I have a similar work-related fashion story, although I went in the opposite direction than your colourful socks. I had a job where I was required to wear a tie and so I wore a tie every single day without fail - a plain black tie. The same plain black tie, every single day for the three years I was in that job. I wasn't going to waste any time shopping for ties, or picking out a tie every morning. I wasn't going to bother wearing ties that matched my personality or mood or football team. They wanted a tie, they got a tie. And nothing else.

I still have that tie, just in case I get another office job with a 'corporate' dress code.