How to Wear 80s Style Layered Socks

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 4, 2023

You’ve got the side ponytail, chunky jewelry, bright off-the-shoulder t-shirt and neon leggings. What’s your 80s outfit missing? Layered socks, of course! Start by picking the colors and patterns you want for your layers, then slide them and scrunch them down. Layering your socks is the little detail that will make your look truly authentic, whether you’re going to a costume party or just looking to rock a retro 80s vibe.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Picking out Your Socks

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Create layers with 2-3 pairs of socks. Having two or three layers of socks gives you enough different colors and patterns for a fun, retro look, while not being too thick or making your feet sweat.^{[1]
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Choose socks with bright colors and fun patterns. To keep with your 80s theme, go for bright colors and wacky, geometrical patterns. You’ll also want to match your socks to the rest of your outfit. You can either buy socks to match an outfit you already have planned out, or work the rest of your outfit around a couple spectacular pairs of socks.
- Pick sock colors for a holiday theme, like orange and black for Halloween. You can also choose bright colors that offset each other, like bright blue and pink, or orange and purple.
- Pair socks with slightly different patterns, like stripes of different widths or smaller and larger polka dots. The 80s were all about fun, colorful clashes, so don’t be afraid to mix and match!
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3
Buy socks in a variety of lengths. Depending on the amount of layers you want, you’ll need a pair that’s about knee-length, a second one going about to your mid-calf, and one that rises a few inches above your ankle.^{[2]
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- If you can’t find socks in different lengths, buy them all in a longer style. You’ll have to scrunch the top pair more than the others, but you can still make the look work!
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Look for authentic “slouch socks.” The perfect socks for layering are thin with vertical ribbing and stretchy, elastic tops. Check out online stores for greater selection and cool, unique patterns.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Layering Your Socks

1
Pull on your socks, starting with the longest pair. Pull each pair as high as it can go, making sure that the sock is smooth with no wrinkles or bunched-up fabric. Put on the second-longest pair next, finishing up with your shortest socks.
2
Scrunch down your socks. Starting with the shortest sock, push the top of the sock down towards your ankle so that just a few inches are showing above your shoe. Continue with the other one or two layers, always making sure that each layer is visible above the one below it. You want each sock layer to be visible, after all!
3
Layer your socks in the opposite order on the other foot. If you have a few pairs of socks that are the same or similar lengths, switch up the style on your other leg. If you layered blue on top of red socks on one foot, for example, put the red on top of the blue on the other.
- You won’t be able to do this if one of your pairs of socks is significantly shorter than the other(s), because the shortest pair will have to go on top to be visible. Don’t worry, your look is sufficiently 80s even without the mismatched layers!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Styling the Rest of Your 80s Outfit

1
Pick a neon, oversized t-shirt. Make sure it matches your socks! Bonus points if your tee is off-the-shoulder. Go with bright, playful shades like pink, yellow or blue. Thick stripes or other patterns are fun, too!
2
Choose a bright mini skirt for a flirty look. Mini skirts were all the rage in the 80s! Find a colorful or metallic-looking skirt to rock for your 80s outfit. The short length will emphasize your fun layered socks. Look for a skirt that matches one of the colors of your socks, but don’t get one in the same color as your shirt.
- Wear bright tights under the skirt to sport a more conservative look.
3
Slip on leggings or skinny jeans to look sporty and fun. Some bright leggings or acid-washed skinny jeans can also be the perfect addition to an 80s outfit. Pull your socks over the outside of the leggings to make sure they’re visible.
4
Step into some high tops. Chunky Reebok high tops or a pair of Converse are the perfect complement to your layered socks. Go with white if you have them, but any color will work!^{[4]
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Finish off the look with a high side ponytail and scrunchie. Tease out your hair and pull it up into a classic 80s side ponytail, then secure it with a big, colorful scrunchie. Match it with your socks or shirt if you want, or let it clash a bit.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I wear scrunchies in my hair?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

You can use a scrunchy to secure a ponytail in your hair. If it won't hold your hair in place, use a hair band to secure your ponytail, then put the scrunchy on top, looping and twisting it as you would a hair band. Scrunchies also look good at the base of a ponytail formed on the top of your head. You can use them on your pigtails or at the top and bottom of a long, thick plait.
Question

Are shiny silver high tops okay?

Community Answer

Of course! Silver high tops would go perfectly with layered socks.
Question

How do I wear 50s or 90s style layered socks?

Community Answer

In the 50s, stockings were more if the rage, as that is what lots of women wore. If you’re wearing these, skin tone shades would be best with a suspended belt to hold them in place. If you’re opting for the 90s look, you can get them in most stores today. You can choose various colors of socks that come up above your knees to your thighs, and then layer them.