The 21 Best Dress Socks to Elevate Every Formal Fit
- 1/22
The 21 Best Dress Socks to Elevate Every Formal Fit
I just put on a pair of dress socks. As I’m writing this (meta, right?), I'm also getting ready to head to a dinner—one with assigned seating, one prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. This means I need to actually put on something presentable; my go-to sweats and leopard-print sneakers, however sleek they are, aren’t going to cut it. I’m wearing skinny black jeans, a blue slim-fit dress shirt, a belt with a pronounced gold buckle, beige loafers with gold hardware, and dress socks in chocolate brown. Mine are from Stance.
Normally, I’d either be wearing ankle socks or something chunky as I walk the three blocks to get myself a cheesesteak and fries. But because I’m going to this shindig, I need something right for the occasion, something elevated. This is basically the defining characteristic of dress socks: a pair that’s more refined than what I’d wear to my local deli. It could be made of silk, cotton, or wool; feature a pattern or come in neutral colors; have a textured surface or not. It just has to be, well, dressier.
And if you, too, have plans to head somewhere fancy, or if you need to pair something with a suit and oxfords, check out some of the best dress socks out there.
Courtesy - 2/22
Dressed Art Socks
Happy Socks
happysocks.com
$14.40
A pair of socks, inspired by Duchamp’s fountain sculpture, that'll definitely put a smile on your face. They're from a brand called Happy Socks, after all.
happysocks.com - 3/22
Airport Dress Socks
Falke
amazon.com
$15.47
If you're the type of guy who still values dressing up for flights, just take a look at the name of these streamlined, thermal-regulation socks from Falke.
amazon.com - 4/22
Danvers Ribbed-Knit Dress Socks
Pantherella
matchesfashion.com
$16.00
Pantherella's socks are simple, elegant, and won't break the bank. This is basically the trifecta you need.
matchesfashion.com - 5/22
Ribbed Dress Socks
J.Crew
jcrew.com
$19.50
It really come as no surprise that J.Crew, purveyor of all things classic, offers some of the best, no-fuss dress socks around.
jcrew.com - 6/22
Butter Blend Dress Socks
Stance
stance.com
$19.99
Stance is a brand that prides itself in offering the sturdiest socks—the kinds of styles with built-in arch support arch support and targeted cushioning. The brand's collections, especially its dress socks, don't disappoint.
stance.com - 7/22
Cotton Half-Cushioned Crew Socks (10-Pack)
amazon.com - 8/22
Patterned Dress Socks (3-Pack)
Cole Haan
amazon.com
$24.99
Cole Haan consistently offers well-made dress shoes at a bargain, so it should come as no surprise that the brand offers socks with the same quality and price point—and some damn fine stripes, too.
amazon.com - 9/22
Cotton Dress Socks
Marcoliani
saksfifthavenue.com
$25.00
When it comes to fine Italian cotton, Marcoliani, a label that's been around for six decades, is the name to know.
saksfifthavenue.com - 10/22
Egyptian Cotton Dress Socks
Polo Ralph Lauren
ralphlauren.com
$26.00
Ralph Lauren is a label that offers a complete head-to-toe look that is always refined, with designs that are made with the finest fabrics. Case in point: these Egyptian cotton dress socks.
ralphlauren.com - 11/22
Intarsia Cotton-Blend Socks
Paul Smith
mrporter.com
$30.00
The world of Paul Smith is filled with bold colors and patterns, all cut to impart distinction and professionalism. You might think that these characteristics are at odds, but not in Smith's universe.
mrporter.com - 12/22
Brilliant Crew Ribbed-Knit Socks
Anonymous Ism
mrporter.com
$35.00
Anonymous Ism is a celebrated Japanese label that specializes in socks, all kinds of socks, offering a wide range options that'll help you stand out. It's a sock brand for fervent sock fans.
mrporter.com - 13/22
Mid-Calf Cotton Socks
Anderson & Sheppard
mrporter.com
$35.00
Yes, these are cotton socks, but Anderson & Sheppard takes them to a whole other level.
mrporter.com - 14/22
Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Socks
Doré Doré
matchefashion.com
$47.00
Cashmere: a fabric so plush, so luxe, and so insulating. And if you're the kind of guy who values all those characteristics, these Doré Doré socks are what you need.
matchefashion.com - 15/22
Long Ribbed Cotton Socks
Charvet
matchesfashion.com
$56.00
From dress shirts to ties, Charvet, a storied brand that's been around for over a century, never fails to offer the kinds of top-quality pieces that'll endure.
matchesfashion.com - 16/22
Knee-Ribbed Dress High Socks (4-Pack)
Bombas
bombas.com
$57.00
In the socks game, Bombas is a gold medal-contender. From the quality to the price, there's nothing wrong with this MVP. You'll definitely want to stock up. Better yet, get the four-pack.
bombas.com - 17/22
Personal Edition Dress Socks
Nice Laundry
nicelaundry.com
$57.00
Nice Laundry knows how to do professional, injected with a tasteful amount of levity.
nicelaundry.com - 18/22
Silk Socks (3-Pack)
matchesfashion.com - 19/22
Logo-Appliquéd Ribbed Cotton-Blend Socks
Fear of God
mrporter.com
$84.00
Fear of God: minimalism at its finest. That pretty much sums up all all of the brand's designs, including its dress socks.
mrporter.com - 20/22
Macrame Knit Logo Socks
Fendi
saksfifthavenue.com
$150.00
Macramé aint for everyone, suffice it say, but if you dig it, Fendi has an incredibly sleek option that'll add a little something-something to your fit.
saksfifthavenue.com - 21/22
Bar Stripe Socks
Thom Browne
nordstrom.com
$170.00
Like Thom Browne's signature shrunken suits, but in sock form.
nordstrom.com - 22/22
GG Pattern Cotton-Blend Socks
Gucci
gucci.com
$270.00
Want to impart instant cachet in high-fashion circles? It doesn't get anymore recognizable than Gucci's GG pattern.
gucci.com