Contrary to common misconceptions, tights are not just for old or conservative women who feel uncomfortable going bare-legged in public. There’s also more to this tight-fitting garment than the nude and neutral-colored ones usually worn by the Queen of England or your grandmother. Thus, before you dismiss the idea of wearing a pair, consider exploring the world of fashion tights. You may just discover that certain pairs match your fashion sense or personality to a T.
Stylish tights come in multiple patterns, prints, colors, and textures to help you create unique and exciting looks for various occasions. You can readily transform a dull outfit into something more fashionable by wearing a pair of polka dot, checkered, or floral tights underneath. That’s the beauty of stylish tights. You don’t need a fancy outfit, shoes, or accessories to look fabulous—the tights will do the work for you.
If you’re hesitant to take patterned and printed tights head-on, continue reading. This piece will give you several ideas on how you can wear fashionable tights that will make you look attractive and put together. We’ve also included several dos and don’ts to ensure that your stylish tights game is always on point.
Different Ways to Style Your Fashion Tights
From tie-dye and shimmery effects to striped and fishnet designs, you’ll never run out of options when it comes to fashion tights. Match the right pair with your best clothes, shoes, and accessories, and you’ll surely earn compliments on your ensembles. To steer you in the right direction, here are several ways you can wear the most common patterned and printed tights to create striking looks:
Edgy
If you haven’t tried wearing patterned tights before, you may want to start with something simple. Why not try polka dot tights to add an edgy vibe to your outfit? Pair these tights with an oversized graphic t-shirt, leather shorts, and platform boots. Complete the look with a leather jacket, and you’re all set.
You can also try wearing fishnet tights underneath a pair of ripped denim jeans. Make sure that the rips on the pants are large enough to make the tights visible. Put on a black cotton sweater and chunky leather shoes, too. Accessorize with a buckled choker, and you’ll surely make a statement.
Charming
Stylish tights aren’t only for creating unconventional looks. You can also use them to exude charm and feminine confidence. Try a pair of leopard tights in khaki as a statement piece. Wear them with a white shirt dress and a brown coat. Slip into a pair of ankle boots that match the tone of your tights, and finish the look with a rust beret.
Black floral and lace tights are also must-haves pieces if you desire a charming vibe. Wear them underneath a flowy dress or a short skater skirt, blazer, and high heels, and you have a lovely ensemble in an instant.
Casual
If you want to add a bit of pizzazz to your ordinary outfits, patterned tights work wonders. To create a casual yet stylish vibe, you can wear striped or mesh tights under a light-colored sweater dress. Complement your outfit with a black coat and Oxford shoes.
If you love wearing skirts, why don’t you try plaid tights with a short skirt, white t-shirt, and loafers? A pair of zebra tights can also add a bit of personality to a short, black A-line skirt and a plain chunky sweater. Finish the look with lug sole boots, and you’re ready to go out and impress everyone you meet.
Fun and Flirty
Elevate your outfit for date night by adding black floral net tights to your ensemble. Show off your legs confidently by wearing them under a black miniskirt. Wrap up the look with a cream turtleneck sweater and black heels or ankle boots. Wearing the same hue from the waist down can help create an attractive silhouette, making your legs appear longer and slimmer.
Chic
Pull off a chic vibe by pairing polka dot tights or a thick floral pair with a white fitted sweater tucked inside a buttoned skirt. Slip into black loafers to complete the look. If you want additional warmth during a cold day, you can add a leather jacket or blazer to your ensemble. This outfit is stylish yet comfortable and can be worn for casual Fridays.
Sophisticated
Perhaps you’re wondering how you can wear patterned or printed tights and maintain a classic professional image. If so, you can never go wrong by matching your neutral-colored ensemble with stylish tights. For instance, you can wear a plain satin blouse and a black pencil skirt over opaque gray or black patterned tights. Complete the sophisticated look with black heels, and you’re ready to meet clients and impress your colleagues.
Festive
If you believe that your party dress lacks that X factor, shimmery bejeweled tights could be the missing ingredient that you’re looking for. These shiny pairs can make any boring outfit dramatic and festive. Wear them under a black puff-sleeve cocktail dress and pumps for a fancy yet elegant vibe. The classic little black dress can also get a significant style upgrade when you pair them with gold metallic lace tights or sparkling silver tights. Slip into your stilettos, let your hair loose, and dance the night away!
Bohemian
Believe it or not, you can also create a bohemian vibe using stylish tights. To pull this off, you may want to wear pairs in muted tones. Try wearing diamond mesh tights under ripped denim shorts with a matching white lace top or an ethnic peasant blouse. You can also pair patterned tights with a plain eyelet dress. Finish the look by slipping into a pair of chunky heeled clogs or embroidered suede ankle boots and accessorizing with turquoise jewelry.
Dos and Don’ts When Wearing Stylish Tights
Without a doubt, fashion tights can elevate your style and help you express your vibrant personality. They can add much-needed color or texture to a plain outfit. To successfully pull off wearing patterned or printed tights, be sure to consider the following pointers:
Dos
- Do choose a neutral-colored outfit with a hemline that shows off your legs so that your stylish tights will be the focal point of your ensemble.
- Do opt for stylish tights in the same hue as your outfit and shoes if you’re pressed for time. In general, you can never go wrong with a monochromatic look.
- Do keep your accessories to a minimum when wearing stylish tights.
- Do wear stylish tights with small and subtle designs and a pair of heeled shoes if you’re on the petite side. This can help to elongate your legs.
- Do pair thicker or heavier-looking stylish tights with sturdy shoes, such as platform shoes, leather boots, or styles with chunky heels. If you want to wear stilettos or “lighter” shoes, opt for sheer patterned tights that are more see-through.
Don’ts
- Don’t wear your fashion tights with printed or overly-decorated skirts, dresses, or shorts. Your best bet is to pair them with outfits in solid colors so that your ensemble will not appear too busy.
- Don’t be afraid to combine your patterned or printed tights with different fabrics and textures to add a bit of dimension to your style.
- Don’t wear tights with horizontal designs, as they tend to create a bulky silhouette.
- Don’t forget to match the color of your patterned tights to at least one of the colors of your clothes to create a more put-together look.
As long as you know how to style them correctly, fashion tights can do more than simply keep your legs warm and covered. Indeed, they’re must-haves for adding a touch of glamour and style to your plain-looking outfits. That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to try them out. Who knows? Perhaps patterned and printed tights are the accessories you never knew you needed all along.