Socks, which connect clothes and shoes, are an essential item for stylist Masataka Hattori, who proposes genre-less styles.
"The most important thing in styling is 'casualizing and dressing down.' I wear tie-dye socks with a jacket and long hose with shorts. I like the unexpectedness of that. I believe that sexiness lies in the feet. Thin wool socks that let your bare skin show through and your ankles look beautiful are small but important elements. I think that a subtle sexiness that exudes is cooler than an obvious sexiness."
Hattori's footwear styling
Gentlemanly items are removed for fun.
Pantherella, a long-established British sock manufacturer, chose a pair of sophisticated birdseye-patterned socks. "I paired these with classic Paolo Scafora oxfords. They're not too stiff, not too soft, and I like to break up the look." 4,180 yen (Pantherella/Mashita Shoji TEL: 03-6412-7081)
The line width is perfect, not too thick.
Healthknit: "I used to skate, so this is something I'm familiar with. The color scheme and width of the lines are great, and they're not too casual, so I think they're easy to incorporate." Two-color set: yellow x green and orange x blue. 1,210 yen (Healthknit / Healthknit Brands TEL: 03-3833-1641)
A classic pattern that's not too flashy.
HALISON: "When it comes to patterns, I like argyle. With blue, I like reddish-brown loafers. My style is to mix classic with cutting edge." Made from Supima cotton with a silky sheen. Knitted on an intarsia knitting machine made by San Giacomo of Italy. 1,540 yen (Harrison website: www.halison.co.jp)
Sporty socks for car riders.
Nismo: "If there are driving shoes, surely there must be driving socks too? I searched and found a result. The red lines on the black background are cute. I'd like to wear them with chukka boots." These high socks are officially sold by Nissan. 1,447 yen (Nismo/Nissan Boutique TEL: 045-641-1423)
The best thing is something that can be worn toughly.
RAILROAD SOCK/6P's classic white ribbed socks. "The best thing about them is that they're made in the USA and can be used as much as you want without worrying about their condition. You can always find great socks at Hi! Standard in Daikanyama." 3,850 yen (Railroad Socks/Hi! Standard TEL: 03-3464-2109)
Spice that adds a punch to your feet.
SUICOKE: "Tie-dye socks are great for adding a finishing touch to an outfit. They're a good balance when paired with soft leather shoes, such as suede." A classic item with a range of colors that change with the seasons. 3,850 yen (SUICOKE/SUICOKE Japan website: jp.suicoke.com)
A sheer look that brings out the sexiness of adults.
MASATAKA HATTORI×CHICSTOCKS / "I wanted to create the ideal long hose, made of wool but suitable for year-round wear. I made them as thin as possible, so that just a little bit of skin is visible. This balance is very sexy." 3,080 yen (Sixtocks/No Design TEL: 03-6303-0866)
Five-finger socks are versatile.
TABIO SPORTS / "I actually wear these a lot myself. They're for basketball, and the color scheme is really cute. I like to wear them with sandals so I can show my toes. Maybe flip-flops would work too." Functional shoes that hold you in place during intense movements. 2,970 yen (Tabio Sports / Tabio TEL: 0120-315-924)
