The Biggest Trend in Socks Is Shockingly Simple

When it comes to wearing socks and shoes, the possibilities are endless. Especially because nowadays, it seems like every celebrity has their own sock line or sneaker collab (or both—probably both). And for years we've been telling you that the easiest, quickest way to add a splash of any suited-up or casual look is with a pair of colorful, cozy socks. But this season, it seems like all of the cool kids are ditching color completely by wearing black shoes—whether they're high-fashion sneakers or slick dress shoes—with plain black socks for a super-clean, gothic-leaning look like the brings out the sophisticated minimalist in everyone. But there's a fresh, young way to do it that will keep you from falling into boring old guy territory. Here's 3 insanely simple things you need to know about sporting the insanely simple combo.

1. The rest of your outfit should be monochromatic, too.
It kind of defeats the purpose of being minimal if you wear plaid pants and a pattern blazer. Instead, opt for plain gray, navy, or black trousers, and jackets in the same color family, too.

2. Wear pants that fall just above the ankle.
The reason black-on-black looks so sharp is because it creates a solid color from the tip of your toes to your ankle, as opposed to the warmer months of the year when your (hopefully not pasty) ankles are so often exposed to the world.

3. Jeepers, Creepers!
Black wing tips are an unimpeachable piece of footwear, but for the black-on-black look, you want footwear that leans more Matrix than Motown. Pick up a pair of creepers, which have all the sophistication of regular dress shoes but the rock star energy of a Chelsea boot.