Natalie Gregg: Crew socks and my fashion revelation

I broke a 20-year fashion habit and discovered I was literally in step with Gen Z, writes Natalie Gregg.

It all started with crew socks.

It’s what the cool kids are wearing but I’ve religiously donned ankle socks for nearly 20 years. It started way back when bare ankles during a workout was THE look.

But now my bare ankles are declaring my Older Millennial status. But then, so is my hair – as you can see in the byline picture, I’m a side parter (younger generations are all about the middle part). Back to my socks. Last winter, I got back into running and at Parkrun at 7am it was 10 degrees. So I broke a 20-year habit and covered my freezing ankles in hot pink crew socks and was literally in step with the Gen Z park-runners. But forget fashion, more importantly I was warm and an immediate convert. What had I been doing all these years shivering in those low-cut choices?

The next to go was my skinny jeans. Those super-tight, versatile jeans were my faithful companion from my backpacking years, to late nights partying in London, and on dates through my 30s. I loved them and I understand why many of my friends still refuse to give them up. I agree they are a flattering cut, but unless you are Kate Middleton or Kate Moss this style of denim has been officially uncool for a while.

Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber wear matching crew socks in New York City last year. Picture: Getty Images

But my decision was also not about fashion. After a year of maternity leave, when I wore activewear everyday, I squished and squeezed myself back into my favourite black skinny jeans. But they felt so restricting and looked as if they were painted on.

Emboldened by my recent foray into the world of crew socks, I made the bold decision to try on alternatives to my super skinnys. I didn’t dare go for the barrel-leg option (weird!) and I definitely did not try the cargo-version (outside of the army this style is ridiculous). But when I easily slipped on a pair of wide leg jeans, they looked pretty good, and my god were they comfortable.

It was then that I realised something incredible had happened. For the first time in my life what is in fashion perfectly aligns with my stage of life.

I no longer have any tolerance for pain or discomfort. Child birth and being forced to play with my children in cold swimming pools has used up any reserves for toughing it out.

When I was younger, I had slightly more endurance. But not much. High heels have always made the balls of my feet ache, but I endured them to look good during long work days and dancing at night clubs in my 20s.

But fashion now seems different. Gen Z’s have a don’t-give-a-f--k attitude that I wish I had when I was their age and it’s reflected in what they wear.

Lorna Jane's activewear brandsy. Picture: Supplied.

When cadet reporters start in the newsroom, they have a lot to learn, but they arrive on day one with the knowledge that sneakers go with everything. Genius.

I’ve thrown out almost every high-heel in my wardrobe and replaced them with work sneakers, weekend sneakers, velcro Tevas, chunky sandals and Birkenstocks. I’m yet to try Crocs – but if it’s good enough for my kids and Margot Robbie I reckon I’m in good company. Other key trends I can recommend are oversized tees and scrunchies (no more sore scalp or hair pulling!). I’m daringly close to trying jorts.

With every year that passes, I care less and less about what people think. And I’m of the opinion that when you find something that works, you stick to it.

This happened to my Pop. In the 1950s, he found his look: knee-high cream socks folded over at the top, beige dress shorts, a short sleeve button up shirt and his hair slicked back with Brylcreem. He never wavered from this classic look for the rest of his life. A sartorial time capsule for his peak style.

I wonder if this is it for me? Have I found the sweet spot where style meets comfort? Where crew socks meet Crocs. When the kids go back to skinny jeans, I won’t be joining them. Like my Pop, I reckon I’ve found my forever style.

Originally published as Natalie Gregg: Crew socks and my fashion revelation