Should dress socks match your pants or shoes?

Here, our experts have varying approaches to the question, so it really comes down to your personal style. Russell prefers a matching sock-suit combo for formal settings, while Appelt says there’s wiggle room for some statement socks, too—depending on your personal style. “You can wear bold patterned socks or opt for vibrant colors that complement or accentuate other elements of your outfit,” says Appelt.

Can you wear bold socks to a formal event?

While bold, fashion-forward socks are certainly up to your personal choice and style preference, our experts recommend against them for formal events, however color and patterns work well in more casual settings and during the summer months. “There’s a time and place [for statement socks] and I don’t think that a formal occasion is that place,” says Russell. “You don’t want the socks to be the center of attention—ever!”

What color dress socks should you wear with a tuxedo?

“When wearing a tuxedo, opt for black or midnight blue socks, always,” says Russell. “Falke are the best [like these Falke’s No. 9 Fil D’Écosse Mercerized Dress Socks ].”

The 20 Best Men's Dress Socks of 2023

Composite of the Best Dress Socks of 2023 showing cdlp MID-LENGTH SOCKS, Paul Smith Polka Dot Crew Socks, and paul smith 'Signature Stripe' Central Trim Socks — Brides / Marcus Millan

Often overlooked when shopping for formal wear, dress socks really can make or break a look. Plus, they’re a necessary wardrobe staple that should offer durability, comfort, style, and breathability, especially since you’ll be on your feet all night.

With all the different brands and styles out there, it can be hard to know which dress sock will go best with your wedding outfit. So we spoke to fashion experts for their insight on how to select and style dress socks on the big day. Thanks to their advice, we found the best socks in high quality, breathable materials, timeless designs and colors, and at various price points to suit all budgets.

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Bloomingdale's

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“Falke is a German brand that specializes in premium socks known for their comfort, durability, and sleek appearance,” says celebrity fashion stylist Kim Appelt. “Their dress sock collection has various designs, notably incorporating luxurious materials such as cashmere and silk.” It’s also a go-to brand for luxury event designer Bruce Russell. This style features ribbed cotton cuffs, a slightly sheer ankle, and mid-calf length.

Price at time of publish: $54

Size: 10-13 | Materials: Cotton, Polyamide | Length: Mid Calf

Pantherella

View On Pantherella.com

“Pantherella is renowned for their luxury socks, made in England from high-quality materials like merino wool and Egyptian cotton,” says Appelt. Their Rutherford sock made from ultrafine merino wool comes in four autumnal colors and features a 5x3 rib design with an extended heel, as well as their signature “seamless” toe for comfort.

Price at time of publish: $28

Size: S–L | Materials: Ultrafine Super 120s Merino Royale wool | Length: Standard/Long Anklet

Bloomingdale's

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“Marcoliani Milano is synonymous with Italian craftsmanship and attention to detail,” says Appelt. “They are a classic mens sock sold all around the world and they reflect quality and a sense of refined Italian style.” This option made from virgin wool features an all-over ribbed texture and a logo at the arch, as well as that coveted calf height recommended by the experts.

Price at time of publish: $33

Size: 10-13 | Materials: Virgin Wool, Nylon | Length: Calf

Pantherella

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Alright, they may be a tad pricey for socks, but your toes and heels deserve a little love, too. The Knightbridge socks are the top, tailored style from the English heritage brand Pantherella, and made from super soft, finely knitted cashmere. They’re great for the winter season minus the bulk (especially compared to thick wool).

Price at time of publish: $97

Size: 10.5”- 12” (Tailored Sizes) | Materials: Fine Cashmere | Length: Standard/Long Anklet

CDLP

View On Cdlp.com

A brand favorite of Russell, CDLP’s white socks are not only on-trend but may just end up as your new go-to favs. Made in Italy from natural, hypoallergenic bamboo (breathable with odor-resistant properties), we love the mid-length and reinforced heel for durability. And you really can’t beat the price point either.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 10-13 | Materials: Bamboo, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Mid Length

Bonobos

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Made from lightweight jersey material with a cushioned footbed, we’re digging Bonobo’s Soft Everyday socks. The style features a mesh ventilation and comes in nine fresh colors (including the classics), so you can stock up on several shades. And at $15 a pair, there’s really no reason not to.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: M-L | Materials: Pima Cotton, Polyester, Spandex | Length: Calf Length

Bloomingdale's

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Another brand favorite from our experts, this Falke Tiago cotton blend comes in an array of color choices that will suit any formal occasion. Featuring extended cuffs for a “wrinkle-free fit” made from fine mesh and fil d’Écosse cotton, this style is reinforced for general wear and tear and has a two-layer sole construction. While the classic black is a no-brainer, the light rosa shade would make for a subtle statement sock.

Price at time of publish: $31

Size: 39-50 | Materials: Cotton, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Mid Calf

CDLP

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If you’re going to invest in a set of formal socks, this mid-length, Italian-made style from CDLP is a deal. Constructed from natural bamboo (the go-to fabric choice of our experts) with neutral color options and a reinforced toe and heel, the breathability makes it ideal for any season.

Price at time of publish: $85

Size: 39-46 | Materials: Bamboo, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Mid-Length

Bloomingdale's

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“Known for their distinctive British style, Paul Smith offers a variety of dress socks with bold patterns, stripes, and playful details,” says Appelt. “Their socks are made from high-quality materials and edgy designs that elevate without too much effort.” We’re loving the quirky pattern and colorful palette of these crew socks to add a little bit of fun to your outfit.

Price at time of publish: $18

Size: One Size | Materials: Organic Cotton, Polyamide, Polyester, Elastane | Length: Crew Length

Pantherella

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Made from high-quality, soft Egyptian cotton with an ultra-sleek diamond jacquard design, these socks make a statement without being overwhelming or obnoxious. They’re classic, sleek, and stylish, complete with a soft grip comfort top with extra stretch to prevent marking. We especially love the trend-forward, earth-toned shades that pair well with just about any formal look.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: S-L | Materials: Egyptian Cotton, Nylon | Length: Standard/Long Anklet

Happy Socks

View On Happysocks.com

“Happy Socks offers a wide range of colorful and patterned dress socks,” says Appelt. “Their designs are vibrant, playful, and have unique patterns. These socks are great for adding a touch of personality to a formal look.” Their Sail Away design offers just the right amount of color pop and would look great with cool-toned accents and suits.

Price at time of publish: $16

Size: 36-46 | Materials: Cotton, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Calf Length

CDLP

View On Cdlp.com

For a low-cut look with loafers, we’re loving this 3-set by CDLP. Made in Italy with eco-friendly bamboo, the fitted construction should hold up over time (it has a reinforced fit), especially with the inner heel rubber grips.

Price at time of publish: $49

Size: 39-46 | Materials: Bamboo, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Low Cut

Ralph Lauren

View On Ralphlauren.com

This classic trouser trio comes in light beige, olive green, and khaki and will help add a subtle earth-toned hue to your look, especially if it matches your pocket square or tie. Each hue is off-set with a contrasting shade at the heel and toe and features Ralph Lauren’s signature embroidered pony above the ankle.

Price at time of publish: $24

Size: One Size | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Other fibers, Spandex | Length: Mid Calf

Bloomingdale's

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With nine trendy colors, including all the staples you’ll need for a formal event, these light, merino wool blend socks (with a cotton interior) from the German brand Falke feature a flat whipped seam for “pressure-free toes” and comfortability.

Price at time of publish: $29

Size: 39-44 | Materials: Virgin Wool, Cotton, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Calf Length

Paul Smith

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Rather than go overboard on patterns (which our stylists warn against for formal wear), opt for a timeless, subtle print instead. Made in Great Britain, these cotton-blend socks feature a colorful argyle print with seafoam green, red, and light blue hues at the ankle against jet black.

Price at time of publish: $30

Size: One Size | Materials: Cotton, Nylon | Length: Crew Length

Bloomingdale's

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For a more casual look, pair no-show socks with penny or horsebit loafers (but don’t wear them with a three-piece suit). You may be tempted to skip socks all together with loafers, but when it comes to dress wear (and to avoid a sweaty mess at the end of an evening), no-show socks are the way to go. These Cool Kicks by Falke come in four shades, including light gray and marine blue.

Price at time of publish: $21

Size: 35-41 | Materials: Polyester, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: No-Show (Exposed Ankle)

Tabio

View On Tabiousa.com

For a subtle color pop, try these pin dot socks made with mercerized cotton, which tends to reduce fabric shrinkage and retain dye longer. We’re loving the purple pin dot with black combo, as well as the navy blue. But the best part is, they’re made by skilled craftsmen using traditional old type knitting machines in Japan and the toe area is sewed one by one.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 7-12 | Materials: Cotton, Nylon, Polyurethane | Length: Knee length

Paul Smith

View On Paulsmith.com

If you lean on the indecisive, or just want to stock up, Paul Smith lets you pick your favorites in an eclectic roundup of patterns and colors. Choose from any of their hip designs, which range from bold stripes and motifs to solid color blocks. You can choose between a set of 3, 6, or 12.

Price at time of publish: $95 for set of 3

Size: One Size | Materials: Varies | Length: Calf Length

Paul Smith

View On Paulsmith.com

While the experts warn against going too bold for formal affairs, this signature striped sock by Paul Smith achieves a balanced approach. We’re low-key obsessed with the multi-colored stripe down the center and juxtaposed with solid black.

Price at time of publish: $35

Size: One Size | Materials: Organically Grown Cotton, Polyamide, Elastane | Length: Calf Length

Pantherella

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As part of the heritage brand’s “Tailored” luxury collection, the Baffin sock is made with 100 percent silk for a luxe combo of subtle sheen and comfortability. Perfect for formal wear, they’re crafted using a superfine gauge and Swiss ‘Tram’ silk for a shimmering appearance and breathability, and feature a smooth, nearly invisible toe-seam.

Price at time of publish: $47

Size: 10-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Standard/Long Anklet

Meet the Expert

Kim Appelt, a celebrity stylist and author of Style for Everybody, is one of Canada’s top fashion experts.
Bruce Russell, owner of Bruce Russell Events and former wedding reality TV host, designs world-class weddings and parties, including at New York City’s The Plaza Hotel and London’s iconic Savoy Hotel.

What to Look for in Men's Dress Socks

Fabric & Season

You want to think about when and where the wedding will take place and what type of fabric is best suited. For warm weddings, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep you comfortable while you dance the night away.

“I suggest eco-friendly bamboo yarn [like these CDLP’s Mid-Length Socks] or cotton. These are great for every season,” says Russell.

When it comes to the colder months, Appelt recommends going for merino wool, like Patherella’s Rutherford Socks, due to its softness and comfortability. “Wool is the best choice for winter socks because it’s so insulating. It adds warmth and helps regulate temperature, keeping your feet cozy in cold weather,” says Appelt.

You can also opt for cashmere socks, which are also breathable yet cozy. For an ultra-luxe look, try Pantherella’s Knightsbridge socks made with hand-finished, fine cashmere.

Length

While socks come in all lengths, Russell says mid-length are the way to go. “The socks should be high enough to not show any flesh when seated (check that your trouser length allows for this),” says Russell. “Mid-length also allows for you to push them down a little if your trousers are fitted or tapered in the leg/calf. Nobody wants to see the sock line through your tight pants!”

If you are wearing shoes that look best with no socks, like loafers, Russell recommends you still wear low-cut socks like Falke’s Cool Kicks. This way you can still protect your shoes while achieving that no-socks look.

FAQ

Should dress socks match your pants or shoes?

Here, our experts have varying approaches to the question, so it really comes down to your personal style. Russell prefers a matching sock-suit combo for formal settings, while Appelt says there’s wiggle room for some statement socks, too—depending on your personal style.
“You can wear bold patterned socks or opt for vibrant colors that complement or accentuate other elements of your outfit,” says Appelt.
Can you wear bold socks to a formal event?

While bold, fashion-forward socks are certainly up to your personal choice and style preference, our experts recommend against them for formal events, however color and patterns work well in more casual settings and during the summer months. “There’s a time and place [for statement socks] and I don’t think that a formal occasion is that place,” says Russell. “You don’t want the socks to be the center of attention—ever!”
What color dress socks should you wear with a tuxedo?

“When wearing a tuxedo, opt for black or midnight blue socks, always,” says Russell. “Falke are the best [like these Falke’s No. 9 Fil D’Écosse Mercerized Dress Socks].”

Why Trust Brides

Amber C. Snider is a NYC-based journalist specializing in lifestyle, travel, and design with bylines in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Fodor’s Travel, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Elle Décor, Town & Country, and more. Chances are, she’s probably buying a new bridesmaid dress for another wedding as you read this.

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