We like wearing skirts year-round, but tights can be a real drag. One misstep in a pair of suffocating tights and it’s all over. And we’ve never been a huge fan of leggings…

This winter things will be different.

Erin Fetherston and a couple of others sent over-the-knee socks down the runway last year, but they seem to have fallen off the radar since then. Why?!

With shorts or a mini, OTKs can be a bit much. But in place of tights or leggings, thigh high socks are such a fun and comfortable alternative. (I took a pair out for a spin last night with a black cotton skirt, charcoal/grey layers, and a pair of teal boots. Now I may never wear tights again!)

We did a little searching and found that there are plenty of ethically-made options out there. Sock Dreams is a goldmine. They have dozens of eco-friendly socks, like the extra long pair at right, made from recycled cotton. Great for those of us with long limbs — and thin wallets!

Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks in Grey, $12 at Sock Dreams