Red socks are the last-minute trend of 2023

No, you don't go crazy when you see red everywhere. On Instagram, TikTok, in magazines and in the café round the corner. The latest trend for 2023 is red socks, worn with every outfit and for every occasion. They're popping out of Carel's Mary Janes and adidas Gazelles, Miu Miu ballet flats and Gucci loafers, under maxi blazers worn like a dress, tailored trousers and mini skirts. Not just pantyhose, but socks, tights and stockings. As long as they are available in all shades of red. Preferably in a bold colour like cherry, scarlet, coral, magenta, raspberry, crimson.

Also according to the data, everyone loves red

The data confirms that everyone has suddenly discovered the appeal of this colour and this accessory. According to the Instagram account@databutmakeitfashion, searches for the colour cherry red have increased by almost 300% this year. Google Trends notes that in the UK, the words "red tights" had 82% more searches this December than in the same month in 2022 and "red socks" are 120% more searched this December than last year. According to Pinterest, searches for "outfits with red tights" are up 614% in the United States since September, followed by "red tights" at 355%.

Why do we love red?

Every year during the winter holidays, we rediscover our love of red and wear it in everyday life and especially at December parties when it seems most appropriate. But the passion for red has been with mankind since time immemorial. In the Victorian era, red stockings symbolised wealth and social status, while flapper girls in the 1920s wore them as a gesture of rebellion to break away from traditional fashion norms. In the 1960s, actress Anna Karina and fashion icon Twiggy often wore red stockings tucked over the short hems of their miniskirts. King Charles paired them with kilts as an expression of eccentricity, while Lady Diana wore them with her serious suits of the 1980s. And how could we forget Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl with her red tights and CW Tech uniform?

The colour is the first colour our brains and eyes are programmed to see and has always been associated with passion and danger. It stands for energy and self-confidence. When we wear it, it can give us confidence and make us appear determined, brave and ready to take on the world in the eyes of others. According to Emily McCarthy, Colour Strategist at WGSN, "the popularity of red speaks of passion, desire and fearless femininity"," which is why the trend research company named "Radiant Red" as a key colour for 2024, describing it as "inspiring" and "emotionally engaging" If you're wondering why red socks in particular are having a moment of great popularity, the answer is simple: Socks and hosiery are a small investment that allows consumers to adopt the red trend even on a modest budget, or for those who don't dare to venture into a true red look.

Red socks on the latest catwalks

Chanel FW23

The Attico SS24

Acne Studios SS24

Burberry SS24

Coperni FW23

Gucci FW23

Giambattista Valli FW23

Jacquemus FW23

Theory FW23

Miu Miu FW23

Mugler FW23

David Koma FW23

Isabel Marant FW23

According to the designers, red tights are in all year round, not just at Christmas. Just look at the last few fashion weeks where the big brands declared the return of tights, not just in nude or black, but also in colour. One of the most popular colours was red in all its shades. The first hints that the trend would break out in summer came with Tomato-girl and the hashtag #APopofRed, which gained momentum on Instagram and Tiktok. Then came the FW23 collections from Vivienne Westwood, Gucci and POSTER GIRL, Giambattista Valli, Coperni, Jacquemus, Theory. Red tights became a style staple in burgundy versions for Miu Miu's no pants; they enhanced the sensuality of Dolce & Gabbana and Mugler; gave Chanel, Isabel Marant and David Koma a touch of irreverence. Beware of putting tights back in the drawer at the end of winter, because according to the SS24 catwalks of The Attico, Cormio, Paul Smith, Acne Studios and Burberry, the trend will be with us into the new year. The reason for this is that a seemingly insignificant detail like red socks can transform any look with extreme versatility. They go with jumpers and pleated mini skirts, with blazers and tailored trousers, with jeans and sweatshirts, with mini dresses, with ballerinas and trainers.

How celebrities wear red tights

What contributes to a trend catching on? The fact that celebrities wear it at every opportunity, and many have decided to add a touch of red to their outfits with stockings and tights. And long before the party season has begun. On the evening of 13 December 2023, Zoë Kravitz was photographed walking home from Taylor Swift's birthday party in an all-black look - apart from a pair of red socks sticking out of her loafers. Zoë isn't the only It girl to fall in love with this style detail. In November, Hailey Bieber posted a gallery of images on Instagram in which she paired a pair of Miu Miu ballet flats with bright ribbed wool socks; Elle Fanning announced the new season of The Great in an all-red look that featured an en pendant slip dress with socks; Dua Lipa wore red tights on the cover of hit show Daily Double; Tracee Ellis Ross opted to jazz up a nude-coloured Versace bustier dress with opaque stockings and red pumps. The Jenner sisters couldn't resist the trend either. Kendall Jenner appeared in the campaign for Jacquemus' new holiday collection in bright red opaque tights, while Kylie Jenner opted for scarlet-coloured Parisian pumps in an editorial for Interview Magazine.