Step into this season's styling point: Open-toe socks and leg warmers

Bare feet feel too plain.

Full socks feel too warm.

For shoppers caught between the two this summer, retailers say the answer is open-toe socks.

The cropped socks, which cover the top of the foot but leave the toes exposed, are gaining ground alongside flip-flop socks and sheer leg warmers this summer.

An early heat wave has brought the season for sandals and flip-flops forward, lifting demand for the items.

Summer shoes such as mules, slides, and flip-flops saw sales rise 80 percent from May 31 ...