A Tight Squeeze

There is no denying that a pair of coloured or patterned tights can boost the look of your outfit, not to mention they will keep you warm and give you more opportunity to wear dresses throughout winter.  I am often asked about the tight 'rules' and what tights can be worn with what shoes, so today's blog is full of all things tight-y.  (It's a big one ... you may want to grab a cuppa before you read)!


With all tights, you have two options on how to wear them.  Wear them edgy or wear them classic.  

The differentiation between edgy and classic has just as much to do with your choice of clothing as it does with your choice of tight.  When it comes to 'rules' for wearing tights, much of it comes down to how you like to dress, the overall look you are going for, and most of all your confidence.  


What Shoes?
I am a big believer in finding your own style and pushing fashion boundaries, however as a general rule, closed toe shoes will always look best with tights.  A small peep-toe shoe is acceptable, provided you never see the toe seem and just get a hint of the tight or the colour.  

The no no's - sandals, sling backs or shoes with a large open toe look simply awful when worn with tights, so keep these shoes for summer and bare legs.

Coloured Tights
Classic: Coloured tights are perfect when wearing a dress with shoes or boots to add a splash of colour.  When wearing coloured tights and shoes, keep the shoes and dress fairly plain as not to compete with the tights.  Another classic look is to match your shoes to the colour of the tights to keep your leg looking elongated.

Edgy: Should you wish to go more bold with your colour choices, then be sure that your outfit is as loud as your tights or that the tights are the hero.   This is not a look to choose if you are not confident in your own body and your own individual style.

Tip: Choose the right shade of tights for the shape of your legs.  Slim legs can wear almost any colour, more shapely legs look best in solid colours of a darker hue such as deep red, black, purple, dark blue etc.

Patterned Tights

Classic: Wear them with a plain or solid coloured outfit and shoes and let the tights be the hero.  Too many juxtaposing patterns will confuse the look and make you look dowdy or that you are trying too hard.  

Edgy: Go crazy with patterns and colours and ensure the cuts or layering of your clothing are as edgy as the tights.

Work

To keep you look professional, always wear darker shoes than your pantyhose / tights.  Wear black or dark shoes with black pantyhose / tights.  Red or coloured shoes should be worn with nude hose.  I personally think the plain old nude pantyhose are probably the most boring pair of tights you can own, however they have their purpose in the workplace. 

Dark Tights with Coloured Shoes
This look is very edgy and if you're going to wear dark tights with coloured or cream shoes, be sure that your outfit has some spunk to it.  Dark tights and coloured shoes is a great look when wearing vintage as it adds to the eclecticism of the outfit.

General TIPS for Wearing Tights

1. Hairless legs will always provide a smooth finish, even with black opaque tights.
2. High denier black opaques (120 or higher) always look 'new'.
3. Woolly tights will add bulk and become pilled after time, so avoid these.

Where to Buy?

• Most fashion stores will have a range of tights for sale - Witchery, Sussan, Portmans etc
• Department stores, Big W, Target
• Specialty stores (for the super special tights) - Alannah Hill, The Sock Shop