How to choose your tights
Bonjour!
Here in Paris, the sun is shining but it is freezing!
A perfect weather to wear skirts and dresses… with tights 🙂
When it comes to tights, most of us think plain, black tights. They are indeed great cause they match with everything and slim the leg, but tights can also be the statement accessory of your outfit!
And a great one: it is so cheap that you can have a different pair for everyday of the week.
So let’s begin with the choice of the classic black tight.
1. Black tights.
Black tight are not meant to be noticed and are just used to complete the outfit (and not catch a cold).
When in doubt go for opaque black which always looks good on everyone
Transparent black tights are more sexy and therefore not to be worn with a combination of sexy clothes and accessories.
The lady with the blue skirt rocks her tight with doc Martens and the lady in red has a dress that is floaty enough to allow the transparent black tights.
Note that transparent tights are not flattering on curvy legs.
2. Colored tights
2.1. Colored tight with black
Colored tights can turn an all black look into an edgy and fresh outfit.
In the street
DIM MOD tights
Or on the Dior Runway
Dior
2.2 Colored tights in color harmony
Tights can be combined with other colored items to be inserted into a color harmony
Automnal/classic harmony: navy blue dress + burgundy tights + leather
Why is it a match? Because marine and burgundy are complementary colors (complementary colors are the opposite colors on a color spectrum). White and leather are neutrals
Arty/boho harmony
Ecru top with colorful prints + mustard scarf + purple skirt + olive tights + leather booties + red lips + pale blue nails
Maybe you’ve heard about the “not more than 3 colors rule?” I think it is an helpful and good rule for most people but that when you got a talent for matching, you can break it.
Why is a match?The top is the key: its printed ribbons come in yellow/orange that matches both the scarf and booties, in purple that matches the skirt, in red that matches the lips, in pale blue that matches the nails and in olive green that matches the tights and the top itself is ecru which is a neutral color. Congrats to this lady!
Ok, this one was expert level, let’s go back to easier matchs.
Camel autumnal harmony
Camel coat + other shade of camel dress + brown leather bag + havana leather boots + burgundy tights
Why is it a match? As I always, say, neutrals go with everything, so you can wear as many as you want and add a flash of color. With colored tights for instance!
Want personalized style advices? Reach me for distance styling or personal shopping!
Automnal fresh harmony
Camel coat + light grey top + darker grey beanie + camel bag + brown leather and white wool boots + navy skirt + mint tights
Why is it a match? Because neutrals! And yes, I consider navy blue being a neutral (cannot think of a color it does not match with but, if I do one day, I’ll keep you updated). The surprising color of the tights really enlighten the outfit here and make this lady stand out.
When green grass was yellow on pictures
Preppy harmony
Navy dress with white dots + grey cardigan + black boots + mustard tights
Why does it match? Sure you can tell the answer by yourself after reading the previous ones. Tell me your opinion in the comments!
And a few bad color matches for you to avoid
– Wohooo! Too much bright colors at a time! (athough they are complementary and no more than three, it a big NO for me)
– Peter Pan is it you? Green near almost the same green is a no.
– Quite elegant jolie madame… but yellow top + yellow tights kind of give the feeling that you are wearing a unitard to me. And as far as I am concerned I think she should add some neutrals to the mix.
– More subtle but too matchy, you cannot tell the difference between the color of shorts and the color of the tights
3. Effects tights
Whether they are black or colored, refer to 2 and 3.
3.1 Back seam tights
I like to think of them as follow-me tights.
They are inspired from the seam of ancient stocking.
Back in the time, this seam was such a symbol of feminity that, during world war 2, ladies used to draw a fake couture marks on their legs to give the illusion of stockings!
Today, they are still a turn-on.
Because they are very sexy, they should be worn with elegant clothes to avoid being tacky. Like a trapeze skirt for example.
I think this lady below has got every tacky item possible on her. Aïe aïe aïe
3.2 Fishnet tights
Same as the back seam: be careful, they can quickly appear tacky … or grunge in a bad way.
So either you go for an elegant and classic outfit, or you break the sexy with a boho attitude.
Max Mara
Miley, what did I just say about fishnets?
And bonus, the nude fishnet, which I think looks adorably retro with a ladylike outfit. Plus they create beautiful legs (they are used by the Moulin rouge dancers)
3. 3 Creative effects
Tights with creative effects can totally rock an outfit. I personally wear a lot of them.
Trick is not to mix them with other patterns. Just like blogger miss Pandora.
Miss Pandora
Or like on this fashion shoot (siren effect? looove it!)
Adding pattern tights to an outfit containing patterns is almost never good, sorry Blair (at least to me).
3.3 Prints
The smaller the print, the lighter the leg
Heart plumetis
Classic small plumetis
Bigger dots work with thin legs, but enlarge them a bit
Below, the print is so big that it blurs the shape of the leg
Suspenders effect is great and subtly sexy! But only if you keep the rest of the outfit elegant and casual.
This second lady is well dressed, but I think her jean shorts are a bit too small for those kind of tights.
Nicola Roberts
Et voilà!
I hope this article helped you find your way into thights jungle.
Bisous de Paris!
Aloïs
Cover pics: trendy taste on the left, could not find the others…
Hi there,I log on to your blog named “How to wear tights | Dress like a parisian” like every week.Your story-telling style is witty, keep it up! And you can look our website about free proxy.
People needs to stop dressing in tights and leggings and any tight pants because it’s a sin and you women aren’t impressing anyone by wearing tight pants. You’re just showing how much of a whore you girls really are.
Dear Aloïs,
Tnx for the great article!! My question is: I have a grass green midi dress with a hint of nude in it and nude pumps; I wanted to go for a “Spring is in the air” look but it’s too cold not to wear stockings. What would you advise me to wear with it? NB: I am not a fan of skin coloured stockings … Tnx in advance for your advise!
Hello there! Great article indeed!
Any idea about silver shiny tights? Or does it belong to the creative effects category? Thanks a lot 🙂
Creative effect!
I have an almost hot pink, slightly darker colored dress with white and black polka dots and flowers on it. I can’t seem to figure out what tights would work best. I plan on wearing low top boots with it. A little grunge look for a music festival!
Honestly, I’d go for sheer black. Simple.
I think that curvy legs can look great in transparent tights. Curvy does not mean unflattering.
Hey great article! really helpful!
I just bought a pair of royal blue ankle boots (i’ve only ever owned back shoes so i’m at a loss)
What colour tights would you pair with these?
Any tips would be really appreciated!
Thanks
I’ve got a cute navy dress that is of heavy weight lace with navy lining. Because of the lace, it looks good as fall/winter wedding attire. I’d like to style it for office attire. What sort of tights do you recommend I wear to make it more office appropriate? I work for the government in a fairly conservative environment, but try to have fun with my clothes when I can.
Honestly, I recommend to wear it in a simple way with semi opaque black tights
Hi,
Great article thanks! Could you please help me with some advise? I have a pub-wedding on Saturday and I am planning to wear a black dress (with some details in white) with burgundy shoes… but with british weather, I was thinking of taking some (transparent) tights.. Which colour would work better?…. black? burgundy?
Hi, semi transparent black!
Hi,
I have patent sky blue heels with a thin ankle strap. Do you think black opaque tights will work well? I was going to wear natural tan tights but I think the black will elongate my legs better?
Thanks!
Hi,
It may work but I am not sure,
I would need to check this,
I you want a quick personal advices, I provide it as a custom distance personal styling service,
You can email me at alois@dresslikeaparisian for details,
Kind regards,
Aloïs
I wear tights a lot.I can say all 24 hours of a day even in sleep time.but I did not know what i can wear with tights but now not only I will wear them more than past but I also want to give this tips for other fans of tights.thanks a million!
<3
I want to wear a maroon top with a gold jacquard skirt with subtle hints of green and maroon in it. What color tights and shoes will go with his outfit for a Christmas party?
Purple tights and natural leather shoes sound nice.
I have a plum sweater dress that I think would look great with my tan booties. What color tights do you recommend?
Red, burgundy or citrus yellow
Loved the article! So helpful!
Plan to visit the boyfriend in France this October which would be a perfect time to wear skirts with tights, coats, boots, cardigans and leather pants! My only problem is that I am 5’5″-5’6″ and have extremely skinny legs. Wearing black would make my legs look practically non existent. However, I really do wish to wear black as most of the outfits I have would go so well with black tights! Any suggestions on a compromise I can reach with myself? Also, anything other than black leggings/pantyhose/translucent tights (sheer) that would go well with a burgundy/maroon coloured mini pencil skirt?
Thanks in advance!
Hum… sounds like black is the best option though. I do not think that it will make our legs more skinny than another color ^^ If you are daring you could wear bright red with your burgundy skirt!
Hi there! Did you try thick black lace pantyhose? Personally, I find it being a great alternative to black leggings. I usually go for a thicker version, not a thin lace that can sometimes look strange and not be flattering at all. Have fun in France!:)
Yes semi opaque we call that in France 🙂
I love girls who wear tights! so sexy and alluring. By the way, the models featured are simply gorgeous! especially the girl wearing yellow coloured tights with a black outfit. So beautiful and sexy. She can be my girl any time!
Hii,
I love all your posts. I am an Indian and i have a mustard colour(not too deep neckline) slightly abouve knee length skater dress. I was thinking of wearing it in a family function in july (a hotter season)and hence cannot show off my legs. Mustard is a tricky colour, please help me with the tights and shoes for this dress. Thanks
Hello Natasha,
You can contact me for a private answer at alois@dresslikeaparisian.com 🙂
“White and leather are neutrals”
What do you exactly mean by “leather is a neutral”?
Do you mean leather of every colour is a neutral, or do that only this camel-like-sandy- colour is a neutral?
Yes, I meant camel like color but I should have specified ^^
Hi…the pics above…the models r wearing tights with black socks or the tights extend into socks?
It is a “trompe-l’oeil” (deceive the eye). So yes the tights kind of extend into socks
I am so excited to have found your blog! My reading this post was perfect timing- I have a dress I have been wearing all summer long. I can’t figure out how to take it through fall and winter. It is a silk shift dress in a lovely seafoam and coral to red (colors are more vibrant than the photo). Here is a photo: http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/4130580817494/cleome-dress-reviews/reviews.htm
What color tights would work with this dress? I am truly stumped! I would love your input.
What about shoes with your tights? I have the hardest time finding shoes for colored tights, and if it can somehow happen I don’t know how to work tights with open toe shoes.
Hi,
I am an older woman, yet I still like to dress in a fashionable and contemporary manner. I recently purchased a maize yellow and cream tweed A- line knee length skirt with pleats. I have a yellow cardigan with cream trim that matches really well. This is a winter skirt, so I need to wear something on my legs. I am at a lost as to what hosiery would work. I like an edgy look, but as indicated, I am older, so I don’t want to look like a fool either. Can you guide me please?
Thank you
Hello, This sounds really tricky as those sound like summer colors… I would need to see the skirt.
Thank you for the reply. Here is a link to the skirt.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/pdp/detail.jsp?&id=23237654#/
Jacque
So tights can make a lot in dressing up. I was thinking of pairing it with shorts but I always go with the black color only. Pairing it out with a navy dress is a new idea to me. I’ll try it one of this days. http://clothesbycolors.com/blog/color-shoes-wear-navy-dress/
Hello there,
I’m glad I found this post, it’s been a great help, but since I am terrible at putting together a matching outfit, I thought I better solicit your advice.
I’ve got a cocktail party to go to and I bought a little black dress I like. The event is in Denver, however, since the spring-time temps there can still be a little nippy, I’ll definitely need some tights to go with it. I have black tights but I thought adding a little color might liven up the outfit a bit. I also have some dark purple opaque tights with a classic ribbed texture and a sort-of natural forest green color pair that’s a little more see through. Do you think either of those would work with black? My shoes will also likely be black.
Thanks!
Hello Anne,
Both the colors you described will look nice with black 🙂
I always search for a good post about how to wear colour tights..
Finally I found your post, love it!
I used to only wear black tights, but now I decide to have some change
http://www.humancat.co
🙂
I love tights! I had a quick question: I have a light grey dress and an ivory dress that I wanted to pair with tights. any suggestions for what color tights would look good in spring. I’m pretty tall and the dresses show more leg than I’m comfortable with it thus the tights. Any help would be welcome!
You could try soft shades light dusty blue, or mint green.
Hi Aloïs, thanks for your blog, it is great. I have a doubt. Would it make sense to wear navy opaque tights with light beige shoes? The dress is navy-green Scottish-like fabric (but has no red, it is a very simple fabric).
Hi, Yes that would make perfectly sense with the shoes! If the dress has opaque navy in it then prefer slightly transparent navy tights.
Hello – I was wondering if it is ok to wear opaque black tights to a summer wedding in June in Chicago? I have no problem with the high temperatures. I hate my legs but also love the look of opaque tights and think they complete the outfit. Please let me know what you think.
Hello,
I am not a big fan of opaque tights for summer. It looks strange to me. If you do not like your legs, I’d rather advise you to go for pants.
This article was a great read! any suggestions for wearing hot pink tights? would it be weird if I wear it during spring time?
Thanks!
Actually there is a pic of a model wearing hot pink tights in my article (the Dior runway). I think all black with just a flash of pink brought by the tights is the best combination. Navy blue could be an option too. You can pull those combination out during spring time if it is still cold enough to wear tights.
Bonne journée!
Hi, I have a huge birth mark on one of leg. I want to wear shorts and skirts in summer. What tights go for Indian skin tones please for work wear in summer? Please advise. Also, can you wear tights on dungarees?
Thanks
Dear Patricia, birth marks are part of our body. I think you do not need to hide it. Therefore I advise you to go bare legs in summertimes. And yes you can wear tights under dungarees. Bests, Aloïs
Thank you Alois for your response. I’m very conscious of the birth mark..as it extends on one leg till the ankles. Therefore I try to hide it. I have an Indian skin tone. Will brown tights go well with work wear please? Thanks again.
I just have a question about wearing tights for a night out? I’m a bit self-conscious about my legs and would feel more comfortable wearing a short dress with tights. Is it tacky to do that for a night outfit?
Also, what’s your opinion on tights with rompers?
Of course you can wear tights for a night out and that is not tacky at all (well at least if you don’t choose fishnet tights on a super short skirt).
I like rompers when they are well styled.
This weekend is my baby shower. I have a plum colored dress, what color tights, shoes, jewelry, bag would work best with it? it is winter and chilly. Thanks and i love ur site!!:))
Here is your answer: http://dresslikeaparisian.com/what-to-wear-with-my-plum-colored-dress-for-my-baby-shower/
Saw your blog and have a question. Going to a dinner tomorrow night and want to wear a black dress with leggings or tights and not sure what color to go with. It is freezing cold here right now and I currently own black fleece lined leggings, darker gray ones, and just purchased some pretty black with silver sparkly in them. I have put on all three and just don’t know why way to go. Any advice?
Also I am not super skinny but not plus size either…size 8. I am open to running out and looking at another color of tights tomorrow. Just running out of time!
I’d go for the sparkly ones 🙂 When you say legging, you mean they have no feet right?
Nice one! I always like tights but I don’t know how to mix it with my outfits, so I always ended up with black tights (with no patterns) only. 😀 Will definitely try this! Thanks.
🙂
Hi! Just stumbled upon your blog and I love it!
What color tights and shoes would you recommend with a navy top and a camel colored skirt?
Hi Traci, if you wanna go for colored tights, try burgundy or deep purple. Match with natural leather shoes (brown) or clean white sneakers.
Otherwise plumetis black tights (or another type of print) or black tights worn with shoes either natural brown leather, clean white but also colors like red, burgundy fuschia, yellow, etc.
Hi,
Can you please advise what colour tights I can wear with burgundy dres which has navy heart print?
Thanks 😉
Monika
I think…black is the best color! I know, not very surprising but other colors would be overwhelming with the burgundy and navy blue will be too matchy with the hearts.
This was very helpful.
Thanks
Hello Reddit ladies,
Here is the entry I wrote about your question: http://dresslikeaparisian.com/how-can-i-wear-coloured-tights-and-still-look-like-an-adult/
Wow, un article complètement collant et très bien détaillé qui donne beaucoup d’idées. Merci beaucoup pour ces tenues mines d’or !
Can I wear a white dress with black tights ?
Hello Reem,
Yes, if you do it the right way. Have a look at my detailed answer: http://dresslikeaparisian.com/can-i-wear-a-white-dress-with-black-tights/
Bises 🙂
Hello! I understand this is somewhat off-topic however I needed
to ask. Does running a well-established blog such as yours take
a massive amount work? I am brand new to blogging but
I do write in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so
I will be able to share my personal experience and thoughts
online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or
tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Thankyou!
I wish my blog were “well established” 🙂
Working on it though.
Yes it does take time, but if you would like to do that, do it!
Bises et bonne chance
Wow, quel article complet, et bien plus instructif et poussé que ce qu’on peut lire dans la presse féminine!
J’ai aussi disserté sur la question, mais j’avoue que je suis jalouse de ton article 😀 http://ixelloise-chic.over-blog.com/article-collants-les-do-don-ts-122288403.html
Merci Clara, ton article est super et on a le même type de cheminement je trouve. En plus tu rédiges très bien donc c’est un plaisir de te lire.
Merci beaucoup 🙂
Thanks so much! This is great. Love your site and hope you keep posting. 🙂
“Note that transparent tights are not flattering on curvy legs.”…… why don’t you just say what you mean and state that transparent tights are not flattering on overweight legs. Because there is no reason why a truly curvy girl – not fat – should not be showing off her legs.
Hello Rose,
You are right on that. It is not always easy to find the right word to describe things, especially as english is not my first langage 🙂
Regarding the tights what I wanted to say was that the most flattering black thights for curvy legs is probably opaque rather than transparent. But yes, maybe curvy was not the accurate word to choose.
And I think that there is a flattering way to dress for every silhouette because every girl is unique and needs a unique way to enhance her beauty with her clothes.
Thank you for commenting!
Bises
i was thinking the same thing she also implied it about small prints as if curvy women dont look as good as skinny women do in tights…..im a lil offended
Dear Ciara,
I do not mean that, it is a blog about personal styling so it is about finding the tights that will flatter you the most and big prints do enlarge the legs so I am saying it.
If you read my other articles you’ll see that I often show curvy bloggers as examples of how to dress 🙂
Well done Aloïs! I loved reading your post 🙂
Thank you so much Tara!
Thank you!
Such a helpfull and nice post!
Please write more article begins with “How to”=)
Thanks 🙂
Have some new subjects in mind ^^
Oh thank you for the new post! I keep checking to see what else you’ve decided to post on and am very excited to see this newbie!
Very thought provoking article. I agree about your too many bright colours looking odd observation. I never like too many bright colours together, and think it looks messy and a bit mad in an annoying way, no matter how expert or thought out the ensemble. I like the blend of neutral and harmonious colours together in your autumnal examples though.
One thing you haven’t commented on, is matte vs shiny tights. Any thoughts? Generally matte looks nicest I think, except perhaps at night. I really dislike shiny sheer tights in the daytime especially, even opaque shiny is no good though.
Hello Justine,
I’m so happy to know I have followers, makes me want to post others 🙂
For the matte vs shiny I indeed forgot. So many parameters.
I agree with you: matte generally looks better, even in the evening.
Shiny makes the leg look wider.
But if you have very slim legs, you can rock sparkly tights for an evening.
Bests!
Bises
U really know a lot about what colored dress goes with what colored tights.
I wish somebody like u could tell figure skaters today it’s not ugly to wear colored tights etc.
I wish figure skaters met talented stylists, ahah. And yes, they are all about those sheer tights! Maybe it is mandatory?
Yes hahah i so agree, although i heard this other skater say it’s not mandatory.
For instance, if u’ve ever heard about a program called “Tango” they skate to, u always see them wear either a black or red dress.I was thinking what if u wear a black skating dress with red tights or a red dress with black tights.Wouldn’t that be so super awesome?
My apoligies for ranting too much heh..