Tights...Not Just for Winter

As you may have already guessed if you’ve read any of my other posts, especially this one, I love tights. They are a relatively inexpensive (generally speaking) way to add visual interest to any outfit, and can even help you see other possibilities for styling something. It’s amazing how one accessory/necessity can completely change a look.

There are a lot of great options available right now, something for everyone, but here are a few of my favorite pairs.

I think these ASOS Pattern Sheer Tights are really versatile. I could see these being a great way to transform the look of a little black dress or mix with a bright and bold floral motif.  

I’m usually not a fan of fishnet stockings but I love the retro vibe of these star patterned ones. Playful and sort of punk at the same time. I think their name, Starlet of the Show Tights, says it all.

These Butterfly Tights from Jessica Simpson are adorable, but their tattoo-like design keeps them from looking too sweet.

Although patterned and multi-colored, these Tiny Hearts Tights could work almost as a neutral, pairing well with many other colors and also playing well with other prints.

The vivid floral print on these tights is really beautiful.  I could imagine these being a favorite pair of Fall tights, easily blending with greys, greens, and neutral tones.  In the summer, I would probably pair these with a crisp white dress or a black lace dress.

Fun! These Eye Exam Chart Printed Tights are a great conversation starter. They are available in black with white font or as pictured above. Just be prepared for people shouting random letters at you all day….

Woolford tights are usually pretty pricey but there are some great pairs on sale at Bloomingdales right now that are worth considering. Of the ones available, these are my favorite. I think they would add an edge to a more conservative ensemble, e.g. pencil skirt and blazer, or you could go all out and pair these with brocade shorts and a peplum blouse. Lots of possibilities!

So pretty! These Flocked Rose Tights from ASOS are also available in black. I love the texture that the raised roses bring to these tights.

Bold geometric patterns can definitely be statement makers and these Checkerboard Tights fit that description. They also remind of Alice in Wonderland. Pairing with a delicate drop waist dress or vintage frock would really bring out the whimsical element of these tights. While wearing a color blocked ensemble would be a striking way to show off this bold print. Also, if you are looking for a particular color of tight and haven’t had any luck tracking it down, check out We Love Color - they have almost every shade and hue imaginable (50 in fact!).

And finally, here are some of my absolute favorite tights of all time…ones that I really need to track down!

Swan Tights. No need to say anything else. Adore.

Pacman and Ms. Pacman are still my favorite video games. True child of the 80s. I need these tights and one day I will find them.

I can’t think of a better way to show my love of maps in a very present way than wearing these tights. There are a few other map print tights out there but I love that these resemble the globes from my elementary school days.

Very cool! And so very steampunk!  These Pocketwatch and Keys Printed Tights could work as all-season tights, classic and quirky at the same time.

Tights are definitely not just for winter! Do you have any favorite pairs, either from the ones in this post or from somewhere else?

Tights with a Figurative Scene...Wearable Narrative

Tights are a staple in my wardrobe.  Whether opaque, neutral, bright, sheer, textured, patterned or scenic/figurative, tights do much more than keep your legs warm.  Tights can really complete an outfit and are great for giving an outfit a whole new look. Most people tend to stick to more neutral tights like black, grey, and navy but there are so many colors and patterns out now it’s really fun to experiment. One simple way to try something new is to pair a bright pair of tights with a complementary color, for example red tights with a denim shift dress or a green-blue dress with a deeper shade of blue tights.  And of course adding patterned tights to a simple dress or skirt can change the whole vibe of your outfit.  Imagine a basic navy and white striped dress with red and white floral tights.  

One of the styling challenges I love the most is mixing patterns.  At first glance, these figurative tights may seem impossible to pair with anything other than a solid colored dress but surprisingly they work well with other patterns too, perhaps because of their pale blue and white coloring.  Today I paired them with a reddish/orange sundress, navy blouse with red polka dots and a floral patterned cardigan with lots of reds, yellows and blues in it. A simple gold braided belt and gold flats helped to ground all the patterns. I think playing with the different hues of red, yellow and blue also helped tie everything together.  If you haven’t already, explore all the different ways you can wear patterned tights and be amazed at how different they can make any outfit look.

Outfit Details:

Dress (old) - Sweet Enticement Dress by Mouliette Soeurs, Anthropologie

Polka dot blouse (old) - Zara

Floral Cardigan (old) - Artist’s Study Cardigan by Sparrow, Anthropologie

Tights - Look from London via Modcloth

White tank top (old) - American Eagle

Gold braided belt - My Mom’s

Gold unicorn necklace and earrings (ancient) - gift from relatives when I was about 5

Gold flats (old) - Felicia Egypt Gold Flats, Sam Edelman (similar styles and colors here)

Black wedges (old) - Sketchers