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    1. Fashion

    Looking For a Way To Easily Update Your Everyday Winter Outfits? Just Add Statement Socks

    Fun, affordable, and oh-so-chic

    Lauren Cunningham's avatar
    By Lauren Cunningham
    Published 16 December 2025 In Features

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

    @raquelcostagomess @jritamontezuma @maimy_pea wear statement socks
    (Image credit: @raquelcostagomess @jritamontezuma @maimy_pea)
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    • Shop Statement Socks
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    We’re all searching for ways to make our everyday outfits feel, well, a little less everyday. Yes, there’s something undeniably cool about pulling on the same jeans and a V-neck knit each morning, but after a while—and I say this as someone who has lived in exactly that outfit for the past few weeks—it starts to feel decidedly dull. Instead, we need quick, low-effort solutions that instantly lift our favourite looks. And this season, one styling trick reigns supreme: bring on the statement sock.

    Now, granted, this isn’t entirely new. Last year brought the unexpected rise of red tights, after all. But there’s a reason socks are stealing the spotlight right now: they take less than 30 seconds to style, they’re versatile enough to work with almost any outfit, and some styles will set you back less than £10—assuming you don’t already have a pair tucked away. And when so many of us are juggling the endless to-dos that come with silly season, anything classed as effortless is bound to get full marks.

    @juliesfi wears grey socks and heels

    (Image credit: @juliesfi)

    Of course, there are a few pieces that won’t play well with the statement-sock hack—boots being the main one. Even the sparkliest pair won’t shine through a black leather knee-high. Instead, look to ballet flats, slingback pumps or even strappy sandals to make the most of this micro-trend. Or, if you’d prefer to ease into it, a loafer, Birkenstock Boston or any mule offers just a subtle peek of personality with every step.

    a street style star wears embellished socks during paris fashion week

    (Image credit: Future/Getty Images)

    Really, all you need to do is choose a sock that matches your mood. A glittery pair is perfect for party season (and my personal favourite), while a bold red or blue is just as joyful. My only request? Make sure they’re box-fresh—no holes, no tired fabric and no retro patterns best left in the 80s.

    To give you a feel for the styles that truly hit the mark, here’s a curated edit. And don’t worry: no Rudolphs or snowmen in sight.

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    Shop Statement Socks

    Sparkly Fine Wool Socks

    COS
    Sparkly Fine Wool Socks
    £12
    £12 AT COS

    These sparkly silver fine wool socks are thin enough to work with any shoe.

    FALKE, Shiny Ribbed Knit Socks

    FALKE
    Shiny Ribbed Knit Socks
    £16
    £16 AT SELFRIDGES

    A baby blue shade will work year-round.

    Massimo Dutti, Wool Blend Socks

    Massimo Dutti
    Wool Blend Socks
    £36
    £35.95 AT MASSIMO DUTTI

    Red is one of the most statement-making shades to reach for.

    Black Sparkle Sheer Ankle Socks 2 Pack

    Next
    Black Sparkle Sheer Ankle Socks
    £6
    £6 AT NEXT

    For a subtle twist on the classic black socks, look for a style with silver sparkle.

    Pairs, Grass Green Merino Socks

    Pairs
    Grass Green Merino Socks
    £12
    £12 AT PAIRS

    A pop of bright green feels fun and festive at the same time.

    Diamond-Pattern Cotton Socks

    ZARA
    Diamond-Pattern Cotton Socks
    £12
    £11.99 AT ZARA

    For a vintage feel, look for a classic pattern.

    Ribbed Cashmere Socks

    JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN
    Ribbed Cashmere Socks
    £65
    £65 AT NET-A-PORTER

    These red ribbed cashmere socks are just as cosy as they are chic.

    Cream & Chocolate Brown Striped Ankle Socks | Oliver Bonas

    Oliver Bonas
    Cream & Chocolate Brown Striped Ankle Socks
    £9
    £8.50 AT OLIVER BONAS

    Prefer a punchy stripe? This brown and cream Oliver Bonas pair is up to the task.

    Louise Socks

    Free People
    Louise Socks
    £88
    £88 AT FREE PEOPLE

    Practical? Absolutely not. But they're definitely adorable.

    2pk Sparkle Crew Socks

    M&S
    2pk Sparkle Crew Socks
    £8
    £8 AT M&S

    With a subtle sparkle, these socks gently step into statement-making territory.

    Crystal-Bow Rib-Knit Socks

    & Other Stories
    Crystal-Bow Rib-Knit Socks
    £14
    £14 AT & OTHER STORIES

    The crystal bow on this pair instantly elevate a classic white tube sock.

    Samar Merino Argyle Sock Burgundy

    Genevieve Sweeney
    Samar Merino Argyle Sock Burgundy
    £22
    £22 AT GENEVIEVE SWEENEY

    Genevieve Sweeney's small-batch UK-made socks are high up on my Christmas list.

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

    Abask
    Women's Perles Silk-Blend Mid-Calf Socks
    £60
    £60 AT ABASK

    These pearl-adorned socks are particularly pretty—just be sure to wash them by hand.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Lauren Cunningham
    Lauren Cunningham
    Contributor

    Lauren Cunningham is a freelance fashion and beauty editor covering runway reviews, fashion news, shopping galleries and deep-dive features. 

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