Conquering Our Fear of White Socks With Loafers
Dear Fashion Police: I am a female reader who usually has her wardrobe in order, but I do seem to be in a bit of a fashion quandary. I have a sock issue that has been puzzling me for some time. Loafers (mostly black leather) are my shoe of choice. I like to wear them with jeans and khakis but seem lost as to the correct sock selection. In warm weather I simply go without, but with cool weather upon us, I want to keep my toes warm. What color is appropriate? White scares me because of a fear I have of appearing Michael Jackson-esque. Black seems OK with jeans and a dark top, but what about khaki pants or other colored shirts and sweaters? Go ahead and be bold--I can take it.
--SOCK IT TO ME
Dear Sock: We certainly hope you can take it, because when it comes to socks, some people can’t handle the truth.
White socks shouldn’t scare you that much, unless you wear them with black jeans and a spangly glove and then get an urge to have extensive plastic surgery. If you’re wearing a light-colored top, white or cream-colored socks with blue jeans or khakis are fine. Just make sure they’re nice dress socks, not the bulky athletic kind.
In most cases you want to match the socks with the pants; it creates a longer, less choppy line. But there are exceptions--with blue jeans and a black top, as you mentioned, black socks and black loafers would be OK. When in doubt, try this test: Stand in front of a full-length mirror. If your eyes immediately go to your feet, change your socks.
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Dear Fashion Police: My company has just announced a “business casual” dress code every day. I have a closet full of expensive designer suits and silk blouses. Please help me make this transition without spending a fortune on another new wardrobe. Khakis and shirts might get boring every day.
The company has given specific rules--for example, no jeans (even colored jeans), and no T-shirts (tops must have collars). Also, no bare legs. Please help!
--IN A CASUAL QUANDARY
Dear Casual: Ah, the office casual clothing conversion rears its ugly head once again. Although we’ve tackled this issue in the past, it’s obviously not going away, since more and more companies are deciding to relax their dress codes. (By the way, we applaud your company for being specific about what is and is not allowed. Less guesswork.)
It would be foolish for you to completely replace your current wardrobe, not to mention horrifically expensive. You’ll probably end up acquiring a few new pieces, but nothing that will break the bank.
Your best bet is to take your suits and wear them as separates. Instead of wearing a burgundy suit with a cream-colored silk blouse, wear the burgundy jacket with black or charcoal pants and a nice cotton or silk T-shirt. Or, wear the burgundy skirt with a cream or black cardigan or twin set. The cream silk blouse can be worn with pants, but no jacket.
Getting the picture? So far you’ve only added a T-shirt and sweater--classic, timeless pieces (you may even have them already). You can find inexpensive versions almost anywhere if you shop wisely. Start with a few pieces in neutrals or colors that coordinate with what you already have.
If you’re used to wearing high-heel pumps, think about trading those for lower heels or flats, or boots, which will also lend a more casual look. Instead of neutral pantyhose, try a monochromatic look by matching opaque hose to the color of your skirt.
And don’t forget the importance of accessories. Scarves and costume jewelry can help establish your personal style as well as update your look. If you like wearing funky or ethnic pieces on weekends or for going out, try incorporating those into your weekday wardrobe--within reason. Belly shirts, mini skirts and anything see-through are, of course, verboten.
If, down the road, you decide to invest in more substantial pieces, we recommend less tailored jackets (i.e. shirt jackets, collarless jackets) and ankle-length skirts.
Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.
