The business world requires a fairly standardized and boring wardrobe for men. Even the necktie cannot really stand out. But weird, unusual, colorful socks are an acceptable expression of individuality. Now, over time, that expression has in turn become de regur. Wearing black socks means you are not part of the in crowd.

For me, in the annoying cultural manifestations department (CMD), it's the patches and embroidered identifiers. You've seen it. Doctors on TV in their white coats, the icon of their institution over one breast, their name, in script, over the other. Politicians do it now, with a fleece vest in lieu of the lab coat. It's just silly and quasi military. If you haven't noticed this before, sorry, you'll see it everywhere now.

With the exception of my alma mater hoody, I eschew labels on clothing. I'll cut them off if I can.