Lucinda Chambers and Consuelo Castiglioni
As you know, we always encourage our readers to dress exactly as they please – age appropriate or otherwise. Who are we to judge – although Carole Vordeman might want to think about moving away from the bandage dresses at some point soon and I draw the line at Onesies!
As M&S’s new “thing” is all about dressing independent women who know what they want (maybe they have been listening to us), and we are very independent women, I feel it’s my duty to draw your attention to a ridiculously inappropriate trend, that requires you to dress like a five year old.
I first saw this look while stalking Lucinda Chambers at Fashion week. Anywhere Lucinda is, I will be lurking somewhere in the background, taking style notes. She was wearing head to toe Marni (not that I was looking closely!) accesorised with a pair of ankle socks and kitten heels.
Consuelo Castiglioni (Marni designer) and Miuccia Prada are also fans of an ankle sock, both on themselves and the catwalk, so seeing Lucinda (like I know her) in them, confirmed this as a must try look.
Skirt length and shoe shape are crucial to getting this right. Skirts must be either just below the knee or mid calf and don’t try it with culottes or city shorts (as seen below) as this could look a bit Arkela, or public schoolboy on his first day at Charterhouse.
Shoes should be very obvioulsy fashionable in order to give the impression you know what you are doing – a pair of the latest Sophia Webster kitten heels and a nude ankle sock, says new seasons fashionista – not nan wearing pop socks with her slippers!
It is possible to wear ankle socks and flats, but the flats should be restricted to brogues, Dr Martins or chunky creeper styles, anything more delicate is in danger or looking too five year old in a party outfit.
I realise this look isn’t for everyone and could perceived as “tricky”. After all not everyone lives in an urban environment where the general public will “get it”- particularly on a 50 year old.
I however, am undeterred and will be pairing my fluorescent pink socks with my kitten heels and to Hell with the consequences. Fashion is after all, fun and I simply wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t get a few odd looks every day!
im guilty
When I was growing up in the ’50s/early ’60s, there were still a few women around wearing what I assume was a style left over from the ‘make do’ war years – suit jacket over cotton dress, ankle socks with sandals or flat shoes. Ugly then, ugly now – I’ll get my fun elsewhere!
NOOOOO, please no. Never have and never will work for anyone over the ageof 9.
And `I bet you look fab Jane. Oh come on Rosemary and Lindsey – you know you want to?
Jx
I’m another in the just-walk-away from it camp – downright ugly (unless it’s Dame Viv, she is a fashion goddess and can wear anything she wants!).
M
It’s not the inappropriateness that bothers me, it’s the ugliness. I cannot find this appealing in any way. If the shoes are pretty, let them be seen. If your feet and legs are cold, wear something else :)
Haha Tiffany – I think that’s where I go wrong, Pretty is not in my vocab J x
I think the problem is the flesh coloured socks pictured – too Nora Batty for me!
Shorter and more feminine are great :)
I decided to wear ankle socks today for the first time. I felt fashionable,modern,comfortable & fun! I received several compliments as well. I believe this fashion trend is a statement against what women have done for decades, forcing ourselves to “look” our best (or look sexy for someone else) with tight, restrictive hosiery & toe crushing shoes. Come on ladies, lighten up, relax & choose comfort & fun. It’s a crisp look for fall as well. Try it, you just might LIKE it (Some of the pics shown were examples of what NOT to do, right)? I’ll stick to brogue shoe styles with my ankle socks!