Stylist: Anahita Moussavian
Hair and Makeup: Jillian Halouska for Warren Tricomi
Alexander Wang blazer, $595 at shopbob.com
Ruffle front top, $48 at anntaylor.com
Floral print lace skirt, $70, pearl necklace with pendant, $40, and “Paige” buckle wedges, $180, all at Topshop, 478 Broadway
Hue socks, $6 at Macy’s (Jonathan Baskin)
It’s the latest in socks appeal.
Once the sole province of middle-aged German tourists, New York women are now stepping out in bunchy socks paired with strappy sandals.
Designers like Burberry, Miu Miu and Prada kicked off the trend months ago when they sent their models down spring/summer catwalks in the sock-sandal combo. But no one thought it would catch on — until celebrities like Kelly Osbourne and Chloe Sevigny recently hit the streets sporting the look.
Now many trendsetting women in NYC are falling for this latest foot fetish. Others, however, remain unconvinced — sure, it’s comfortable, they argue, but is it stylish?
Two of The Post’s fashionistas argue for and against this pedi issue.
DON’T!
By RAAKHEE MIRCHANDANI
There are things that just don’t belong together — steak and ketchup, Bobby and Whitney, and socks and sandals. Blech.
Early adopters and trend slaves — surely the same people who are finger-swiping on their iPads as they read this — have already embraced this peculiar pairing favored by designers like John Galliano, Anna Sui and Alexander Wang in their Spring 2010 runway shows. You might think, “But Chloe Sevigny did it!” or “It’s featured in the Topshop window!” Exactly. And they look ridiculous, too.
Instead of appearing as effortlessly adorable as you had hoped — whimsical and quirky like you walked right out of the J.Crew spring catalog — the overall effect of knitted bits peeping through your sandals seems a little pathetic, like you’ve been planning your outfit all week.
In the movie “The Last Emperor,” designer Valentino says, “An evening gown that reveals a woman’s ankles while she’s walking is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen.”
He’s right. Ankles are disgusting. Accentuating and cutting them off with a sock, possibly the unsexiest accessory available, is style suicide. And will make your legs look fat.
Although this might make me wildly unpopular (I’m 28 and too old for this “trend”), it has to be said: If you’re in your early 20s, do what you want.
Youth is both impossibly foolish and exceptionally adorable. If you’re closer to your 30s (or older), save yourself the embarrassment and stick with a sexy pair of tights or bare legs. Fashion trends — even fake ones — have expiration dates.
DO!
By ANAHITA MOUSSAVIAN
Rock the sock: That’s my motto for spring.
I fell hard for the socks-and-sandals trend a while ago, and have already paired my fave Rebecca Taylor floral-printed heels with a lace-trimmed pair of American Apparel socks.
That said, this trend has to be executed just right if you don’t want to land a spot on Glamour’s “don’t” page.
For all of you stylish skeptics who’ll give the trend a go, start from the bottom up. Socks should be a neutral shade (think gray or blush) and midcalf. Scrunch them in a casual, nonperfect way, and pair them with a funky pair of black, strappy heels. A day shoe is a must — this trend should not be tried at a formal affair.
Next, the clothes: Combine a feminine, full-skirted frock with a fitted blazer or leather jacket. This boy-meets-girl look will balance out what’s happening south of your knees. Do not try this look at the office unless you work in a casual environment. Skirt suits with socks are a definite no.
Trends are fleeting, but style is all about the perfect balance between fashion and function. Get a kick out of trying something new, which will also protect your toes from that dreaded, new-sandal bite.
So now. Go forth and rock.