A Socko Combo : Socks ‘n’ Sandals--Thongs to Platforms--Is All the Rage

It only goes to show that if you wait long enough, whatever you’re wearing will come into fashion--sort of like the broken clock that’s right twice a day. Case in point: Socks with sandals, once the hallmark of the fashion hopeless, is having a sartorial moment.

Designers love the look for spring. Dolce & Gabbana showed wood and leather platforms with white anklets. At Calvin Klein, heavy two-strap platform sandals with summer-weight socks went with everything from micro minis to underwear to long, wispy skirts.

And it’s the perfect look for Californians who believe in the endless summer. When the weather gets cool, just add a pair of light, close-fitting anklets under those strappy sandals.

“It’s something everybody can wear,” says clothing stylist Stephen Earabino, who months ago predicted a resurgence of the sock ‘n’ sandal combo. He likes the look of socks with 99-cent shower thongs.

Come spring, the fashion elite will probably be wearing a heavier, considerably more expensive sandal with thick straps over the instep and no toe divider, much like a vintage European spa or sauna shoe.

But on Melrose Avenue and at the Hollywood Farmers Market recently, locals showed they already know how to do the populist side of the look. Men, women and children were spotted in huaraches, Birkenstocks, Dr. Scholl’s and Nike sandals--all with socks underneath for warmth and comfort.