Fashion forward

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, model Kate Moss and the female cast of the CW television network’s popular “Gossip Girl” series have helped popularize one of the season’s hottest fashion trends: knee socks.

Whether they’re worn just below the knee or midthigh, knee socks are both stylish and comfortable in cold weather.

“It takes me back to my school days when I wore knee socks with saddle oxfords,” said Suzanne Bishop, owner of Frankie & Julian’s fashion boutique on Frazier Avenue. “It’s a preppy look that can also be sexy.”

The drawback is age, she said. “Knee socks are for women under 35, unless you wear them for warmth under slacks,” she said.

Ms. Bishop said she saw many young women donning the socks during a recent trip to New York.

“I saw a lot of black and argyle styles that were worn just below the knee,” she said. “Most women were wearing them with an oxford-style shoe, while others wore them with heels. It’s a very fashionforward look.”

The ideal way to wear the socks is with an oxford-style shoe or boot, Ms. Bishop said. “Pull the sock about 2 inches above the boot. It’s fun to use a colorful or patterned sock with a black or brown boot.”

Local model and former Miss Black Tennessee Lorean Mays, 25, said she’s been a fan of knee socks since her junior high school days.

“We started wearing knee socks when the movie ‘Clueless’ was popular, and I’ve worn them since but mostly under jeans and slacks,” she said.

“I’m really excited about the different patterns and styles that are available now,” she said. “Knee socks offer a look that preps things up and makes a bland outfit cute.”

STYLISH STARS

Ashlee Simpson wears knee socks with low-top Converse sneakers. Jessica Alba prefers contrasting color over a pair of black opaque tights. Lindsay Lohan and Molly Sims have paired knee socks with mini-dresses. Kirsten Dunst dresses up denim shorts with white lacy knee socks and oxford shoes.

Source: offtherack.peoplestylewatch.com