What do ‘millennial socks’ refer to and do they go against the latest fashion norms?
Crew socks have become a Gen Z staple, adding a visible flair to outfits, while millennials continue to favor the subtle, sleek appeal of ankle socks. (Image by arrangement)
Crew socks are the way forward. Just remember to scrunch them down a little for that perfect laid-back look. Ankle socks, previously invisible under sneakers and loafers, are now a thing of the past. Currently, visibility is in focus, with Gen Z taking the lead. Regarding the trend war, the Wall Street Journal observed, “This new wave of young crew-sock fans insist the higher, the better.”
NYC-based actor, Kalissa Persaud is a typical Gen Z member who won’t be caught in short socks. She wears crew socks that reach her calves almost always, saying, “I’ve gotten so used to not seeing my ankles that it would be jarring if I did.”
Ankle socks remain the top choice for millennials, who go for convenience. but for the Gen Z group, crew socks are a must-have item.
NOBODY’S READY TO GIVE IN
Wearing socks that stop below the shin is deemed unacceptable by those born after 1996. On social media, the division is evident. Catching sight of an exposed ankle could lead to an agile conclusion: “Definitely a millennial,” accompanied by a roll of the eyes and a shrug. And a person wearing crew socks with anything other than the newest streetwear will be branded as outdated. Each party stands firm, with the fashion industry trying to anticipate which side will blink first.
Ankle socks remain the top choice for millennials, who go for convenience. but for the Gen Z group, crew socks are a must-have item.
NOBODY’S READY TO GIVE IN
Wearing socks that stop below the shin is deemed unacceptable by those born after 1996. On social media, the division is evident. Catching sight of an exposed ankle could lead to an agile conclusion: “Definitely a millennial,” accompanied by a roll of the eyes and a shrug. And a person wearing crew socks with anything other than the newest streetwear will be branded as outdated. Each party stands firm, with the fashion industry trying to anticipate which side will blink first.
After bringing back the millennial side part at the GLAAD Media Awards, Jennifer Lawrence was seen wandering through New York wearing a pair of ‘millennial socks’. Lawrence paired them with The Row’s Lucca moccasins and a school-girl miniskirt, along with a leopard print Mehry Mu bag and a Tiffany & Co. link station necklace.
SHOWING SHIN IS CHIC
Comedian Matt Bellassai summed up the millennial view in a TikTok video. “I just need Gen Z to understand that, in the early 2000s, showing lower shin was incredibly chic and elegant and the height of fashion,” he said, adding, “Anybody who wore crew socks was a dirty nerd who deserved pity and ridicule and shame.”
A DAILY DILEMMA
SHOWING SHIN IS CHIC
Comedian Matt Bellassai summed up the millennial view in a TikTok video. “I just need Gen Z to understand that, in the early 2000s, showing lower shin was incredibly chic and elegant and the height of fashion,” he said, adding, “Anybody who wore crew socks was a dirty nerd who deserved pity and ridicule and shame.”
A DAILY DILEMMA
But the choice between ankle and crew socks has unexpectedly become a daily dilemma, leading us to explore why this seemingly trivial decision has turned into a modern fashion quandary.
The dissension underscores how even minor fashion choices can reflect deeper generational divides and evolving attitudes toward self-expression, notes fashion expert, Somwya Sharma. “Ankle socks and no-show styles were previously the stealthy pick; today’s trendsetters unabashedly display their crew socks. They’re better than simply a utilitarian accessory for Gen-Z. They’re a potent tool for elevating an outfit and asserting one’s identity. Meanwhile, millennials, who still prefer the sleek, basic appearance of ankle socks may find themselves at odds with this new fashion. The generational split indicates an intriguing design evolution,” she says.
NO-SHOW SOCK? YOU GOTTA BE A MILLENNIAL
NO-SHOW SOCK? YOU GOTTA BE A MILLENNIAL
The fuss over socks has been brewing since at least October when podcaster Phoebe Parsons in a widely viewed TikTok video labelled ankle-height socks as a clear sign of age. In the video, she holds up her foot, showing off her no-show sock, and says, “I’m a millennial.”
Since then, the divide has only grown. Singer Billie Eilish, 22, made headlines at the 2024 Golden Globes with her bold red crew socks, while basketball star Angel Reese, also 22, sported tall socks with both sneakers and heels in a photo shoot.
CREW CURIOUS
CREW CURIOUS
While many on both sides of the generational divide play along with the jokes, the defenders of no-show socks and skinny jeans often take the younger generation’s rejection of their style choices more seriously. Some millennials are also curious about crew socks. 39-year-old podcast host Renee Reina Grenon, residing in Ontario, Canada, purchased a six-pack of crew socks on Amazon because she noticed they were trendy with Gen Z. She has also been pushing her husband to switch from ankle socks. She said, “I’m attempting to clarify that it’s no longer trendy.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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