The Best Women's Socks for Everyday and Workout Styles

Socks might seem like a minor piece of clothing that's easy to overlook, but they can have an outsize impact on your comfort and style. Too loose and they can slip down, too tight and you might end up pulling them up every few blocks or suffering from blister city. And when it comes to picking a great pair of socks, you're not limited to the ubiquitous white tube socks or the glittery mesh going-out styles that are a fashion faux pas on the dance floor. We talked to 24 stylish women to discover their favorite pairs of socks for everything from slipping under heels at the office to avoiding slip-sliding on the pilates mat.

When it's time to head to the gym, we recommend these breathable compression socks. They help ease the foot and ankle after a run by encouraging blood flow to your feet, which can lead to less soreness and faster recovery. Plus, the high-quality material and tall design protects your legs from chafing or sweating in your workout shoes.

Hiking socks are thick and made from moisture-wicking fabrics that can keep your feet dry even on a cold day, so they're ideal for outdoor adventures. They also feature a tall design to protect your feet from bug bites, scrapes and blisters on the trail.

While we don't think there is a wrong way to wear knee-high socks (we love them with knee-length dresses in the fall), they're not always the most comfortable for running or working out. To make sure your feet stay happy, we recommend a mid-calf design with plenty of cushioning and moisture-wicking materials.

Kids' socks are sized to fit the littlest members of the family, with infant and toddler sizes that correspond to shoe size up to 4 years old. For kids about 10 years old and older, we recommend switching to women's socks so they have a larger selection of styles to choose from as their feet grow out of kids' sizes.

If you're looking for athletic performance, try these specialized socks that feature True Graduated Compression to assist your blood as it travels up from the feet to the heart. They can be especially helpful during and after exercise or on long flights, when the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is higher. They're also recommended for those with varicose veins and circulation problems, including swelling or pain. The elastic band keeps them in place and the soft, breathable materials help you feel cool while you exercise. They are available in a range of colors and designs to complement your favorite workout gear.