No offense taken and the "look like an old man" thing really put that look in the incinerator for me. Sometimes hearing the truth is harsh, but necessary.
I think a person should wear whatever makes them feel good, but if you are trying to make a fashion statement, just avoid sandals if the weather is too cold to go without socks.
Most of the time I wear those ugly Croc things because they are easy for me to get on and off. I wear them year around, so in the winter, I definitely wear socks underneath the sandals. It seems like we just made one of those overnight jumps from hot summer to almost-winter cold. It is in the 50’s right now, so almost 20 degrees colder at night than it has been. The cooler days are nice for being outside and doing yard work, but only after it warmed up enough in the morning to be outside. We usually go to the fitness center first thing in the mornings, but now there is no hot tub, steam room, or sauna to warm up in; so we are talking about going in the early afternoons instead. It is not looking like they will open up the hot tub, etc, any time soon.
Sandals with socks are everyday wear for me if I want to wear them. In fact, I just got two pairs of River Sandals, a black pair and a brown pair like this: Of course if I was stepping out, I wight wear colored socks to match whatever garb I was wearing.
I like Crocs. However, the last couple that I had didn't last very long so I am going with stuff that lasts longer. Sometimes, I wear socks with them, sometimes not.
I never wear socks in the summer and usually loafers or deck shoes in the colder months and then I do wear socks. I am not a fan of sandals.
Lord, I hope socks with sandals hasn't become a trend. I have to say though, I'm seeing it a lot in the young folks. Ugh. This is bad enough. But THIS is SO MUCH WORSE!!!!
What I can tell after hanging around Ballard and Fremont for years (I have family there), it's only OK if your sandals are vintage BIrkenstocks and you are wearing brightly-colored-and-patterned socks hand-knit of alpaca wool that has been unraveled from a vintage sweater. Also, the socks can't match. That last caveat is non-negotiable. Wear matching socks and they'll know for sure you're not from Seattle and you'll.never.be.cool.