By Heather Johnston
In fashion, there has always been room for nostalgia…and it usually runs about 20 to 30 years behind. As we see more late 80s and early 90s fashion re-emerging, it is strangely wonderful to see the slouch sock coming back for round two, just with more of an edge!
In the 1980s, aerobics fashion was the craze, and to a huge extent. Even if you were not working out at that particular moment, you had to have your huge t-shirt, leggings, and either leg warmers or slouch socks on and ready to go. As a fashionable, hip girl in the 80s, it was a must to look like you just stepped out of Flashdance, and now, after a long hiatus, our favorite footwear is totally coming back in a fresh, new way.
Work-out fashion is alive and well. Just look at any American Apparel catalog and your local variety of hipsters, and you will see a colorful, vibrant assortment of sweat bands, oversized vintage 80s sweaters, Member’s Only Jackets, and of course, leggings. With leggings and tights being a major part of 2010’s consumer fashion repertoire, more and more chic ladies are turning to bulky footwear, like boots and slouch socks, to keep their feet warm, add color, and balance their look.
However, slouch socks are now not only for the ladies, but also for guys. In Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2010 collection, male models were seen sporting the retro footwear with plain oxford style shoes. Remember though, if you are a guy going after the slouch socks, do so tastefully, unlike the 80s; think of combining light-weight, solid white, black, or grey slouch socks with loafers or oxfords.
As for the ladies venturing out into the world of slouch socks, you have way more color and texture options. Thin, 100% cotton slouch socks are great for summer and aren’t too bulky at the ankle, so the thin variety can be easily paired with stylish sandals or ankle boots. In the winter, though, try the extra heavy, thick variety of slouch socks in a bold color with leggings, a huge sweater, and your favorite 80s mix-tape, knowing that your retro footwear is now the cutting edge.