May 26, 2024

Are you keeping up with the sock debate?

#sockdebate (TikTok).

Take that in. It's a debate about socks. It seems the millennials and the Gen Zers are fighting amongst themselves and dealing in rules. I'm so far beyond their rules it's just funny, but even when I was their age, I was individualistic about socks. But I will link to a 2010 post of mine:

Socks — with skirts — are a big fashion trend... but we're told not to wear them if we're over 30.

First of all, don’t even try this at home if you’re over 30; this is very much a girl’s game - and a girl with great pins, at that.

Over 30!

Well, too bad, I'm nearly twice the limit, and I've been relying on socks for nearly the length of time it would take a newborn baby to reach the limit, and nothing can stop me. But I get the point: You can do what you want, but it's not the fashion trend unless you're young enough to be entitled to believe without derangement that you're really cute.

I included this picture of my own sock-clad feet:

shoes

37 comments:

Narr said...

Can guys play?

In hot weather I wear white "diabetic" tube socks with sandals (and short pants, natch). My wife no longer criticizes, which I count as a great victory for comfort and common sense.

TaeJohnDo said...

Narr? Are the CARGO shorts? That'd be the cherry on top!

Heartless Aztec said...

SE coastal men gave up socks with penny loafers in the 1950's. Nancy Griffith rocked a great pair of socks and shoes on her great album "Last of the True Believers" in 1985. She was 31 at the album release.
Appropo of nothing - what a doll. What a talent. 🎶Going, Going, Gone🎶 RIP Nancy.

Marcus Bressler said...

Wear what you want. I wear compression socks, but not with sandals -- I don't own any sandals. I have my opinions about clothes and fashion trends (see below) but screw anyone who tries to tell you what to wear or what not to wear. Especially from the Left and the fashion mavens, who have little sense or taste -- or in the case of the latter, sensibilities.
1. Upturned collars on men's Lacoste-type polo shirts. I used to act as if I was unaware of this "trend" and go up to people I knew and say, "Your collar's up." They'd reply, "Yes, I know. That's the way it is supposed to be". I would feign being incredulous at that nonsense.
2. Baseball caps on backwards. "It looks cool."
3. Yoga pants in public unless you are on your way or returning from yoga.
4. The sports jacket, worn with the sleeves pushed up, a la Miami Vice.
There are more, but enough is enough.

Howard said...

Let young people be young. Then you won't be so pathetically jealous and petty because of their strength, enthusiasm, joy and high levels of neuroplasticity that you no longer possess.

Hassayamper said...

"Are you keeping up with the sock debate?"

No, I am not, and don't intend to start.

Terry di Tufo said...

I am individualistic about shorts, Prof Althouse, despite your distant disapproval given my age and sex! Do I wear socks with them? Wouldn't you like to know!

Narr said...

My two recent acquisitions are indeed cargo shorts. I should go to Target and see if they have them this year.

Fully laden, I carry wallet, flip-phone, two sets of keys, sunglasses, and reading glasses, and too much stuff crammed into my shirt pocket pulls down and makes me look . . . less cool.




Bob Boyd said...

I included this picture of my own sock-clad feet:


ouuuuuu!

RCOCEAN II said...

Just don't wear white socks with black dress shoes, or dark socks with white tennis shoes and we're OK.

Otherwise, I will have to act with extreme prejudice.

Oligonicella said...

Socks — with skirts — are a big fashion trend... but we're told not to wear them if we're over 30.

'Cause it makes you look like a child.

Political Junkie said...

No

Fred Drinkwater said...

I'm wearing shorts RIGHT NOW. No socks, though.

n.n said...

Sock puppets are the modern rage.

iowan2 said...

Duluth Trading post cargo shorts, and Skechers step ins. Yes I have perfected lazy comfortable, into a fashion do.

Kathryn51 said...

I remember that photo more than any other on this blog, but I always forgot if it was yellow shoes with red socks or red shoes with yellow socks. Althouse was gracious enough to provide a link within the last year.

What I hate is the no-socks look with sneakers which theoretically require one to buy no-show socks which always ride up my heel anyway. So, bare feet for me for the most part.

the other ridiculous rule for women is no hose allowed - must be bare legs.

rehajm said...

The Korean LPGA women know how to rock the socks. Tube socks and superminis.

Old and slow said...

Ankle socks with running shoes. Running shorts if running, chinos if not. Socks are not fashion accessories, they keep your shoes from smelling.

effinayright said...

Seems the writer isn't aware of the "Bobbysoxers" of the late 40's-early 50's.

https://tinyurl.com/33576w6a

walter said...

Howard said...
Let young people be young. Then you won't be so pathetically jealous and petty because of their strength, enthusiasm, joy and high levels of neuroplasticity that you no longer possess.
--
You go grrrll!
Semper Fudd!

Clyde said...

I like ankle-high padded socks with my black New Balance walking shoes with Velcro straps. Who has time to tie shoelaces! Cargo shorts and aloha shirts are my daily wardrobe at work.

mikee said...

Gold Toe brand Charcoal Fluffies for casual wear, Wolverine Work Socks for athletics. When you find something that works for you, let it.

mikee said...

Gold Toe brand Charcoal Fluffies for casual wear, Wolverine Work Socks for athletics. When you find something that works for you, let it.

David53 said...

Two things prompt me to wear long pants, usually jeans, daily

History of skin cancer
Wife keeps the house cold year round

Pickle Rick socks are what I'm currently rocking

JZ said...

I thought this was a discussion about socks and SKIRTS.

MikeD said...

I'm so old during my high school years all the "girls" wore skirts and the majority of them sore sox. They were the last of the "bobby soxers"!

Kirk Parker said...

Narr,

Where does your carry piece go?

Narr said...

"Where does your carry piece go?"

I let my dog carry it.

Aggie said...

"Socks — with skirts — are a big fashion trend... but we're told not to wear them if we're over 30...."

I must have been living under a rock all these past years, but I have never, ever, seen socks that have a skirt.

TaeJohnDo said...

Well done Narr.

Fashion question: Is it gauche to wear white socks after Labor Day?

Narr said...

Service revolver animal.

"Is it gauche to wear white socks after Labor Day?"

Only with white sandals.

Brick Rubbledrain said...

There are rules about clothes? Why wasn’t I told?

Kevin Walsh said...

I never wear shorts because I don't even like looking at my own socks.

wendybar said...

Judging me by my profile picture...I wear a onesie!!

Mr. Forward said...

I'm concerned with the recent trend to only wear one sock although it does make laundry a lot easier.

walter said...

I keep getting email spam pimping "hollow socks".

PM said...

I promise never to wear skirts with my socks.