Socks may seem like a minor fashion element, but the right pair can really make or break an outfit. Too tight around the ankle and they’re painful to walk in; too loose, and you’ll be pulling them up every block. To avoid either scenario, you need a good-fitting pair of the right kind of slouchy socks—the white ones that were popular back in the 80’s and 90’s.
When it comes to socks, style editor Alyssa Parsons aims for the best of both worlds: comfort and practicality. “When it comes to everyday socks, I look for quality, stretch and a light-to-medium weight,” she says. “They also have to be durable, since I wear them a lot.” That’s why she swears by the combed cotton ones from Idegg—which she describes as “completely serviceable and not too expensive.”
The Idegg pairs are thin enough that they won’t show under most sneakers or most dress shoes. But they’re also soft and stretchy, with grippy silicone dots at the heel to keep them in place. Plus, they’re machine-washable, which is essential for a wardrobe that tends to get a lot of use.
Parsons’s other favorite pair of white socks is this cotton-blend from Falke, which she likes for its lightweight material that allows it to stay breathable while being stretchy and comfortable. It’s the perfect pair to wear with a loafer or boot. best slouch socks
