It is now so last year to contemplate the front row???s shoe habit (they???re all wearing backless Gucci loafers anyway, so don???t bother).It???s far more entertaining to study their socks, the fashion ranking of which has never been so high.Are they silver lurex?Navy with gold flecks?Argyle with jewels?A dedicated Sock Fashion Week can???t be far away.

For explanation, we must look to trouser and skirt lengths, which currently rest not far above the ankle, but far enough to create a vacuum.Ergo, one needs a repertoire of good socks.By repertoire, I mean not black, navyor grey, but patterns, textures, stripes and sparkle.When I say good, I mean ones that don???t bag, fade or have seams in the wrong places (they need be worn with sandals).

I???ve been casing the sock departments (Fenwick of Bond Street has the best) and all I can say is: brace yourself.The all-singing, all-dancing sock can cost several hundred.Pounds, not pence.But you can get pairs that meet all the key criteria for far less ??? try Pierre Mantoux???s, ??18.95).

You could also buy a snazzy pack of three patterned ones for ??8 at Asos, but you???ll need to replace them often.The statement sock must be pristine.Why?Because the sock is your new touch of eccentricity that stops a classic outfit looking too bland.It is the ironic furry dice in your car, the pom-pom on your bag, the pink streak in your hair.For God???s sake don???t go near it if you???re also still doing two or more of the above.

When they???re not in their loafers, frowers have taken to wearingtheir glittery socks with patent Dior court shoes.Is this a sensible look for a rational adult?Obviously not.That???s why you should try it.

Plain rib ankle socks, ??3, ASOS

Metallic socks, ??5,Cos

Clean check ankle socks, ??3.50,Topshop

Dot socks, ??8,Happy Socks

Kelly sport sock, ??5,Monki

Dot ankle socks, ??11,Falke

The snazzy socks edit