White hose may be a fairly new innovation for the reasons stated--easy to match for renters--but they've at least been around fince the 60s. Scotty Thompson even suggested they were fine for dressy occassions in So You're Going to Wear the Kilt. I have a pair of hand knit I ordered when I first began wearing kilts based on is recommendations.

I don't wear them anymore. I just happen to like the tartan hose better.

I don't think them an abomination, not particularly ugly, nor do they look offinsive to me. I wouldn't worry much about someone's sock color; it's really a small thing. White socks always make one look like either a rube or an avante garde trend setter. I don't like them, either, but sartorial tastes--especially one's choice of sock color--doesn't have a lot of impact on life. Besides, I doubt anyone besides xman will give it a thought.

But you should still give the guy some lovat green hose.