Shopping Guide: 8 Standout Socks for Gentlemen

Paul Smith's signature stripe socks take the classic PS stripe design and turn it into an elegant fashion statement—the sort of minor detail that's bound to get you noticed. This assortment of colors pairs great with any combination of suit and shoes, and the luxury-brand quality will fit in with any formal occasion.

Classic signature stripe socks ($30) by Paul Smith, paulsmith.co.uk

This Canadian brand's hand-made socks offer the budget shopper the bold styles of top designers at a much more affordable price, ensuring that an outstanding pair of socks isn't out of reach for men on any budget.

Troubadour socks ($13) by MoxyMaus, moxymaus.com

On the other side of the price spectrum are these luxe socks from none other than Alexander McQueen, featuring the designer's iconic skull pattern emblazoned up the ankle. If you can afford to squander $72 on a single pair of socks, by all means go for it.

Skull-patterned cotton-blend socks ($72) by Alexander McQueen, mrporter.com

Nothing distinguishes the fashion-conscious gentleman quite like a legion of corgis resting at his feet, and just such a distinction can be yours with this pair of dog-strewn socks from, yes, Corgi. Prepare to be overwhelmed by "awws."

Corgi-patterned cotton-blend socks ($18) by Corgi, mrporter.com

Nobody makes bold socks quite so bold as Soxfords, a brand that specializes in patently ludicrous—though still somehow elegant—sock designs. This pair, which takes a mint chocolate chip palette and adds a cartoon ice cream, gives you a good idea of their mad genius.

Choco chip mint socks ($22) by Soxfords, soxfords.com

Happy Socks were among the first companies to cater to the new peacocking menswear markets of the last few years, and they're still among the best: for a meager $12 you can pick up a pair of brightly colored socks in all manner of eye-catching pastels.

Stripe sock ($12) by Happy Socks, happysocks.com

Thomas Pink doesn't make socks with quite the same panache as some of the other designers on this list, but, as this pair of polka dotted socks clearly proves, they know how to make a stand out pair tastefully and with class.

Polka dot socks ($33) by Thomas Pink, thomaspink.com

For the man who wants a pair of socks with an edge but without going way overboard, these somewhat more muted pairs of striped socks should do the trick.

Cotton multi-sripe sock ($34.50) by Paul Stuart, paulstuart.com