The fascinating thing about fashion’s cyclical nature is how quickly something you’d never imagine wearing can become a must-try trend. For me, the latest example is a pair of colored tights.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m a huge fan of tights and wear black opaques daily from September to late May. But colored tights? I used to think they felt a bit juvenile, too jaunty, or more suitable for a costume around October 31.
Change is here, and the latest trend of rainbow-bright hosiery has me swapping my trusty black opaques for something bolder. Like many, I started with red tights, pairing them with a Simone Rocha embroidered sheer skirt for London Fashion Week last year. Now, in 2025, I’m ready to explore a wider range of colors as the new fashion year unfolds.
As if I needed more convincing that standout hosiery is a must right now, Miuccia Prada’s finale bow at the latest Prada show proved that it’s time to make room for more daring shades.
The fashion icon brightened her grey sweater and white pleated skirt with bold violet tights, paired with strappy stiletto sandals. While everyone was eager to see the menswear collection she co-designed with Raf Simons, there’s always a moment of anticipation as Mrs. P steps forward for her bow and outfit reveal.
Prada’s styling choice comes as no surprise: bright tights are a key element of the spring/summer 2025 Prada womenswear collection.
Among the chinzy florals, striped knits, and silver hardware, bright, bold tights in unique shades popped up, crafted in a thick, ribbed knit. Some were even worn without trousers. Off the catwalk, the best way to style these tights is with a silhouette that makes the color a surprise—often, a moderate hem length works best, allowing the pop of color to feel like a delightful sartorial twist.
If, like me, you were initially hesitant about bright tights, start by choosing a color already reflected in your outfit. Wearing red florals? Try red tights. Have a green thread in your tartan kilt? Go for green tights to highlight it. You’ll soon feel just like Mrs. Prada, experimenting with bold colors that stand out. For the best effect, choose shades that straddle the “ugly-pretty” line—those offbeat hues that make a statement. Embrace this trend now!