No other accessory walks the line between frumpy and fantastic like a pair of tights.
By LAUREN PADILLA
Longmeadow High
No other accessory walks the line between frumpy and fantastic like a pair of tights. When paired with a peep-toe pump and a little black dress, they look absolutely wonderful. But, be warned, add a suit jacket and flats to pair of nude tights, and you’re quickly approaching businesswoman-gone-awry territory. To help avoid any potential fashion faux-pas, I’ve compiled a list of leg-wear do’s and don’ts.
Do: Pay attention to your shoes. When it comes to tights, shoes determine whether an outfit looks terrible or terribly chic. My suggestion: wear heels. Even a little baby kitten heel looks 10 times better than a pair of flats. However, if you absolutely must (and I mean, must) don a pair of flats, make sure they are pointed-toe…or peep-toe…even boots work (don’t you dare think about wearing a pair of Uggs).
Don’t: Be afraid of pattern. For some reason, people tend to think patterned tights age the wearer. However, at least in my experience, patterned tights make an ensemble appear much more youthful (not to mention interesting), than a solid pair. My favorite tights are lace-inspired with cutout detailing.
Do: Avoid anything distressed or shredded. Especially for work or more formal settings, this is an absolute must. Distressed hosiery tends to look unprofessional and sloppy. Ripped tights can make even a beautiful Carolina Herrera mini-dress look tawdry — think Audrey, not Miley.
Don’t: Feel like you have to color-coordinate your entire outfit. Just because your dress is green, does not mean your tights have to be green, too (unless your goal is to look like Peter Pan). Although a select few can pull off head-to-toe color, for the most part, dressing exclusively in one hue usually results in a rather theatrical effect (and not in a good way).
Do: Buy multiple pairs. The one downside to tights is that they have to be replaced…frequently. When you find a pair of tights you absolutely adore, buy more than one. Nothing is worse than finding a pair of stockings you love and then turning around to find them ripped down the side. Save yourself the pain, and purchase an extra pair.
Hint: Try to color coordinate tights and shoes. Matching hosiery and footwear has the same effect as a pair of neutral heels—an elongated leg-line.
So there you are…my do’s and don’ts of hosiery. Even though tights are one of the most difficult accessories to integrate into an ensemble, avoiding them is not necessary. When you’re shopping, just remember— think Susie Bubble and Blair Waldorf, not Robin Hood.