Sorry I haven't written in a while, ladies (I'm assuming). But I've been waiting for inspiration to strike. And it has, to be sure! A reader known by the name of Lilly writes:

Plz Plz Plz do a post on how to wear knee high socks and shorts/skirts without looking skanky

What a challenge! Never you mind Lilly, FashionStrudel is here to save the day!
Knee high socks are practical, comfortable and unfortunately, very tricky to pull off.
Let's start off with what NOT to do.

#1-No white. Unless you go to a Catholic school and the sisters are threatening to use the ruler on your heathen behind, no white. It makes everything, and I do mean everything, look bigger and more obnoxious. See below.
(OMG, Katie Price being drunk and disorderly. Who saw that one coming?)




#2- Since some people tend to confuse the two, I'm going to say it right now.
GYM SOCKS ARE NOT THE SAME AS KNEE HIGHS.
And gym socks are obviously for gym. The only people who can actually pull off gym socks are girls with flawless calves, and this guy:



#3- No obnoxious prints. Rainbow, unicorn print or Spongebob knee-highs (and things of that nature) are meant only to be witnessed by your nearest and dearest friends at slumber parties.



Oh, and one more thing,
NO HORIZONTAL STRIPES. THEY ARE GROSS, IMMATURE, AND YOU'RE NOT SOME BRAINLESS GOTH WANNABE FROM  2003.

What You CAN Do -
As far a solid colors go......
Black
Navy
Gray
Teal
Burgundy
Basically any dark, rich colors.



The key is the shoes. If the shoes and the socks look good together, and your top isn't completely out there, you should be fine.Try to make sure your top is the right amounts of demure and flattering.
Now, about prints......
If you MUST do a print or non-solid, made sure it is faded, muted or textured. The same rules as above apply, just make sure the pattern/print doesn't smack people in the face.

The final equation
Knee-Highs + Good Shoes x Shorts/Skirt + Complimentary Top = Fabulous

Well, Lilly I hope you have your answer. And as for other readers, don't be afraid to ask questions! I don't bite! Unless we're at a Lilly Pulitzer sample sale and fighting over that last turquoise polo shirt. Then I get nasty.
Ciao