Tights are incredibly versatile, yet styling them can sometimes feel tricky.
“Tights offer affordable style while balancing both form and function,” says Elizabeth Kosich, certified image consultant and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling. “Most likely, you’re not using them to their full potential.”
“Tights also help extend the wearability of spring and summer pieces long past their typical season,” Kosich added. Stylist Christina Kroll agrees, noting her inspiration from Scandinavians: “Their motto is, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.’ They excel at layering tights stylishly for winter.”
Here’s how to style tights to achieve any look you want—from elegant to edgy—while staying warm and comfortable.
Some Guidelines To Get Started
“The first rule of wearing tights is that there are no rules,” says Kosich. With so many colors, textures, and patterns, it’s fine to experiment and push boundaries. However, there is some helpful guidance to keep in mind.
One tip is to select tights that complement your outfit’s color palette. “If your dress is neutral, try bold-colored tights. For a vibrant dress, opt for a more subdued shade that grounds and balances the look,” Kosich advises.
Tights can set the tone for your look. “Subtle patterns, like textured polka dots or delicate lace, can elevate a simple dress, while fishnets add an edgier vibe,” says stylist Stephanie Venita Stimmler.
Experiment With Shorter Hemlines
“Tights let you experiment with shorter hemlines,” says Kosich, as they provide more coverage than bare legs. They allow you to wear a micro-mini or shorts, even if you usually avoid these styles or worry about staying warm in cooler weather.
“Keep mini skirts premium and sophisticated with materials like wool, suede, or leather,” she advises. “Pair them with tights in a statement color or a tone-on-tone shade to add texture and enhance the outfit’s composition.”
Stylist Cassidy Montalvo loves pairing tights with “baby doll style mini dresses and ballet flats—it’s a nod to the ’60s, yet still very feminine and chic.”
Make Tights A Focal Point
Tights were once an afterthought, but now they can be the centerpiece. “Use tights to create a focal point in your outfit by adding a pop of color, texture, or both,” says Kosich.
She suggests wearing printed tights—“think florals, python, or leopard”—to “add dimension to airy dresses.” Alternatively, “keep it minimalist with solid opaque tights in a vibrant jewel tone, paired with a monochromatic skirt,” she recommends.
Kroll recommends choosing skirts that “give room to show off” tights, as they “can ‘make’ an outfit, much like accessories such as purses and jewelry.”
Look For Luxe Tights
Kroll noted that Americans often avoid wool tights, fearing they’ll be too itchy. She recommends opting for merino wool tights, a winter staple in Scandinavia. Kroll prefers wool tights “that feel like a second skin and can be worn under anything.”
Merino wool is made with finer fibers that pull moisture away from your body, helping to prevent sweating and overheating.
Find The Right Neutral
Tights don’t always need to be a fashion statement—sometimes, they’re about staying warm and completing an outfit. “For a nude-colored tight, I recommend choosing an opaque style to ensure the color blends naturally and doesn’t stand out if it’s slightly off from your skin tone,” advises stylist Kendra Sharpe. Certified image consultant Amrita Harbajan adds that “fleece tights with flesh-colored lining” are perfect for very cold days.
You can stay neutral without opting for nude. “Shades like black, navy, and gray are versatile and pair well with many colors,” says Stimmler. Montalvo notes that neutral tights offer a “more professional, tailored look” and matching them to your shoes will make your legs appear longer.
Almost Any Shoe Goes With Tights, So Get Creative
Almost any shoe can be paired with tights. Kroll prefers high heels: “Pair a colorful heel with a muted tight, or vice versa—a muted heel with a colorful tight,” she advises. Another great option is low-cut boots, which “give space to show off flattering tights” and look “super chic” with skirts and sweaters.
Kosich recommends creating “juxtapositions that create balance” and are unexpected. “The more unusual the pairing, the more chic,” she says. For example, try “sneakers with micro fishnets or combat boots with semi-sheer florals.” If bold looks aren’t your style, she suggests more classic, yet chic combinations like “Mary Jane flats with oversized fishnets, velvet smoking slippers with back-seamed tights, or classic pumps with tone-on-tone pin dot hosiery.”
Sharpe advises that, while there are exceptions, “a closed-toe shoe of any kind is usually the best choice.”