Question about socks - probably the dumbest question ever put on this message board!
 

Ok, I know this is a really dumb question...but I'll ask it anyway....I heard once from someone that Europeans do not wear white socks (unless for playing sports). Also, that they actually think Americans look goofy in white socks. Is that true? <BR> <BR>I told you it was dumb...don't say I didn't warn you!

I don't know what Europeans think about white socks but i know they think americans are goofy for wearing tennis shoes period. They do only wear these for sports. <BR> <BR>Personally I live in the US and never wear white socks except with tennis shoes. I rarely wear tennis shoes either unless going to aerobics class or working out. My idea of very casual wear is jeans with a a nice sweater and medium/high heel black boots. the problem is I hear jeans aren't even worn that much in the cities of Europe!

Thanks for replying! When I dress casually in the fall and winter I wear the same thing, sweater, jeans, black or brown boots with a chunky heel. But I'm going to Europe in the summer and I usually wear summery skirts/dresses or shorts (which I hear that I shouldn't wear shorts into Museums or churches there...not like I do that here either though...). My problem is that I usually wear sandles and I can't imaging wearing them for hours and hours of walking. So I'll probably wear shoes that lace...(warning you...back to the dumb questions) what color socks am I supposed to wear???

Here are some people that can, should and do wear white socks: <BR> <BR>Tennis players <BR> <BR>Nurses <BR> <BR>People who wear white pants <BR> <BR>People with great looking tan legs, short shorts and classy looking athletic shoes <BR> <BR>Presidents with pasty white legs, too short shorts, and I dont remember what his shoes looked like <BR> <BR>Plumbers <BR> <BR>Emeril Lagasse <BR> <BR>Anyone who wants to <BR> <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Sure, whatever you say Rex. I agree with some....

Okay, I'm going to say this once and then be quiet. I know quite a few Europeans in cities. Many of them wear jeans and sneakers for casual wear. They are not teenagers. Perhaps they are not Parisian fashion plates, but they do live in cities ranging from Frankfurt to Perugia to Copenhagen to Edinburgh. And they generally have better things to worry about than what tourists wear on their feet.

I can only assume that those of you who claim that Europeans never wear tennis shoes and white socks have stopped over in European airports and never disembarked from the plane. Europeans DO wear tennis shoes (or trainers or athletic shoes or whatever each country calls them) and do wear white socks. Teens and college students wear a ton of the tennies, as well as a large cross-section of the population. The myth that Europeans don't wear tennis shoes may be the all-time stupidest assumption about Europeans ever created. For a hint, go study Nike's overseas sales statistics for the European market. <BR>And just don't get me started on Europeans not wearing jeans...God, you guys, get off the plane for once and walk around. It's not that different from the US.

thank you so much for putting me in my place Mickey. Apparently you need to go back and reread what I wrote. I do not want to look like an ugly American. So what! So I guess I'm a self absorbed little bitch for caring what other people think of me. I'm not obsessed with what I look like or how I dress but I do not like to look like an idiot either...so sue me.

Diva - what absolute rubbish.

Maybe I'm the only one on this board like that but yes I do like to be fashionable at all times and i will take your question seriously! <BR> <BR>Ang - I see your dilemma, I guess I hadn't thought about that. I went to <BR>England and Ireland this past June though and I'll tell you it was so cold there I wore long pants and jeans everyday so this wasn't a problem. (In June it was 55-65F evryday, I'm used to 80F by June!) <BR> <BR>Anyway, if you are going some place warm enough to wear shorts and skirts, I would suggest spending time on comfy sandals, they can be found otherwise maybe a pair of mules without socks? I guess if lace ups are the only choice, I sould go for come platforms athletic shoes, but they are white and yes I guess you would have to wear white socks, sorry I couldn't help more!

Thanks for your help Diva. I do appreciate it. We must be of the few on this board that actually cares about fashion.

Dear Ang, <BR>I don't think I insinuated that you were self-absorbed, but I think you just proved the "bitch" part on your own. <BR>Why are Americans so worried about appearing like...gasp, Americans? Guess what, you ARE Americans and no matter what you dress up in, you will still be an American. All you have to do is open your mouth and every European who knows English will assume that you are an American. And I ask you, what's wrong with that?

Ang, <BR> <BR>Be as fashionable as you want. That certainly won't make you an "ugly American". Speaking English might - - do you plan not to do that? <BR> <BR>No question about it, Europeans of every socioeconomic level wear all kinds of socks and shoes at various times. You haven't even mentioned what countries you are planning to visit (not on this thread, anyway), but I am guessing that you are going to some places where there are lots of tourists. From every country. And guess what - - they wear the same clothes when they travel to Europe that they wear in their respective countries. You will see Japanese wearing white socks, shaped to conform to their big toe. No one will call them ugly Japanese. Unless they have five cameras around their necks. <BR> <BR>And I wouldn't be surprised if Emeril wears his white socks in any restaurant or food market, or cathedral or museum he chooses to visit. It seems safe to assume that it is not what most people discuss with him, when they see him. <BR> <BR>If the lace-up shoes you plan to wear are lighter in color than a grocery bag, I think white socks will work. If you plan to wear platform athletic shoes from www.delias.com, as diva suggests - - and assuming you're not over 23 years old, then your socks can be anything they sell! <BR> <BR>If you wear pastel colored Ralph Lauren shirts, I bet you can find color color-coordinated socks. And socks do come in ecru, khaki, beige, cranberry, heather and a lot of other understated colors. <BR> <BR>Just think, you have six whole months to shop!

Yes Ang but you asked that dumb question, didn't you. <BR> <BR>Diva - come visit Europe, it's great!

I think I was deciding what color of socks I should wear myself by the time I was six years old.

Just wanted to thank everyone for bashing those of us who care about fashion. <BR> <BR>By the way, I have been to Europe and loved it! I am not some young airhead either! I am 30 years old and a professional (doctor) I just happen to care alot about this type of thing. Also just so you know I have shopped at Delia's before!

Regarding jeans - just as I have purged my closet of the Gap and Banana Republic, so have I of jeans. When the New York Times says denim is stylish then you know for sure it's not. Problem I'm having is finding dress casual pants that don't look as if I belong in the office or like some brainless fashionista victim (you know who you are) You would not believe how many people I see on the subway wearing white gym socks with dress shoes - talk about hickish (whoa doggidy - I'm in the big City!!!). Of course, I still remember being in Paris and seeing this fabuously dress woman (to the 9's) driving a rusted Yugo - I wish Americans could have such pinosh?-pinash?

christina - brilliant! <BR> <BR>Diva, Rick Steves lies! you can care all you like but I get the feeling you didnt look at many Europeans as (in your words) 'europeans think americans are goofy for wearing tennis shoes period'.

John, <BR> <BR>At last, something I actually know something about: words! <BR> <BR>Panache.

Ah, but there are those who say the only 'dumb' question is the unasked question. <BR> <BR>White socks or no? Whether 'tis better to opt for comfort or to forego the sneaker & HOSE altogether & risk the blister factor. I'm guessing the overall 'look' also includes shorts, with the tennis shoes & socks ??? <BR>I know you're not wearing dark pants & white socks. <BR> <BR>Well, since I always travel to Europe during spring or fall, I'm usually do not wear shorts at all -- and even when it's to a warm climate, I either prefer to wear a light weight slack or a skirt. <BR> <BR>From what I've seen in Italy, some do wear tennis shoes however not as many as you see in the States. As for the sock issue, I've never raised anyone's pant leg to get a really good look. Hmmm - maybe I need to be paying closer attention. <BR>

I spend part of the year in France, and you are right- most Europeans only wear white socks for working out. Otherwise, they wear dark socks or trouser socks- even with sneekers. However, you should wear what you feel most comfortable in. Most Europeans admire American style, even though they do some tings a littel diffrently. Fitting in is more about being polite- you know, saying please and thankyou, trying to speak the language, even just a little and trying not to draw attention to yourself- which I'm sure you already know :) <BR>If you wear sneekers w/ skirts 9and lots of French girls do this in a hip sort of way), I would recommend wearing those low-cut white socks that barely show abouve the top of the shoe. <BR>happy travels!!

Good question! Fun one, too! I have actually had my European friends "taking the piss" out of me re our white sock habit. It's was nevertheless a friendly jibe. But there are probably things they do that we notice we don't do as Americans...Fascinating, no? :P

I don't know about fashion, and Tony may scoff as much as he likes, but it is considered naff to wear white socks except for sport.<BR><BR>On the other hand, who gives a stuff?

A bit off-topic but... <BR> <BR>Right from the first years of post-war European emigration to Australia, we could always immediately tell a 'new Australian' in summer by the fact that they wore socks and sandals. And it is to this day still a giveaway. Socks and sandals = European. Where do Americans stand on this one?

Seems to me only German tourists wear socks with sandals. Those folks and guys who wear six or seven pens stuck into a plastic protector on the shirt pocket, wear thick glasses, have Brill-Kreme on their hair, and still use a slide rule. Nerds? You betcha.

This is pretty ironic. My husband and I just looked at a picture of the Berlin Marathon and thought the runners looked very odd in dark socks and running shoes. Go figure.

Of course Europeans know we are Americans (without even opening our mouths). But my favorite "shoes" are Teva sandals, dorky, clunky, out of style (I'm sure), but I can manoeuver cobblestones, wiggle my toes and I don't have to pack socks of any color.

Sheila - I dont believe I mention socks in any of my postings on this thread. Tennis shoes, yes, socks no. Actually I agree with you, white socks are naff unless playing sport. <BR> <BR>The only thing I scoff are pies. <BR> <BR>

ingin' pehs or bradies?

<BR> <BR>I have lived in England all my life. <BR> <BR>I do care about what I wear and how I look but not to the extent that some do. <BR> <BR>I dont personally care for the white socks look BUT (and here is the important bit)... <BR> <BR>Having lived here for 29 years I cant even say I have noticed what socks people wear with their trainers (sneakers)!!! <BR> <BR>I notice pink jogging suits, and glitzy gold embroidered Tshirts, and scarey hawaiian shorts... but what socks people are wearing? No. <BR> <BR>Ang, I do understand why you are asking, but if you feel confident about how you look that is what people will most likely notice. <BR> <BR>(As long as you dont go for the pink jogging suits, glitzy gold embroidered Tshirts, or scarey hawaiian shorts) <BR> <BR>:) <BR> <BR>Kavey

<BR>PS I was looking at my sister's feet these last few days... <BR> <BR>(She is THE most stylish person I know, she always looks good and up to date without being a fashion slave or always buying into the latest thing) <BR> <BR>And she wore those little sockettes under her trainers... the ones which make it look as if you arent wearing socks. She was wearing normal blue jeans and casual top. <BR> <BR>Kavey

Sheila, I'm partial to a bridie every so often. Bring along a half-loaf and some butter for extra calories/enjoyment.

In addition to what Kavey just said, I have a very trendy friend who always manages to look good without spending a fortune - on holiday this year she wore those little bitty socks that dont show above trainers, along with jeans. <BR>In the UK we do wear jeans and trainers (sneakers) but rather than blue jeans and white trainers most people I know prefer black jeans and black trainers or boots. I have a pair of black trainers but rarely wear them, I wear boots in the winter and sandals in the summer. Most women will wear sandals/mules in the summer. Cargo pants/combat trousers are very popular here, as are the denim or black capri cut-offs in the summer. As for shorts... well I dont know many people who would wear them apart from on a beach holiday or in their back garden.

Guys, <BR> <BR>PLEASE tell me you're not talking about the little sports socks with the pom-poms at the back!!! Ewwwwwww! <BR> <BR>I'm with Christina on all this!

Ang-- <BR>They make lots of sandals for walking--they're just a little klunky looking, but man, are they comfortable. Check out Rockport and Ecco--the one's with padded soles that look sorta like sneaker soles. I can't bear to wear lace-ups in the summer, they're just too hot.

Ang, <BR> <BR>I wouldn't worry about the white socks. If you want to feel like you at least "fit in." (I know I do) I would concern yourself with making sure that your clothes are crisp and neat...which, unfortunately is often difficult traveling out of a suitcase. But this is my best advise. I generally wear nuetral/dark clothing...no loud colors and patterns. I do this here in the US too. Also, should you choose tennis shoes and white socks (which you might as well since you will be walking so much) just be sure to change into "dressier" clothes for dinner. I'm not sure where you are travelling, but my experience is that in most countries people at least wear trousers to dinner...not jeans and sneakers. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps.

Ang, I was wondering how you intended to wear the white socks. If you want to look fashionable, then socks with sandals is a big no-no. If you are wearing them with trousers, then probably nobody would even be able to see the socks.

Actually, you've all missed the boat here. What is important is the percentage of cotton in the socks; not the color. Higher percentage of cotton in the ratio (usually with nylon) will help prevent blisters from the socks heating up while being in tennis shoes all day touring. Friction makes heat...as most men know.....don't ask them about color!

yup...

Ang <BR> <BR>Yes, in the UK, we have been known to laugh at people who wear white socks. The biggest fashion crime, however, is to wear white socks with smart trousers/shoes - white socks with jeans/trainers is a more sporty look, so that doesn't get laughed at. I sometimes wear white sports socks with my jeans (light blue) and light coloured trainers. <BR> <BR>We also laugh at people who wear socks with shorts/skirts and sandals. If I was wearing shorts, I'd have bare feet in either sandals or deck/beach shoes (like trainers/sneakers, but much less 'clumpy'). If I was wearing a skirt/dress, I'd either wear tights (hose?) and sandals (if I wanted to be a bit 'dressy'), or bare legs/feet and sandals/beach shoes. Socks with skirts or shorts are really not on!