How to Style Statement Socks

The other day a man wearing a seemingly simple outfit caught my eye. He was wearing a dark sweater, a tweed jacket and chinos – with a pair of vibrant blue socks which instantly brought his look together and elevated his outfit with an innate personal flair. I love how this otherwise unremarkable outfit was completely transformed by a pair of statement socks, an affordable and accessible trend that I’ve been noticing for some time now.

The humble sock has transcended its traditional role as merely something to keep your feet warm. It has emerged as a pivotal element in fashion ensembles, transforming into a must-have accessory that shows off the wearer’s personality and style. A bold bright or patterned pair of socks creates that confident finishing touch that makes your outfit sing. Think back to last year, when red socks were the must-have accessory – an otherwise neutral look was completely transformed by that subtle pop of red at your ankles. The trend has slowly evolved, and now any colour or pattern of socks is the perfect addition to your outfit – as long as they are bold.

I’ve always been an advocate of statement socks, designing British-made socks that combine heritage techniques and a high quality finish with contemporary designs. Each pair is crafted to ensure durability and elegance, making them a timeless addition to any wardrobe. Regardless of trends, comfortable, beautifully designed socks remain a versatile accessory that keep your feet warm while adding flair to your outfit.

The classic striped socks, reimagined

Think bold, asymmetric stripes, unexpected colour palettes and intricate details that give socks a distinct, modern flair. From spiralling stripes to vertical zig zags in intarsia techniques, our socks create a fresh aesthetic that feels both sophisticated and playful. Our British-made designs strike the perfect balance between tradition and trend, with lurex sparkles and joyful colours bringing new life to classic styles.

Every striped sock in the Genevieve Sweeney collection is made in Britain, using heritage skills that have been honed over generations. The majority of our socks are crafted in the rolling Derbyshire hills, in a family-owned factory with almost 100 years of knowledge and experience. They use traditional intarsia techniques to create seamless patterns in the highest quality finishes. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that all of our socks are of the utmost quality. Sustainability is also a huge focus for us – we use quality materials and local production to minimise environmental impact while championing ethical practices. 

How to style statement socks for women

Socks have taken centre stage in fashion, becoming a carefully considered accessory that punctuates your outfit. Whether you opt for a brightly coloured sock or a boldly patterned design, a well chosen pair of socks have the power to completely transform your look and show off our fashion prowess. 

Our Serora sparkly striped socks add a statement flourish to your outfit with their flurry of silk tweeds. The spiralling, shimmering diagonal stripes are created by an innovative new twist on traditional hand-intarsia processes. By working with a high-quality viscose blend, they offer a glittering finish without compromising on comfort – unlike other sparkly socks, they feel incredibly soft and smooth against your skin. I like to wear my Serora socks with a pair of cropped trousers or a long skirt, providing a welcome dose of sparkle to an outfit. They could also be paired with heels for a contemporary evening wear look that keeps your feet warm and toasty during the winter months.

Similarly to our Serora socks, our Sigi sparkly zig zag socks add a playful sparkle to any outfit. They are constructed using the same hand-intarsia methods with high-quality viscose, ribbed trims and seamless toes ensuring the highest level of softness and comfort. The signature intarsia design is crafted using a traditional machine-led method followed by a time-intensive hand-finishing technique that embraces the thoughtfulness of artisan crafts. Both our Sigi and Serora socks can be dressed up or dressed down, elevating even the simplest outfit of jeans and a sweater into something that shows off your personal style. Personally, I love a look that emerged during Copenhagen Fashion Week of pairing statement sparkly socks with a pair of Mary Jane shoes, making your feet the focal point of your outfit. 

Finally, our Sia merino wool knee-high socks are my ‘secret weapon’. I love to wear these long socks with cropped trousers or under skirts and dresses as a much comfier alternative to tights. They are crafted from incredibly warm and cosy merino wool, with a zig-zag lurex sparkle adding a stylish twist. They’re sumptuously soft and not at all itchy, making them the perfect pair of socks for keeping not only your ankles but your legs warm over the winter months. I also wear them around the house for warmth, as well as dressing them up with our viscose jacquard dresses and skirts for a stylish evening look. 

How to style statement socks for men

Statement socks are certainly not just for women – they’re a quick and easy way for men to add a sartorial twist to their outfits. Whether you’re wearing a casual look of jeans and trainers or wearing tailored trousers with a formal shoe, the right pair of socks can completely transform your look. 

Our Samar merino wool socks (in striped and argyle patterns) offer a modern take on traditional styles. Available in a rainbow of bold and bright colours, these stylish socks can be paired with anything from loafers to trainers for a playful splash of colour at your ankles. Our bright blue striped Samar socks are a particular favourite for injecting a vibrant hue into your outfit. These socks are knitted from the softest merino wool blend, custom-spun by myself to create unique colours. Many of the yarns used to create our Samar socks are end-of-line yarns that I rescued, twisted together to create eye-catching blends. This is a perfect example of our slow approach to manufacturing, embracing time-consuming methods to both save on waste and to create something truly unique.

Another contemporary twist on a traditional style is our Serora organic cotton striped sock. These striking socks bring an uplifting edge to anything from traditional tailoring to casual joggers with their bright, bold colours. They are crafted from luxuriously soft and breathable organic cotton, manufactured in small batches in our Derbyshire-based mill to reduce waste. Creating their pattern is a highly complex technique that not only challenges traditional intarsia machines but is extremely time intensive. Their duo-tone spiralling stripes showcase striking colour combinations that brighten up dreary days when popping out from underneath a pair of ankle-skimming jeans or a tailored suit. 

Discover our full range of statement colourful and patterned socks.