LINCOLN SQUARE — When the deep freeze hits, style tends to go out the window as Chicagoans pile on the layers to insulate themselves against the cold.
But the hottest fad in fashion just happens to be a toasty — or should we say toe-sty — one as well.
We're talking about socks.
Wear your heart on your foot this Valentine's Day. [All photos DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
From anklets to over-the-knee, socks have been dubbed the trendiest must-have accessory for 2016 by tastemakers from Rachel Zoe to the editors at Vogue and Elle. Designers from Vera Wang to Michael Kors to Dolce & Gabbana have sent socks down the runway — with high heels, no less.
Eileen Reynolds says she has the best sock drawer in Chicago. She should — with Valerie Booth she's co-owner of Sockified, a shop devoted to hosiery.
Eileen Reynolds, co-owner of Sockified.
The store opened in July at 4917 N. Damen Ave., and between the brick-and-mortar location and Sockified's online store, Reynolds estimates she carries nearly 600 different styles of socks.
These are not, to be clear, your grandfather's Gold Toes.
Novelty socks are no longer a gag gift, or what Vogue called the "ugly Christmas sweater of the feet ... something to be worn at home, alone, with a pair of decidedly unsexy pajamas."
Rihanna and Dwayne Wade have collaborated with Stance Socks — official on-court sock of the NBA — on designs. Fabrics now include bamboo — yes, bamboo — and recycled yarn.
The patterns are nearly infinite: "Star Wars" themed, animals, snarky sayings and photo-printed.
Sockified's top seller is a pair of knee-highs featuring the image of artist Frida Kahlo.
"I buy socks in groups of six, I buy her in groups of 24," said Reynolds, who gave up her gig as a grant writer to devote herself to Sockified full time.
Her overall sales are split almost equally between men and women, she said.
"Men use it to express themselves," Reynolds said. "It's replacing neckties in a lot of ways."
Over-the-knee are popular with teenagers and twenty-something females, worn with shorter skirts.
"You know who wears knee socks? Roller derby people," Reynolds asked and answered.
Though there are cashmere socks on the market that can cost hundreds of dollars, Sockified's inventory ranges from $5 to $25, with tights being the priciest items.
While affordability may be driving the sock trend, Reynolds has another theory.
"It just makes people really happy," she said. "They come in, see all the colors, and laugh."
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