I was recently telling my neighbor about my whole socks-are-against-my-religion thing (on a day when the temperature dropped I swear to you TEN DEGREES while we stood in her driveway) and she was coming up with all sorts of great solutions for me (because I was wearing a dress and no tights and was moaning about how COLD I was) (although in my defense the temperature went from the low 60s to the low 30s in about three hours that day so bare legs were SORT OF appropriate, for a little while at least).

Where was I? Oh right — what to wear if you don’t want to wear socks.

My neighbor started with the logical solution to my cold legs dilemma — leave my dress on and add some tights and boots. I like that answer, because for whatever reason tights don’t seem like socks to me. Keep tights and boots (or tights and flats) in the same color family for a long, clean leg line. OR! Pair tights with peep toes for something a little funkier; match tights to your skirt or to your shoes or, if your shoes match your skirt (black dress and black peep toes, say) then go with tights in a brilliant color (violet or ruby). Your legs stay warm AND your outfit gets a great dose of chic.

My neighbor and I of course started talking about more utilitarian boot options, like an Ugg or these cute cute Kaley boots by Privo, both of which have a furry lining (my friend has the Kaley’s and loves them). Wear them with or without socks (Uggs are meant to be worn sockless), or pair with footless tights for a streamlined look.

Not in love with the NO SOCKS idea? How about some toe socks? No, they’re not what you’re thinking — not those socks that have a wee little pouch for each individual toe. Oh hell no. I’m talking about these socks:

They cover just your toes; you can find them in longer and shorter lengths (some will hit at the instep; the ones I wear cover just the ball of the foot). They’re perfect under mules and clogs and loafers, and offer a nice alternative to full socks.

The bottom line is this: wear what is comfortable for you. If it’s cold, put some socks or tights on; if you don’t like to be barefoot, try the toe socks, or just go with regular socks. I would not, however, suggest Peds (those little stocking things that cover your feet but not your ankles) as they will ALWAYS show. They will also make you look old, because only our grandmothers ever really wore those.