The past year and a half has been tough on everyone, but especially tough on socks. I don't know about you, but I've never walked around in socks more. Sometimes I pad around in my trusty Birkenstocks, but typically socks are my WFH footwear of choice.

While spacing out on a recent video call, I felt the peculiar sensation of my big toe breaking from its cottony home. As embarrassment washed over me, I wondered what that rogue toe would've looked like if it had escaped when I was taking off my shoes at a friend's house. And I'm ashamed to admit, this wasn't the first time. For someone who invests in their wardrobe, it's practically criminal that I let my socks wear down to threadbare ghosts of their former selves. It was clearly time to refresh my sock drawer.

First things first: I opened the top drawer of my dresser and pulled out every last sock. This act alone will help you purge at least a quarter of your collection as you'll find dusty pairs you didn't even realize you still own. Then you'll pitch the worn-out pairs, the ones that are faded or no longer suit your style (goodbye graphic novelty socks). Then you'll have an idea of what you need. For me, that was some new pairs for the gym and few casual and heavy-duty pairs to wear with everything from sneakers to boots to my old favorite Birks. Herewith, the five categories every sock drawer should be stocked with and some smart suggests to suit any style and budget.