As a major girly girl, I love your sample outfit!

    Reply
  35. Virginia says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I too love the hat, but it is not to be found at the link you provided. Boo…

    Otherwise great article, though.

    Reply
  36. crystal says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    ann – opaque means solid/can’t see through them.

    Reply
  37. Ann says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    Oops. I meant sheer. I wrote that comment in a bit of a hurry the other day.

    Reply
  38. Annie says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    These have been in fashion in Japan for while. I’ve seen them all over Tokyo for the past several years and they look great on the women there (small and thin), but they do not look great on me. On my bulky 5’8″ Anglo-Saxon frame, outfits like this look a little less “kawaii” and a little more “hooker,” especially with heels.

    In the States, I would maybe attempt this look in a larger city. In my small hometown though, I’d look pretty scandalous! I actually really love this look, but make sure you’re in the right environment and that you have the confidence to pull it off!

    Reply
  39. Caroline says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    I love them! They’ve been popular in the UK for a couple of years now. I’d probably wear them, but my legs are not long enough to pull off the look.

    Reply
  40. Sigrid says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    love it! It’s really pretty, and you can wear it with or without stockings underneath!

    Reply
  41. Yvonne says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Thigh high socks are an absolute YES in my book!

    Reply
  42. Vivian says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the socks+shorts and socks+dress look. They also look nice with a longer coat and boots when the weather gets chillier!

    Reply
  43. Lea says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    is it me or do tigh-high socks only look well with heels? i tried to wear it with ballets but to me it looked weird.

    Reply
  44. Estelle says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Well, even though I really like them, I don’t think that I could wear them, as I think that it would be too much for a day at college..
    But I promise to give it a try..

    Reply
  45. Syd says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    Indeed I would! I’ve been wearing them for years already (they were in style with emo kids when I was in high school, went out for a minute, and now they’re back, but more more mature. YAY!). Once it cools off here, of course…I’m in the desert, so it’ll be too hot to wear them even at night until October or November.

    Reply
  46. Cara says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    I bought a pair of cheap, grey thigh-highs from Charlotte Russe last winter, just to see if I liked them – I very much did! I look forward to investing in more, particularly white and purple, and wearing them this year, since they are so practical as well as adorable. I even went to private school, and I still love the knee or OTK socks look.

    Reply
  47. Beloved One says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    I have been wearing OTK and Thigh high socks for years being a dancer, and just style wise overall, they help keep me warm but I still get to show a little skin, I love it, I’m looking forward to wearing my existing pairs as well as adding new pairs for the fall.

    Reply
  48. nVictoria says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love over-the-knee socks. i’ve always loved to wear them but until recently you’ve only been able to get Gothic -looking ones. i’m soooo happy that they’re in style now. anyone can where them as long as you’re comfortable. i think they can look really cute when layered too. that’s a trick i learned for cold Chicago nights.
    and they look really cute with flat boots too. i’m 5’7 Afro-Caribbean and i have thunder thighs (yes i admitted that) if i can where them anyone can.

    Reply
  49. cece says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    In this part of my world(Nigeria) its not accepted neither is it necessary cos of our weather but even if it were i would still not try it as its not my style, but it sure looks good on some people.

    Reply
  50. Ciara says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love this trend I were them with my uniform a la serena but none of my super strict teachers seem to care and I personally don’t think it’s a lingerieish look, but I wouldn’t recommend white ones or sheer ones because they are the opposite of slimming! Darker colors are much more flattering in my experience. I love the outfit!! Can u make another?

    Reply
  51. Anna says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I’ve been wearing these socks for ageeessss! I love it.

    Reply
  52. Jocey N. says

    September 9, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    This will be my challenge this winter, to wear a outfit with thigh-high socks> I have the perfect Kenneth Cole boots, i just need a nice shirt/skirt combo.

    Reply
  53. Nicki says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:22 am

    I have always loved the way thigh high socks, I would wear them no matter what!

    Reply
  54. Mark says

    May 28, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I have worn overthe knee socks from late fall to early spring. My girlfriend sugested I do this to keep warm and they worked.
    I sometimes wear them with shorts when we are at home and they look great

    Reply
  55. Ivana says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    P.S. I totaly digg Ann advice about buying larger size of thigh high socks. 🙂

    Reply
  56. Milana says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I always wanted to try these, but I always thought they were too much… They look great on people in movies though 😉

    Reply
  57. Joleen says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    YES.

    Reply
  58. michelle says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    i would totally wear them if more stores sold them… i mostly see knee socks. i have a couple pairs of thigh highs but they roll down like CRAZY.

    Reply
  59. Leslie says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I love them! I’ve bought several pairs lately.. just waiting on the weather to cool down!

    Reply
  60. Sarah says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I love the idea of thigh high socks with knee high boots. Perfection! Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
  61. Sari says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:49 am

    I love the look you put together! I’m with Charlotte though, I feel like I would rather work the knee-highs. But I feel like they still give off the same vibe. Good post!

    Reply

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