Sure, you can do a whole wardrobe overhaul this fall, but why bother when there are plenty of tricks that make clothes look (and feel) instantly new? One such short cut is the knee sock. A key element on Prada’s runway for fall 2007 and still reinventing themselves now, knee highs are a low-budget way to look dialed in—without the fashion editor budget.
Model: Prada F/W 07
Tally Ho
Why wear plain knee highs when you could sport Nine West Preppy Plaid Knee Highs (1) ($7)? These sporty socks would look just as good at that fox hunt as they would in the office.
All’s Wellie That Ends Wellie
J.Crew calls them their Tricolor Stripe Knee High Wellie Socks (2) ($14), but they’re so cute we can’t imagine why you’d want to hide them under wellies. Show your true stripes with these knee highs in a cotton-nylon blend.
Shall We Dance?
We feel like kicking up our heels just by looking at these Jonathan Aston Dance Lessons Petal Lace Knee High Socks (3) ($7 on sale). What an excellent way to sport black lace for fall—without the high price tag.
No Man’s Band
Admit it: The worst thing about wearing traditional stocking knee highs is that boa-constrictor-like band that cuts off all circulation to your legs. Now your gams can breathe freely with Hue’s No Band Knee High (4) ($6). We’ve already seen this basic black pair on the streets.
I Can’t Believe They’re Not…
These Urban Outfitters Ombre Knee Highs (5) ($10) are so trippy, it’s hard to believe they’re not Prada crossed with Lacroix. Pair them with surrealist heels and you’ll be ready to hit Fashion Week.
Detention Time
Put the badass in your schoolgirl look with these Skull Striped Knee High Socks (6) ($7.75). The length may be in uniform, but the sentiment definitely isn’t.
Sweet Innocence If you liked Sandy better before she donned those black leather pants, you’ll be hopelessly devoted to these Mod Cloth Sandra Dee Socks (7) ($9.99). So great, it’s hard to buy just two.
