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    1. Fashion
    2. Shopping

    Reluctant to Ditch Your Tights? Here’s How Stylish Women Are Styling Socks This Spring

    Practical and polished

    Sofia Piza's avatar
    By Sofia Piza
    Published 20 March 2026 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    women wearing socks with flats and heels
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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    It's no secret we often turn to the catwalk when it comes to everyday outfit inspiration. From discovering playful styling tricks to unearthing upcoming trends, it's a tried-and-true method favoured by fashion insiders.

    This season, the biggest runway shows have spotlighted the humble sock as the accessory stylish women everywhere are embracing. Once considered firmly in school-uniform territory, socks paired with flats and heels are now ubiquitous, appearing everywhere from street style to polished office wear.

    Indeed, socks of all lengths, prints, and colours were seen at MSGM, Mithridate, and Lacoste, to name a few. This unexpected styling twist—contrasted with polished maxi skirts, wax jackets, and lightweight coats—gives the sock’s functional purpose a whole new meaning.

    socks with heels and flats

    MSGM, Mithridate, Lacoste - Spring/Summer 2026

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    The key to avoiding school-uniform territory is to make sure the style of sock matches the shoe and the rest of your outfit. For the office, opt for sheer socks paired with heels and a midi skirt—this creates a polished yet grownup way to incorporate the trend into a professional wardrobe.

    For a more casual take, reach for a brighter or chunkier sock and style them with your favourite suede loafers or satin trainers.

    A personal favourite that you can guarantee will see me through any evening events this season is opting for a fun embellished sock, whether it be pearls, sequins, or lace, and matching these with a block heel flat. As someone who gets cold very easily in the evenings, it will guarantee my feet remain warm while adding some extra oomph to my looks.

    Woman wearing a skirt with socks and heels

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    When it comes to investing in the look, chances are your next sock-and-shoe combination is already sitting in your wardrobe. However, if you’re in the mood for a new-season refresh, consider turning to some of our favourite high-street and luxury brands.

    Ask any stylish woman where her socks are from, and she’ll likely mention Scottish brand Pairs. Known for its high-quality, fashion-forward designs, the label offers a variety of styles that work seamlessly with everything from delicate heels to everyday flats.

    socks with heels

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    For those willing to take the trend one step further, look to cool-girl favourite Miu Miu, which has released its own iteration: a hybrid ankle-warmer sock with an exposed foot. It delivers the same styling effect while maintaining the breeziness of an open-toe shoe.

    Whatever your preference, below you’ll find our expertly selected pairings for added inspiration.

    Shop the look

    Storm Grey Wool Knee High Socks

    Pairs Socks
    Storm Grey Wool Knee High Socks
    £20
    £20 AT PAIRS

    Patent Leather Slingback Pumps in Black - Prada

    Prada
    Patent Leather Slingback Pumps in Black - Prada
    £910
    £910 AT PRADA

    Layered Socks

    H&M
    Layered Socks
    £15
    £10.99 AT H&M

    Le Loafer Cassandre Suede Penny Loafers in Brown - Saint Laurent

    Saint Laurent
    Le Loafer Cassandre Suede Penny Loafers in Brown
    £935
    £935 AT MYTHERESA

    Rib-Knit Socks

    Kiltane
    Cashmere Bed Socks
    £35
    £35 AT KILTANE

    Leather-Trimmed Canvas Slingback Pumps in Brown - Tods

    Tod's
    Leather-Trimmed Canvas Slingback Pumps in Brown
    £730
    £730 AT MYTHERESA

    Gg Cotton Blend Socks

    Gucci
    Gg Cotton Blend Socks
    £150
    £150 AT GUCCI

    AEYDE, Uma snake-effect leather Mary Jane ballet flats

    AEYDE
    Uma snake-effect leather Mary Jane ballet flats
    £330 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Silk Knee-High Socks

    Miu Miu
    Silk Knee-High Socks
    £330
    £330 AT MIU MIU

    Strappy Heeled Sandals - Women | Mango United Kingdom

    MANGO
    Strappy Heeled Sandals
    £46
    £45.99 AT MANGO

    Women's Perles Silk-Blend Mid-Calf Socks | One Size

    Maria La Rosa
    Women's Perles Silk-Blend Mid-Calf Socks
    £60
    £60 AT ABASK

    Leather Block Heel Pumps

    M&S
    Leather Block Heel Pumps
    £56
    £56 AT M&S

    Marshmallow Pink Bamboo Socks

    Pairs Socks
    Marshmallow Pink Bamboo Socks
    £9
    £8.50 AT PAIRS

    Clementine Heeled Mule Sandal

    Reformation
    Clementine Heeled Mule Sandal
    £298
    £298 AT REFORMATION

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Sofia Piza
    Sofia Piza
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    Junior Fashion Editor

    Sofia Piza is the Junior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. With extensive experience and a degree in Fashion Journalism, she covers runway trends, shopping picks, celebrity fashion, and industry news.

    Throughout her career, Sofia's work has ranged from in-depth interviews with industry experts and high-profile celebrities to creative production for editorial cover shoots and red-carpet coverage. Born in Mexico and raised in five countries, Sofia's multicultural upbringing has fed into her interest in international markets, leading her fashion week coverage across London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.

    Read more
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