Try the Trend: Tall Athletic Socks with Leggings

Are we really doing this?

Feb 12, 2024

Do you also have feelings about this trend?

There’s this thing happening to millennials, specifically my fellow elder millennials, online. We’re getting called out for our side parts, our skinny jeans, statement necklaces, and having the audacity to show our bare naked ankles.

Here’s where I want to say, wear whatever you want! I’m going to wear my skinny jeans and show off my hairy ankles and rock a 35lb J.Crew bib necklace!

But I must admit: their scare tactics worked on this 41-year-old, mother-of-two. Why? Because I recall my total and utter humiliation on behalf of women who still wore outfits like this in the late 90s.

The kind of mom jeans that look like you’re wearing a diaper underneath is still out, no?

She was your substitute bio teacher. Your mom’s friend Brenda (the one with the three stinky cocker spaniels). The local librarian. You just couldn’t take someone seriously who still wore pleated mom jeans, penny loafers, and maybe had the kind of bangs that went allllll the way around their head.

So I’m wearing a delicate gold necklace (those have to be on the way out, but how… they seem to a classic!). I grew out my bangs and kinda-sorta part it closer to the middle. I’m pretty sure I don’t have any skinnies in my wardrobe (anyone else recall when skinny jeans came back into style and were like hellllllllll no because they reminded you of that rolled jeans of the 80s lewk?).

Please note: I am not updating my wardrobe based on what other people say I should wear, more that my taste and style has evolved over time (and is certainly influenced by what I see in the world/scrolling on my phone). I usually try a new style when I feel inspired and ready.

I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to show off white athletic socks? Over LEGGINGS?

I’ve been showing a little sock for a few years— specifically when I’m wearing a short boot or high top sneakers. Like this:

The tall socks make sense, especially when it’s cold in Minnesota. And I’m down with flashing a little pop of color if, say, I cross my legs and my jeans ride up ever-so-slightly.

This whole idea of pulling up white athletic socks over leggings? Seemed like something…

A) I’m too old for
B) That makes me look like I’m trying too hard
C) I just might not like as a fashion choice
D) All of the above

I figured I’d sit out this trend, just like I planned on riding out the “fanny pack as a crossbody bag” trend. Then I got this Cotopaxi bag for Christmas and now I’m guzzling that KoolAid.

So last week, I tried the tall athletic socks over leggings with sneakers.

I first attempted with my workout shoes, which are maybe 2-3 years old and not cute. Did not like.

Then, I decided to try it with my lavender Adidas Nizzas. These are currently my most-worn pair of shoes; bought them maybe 1.5 years ago and they are comfy, cute, and fun. When I purchased said Nizzas, I also bought a 3-pack of Adidas tube socks probably to get free shipping or something.

Here’s what that looked like:

I felt a little like a Hooter’s waitress, but decided to trust the process.

Next, I added a blue Aerie hoodie (how do you do, fellow kids!), my bright orange Patagooch, a mint Namakan beanie, aviators, and the aforementioned fanny pack.

You know what? I didn’t hate it.

I… kinda loved it?

The true test? Wearing it in public. Shortly after making the above video, I headed to preschool drop-off, where I am required to park, get out of the car, and walk my chid into school to hang up his stuff/wash hands/etc.

For the first time, maybe ever?, another mom commented on my outfit.

I love your outfit! All those fun colors! It makes me so happy!

What, this old thing?!

The verdict: Yes, we really are doing this white athletic socks over leggings.

Or at least *I* am doing it, sometimes. Later that day, I went to the Tile Shop to pick out tile for our attic remodel. I swapped the leggings for jeans (straight leg, obvi) because it made me feel like more of a Grown Up™️. But I, shockingly, loved this casual athleisure lewk.

But I don’t think I'll be doing Crocs with socks anytime soon. (« Famous last words).