Sock it to me: Novelty Socks to Sexy Fishnet

No, they are not just for wearing with sneakers anymore. Novelty socks in punchy prints or seductive fishnets and lace give an updated twist to every style shoe from sneakers to stilettos.

By Stacia Friedman

Updated Sept. 23, 2025

DRESS ’EM UP

For a very sexy summer look, consider Wolford’s Net Socks, worn with heels as high as you dare. $20 at Bergdorf’s. A kitten heel will make you purr with its sling-back comfort and pointy toes. In black leather, natural fabric or grey faux lizard and a 2.5″ heel. See similar at Macy’s.

Pale patterned socks with nude wedge shoes (above left). And have you noticed how great ankle socks look with strappy sandals? (center) Isola’s Petra Strappy Studded Wedge Sandal in natural. See similar at Bloomingdales. And, in a barely-there cream color, Mini Dots Mesh Socks by Darner, $38.

WEAR ’EM WITH FLATS

Slip into a classic, yet modern loafer by Marc Joseph (center). In buttery soft perforated calf leather with cushioned footbed, leather and 3/4 inch stacked heel, it looks spiffy with tailored casual clothes or jeans. In Ash and other colors. $185 at Marc Joseph. Paired with Hue’s Jean Sock in white or grey, $9.

…OR CHUNKY HEELS

Casual shoes with a chunky heel look great with ankle socks. Happy Socks Parrot Sock, $16 (out of stock, check Happy Socks for others). Stay down to earth in Pikolinos (center). This hand-stitched, flexible, calf leather shoe comes in natural or navy, see Pikolinos for similar. Pikolinos is an ethical, environmental Spanish shoe company that uses vegetable-tanned leather, water-based inks, dissolvent-free glues and biodegradable soles. Tip Top Shoes in NYC carries additional Pikolinos styles. Pair them with Ozone’s Floral Wave Sock, $20 (right), see here for similar styles. Sewn with long-fiber, Fair Trade cottons. And check out Ozone’s blog.

CLOGS OF COURSE

Clogs were made for socks—there’s even a Pinterest Board celebrating it. Above, Leather Peep Toe Clogs, $135 by Lisa B. who’s headquartered in Honesdale, Pennsylvania and “brings to the marketplace a responsibly sourced, quality product that is lovingly crafted in small batches.” Their Diamond+Birdseye Cotton Shortie Socks (See here for similar) are lovely too. In many colors, $28.

PLATFORM SNEAKERS

The good news about platform sneakers? They put an extra inch of rubber between your feet and the pavement, taking pressure off your knees and back. They also add height without the instability of heels for a longer, leaner look. (Above) Vans Platform Sneaker, a classic canvas kick for $75, paired with some Beatles Socks, $9-18. (See all the Beatles Socks at Happy Socks.)

The bad news? Your old running shoes don’t cut it anymore. The higher the platform, the better. For instant comfort try the Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker (below right) with a sophisticated street look. $100 at Nike. Stance makes quality socks and during a collaboration with Disney’s The Lion King, Simba was born (below, top right). $18. See Stance for similar. More Happy Socks below left, Filled Optic Sock, $16.

STILL KICKIN’…MORE SOCKS

Dressy: Keep high heels in mind when you look at Hue’s Diagonal Gingham Sheer Socks in black for just $8.50. And check out Swedish Stockings Ines Shimmery Socks in black, taupe, rose dawn, or olive green, $30. And remember, all shoes, especially stilettos, feel better with socks.

Casual Cotton: Add a pop of color to your daytime footwear with Sweet Strawberries in red, green and white cotton blend. $15 at The Sock Dreams. Or by Conscious Step, socks that save animals! Choose your animal for $16. One last word about cotton socks. They prevent blisters!

Note: If you love sandals, wedges and heels from years past with worn soles or loose straps, take them to a shoemaker to update—and have a healthy, happy summer.

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Stacia Friedman is an award-winning freelance journalist who writes for regional and national publications.

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