What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Our Favorite Style Tips

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Knee high socks are a cute way to keep your legs warm during cold days. For styling tips, check out our guide on what to wear with a pair of knee-high socks!

One fashion trend that has stayed timeless and true over the years is the iconic knee high socks. We have pop icon Britney Spears and “Clueless” movie character Cher Horowitz to thank for the popularity that these socks got in the late ’90s.

In addition to knee socks, schoolgirl uniforms have also become somewhat of a fashion trend itself. In recent pop culture, school uniforms were no longer drab and dreary – they were now preppy and chic thanks to Gossip Girl.

The formula for a fashion-forward look? Pleated skirt + blazer + knee socks + oxford shoes or Mary Janes.


Knee high socks can be a great addition to your wardrobe, especially in the cold months. They’re also a great addition to your light academia/dark academia outfit!

Knee high socks can be worn with a variety of different outfits, and can add a touch of personality to any look. In this article, we will discuss what shoes and bottoms to wear with knee high socks to create a fashionable and put-together outfit.

What To Wear With Knee High Socks

1. Mini Skirts

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Mini pleated black skirt
Get this mini skirt on Princess Polly

One of our favorite ways to style knee socks is to wear it the classic way – with a short skirt. This is a great look if you’re going for a casual outfit, and it’s a great way to show off your knee socks while still looking stylish and put-together.

When it comes to short skirts, we find that the best styles are pleated and A-line (skater) skirts. You can also opt to wear a long coat with this outfit for a perfect layered look.

2. Pencil Skirts

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Plaid pencil skirt with black sweater
Get this skirt on Princess Polly

Another a classic and timeless style perfect for everyday wear is the pencil skirt. This is a good idea if you don’t want to wear flowy mini skirts.

Wearing a pencil skirt with long socks and black tights is a great way to add some extra warmth without sacrificing style – plus, it’s a pretty chic and mature look!

If you’re wearing a pencil skirt, consider pairing it with knee high socks in a contrasting color. This will create an interesting visual effect and help break up the monotony of an all-black outfit.

3. Shorts

Short black shorts
Get these shorts on Lulus

Shorts are is a great option for those days when you want to show off your legs but still stay warm. Pairing short shorts with black knee-high socks is also a good way to add some personality and twist to the rest of your outfit.

One of the best ways to make this look a bit edgier is to wear it with a black leather jacket.

If you’re wearing shorts or a mini skirt, make sure that your socks are the same color as your bottoms. This will create a cohesive look and help your legs look longer.

4. Mini Dresses

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: White dress with long sleeves
Get this dress on Lulus

Of course, who could forget mini dresses? Mini dresses are ideal to pair with knee socks or thigh-high socks as they will be able to show off your legs without obstructing the socks.

For an ideal schoolgirl look, go for a mini dress with long sleeves.

5. Sweater Dresses

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Burnt orange sweater dress
Get this dress on Pink Lily

This is a unique look for those cold fall/winter days when you want to show off your knee high socks but still stay warm.

Pairing a sweater dress with knee high socks is also a good way to add some personality and style to your outfit.

Best Shoes To Wear With Knee High Socks

1. Mary Janes

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Mary Jane shoes
Get these shoes on ASOS

If you’re going for a preppy look, one of the best shoes to wear with knee socks are Mary Janes. The best part is that they come in different styles and heel heights – flat, heeled, or platform. If you want an added height boost, go for platform Mary Janes for a girly and whimsical look.

If you’re wearing a mini dress or sweater dress, pair your socks with Mary Jane shoes or heels for a sultry and elegant look.

2. Combat Boots

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Black combat boots
Get these shoes on ASOS

For a tough and edgy look, we totally recommend wearing combat boots, especially if you’re wearing a mini skirt or a pair of short shorts. You can also do this with sheer black tights instead.

3. Pumps

Rhinestone encrusted silver pumps
Get these shoes on Lulus

For a sophisticated and elegant look, we recommend high heels in the style of pumps.

This glamorous shoe style will go great with skirts and dresses, but not with shorts please – this combination can look quite juvenile!

4. Ankle Boots

What To Wear With Knee High Socks: Black suede ankle boots
Get these boots on ASOS

Pro tip: wearing black socks with a pair of black ankle boots can also give the illusion of knee-high boots.

This is the perfect choice for a cute fall/winter look, or if you just want to look like a character out of Gossip Girl.

5. Sneakers

White chunky sneakers
Get these sneakers on Lulus

For something very casual and dressed down, we recommend pairing your knee high socks with chunky white sneakers.

This look is perhaps one of the most popular outfit ideas for a modern, contemporary preppy schoolgirl look.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are knee high socks only for the colder season?

No, knee high socks can be worn year-round, especially sheer mesh socks. However, they are more commonly associated with the colder season because they help keep your legs warm.

Do I have to wear a skirt or dress to pull off knee high socks?

You don’t have to wear a skirt or dress to pull off knee high socks. You can also wear them with shorts!

Are knee high socks in style for 2022?

There is no definitive answer, as fashion trends are constantly changing. However, the preppy aesthetic is very much in, and knee high socks definitely play their part in the look. So it’s safe to say that they will likely still be in style for 2022.

How can I make my legs look longer when wearing knee high socks?

If you want to make your legs look longer, make sure that the socks are the same color as your bottoms. This will create a cohesive look.

Final Thoughts

Knee highs are a fun and stylish way to keep your legs warm during the winter, but don’t let this stop you from wearing them in the summer months too – just change make sure your top is light and airy.

With so many different ways to style them, they are sure to become one of your favorite wardrobe staples. We hope that this article has inspired you to experiment with different ways to wear knee high socks – stay warm and stylish!

We hope you found this style guide helpful! If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration, check the posts down below.

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