Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan and More

The divisive combination of socks and heels might just be losing some of its controversial status as the footwear combination becomes more and more mainstream. From runways to street style to red carpets, an extra layer of fabric underneath a pump or sandal can transform an ensemble in a myriad ways — whether it’s a classic ribbed sock adding a retro sporty element to a look or a sheer design adding a sultry note.

Celebrities are experimenting with the combination. Find styling inspiration for socks and heels this fall below, featuring looks from Dua Lipa, Sarah Paulson, Lily James and Chappell Roan.

Dua Lipa wore a unique layered footwear look from the Prada fall 2026 runway at the London Literature Festival in October. She showcased white feather-trimmed lace-up satin pumps with sheer black knee-high socks embroidered with white flowers. Letting the shoes and socks do the doing, the rest of her look included a simple black spaghetti strap dress and pink bra.

Prada strongly embraced socks and heels for the fall 2026 collection, presenting floral socks in different colors and openwork knit socks to go with embellished pumps and more silhouettes.

As a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Sarah Paulson demonstrated how the socks-and-heels look can go lean into a high-contrast aesthetic. To complete her business-meets-glamour Erdem spring 2027 look of a gray knit cardigan and sheer tulle dress — both embellished with crystals — Paulson wore black pumps layered with white calf-height socks, which drew extra attention to her footwear. The white of her socks picked up her collar, tying the outfit together from top to bottom.

Lily James stepped out in a Fendi resort 2027 look earlier in November in New York City. The sheer black aesthetic of the outfit was brought down to her footwear with a pair of gauzy black calf-height socks layered with black patent leather pumps. The socks help create a cohesive head-to-toe look for James, who wore a black long-sleeve, collared dress with floral embroidery and sheer panels.

In October, Chappell Roan attended MISTR’s 2nd Annual National PrEP Day in West Hollywood at The Abbey wearing a striped yellow and burgundy latex look by Christian Cowan, made in collaboration with Vex Clothing. The latex didn’t stop with her minidress or above-the-elbow gloves — the musician also wore thigh-high burgundy latex socks, showcasing an edgier spin on the socks and heels trend. The latex socks were paired with black satin platform pumps.

Find more socks and heels styling inspiration from celebrities below.