Match the socks to the shoes – An often prevailing wisdom i’ve never liked. It camouflages the shoes!

Match the socks to the pants – Usually works, but isn’t altogether that enticing. Makes you look like you’re wearing one big outfit.

Match the socks to the shirt – i’ve often followed this rule, despite knowing that although it doesn’t clash, it doesn’t look particularly good.

Match the socks to the sole of the shoe – If you’ve got brown shoes with black soles and beige or blue pants, would black socks be a terrible idea? Green shoes with white soles and blue jeans? The down side is that it limits you to mostly black, grey, white, or beige socks…