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Bombas

The 20 Best Dress Socks to Elevate Any Formal Fit

When it comes to your next fancy event, you're going to need one of these pairs.

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If you think of socks as a nonessential piece of your outfit, you're wrong. Socks are the basis of your look, and the style you wear subtly sets the tone for how you're presenting yourself. Crew socks and ankle socks are great for, like, the gym or a casual occasion, but for a formal affair, they simply won't cut it. What you need peeking out from your loafers or dress shoes are a pair of dress socks.

On the daily, you can probably get away with wearing ankle socks or something chunky to walk the three blocks to get a cheesesteak and fries. But for formal shindigs ranging from weddings to dinners to business meetings, you need something right for the occasion, something elevated. This is basically the defining characteristic of dress socks: a pair that’s more refined than what you'd wear to your local deli. It could be made of silk, cotton, or wool; feature a pattern or come in neutral colors; have a textured surface or not. It just has to be, well, dressier.

  • Dressed Art Socks

    Best Art-Inspired Dress Socks

    Happy Socks Dressed Art Socks

    $23 at happysocks.com
    Read more
  • Ribbed Dress Socks

    Best Classic Dress Socks

    J.Crew Ribbed Dress Socks

    Read more
  • Airport Dress Socks

    Best Dress Socks for Traveling

    Falke Airport Dress Socks

    Read more
  • Danvers Ribbed-Knit Dress Socks

    Most Elegant Dress Socks

    Pantherella Danvers Ribbed-Knit Dress Socks

    Read more
  • Patterned Dress Socks (3-Pack)

    Best Striped Dress Socks

    Cole Haan Patterned Dress Socks (3-Pack)

    Read more

If you have plans to head somewhere fancy, or if you need to pair something with a suit and Oxfords, check out some of the best dress socks out there.

Best Art-Inspired Dress Socks

Happy Socks Dressed Art Socks

Dressed Art Socks
Best Art-Inspired Dress Socks

Happy Socks Dressed Art Socks

$23 at happysocks.com

A pair of socks, inspired by Duchamp’s fountain sculpture, that'll definitely put a smile on your face. They're from a brand called Happy Socks, after all.

ColorsBlue, Orange
Sizes39-46
Materials72% Cotton, 27% Polyamide, 1% Elastane
Best Classic Dress Socks

J.Crew Ribbed Dress Socks

Ribbed Dress Socks
Best Classic Dress Socks

J.Crew Ribbed Dress Socks

It really come as no surprise that J.Crew, purveyor of all things classic, offers some of the best, no-fuss dress socks around. This simple style is a perfect pair for jeans and loafers or dress pants and Oxfords alike.

Colors17
SizesOne Size
MaterialsCotton, Nylon

If you're the type of guy who still values dressing up for flights, just take a look at the name of these streamlined, thermal-regulation socks from Falke. Even when you kick your shoes off (we all do it), you'll still feel cozy.

Colors22
Sizes6.5-15
Materials60% Virgin Wool, 23% Cotton, 15% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
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Most Elegant Dress Socks

Pantherella Danvers Ribbed-Knit Dress Socks

Danvers Ribbed-Knit Dress Socks
Most Elegant Dress Socks

Pantherella Danvers Ribbed-Knit Dress Socks

Pantherella's socks are simple, elegant, and won't break the bank. This is basically the trifecta you need. Plus, with a cuffed top, they aren't going to be sliding down your calves all day.

ColorsBurgundy
SizesM-L
Materials70% Cotton, 30% Nylon
Best Striped Dress Socks

Cole Haan Patterned Dress Socks (3-Pack)

Patterned Dress Socks (3-Pack)
Best Striped Dress Socks

Cole Haan Patterned Dress Socks (3-Pack)

Now 17% Off

Cole Haan consistently offers well-made dress shoes at a bargain, so it should come as no surprise that the brand offers socks with the same quality and price point—and some damn fine stripes, too.

ColorsBlack/Gray, Blue Diamond, Gray Diamond
Sizes7-12
Materials72% Combed Cotton, 3% Nylon, 22% Polyester, 3% Spandex
Best Affordable Dress Socks

Amazon Essentials Cotton Half-Cushioned Crew Socks (10-Pack)

On Sale
Cotton Half-Cushioned Crew Socks (10-Pack)
Best Affordable Dress Socks

Amazon Essentials Cotton Half-Cushioned Crew Socks (10-Pack)

Now 21% Off

A durable, cushioned set from Amazon's in-house label. Plus, there are 10 pairs in here—enough to get you from one laundry day to the next, with some to spare.

ColorsBlack, Gray Heather, White, Blue/Red/Black
Sizes6-12
Materials75% Cotton, 20% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 2% Elastane
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Best Ribbed Dress Socks

Bombas Knee-Ribbed Dress High Socks (4-Pack)

On Sale
Knee-Ribbed Dress High Socks (4-Pack)
Best Ribbed Dress Socks

Bombas Knee-Ribbed Dress High Socks (4-Pack)

In the socks game, Bombas is a gold medal-contender. From the quality to the price, there's nothing wrong with this MVP. You'll definitely want to stock up. Better yet, get the four-pack.

ColorsStorm Navy Mix
SizesM-XL
Materials74% Cotton (Supima), 18% Polyester, 5% Nylon, 3% Elastane
Best Customizable Dress Socks

Nice Laundry Personal Edition Dress Socks

Personal Edition Dress Socks
Best Customizable Dress Socks

Nice Laundry Personal Edition Dress Socks

Nice Laundry knows how to do professional, injected with a tasteful amount of levity. These three patterned socks will give you options and variety with every wear.

ColorsMulti
Sizes7-13
Best basic Dress Socks

Bombas Dress Calf Socks

Dress Calf Socks
Best basic Dress Socks

Bombas Dress Calf Socks

A black dress sock is a closet staple. Bombas has a classic, calf-length pair that look great with every shoe, for every occasion.

ColorsBlack, Dark Brown, Dark Charcoal, Midnight Navy
SizesM-XL
Materials76% Cotton (Supima), 17% Nylon, 4% Other Fiber, 3% Elastane
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softest Dress Socks

Falke Tiago Cotton Dress Socks

Tiago Cotton Dress Socks
softest Dress Socks

Falke Tiago Cotton Dress Socks

These sit at the perfect height on your calf, and with thin, breathable cotton, you're going to want a pair for every day. Plus, the solid design is super versatile.

Colors10
SizesXS-XL
MaterialsCotton, Elastane, Polyamide
Best minimalist Dress Socks

Uniqlo Socks

Socks
Best minimalist Dress Socks

Uniqlo Socks

Uniqlo's socks are versatile AF, so you can wear them with sneakers just as easily as you can wear them with Oxfords. With these peeking out from under your pants and atop your shoes, you can feel secure in knowing you look good from head to toe.

Colors57
Sizes8-11
MaterialsCotton, Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon
Best Silk Dress Socks

Raey Silk Socks (3-Pack)

Silk Socks (3-Pack)
Best Silk Dress Socks

Raey Silk Socks (3-Pack)

Silk. Socks. Really doesn't get much better than that. Actually, it does—because these are a three pack!

ColorsBlack
Sizes2XS-XL
Materials100% Silk
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Best chic Dress Socks

The Tie Bar Pindot Pink Dress Socks

Pindot Pink Dress Socks
Best chic Dress Socks

The Tie Bar Pindot Pink Dress Socks

For styling your fun side, even if your suit is—dare I say?—basic. Polka dots are never a bad idea when it comes to making formal dressing a little more exciting.

Colors9
SizesOne Size
Materials65% Combed Cotton, 32% Polyamide, 3% Elastane
Best knit Dress Socks

Calvin Klein Flat Knit Logo 4-Pack Dress Socks

Flat Knit Logo 4-Pack Dress Socks
Best knit Dress Socks

Calvin Klein Flat Knit Logo 4-Pack Dress Socks

Calvin Klein's dress socks are a dream, with the affordable 4-pack that has a tiny logo. With a soft, solid knit, these are going to be the easiest part of getting dressed.

ColorsBlack, Denim Heather Assorted
SizesOne Size
Materials62% Combed Cotton, 22% Polyester, 13% Nylon, 3% Spandex
Best classic Dress Socks

Polo Ralph Lauren Supersoft Trouser Sock 3-Pack

Supersoft Trouser Sock 3-Pack
Best classic Dress Socks

Polo Ralph Lauren Supersoft Trouser Sock 3-Pack

When it comes to dressing up, PRL has you covered from head to toe. Literally. And what outfit isn't made classier with that horse logo?

ColorsDark Brown, Black
SizesOne Size
Materials89% Polyester, 7% Nylon, 4% Spandex
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Best designer Dress Socks

Gucci Knit Silk Wool Socks

Knit Silk Wool Socks
Best designer Dress Socks

Gucci Knit Silk Wool Socks

Simple and subtle, with a jacquard monogram logo on ultra-soft cotton silk. And, really—does it get more luxurious than silk Gucci socks? I don't think so.

ColorsBlack, White
SizesS-L
Materials72% Wool, 17% Silk, 11% Cashmere
Best versatile Dress Socks

Cos 3-Pack Ribbed Socks

3-Pack Ribbed Socks
Best versatile Dress Socks

Cos 3-Pack Ribbed Socks

Cos' ribbed socks come in sleek, chic contrast piping that looks great with any loafer or Oxford. Or, hell, if you want to dress up your favorite sneaker, that works, too.

ColorsBlack, Cream
Sizes7.5-11.5
Materials89% Organic Cotton, 10% Polyamide (Nylon), 1% Elastane
Best Luxury Dress Socks

Loro Piana Cashmere Blend Socks

Cashmere Blend Socks
Best Luxury Dress Socks

Loro Piana Cashmere Blend Socks

It doesn't get more "quiet luxury" than cashmere socks. And in deep red, Loro Piana's exude elegance—especially when paired with a black Oxford.

ColorsBurgundy
SizesS-XL
Materials97% Cashmere, 3% Elastane
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Best cashmere Dress Socks

Brunello Cucinelli Ribbed Cashmere Socks

Ribbed Cashmere Socks
Best cashmere Dress Socks

Brunello Cucinelli Ribbed Cashmere Socks

Like clouds for your feet, TBH. With a subtle ribbed knit, these calf-length socks will be your favorite part of getting dressed.

ColorsNavy, Beige, Gray
SizesM-XL
Materials100% Cashmere
Best Designer Socks

Thom Browne Bar Stripe Socks

Bar Stripe Socks
Best Designer Socks

Thom Browne Bar Stripe Socks

Like Thom Browne's signature shrunken suits, but in sock form. With shiny shoes and pleated pants, these are an absolutely infallible pick.

ColorsMedium Gray
SizesOne Size
MaterialsCotton, Nylon
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