During our one week of sunshine – in desperation to contemplate anything other than an endless parade of pernicious politicians and failing footballers – thoughts have turned, inevitably, to...
socks. And, more specifically, “millennial socks”. Older readers may know them as ankle socks: the little darlings that either just about hover into view above your trainers, or are actually invisible.
They are absolutely not to be confused with crew socks (also known as “zoomer socks”) which float halfway up your calves and are the exclusive preserve of older generations. Or, at least they were. In summer 2024, sock tribes have reshuffled, and now pesky young Gen Z’ers are eschewing the millennial sock to go long again.
This trend takes many forms: from the “worn with sandals” Gucci runway look to the sliders with white crew socks worn by footballers off the pitch. Now, celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence have been described by Vogue as brave for wearing the millennial sock. Of course, Taylor Swift was “going long” 10 years ago , but it was a trend that she soon shook off.
To be honest, I’m just grateful for any sock on male feet, which are so often bare. Last night at an outdoor concert, a decidedly unsheathed foot belonging to the man on the row behind me dangled worryingly near my head. Having my dress sense prescribed by millennial daughters (quite rightly, too) has meant I’ve weaned myself off crew socks.
That is, only when I’m wearing shorts – becaus.