This Ordinary Life

Now everyone gives the Germans a hard time for what has globally become know as the ultimate fashion faux pas, socks and sandals. Now I do admit that I have worn socks and sandals from time to time, but I will caveat this with the fact that it was usually the result of not wanting to freeze toes off when insisting on wearing my beloved Birkenstocks on even the most blistery of winter days. A note on that beloved pair of Birkenstocks, although there is do real evidence, I think my mate’s dog ate one. I still haven't been able to accept it is gone and bought a replacement pair.

Back to fashion faux pas... I would like to defend the Germans in coming up with this very liberal approach to displaying underwear (socks are underwear). Do people not like this look because socks are too hideous to be shown (think of how women feel about exposing their “granny” pants) or the fact the letting feet breathe more freely may lead to the wider proliferation of foot odour? I don't know the answer, but I do know this, if the Germans hadn't pioneered the socks and sandals look, we would today be without many popular looks including the very short skirts or shorts, tights and sandals/strappy shoes look seen everywhere this last winter.

Why do I think socks and sandals lead to these looks? Because Germans aren't prudes and their lack of inhibition in showing their underwear (socks are underwear) has enabled the more prudish cultures like the Brits to push decency boundaries themselves.

So the next time you criticise someone for socks and sandals, unless you want to start chastising every stocks n' sandals wearer as well, think twice.