10 stylish sock styles to keep your feet cozy this season

At the risk of sounding like conspiracy theorists, we’re going to take a guess that the reason socks go missing in the laundry cycle is that they’re bored and run away. (Really, how else is it possible that so many plain, white crew socks just up and, hmm, disappear?)

Keep your feet cozy this winter–and put an end to the runaway stockings crisis–by investing in some quality socks that have a little personality, too. Or, give a luxe pair of socks as a gift, because great outfits start with nice socks.

Whether you’re looking for a gift or shopping for yourself, here are 10 sock themes to toe-tally rock (or gift) this winter:

Fair Isle

Just like red and green are our favorite colors of the season, Fair Isle is our most beloved holiday pattern. Let these 1937 Fair Isle trouser socks, $12.50 from Madewell, play peek-a-boo with some cuffed boyfriend jeans and ankle boots for a preppy holiday look.

Hip-hop

Hip-hop hurray for Tupac socks. These photo-printed Tupac graphic socks, $5.90, from Forever 21 give some California lovin’ to the rap artist. West Coast not the best coast, you say? There are some Biggie Smalls socks, too, also $5.90 from Forever 21, for the East Coast rap aficionados.

Chevron

We’re getting a Missoni-like vibe from these Alfani Spectrum chevron print crew socks, $5.98, Macy’s.

Elf-like

These Hot Sox thin stripe crew socks, $6 from Nordstrom, are perfect for lounging around the house and completing all your elf-like duties (wrapping gifts, putting up decorations, reminding the Elf on the Shelf to re-locate by dawn, sneaking a cookie that was intended for Santa …).

Happy socks for him

A menswear trend that we can’t get enough of? A pair of colorful, patterned socks that add personality to a slacks-and-dress shirt combo. Happy Socks like these “Stripe & Dot” Socks, $12 at Nordstrom, can earn him major style points when paired with a traditional solid suit.

Snowsports

Don’t let cold, wet feet cut short a day of shredding. For the snowboarders or skiers on your nice list this year, you can’t go wrong with SmartWool PhD socks, like these SmartWool PhD snowboard medium pattern socks from REI, $25.95, that are made of merino wool and have mesh ventilation zones to keep feet warm and dry.

Faux shoes for baby

Fake some tied shoes with these adorable jersey socks that feature shoelace images, $7.94 for 3 pairs from Old Navy.

Knee-high

A cute look for winter? Knee high socks with a pretty pattern and boots. The trick, let your socks come just a couple inches higher than the boot. (You can layer socks over tights for those blustery winter days). Find a three-pack of knee-high socks with patterns and solids from Target, $7.50.

Baller

If you’ve got a basketball player on your list, you know they love the latest and greatest footwear. The Elite Crew performance socks by Nike at Kohl’s, $14, are sure to be a slam dunk.

Foxy

What does the fox say? Buy these darling Instaria Socks, $4.77, from American Eagle, that’s what!