Socks are the unsung hero of every outfit.
We tend to pay little mind to them until they get in our way. And then one night, you’re at that party. You know: the one you weren’t planning to take your shoes off for.
Here to deliver you from embarrassing socks is the just-launched, New York-based men’s luxury sock line Neil Sneider. They’re timeless, high-end and upbeat, striking the perfect balance between put-together and unstuffy.
Founder Cornelius Sneider grew up going to private school, wherein getting uniformed up became a humdrum daily routine. Sneider says his grandfather, a pastor, had a sock drawer that he treated like a treasure chest. In an attempt that collection, he decided to create a line of hand-finished socks in subtle patterns with bold, colorful accents. Currently available online and at Michael Andrews Bespoke in Noho, the knits will also be descending on handful of other premium NYC retailers later this year. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, we caught up with Sneider to get his take on the seven essentials every fella ought to own, along with the seven to dispose of posthaste.
The seven things every man must own …
A well tailored 3- to 4-season suit: “A suit that fits never goes out of style”.
A pair of leather dress shoes: “Dress shoes can make or break your outfit, gentlemen. They’re arguably the most important investment a man can make in his closet.”
A decent watch: “It can be a vintage watch. It can be an expensive watch. It can be an affordable, simpler watch that has a special meaning to you. Just own a watch that has heart.”
A knit tie: “A knit tie is essential. It’s the only type of tie that I wear simply because I have more of an elevated casual style, and it’s one of the only ties that can be dressed up or down.”
An everyday pen: “Handwriting may not mean what it used to, but a pen that didn’t come in a pack of five is essential for inking deals and taking notes with class.”
Cash: “Because when emergencies strike, money certainly helps.”
A comfortable-as-hell pair of socks to go with your dress shoes and sneakers: “Now that your trousers are pressed and your shirt is ironed, make sure your details are on point! I’m the guy who likes to wear loafers with my suit before 5 o’clock and sneakers with my suit after. Having a soft, durable and unique pair of socks that can last you throughout your daily journey.”
And the seven things every man should steer clear of …
Socks with funky patterns and youthful designs: “Socks that have funky/outdated color combinations, bold patterns and whimsical motifs such as footballs, baseballs or a solar panel should be put to rest immediately. Our luxury dress socks in vivid colors and subtle accents allow you to draw attention to your ankles without diluting your personal style.”
Oversized suit jackets: “Whether the jacket is part of a suit or actual outerwear, please keep in mind that the modern man’s look is more tailored. And by ‘tailored,’ we mean it’s meant to make you look slim and comfortable, not big and drowning in your own clothes.”
Stained white tees: “Every guy seems to have a pile of white T-shirts that aren’t so, well, white. Toss all of them in the trash immediately.”
Square-toed dress shoes: “Don’t wear square-toed shoes.”
Instant Coffee: “Approximately 99.9999% of all adults live and die by coffee. It takes just five extra minutes to grind beans and start your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.”
Wide ties: “Ties, in particular, are the focal point of any suit. It’s often the first thing people notice and something your peers judge pretty heavily. Any width between 2.25” and 3.25” is recommended. Any wider or narrower and you’re at risk of looking like you’re living in the past (or too far in future?).”
Dad jeans: “If you’re a dad, like myself, that’s still not an excuse. You can do better. All of your jeans, chinos and trousers from now on should be tapered before wearing.”
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