I really can’t say enough bad about pantyhose. They’re expensive, they’re fragile, they won’t keep you warm if it’s cold but they will cause you to heat up if it’s warm. But they are fine for keeping your feet from sticking to the bottom of your shoes and stinking up the joint. I know most people have completely given up on pantyhose, and to that I say, yay. I am all happy to do that.
But I don’t know if it’s a longstanding prejudice (from years of wearing pantyhose, or socks, with all shoes except sandals) but I just don’t know what to put on my feet if I’m wearing the kind of shoes that don’t look good with socks. High heels, dressy flats.
If I’m not wearing tights (and in the winter, if I’m wearing a skirt, I probably am wearing tights, but also boots, so no problem), or socks, I don’t know what to put on my feet, aside from the old-fashioned defunct pantyhose. I know there are little sock thingies, but either they’re visible and ugly, or they’re invisible and slip around where they shouldn’t be. And without anything my feet just feel icky.
I have many pairs of shoes including about 20 pairs I would wear, but haven’t, because I just can’t do it without a little something, but not too much of a something, so, any ideas?
Well, I don’t wear cute shoes (being a guy), but I have a few ideas:
Cute socks - that is, some kind of ankle socks that look dressy and “meant for this.” I’ve seen this work with brightly colored cuffed socks, though jewel tones would work too. Like these.
Knee highs?
There’s a whole list of anti-stinky-feet strategies here, but only the foot powder will stop the sticking (or antiperspirant, which I think is overkill unless you have particularly sweaty feet).
Posting to follow along, because I have the same issue plus custom orthotics, which really feel weird worn barefoot. I’ve been looking for years for some way to wear them with hosiery of some kind that doesn’t show.
Lsura is right. I have a problem with those liners because socks generally come in sizes larger than my feet, but they’re the best option. For fancier getups, I usually wear thigh-high stockings. Same look as pantyhose without the restrictive feel. And way easier if you have to pee.
I was raised to wear pantyhose, so I find this problem perplexing as well! However, I don’t want to be “clueless old lady” so I’ve mostly given up the hose. My two cents:
Transparent black hose. Those are okay, right? I only wear them for very dressy occasions though. I would think fishnets or seamed stockings would be okay too, with the right outfit (or on the right person).
My real solution, which I utilize every day, is open-toed shoes. The ventilation really cuts down on the icky feeling. I imagine perforated designs would work well too.
I can’t stand to wear closed-toed shoes without some form of hosiery, so I’m glad my dress-and-heel wearing days are over. Nowadays I always wear slacks and arch-support Vionic shoes with thin knee socks.
Those high heels with fancy socks are awfully cute, though. We did the same thing back in the early to mid-80s when it was a trend for awhile. I had some hot pink heels with thin white lacy bobby socks that I wore when clubbing, circa 1984 or so.
I had the same problem with panty hose a few years ago. They are a hassle to get into and out of, especially when time is of the essence. And they can’t (shouldn’t, really) be worn in all situations. But OMG, when they were appropriate they really completed the look I was going for! Until the inevitable run appeared, that is. They should have been called “ruins”, because that’s exactly what one in the wrong place could do to a whole night - maybe even a life! That’s why I always kept a nice pair in my car. Just in case. A guy can’t be too careful. Granted, I didn’t wear them on my feet/legs, but I do feel your pain! I mean, after a certain number of robberies, it just becomes a part of who you are, ya know?
I wear tights these days, but I buy them one size too big.
They’re super comfortable and they have so many different designs. Plus they almost never run. I’ve been alternating the three pair I have for over a year now and only one of the three is starting to look a little tired.
Wal-mart carries a good selection of tights from George. They work well for me.
Tights in the winter,* stockings** in the spring and fall, and bare & open-toe in the summer. Never any need for pantyhose.
*Most tights provide adequate warmth in the winter, and the microfiber ones, though thin, provide excellent warmth without the bulk. Tights are not prone to runs, either (not impossible, but much less likely).
**Stockings are more economical because if you get a run you’ve only lost half the pair instead of the whole pair.
All of the above I think are more comfortable than pantyhose as well as more practical and more economical in several respects.
I don’t think it’s entirely about the model. Those first two pics look like the shoes are made for socks, especially the second one (under the first heading) that almost looks like a high-heel boot, just with some parts cut away.
I also like lacy-ruffle one, and I think the shoe plays a part in that. But also because I think the lacy part classes it up a lot. I remember lacy socks on dress shoes from when I was a kid–albeit, these were girls dress shoes, not women’s.
Seriously, why do I have to dye the bare skin on my legs? I’m white. My legs are white. Can you imagine telling anyone of any other ethic group than white that the skin color on their shins is incorrect, unacceptable, and must be disguised?
