A charity is encouraging people to try out a controversial fashion trend for a free day out.
English Heritage is asking people to don socks and sandals today and share their snaps on social media under the hashtag, #SocksandSandalsDay.
The day marks the 1900th anniversary of the building of Hadrian’s Wall, as whilst the trend is considered a crime against fashion, socks and sandals were worn for practicality in the Roman period.
Those brave enough to wear the polarising pair and share it online in advance of visiting will enjoy free entry today to one of English Heritage’s Roman sites.
They’ll also be in with a chance of winning a pair of Roman-themed socks designed by artist Luke Edward Hall.
According to a YouGov survey commissioned by English Heritage, 73% of UK adults would not sport the socks and sandals combo, although 24% of men said they would give it a go.
But despite the trend’s hated status, the survey also revealed the combo may be experiencing a revival.
Over 32% of 18-24 year olds said they would strut out proudly compared to just 12% of 45-54 year olds – the most reluctant age group.
Frances McIntosh, English Heritage’s Collections Curator for Hadrian’s Wall, said: “Socks and sandals have seen a resurgence of late with celebrities like David Beckham and Rihanna donning this previously controversial trend, but it might be surprising to many that we can actually trace our penchant for comfort and style right back to the Romans.
“From care packages of woolly socks sent to shivering soldiers on Hadrian’s Wall, to the fashion of sandals from Rome, wearing the unlikely pair together should come as no surprise. After all, if fashion is cyclical then here comes 122 AD!”
The Roman sites involved are as follows:
Aldborough Roman Town, North Yorkshire
Birdoswald Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria
Chesters Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Corbridge Roman Town – Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Chysauster Ancient Village, Cornwall
Housesteads Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Lullingstone Roman Villa, Kent
Portchester Castle, Hampshire
Wroxeter Roman City, Shropshire
