Does anyone else remember the days of being embarrassed by a mid-summer trip to Target to pick a few new clothing items before the next school year? It’s seems like a fever dream, because now I cannot imagine life without Target. I mean, look at these adorable shoes! Inspired by these recent finds, and my all-time favorite trend (socks with open-toed shoes), I decided to curate a few sandal + sock options just in time for summer activities.

90% of the time I’m in a workout outfit — but sometimes I like to switch it up and put a little effort into my look. When shopping for items outside my 90% attire, I tend to pick patterned, bright or quirky items — and as such, the following outfits are slightly untraditional.

For this photoshoot, I primarily used things I already own, supplemented with 3 pairs of shoes and 2 pairs of socks from Target:

outfit 1

The look: casual romantic

Studying with a fuzzy pen a la Clueless vibes

Where to wear it:

Work from home
Coffee on the porch
Saturday lounging

outfit 2

The look: sporty chic

A long day strolling along hot asphalt vibes

Variations: wear with heels or flats

Where to wear it:

Pool party
Festival
Running errands
Day date

outfit 3

The look: prairie sweet

Land of Oz vibes

Where to wear it:

Drinks with friends
Outdoor dinner party
Evening boat ride

outfit 4

The look: conservative feminine

50’s end-of-summer carnival vibes

Where to wear it:

Brunch
Family function
Fundraiser

outfit 5

The look: Eclectic industrial

Downtown art district vibes

Where to wear it:

Shopping
Coffee with a friend
To walk the dog

Tips for pairing socks w/open-toed shoes

Have fun! Incorporate bright colors, patterns, textures, etc. — there are no rules (in my opinion).
Experiment with sock and heel heights. Knee-high socks convey a much different style, vibe and function than ankle socks — but both have their place :)
Utilize non-seasonal items (e.g., sparkles). The socks in my outfit #1 are most certainly intended for the November — January holiday season, but showcasing them in the Summer is unexpected and unique.
Mix and match. Changing just one outfit element can result in a full new look and greatly extends the depth of your wardrobe.

Bonus: wearing socks with shoes may extend your shoe life (e.g., cleaner insoles and reduced wear & tear on the insoles due to less friction).