HOW TO WEAR TIGHTS THIS YEAR

This is the one subject people ask about the MOST during the winter months.

Everyone wants to know – “Are tights “in”? “ ;“Will tights look good on me?”; “How do I wear tights?”

When I think back to my days working in NYC and Chicago, I wore very nude, shimmery “panty hose” in the Spring and Summer (had to wear them in the office) and in the winter, I wore opaque black or navy tights – every day.

All the years we lived in Los Angeles, I don’t think I EVER wore tights. Not only did it feel weird because of the wonderful weather, but they weren’t something that was “in style” at the moment.

NOW, they are SO in style, and I live in a place where they make SENSE. It’s cold for crying out loud!

That doesn’t mean I absolutely wouldn’t go in a bare leg, but a super sheer black pair of tights looks amazing and is “in”. I happen to also love a pair of sheer tights (HERE HERE & HERE) with a pattern to them. It adds something a little interesting to a solid dress or skirt.

Anyhow, to get back to the original question…..”should I wear tights?” The answer is YES. If you make the commitment to wearing them, then you’ll be more likely to put on a dress or skirt instead of that same ole pair of blackpants or jeans. Make sense?

Anyhoo, showing you how I have worn them so far this year and giving you some inspiration on how to wear them and which ones to buy.

Did that help??

Here’s what I’m talking about with the patterned tights. I’m mixing them up with a plaid skirt because I actually didn’t have a plain pair to put on that night – LOL. Even though the pattern looks very bold, it didn’t when I was standing up. HERE is a cute little version of my mom’s 1972 plaid skirt.

I wore a black patent leather pump by INEZ. I honestly can’t say enough about this shoe. It’s a classic that will always be “in style” and the comfort level is over the top. I have issues with my feet – high arches, high insteps and narrow heels – yep, you read that right. Keeping a heel on my foot is next to impossible! These pumps are honestly the ONLY pump I can wear. I need them in every color.

Here we are at Christmas and I’ve got on those same DIAMOND-SHAPE TIGHTS with yet another plaid skirt. This was last year and I remember wearing a pair of black suede heels that were coming off my foot as I walked up to communion at church – lol. Had I not had these tights, I would not have worn this skirt because how dumb would it look with a bare leg in Colorado in December – LOL. Terrible.

So, yeah……if I had legs like Taylor Swift, I would absolutely wear my patterned tights with a dress or coat this short :). I love the way she’s wearing a “shootie” which is really just a shoe/bootie. Going back to Inez again….they make an amazing one – very comfortable 🙂 Anyhoo, I love the way she is wearing this with the short trench coat. Imagine if she was wearing a bare leg ! SHOOTIE HERE from Inez, but Taylor is wearing LOUBOUTINS

Here are a few ways to get Taylor’s look….only I wouldn’t you show something quite so short 😉

One thing to remember when buying sheer tights is that you have to get a GOOD PAIR. If you get a cheapy pair, they’re going to run – count on it. These days, hosiery companies are really stepping up the quality of their tights. Libby put on a pair on Christmas night that was obviously not the best quality because before we even got in the car – there was a run. So, splurge if possible…..

I absolutely LOVE this look. The oversized camel blazer with the shorter skirt and tights is so chic. It’s possible that I love this look because I’m dreaming of sitting at a Parisian cafe dressed just like this gal :). Seriously, she could be wearing a pair of jeans with that blazer, but instead, she feels casual while looking more polished in her skirt and tights.

She’s of course, wearing the Gucci TIGHTS that are a fortune, but still in high demand. Love the look with the sling back, pointy toe shoes. So classic.

See how easy it is to get a look? All you have to do is find a picture that inspires you! I always pair high and low pieces together because to me, it just makes sense. If I’m going to splurge on expensive Gucci tights, then I’m going to spend a little less on a black skirt or I may just grab a blouse I already have. Shop your own closet!

Do I need to explain anything at all here?

Kate Middleton NEVER goes out with a bare leg — ever!

In the spring and summer, when she dresses up, she has on the nude I was referring to – something very classic and old-fashioned.

In the cooler months, she has been known to wear opaque tights as well as the more sheer look.

I think that for a really polished look that is more dressy, the sheer is better. Opaque tights are a little more casual. It all depends on what feels more comfortable to you.

Who knew that you can get an EXACT REPLICA OF THIS DRESS on Etsy? It’s not the same fabric, of course, but they nailed the design. Check it out!  

One thing I do love, but I don’t go for is a colored tight – sheer or opaque.

For some reason, it feels to me like a “younger” look. If you wear a monochromatic outfit with a matching pair of tights, then it is a win. But, you’re really going out on a limb pairing burgundy tights with an all navy outfit. It looks SOOOOOOO cute, but would you wear it?

A FEW SUGGESTIONS ON OTHER WAYS TO WEAR TIGHTS

I love the idea of a shorter skirt with tights, a sweater and high, flat boots. You can wear a tweed skirt or a plain black skirt to get the look easily.

When wearing a shorter DRESS, opt for a point toe pump or kitten heel to elongate the leg. If you are going for a more casual look, try the lower heel. When you are headed for a night on the town, wear the short dress and the high pump! YES!

I love the idea of a winter white outfit or dress with black tights and a black shoe. It’s SO unexpected which is what makes it so cool. Just look at how Amal Clooney wears the winter white – she never misses. Also amazing is @elenz/lbenito on Insta!

The monochromatic look with matching tights OR a contrasting tight is super cool. Love the way that looks. Just make sure that you don’t look like the Queen with an outfit that is too “stodgy” – keep it cool and modern with a shorter skirt and a tall boot.

There you go….you’ve got my take on tights or panty hose or whatever you want to call them. All I can tell you is to GO FOR IT and give it a try. It might require you to make a lunch date with a friend at a cafe or make a reservation for a fancy dinner so you can dress up! It takes a little getting used to…..but you’ve got it!