The Year’s Most Unexpected Holiday Trend Is Hiding in Your Sock Drawer

Whether you’re hanging ornaments to the same old holiday playlist (for me, it’s Elvis, Judy Garland, and, of course, Mariah Carey) or baking your grandma’s festive sugar cookie recipe for the 100th time, there’s joy in returning to beloved rituals every December. Personally, I prefer to procrastinate my gift shopping until Christmas Eve (for the adrenaline rush), but you might spend hours choosing your favorite wrapping paper and tying ribbons to perfection in early November. Whatever your holiday vibe, it’s the tradition that counts.

When it comes to fashion, though, habits wear thin. Annually, we dust off jaunty favorites, like tartan, tweed, and bows for the White Elephant circuit and wear out our winter whites until they’re eggnog-stained. There are also only so many ways to style red and green—and don’t even get me started on the tyranny of Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Ironic or not, no one wants to wear a lumpy knit with a light-up reindeer nose all night (let alone all month). Buying a new set of sequins every winter just isn’t practical, but how else do you avoid going full Grinch mode on the 25th when you have to, yet again, dig out that oppressively cheerful plaid skirt?

The key to holiday dressing—and celebrating this time of year in general—isn’t simply to embrace old customs but to make them feel new again. And the secret to refreshing that decades-old LBD or worn velvet blazer might already be bunched up in your underwear drawer. Behold: The power of fun socks to spruce up your seasonal best.

As is the case for almost every outfit problem, footwear is the solution. Playful sock-and-shoe pairings make for a joyous twist on festive attire. Best of all, you don’t have to spend more than $20 to deck the halls in a new look. (And if you’re always looking for an excuse to go shoe shopping, happy to oblige—you’ll find lots of inspo ahead.)

Tartan mixing, multiple metallics, and pops of red—a cheerful stocking makes it all possible. Scroll on and revel in the possibilities of the humble tube sock with styling tips, shopping suggestions, and more.

Mixed Metals

Whoever said silver and gold (and socks and heels) don’t go together was seriously disturbed.

Breaking the fashion “rules” is always fun, and you get a two-for-one special with a holiday mixed metal moment. To channel your inner sartorial iconoclast, pair sky-high mules (or, really, any stiletto you have dust-bagged in your closet, provided that it delivers some much-needed sparkle) with a fresh pair of metallic socks. Try gold shoes with silver underneath, or reverse it! It’s your journey; just make sure to embrace the chaos. As they say, if you can’t match it, clash it.

Leopard Is a Neutral

Leopard goes with everything (I will die on this hill), so break out your most dopamine-stimulating pair of brightly colored socks for your next animal print moment. Think of this combo as the exclamation point at the end of your outfit. It makes even the drabbest winter wear merry, and you won’t run the risk of passing for Buddy the Elf’s sidekick in your red and green.

In terms of styling, Rudolph red is the most on-the-nose choice, but moss, cobalt, and even icy blue socks would do just fine. To double down on the cozy factor, invest in cashmere or wool—your snug feet can thank me later.

Ornaments for Your Feet

If you dress in head-to-toe black year-round, just know that you’re not alone. But as every New Yorker and Olsen Twin will attest, all-black doesn’t have to mean boring. The key is to play with jewelry (or, in this case, rhinestone-covered sandals) and texture to make your look pop. This year, take that approach below the knees and have yourself an It Girl New Year’s Eve.

Simply find yourself a pair of embellished black socks or polka-dotted stockings (see our picks below), and watch your practical black heels surprise you at the next big holiday bash.

Nutcracker Core

If visions of sugar plum fairies dance in your head, perhaps skip the mistletoe and holly this December and, instead, take a lesson in balletcore. The beauty is that whether you’re already all-in on the trend or only a budding bunhead, chances are you have a pair of ballet flats lying around that could benefit from a bit of seasonal cheer.

To embrace your adolescent prima ballerina fantasy, roll on some lace tights and leg warmers for your moment center stage. If that strikes you as a touch delusional, try a subtle nod to the pointe shoe-and-pantyhose pairing with scrunched, soft pink socks and neutral flats. Either way, take a bow, collect your roses, and let the compliments rain in.

Tartan Time

Now, this is a power clash. Mixing patterns isn’t easy, but pulling it off is worth the effort. Cheerful tartan pairs well with tweed, checks, and polka dots if you trust the process, so why not bring that liveliness to your feet this year?

The secret to making it work is playing with scale (e.g., big plaid, small check) and going classic with your dominant colors (like tan and navy). That said, the idea here is to clash, so don’t be afraid of a little drama with your footwear combo.

Fancy Tube Socks

Searching for something sporty? Look no further than the humble tube sock. A surprising favorite of the downtown fashion set, this formerly unsung hero of the accessories world has emerged as a power player in recent years. And when paired with another of 2024’s favorite trends, the pointy red heel, fashion magic happens. Use this prep-meets-coquette combo to level up your go-to party dress or a cheeky mini skirt.

For maximum impact, play Eartha Kitt’s rendition of “Santa Baby” when you make your grand entrance.

Holiday Sheer

Transparency is fashion’s favorite plaything these days, especially on the red carpet, and the trend has finally moved its way to accessories. You can shop sheer stockings cut short as socks, heels with mesh inserts, and even see-through rainboots right now, and that’s just the beginning. The real fun starts when you combine them.

Transparent accessories allow under layers to peak through, making your socks the star. Spread some holiday sheer with high fashion where you least expect it.

Feeling Fuzzy

Furry feet are in these days, dominating runways in September like never before. From Bottega Veneta to Ferragamo, the trend manifested in the form of shearling-covered boots and faux fur pumps. And as temperatures start to dip, those warm and cozy—if a touch surprising—footwear materials grow only more appealing.

Plus, the season of joy and good tidings is the best time to try out a polarizing new fashion trend like, for instance, a green Grinch fantasy heel. Everyone will understand the vision after a hot toddy or two, and if they don’t, just know your most stylish friends and family will be begging for your fuzzy fashion tips come March when spring collections drop. You heard it here first.