If other people have a problem with your socks, perhaps they should keep their problem to themselves, so that it doesn't become your problem. Maybe they give more weight to the wrong focus. My company, here at the beach, used to ask that I dress "professionally" (meaning dress clothes and tie). I reminded them that wearing a suit is much less important than being honest, respectful, acting as an example in life, interacting well with people, etc. If they want a suit, I have some packed away in my closet that I can hang in my office to show those in management that I have a suit, but I'd prefer to focus on the important aspects of professionalism which have very little to do with clothing style. I've seen Realtors who dress elegantly and have a fancy car, but who struggle through reading a contract, doing basic math, or keeping to their promise. "Proper clothing" doesn't make a person who they are.