Patrick Range McDonaldThe no-sock look with shoes has been popular with men for a while now, but we'd like take things another way and pay homage to the wonderfulness of socks, especially how they can add a little flair to your ensemble.
Not to drop names, but I got the idea of wearing colorful, eye-catching socks from the film director John Waters, who's something of a fashionista. When a colleague and I interviewed him last fall, he noticed Waters' cool socks and asked where he got them. Waters raved about the British fashion designer Paul Smith.
A few days later, I went online and bought a whole bunch for myself, and I've been getting compliments ever since. I also like wearing them — they're comfortable and fun. Here are my favorites — all by Paul Smith.
Socks by Paul Smith; Credit: Patrick Range McDonald
These socks always pop out, especially with jeans and dark shoes. You can be wearing all black and looking gloomy as hell, but these socks will still make people smile. They show you've got a playful side.
Credit: Patrick Range McDonald
I love this pair because they have a subtle mis-matchy thing going on. Many people won't pick up on it, but that's part of the fun. When I wear them, I feel as if I'm walking around with my own private joke on display, waiting to see who's clever enough to notice and say something.
Credit: Patrick Range McDonald
I'm not much for sparkles and dress somewhat conservatively, but for some reason I bought them anyway. It was a good decision. People just dig sparkles, and I get to take a sartorial risk that's within my comfort zone.
Credit: Patrick Range McDonald
There's nothing like a good pair of red socks. They always stand out, and they're the old standby for whenever you want to shake things up a bit with sock colors. This pair are extremely soft and comfortable. They make me feel special, as any cool socks should.
Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com. For more arts news follow us on Twitter at @LAWeeklyArts and like us on Facebook.
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