Socks have become an integral cog within the modern gent's wardrobe. You may think they are trivial and just an easy way for a brand to make some cash but they have become so much more. As they say, you can tell a lot about a man by what he wears on his feet and if this is true no man should be wearing white sports socks, period (oh go on, the gym is the only exception).

Be it rolled, folded or just cropped, trousers have been creeping up the leg to bare ankles for the past few seasons. If you haven't already clocked this trend the easiest entry level is to wear your trouser legs rolled up, with primary coloured deck shoes, lightweight brogues or suede desert boots, which are all key pieces of footwear for Spring/Summer 10. This 80s inspired trend is set to stick around for a while, with the summer months being a key for shoes sans socks. Another big trend we have seen emerging is pastels, so this really is a twist on 80s dressing. Duran Duran would be proud! Now, where is my double breasted pastel blazer?

But until then there are plenty on offer to suit every occasion. When donning your socks search for something a bit more avant garde, unexpected details, colour and pattern clashing. Remember this key rule, they DON'T have to match the rest of your ensemble.

Brand Focus – Happy Socks

Fast becoming the first choice of anyone “in the know”, Happy Socks have reached cult status amongst the younger crowd. Why are they so popular? They come in every colour variation under the sun, they make everyone else Happy (Socks) that sees them and at £6 a pop they won't test the wallet too much. Now being stocked at every store from Urban Outfitters and Dover Street Market to Liberty's and Oki-Ni. It only takes a splash of colour to start a revolution.

Brand Focus – Tabio

The thinking-mans sock brand of choice, coming up a little more expensive, Tabio are known for their choice of quality fabrics, timeless designs, comport and durability. The Japanese sock giants are regarded as one of the most credible brands in their field, whilst also providing a lot of the top designer's which feature at London Fashion Week with their stock. Floating around the £12 mark, Tabio socks aren't the cheapest on the but quality certainly isn't compromised, these really are worth every penny. Watch out for an up and coming collaboration between Tabio and menswear designer Carolyn Massey.

Best of the Rest

Ayame Prism socks at Oki-Ni – Top of the range in terms of price and design, by up and coming Japanese brand. Around £25.

Paul Smith Multi Stripe socks at Liberty's – Classic offering for the ones looking for something a bit more subtle. Grab these at £15.

Henrik Vibskov Stripy socks at Oki-Ni – Get noticed with these vibrant numbers for just under £25.

Falke Argyle socks at My-Wardrobe – Quintessential British pattern and probably the most versatile, a snip at £8.50.

Navaho/Robot socks at Topman – Looking for something a bit more wacky, look no further. You can't go wrong for £3.

Teal socks at Burton – The cheapest of the bunch at only £2, these come in an array of eye catching colours. What's not to love?

To shop brands in focus visit Happy Socks and Tabio. To shop all other brands mentioned click the links above.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Menswear Wardrobe Staples.

Words and Images by Matthew Pike.

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