Some trends in men’s fashion have been so cringe. Think: Super skinny painted-on jeans, shirts with deep v-necks, socks with sandals. As a fashion editor who has seen it all during my five-year career, I could go down a rabbit hole and list a bunch. But there’s one particular trend I couldn’t have predicted on my 2025 bingo card: white socks styled with shorts and loafers.
What was once a dad-on-vacation move has officially been co-signed by fashion designers and Hollywood guys like Paul Mescal, Coleman Domingo, and Jacob Elordi. As crazy it sounds, I can confirm: the look is achievable, if you know how to wear it. The trick with pulling it off is balance. You want the look to feel sharp, confident, and modern, not like you just rolled out of a dorm room. Here’s how to nail the trendy look with shorts and slimmer loafers.
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Choose a Sleek Loafer
Instead of chunky lug soles, look for a slimmer silhouette. Think G.H. Bass penny loafers, horsebits, or tassel loafers in black or brown leather. The streamlined shape feels more sophisticated and pairs cleanly with tailored shorts.
Pick Smarter Shorts
With a sleeker loafer, your shorts should match the energy. Chino shorts, pleated styles, or even a dressier longer-length short works best. Stay in between the 5 to 8-inch inseam, which is long enough to feel polished, short enough to show off the sock moment.
Socks Should Be Clean and Crisp
This look only works if the socks feel casual and relaxed. Choose bright white, ribbed crew socks that hit mid-calf. Anything too slouchy, dirty, or thin will throw off the whole vibe. Pairing crew socks with loafers is the move, rather than dress socks, because crew socks have substance.
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They’re thicker, sturdier, and keep their shape, which plays better against bare legs and shorts. Dress socks, on the other hand, are too thin and formal; they sag, look flimsy, and clash with the more laid-back summer energy of shorts. Crew socks bridge that gap; they’re casual enough to make the styling feel effortless, but clean enough to look put-together.
Balance the Top Half
Since the loafers and socks are doing all the talking, keep your shirt simple. A tucked-in tee, a lightweight polo, or a short-sleeve button-down makes the outfit look put-together without any clashing. I would even vouch for a tank top and sharp baggy shorts look. My default uniform is usually a simple t-shirt or a long-sleeve button-down—something lightweight and clean that won’t compete with the shoes. I like to keep the colour palette neutral, too: navy, khaki, or soft pastels work best so the socks and loafers stay front and centre. I’d wear this to the office on a casual weekday, or to a brunch on the weekend. It’s polished enough to feel work-appropriate in creative environments, but relaxed enough for errands, grabbing food with friends, or a weekend gallery visit.
This article by Joseph Cheatham was originally published on Men’s Health US – additional reporting and products added by the Men’s Health SA team.
