Socks and Heels

I'll take you back to the 2004 Autumn Winter Collection where Socks and Heels were worn on the Cacharel, Marni and Dior Runways. We were told back then by 'Vogue' that this style was going to be a massive hit! I'm not sure about you, but I hadn't seen anybody in person donning the 'short sock' with heels look over the past few years until very recently. Yes people have been wearing 'over the knee socks' for a while, but short socks? Not so much.

Everybody has a their own unique style nowadays, street fashion quite simply isn't as structured and regimented as it used to be and I love that. People aren't afraid to be quirky and experiment with different genre's of dress such as Vintage, Retro, Brick Lane, Punk, Festival, Rock n Roll, ... (I could go on for a while). Perhaps this is why Socks and Heels fit in so well now in 2008 as opposed to 2004. Or perhaps it's just another case of designers doing their job rather well and foreseeing the trend waaay ahead of us mere mortals.

So, how to wear it on the Street?

Wearing socks and heels with a dress or something pretty can look kind of 'bobby-sock' Lolita cute as Peaches Geldof does it. Don't be too afraid though, the 'Lolita look' is totally in at the moment with the likes of Alexa Chung confessing that Lolita is one of her favourite icons and stating she loves dressing like a child: 'I'm dressed like a five-year-old' she said in her interview with the Telegraph .

If cute is definitely not your thing, then you can do as Chloe Sevigny does here and team socks and heels up with a bit of Vintage, Rock or Retro gear producing a quirky yet undoubtedly stylish look.

As with any trend, you need to adapt it to your own individual style to get a result that you feel comfortable with. There aren't many boundaries as to which style shoe you can wear with socks - though I personally wouldn't wear the pointed court shoe with socks. This is a great day or night time look, so I say go to town with it (try different colour socks and outfits), don't analyze it too much, as long as you feel comfortable and confident I'm sure you'll look great!

Cacharel, Marni and Dior runway 2004

Marilyn Manson's flame and beauty Evan Rachel Wood looks gorgeous in socks and heels

Adventurous Agyness wears her socks with Oxfords, though I'm sure I'd have been able to find a photo somewhere with Agy wearing heels and socks!

Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girls) looks stunning pictured here with Polka Dot Socks and cute Red Heels. The stylists imagination pulled off here!

Festival-wear

Two of the biggest Festivals this summer are over, but thankfully we still have three big festivals to look forward to! Creamfields (23-25th Aug), Reading (23-25th Aug) and Besitval on the Isle of White (5-7th Sept).

With British weather and rustic camping to contend with, you may find it a little tricky to dress accordingly without losing your sense of style, so I’m here to help!

Seeing the likes of Sienna Miller, Kelly Osborne, Ferne Cotton Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss (to name just a few of my favourite festival junkies) looking comfortably stylish and chic in festival snapshots has made festival wear a new, unique style of its own which doesn’t necessarily need to be restricted to festivals anymore. Festival style clothing is comfortable, refreshing and non restrictive. People tend to push their own personal boundaries a little with a happy blend of hippy, bohemian, retro, nu-rave and emo... anything goes. We’re now seeing plenty of festival inspired clothing on the street, so even those who don’t plan to attend any of the upcoming festivals - read on for a little fashion inspiration.



Dresses are a super easy, simple and comfortable option for festivals. They also add a little glamour and femininity for those who choose to go it au-natural (sans make-up). Amongst a huge selection of great dresses at Asos, I found this lovely ditsy print dress which would be a perfect dress for any festival (£55).

Click to buy: Link to item

This type of dress would look fantastic teamed up with a brown waist-belt and thick black tights. I also found this gorgeous long knitted waistcoat at Miss Selfridge (shop online at http://www.misselfridge.com) for a hippy, boho ‘Sienna’ look (and to add little warmth).

Click to buy: Link to item

If shorts are more your style, Topshop (http://www.topshop.com) and ASOS (http://www.asos.com) have a fantastic choice, from high waisted ‘Mischa Barton style shorts’ to hipster ‘Kate Moss style’ hot pants. I love these eye catching turquoise coloured hot pants (£25); coloured denim is tipped to be a very popular trend this season!

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For a relaxed, dressed-down but funky festival style, I’m also loving these logoed t-shirts from ‘Junk Food’s’ latest range as seen recently on Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

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To keep warm in the evenings, I suggest either a trendy warm hoodie or a lightweight jacket. You’ll find a decent selection on the high street, but this Animal Print Bomber from New Look is our favourite at just £20.

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A sensible bag is a definite ‘must’ at a Festival, something stylish yet practical, which will allow you to dance to your hearts content without losing your valuables. Messenger styles are the most appropriate, and we just adore this gorgeous Woven bag from ASOS.

Click to buy: Link to item

For the Nu-raver’s amongst you, bum-bags are the way forward, and Topshop have delivered, offering them in both blue and pink for £15.

That’s the clothes sorted, now lets talk wellies! If you prefer a plain pair of Wellies, then Hunter’s are the way to go, seen on the likes of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. This year they have launched their new ‘Festival’ range retailing at £75.

For the more fun-loving festivalgoer who wants something a little special to splash around the mud in we love these Babycham Wellies (£29.99 at dr shoes)

If wellies really aren’t your thing then how about these leather boots from Topshop? You could even team them up with your favourite pair of knee high socks.

Click to buy:Link to item

Of course, no festival outfit would be complete without your favourite pair of sunnies and plenty of good accessories. We love these Jeepers Peepers in candy colours (£12) and this leopard print scarf from Oasis to keep you warm. (£20)

For the perfect Festival outfit, dress comfortably, fields and stilettos do not mix! And remember layering is key!

Post written by:
Alexa Gilbert
(London College of Fashion)