>>What is it with Americans and white socks? Even cops and other uniformed personnel seem to wear them, with their dark uniforms. Not me personnally but it's considered bad taste over here. Is it a tradition, requirement or what?
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>I think the rule is simple and generally observed with some exceptions sometimes: the socks should match the shoes.

What? Black and shiny? :-)

Seriously, I see the likes of "The World's Scariest Police Videos" (or whatever it's called) - the one with the white-teeth, grey-haired, supposed ex-sherrif (although I've seen him in a bit part in a film). The cop sits in his/her car to radio in - white socks appear. I've seen this countless times and assumed it was the norm. Talking of Norm, Cliff Clayburn in "Cheers" always wore them with his mail man uniform.