Author: hilldong@yantaithriving.com

We’re halfway through winter, and it’s the perfect time to update your cold-weather wardrobe for a fresh look.

As winter continues, my coats and cozy knits remain essentials, but I’m ready for a mid-season refresh. Luckily, I’ve discovered the perfect accessory to elevate my outfits. White tights, a favorite among fashion insiders in London, New York, and beyond, are making a subtle yet stylish statement this season.

White tights are adding a light, refreshing twist to heavy winter outfits, making this unexpected microtrend a fast favorite. Originally seen on runways at Valentino, Richard Quinn, and Altuzarra, designers styled them with layers, volume, and frills, crafting elegant silhouettes with a touch of regal charm.

It’s no surprise that this trend quickly transitioned from runway to real life. Celebrities have embraced white tights as a must-have accessory this season. Actor Jodie Turner-Smith showcased the look with snowy white micro shorts, a sleek black top, and a floor-length white coat during an outing in New York. The outcome? A bold, refreshing style that had fashion editors talking.

After making waves on the runways and trending on Instagram, lace tights emerged as a standout street style moment during September’s fashion month. Paired with knitted co-ords or tonal winter whites, this surprising accessory appeared in fashion capitals worldwide, solidifying its status as a key microtrend.

Worried about styling white tights? Don’t be—the trick is keeping it simple. A monochromatic white ensemble paired with frosty tights delivers a sleek, effortless vibe. For a daring twist, try them with a bold red accent or a timeless LBD for striking contrast. Soon enough, these tights will become a natural part of your winter wardrobe.

Socks are no longer just for practical use, like preventing blisters or staying warm. Today, with playful prints, unique fabrics, and bold silhouettes, socks are as stylish as bucket hats or statement earrings. Take the trendy knee-high socks, for example. Once tied to preppy school uniforms (think Blair Waldorf), they are now a street-style staple for fashion enthusiasts.

Socks can also bring a touch of sophistication to your outfits. According to Toronto and NYC-based stylist Kim Appelt, “Knee-high socks are a great accessory to elevate your winter wardrobe with a polished edge. They add personality to any look.” Before temperatures hit freezing, try sheer knee-high socks for a chic touch. Pair them with a pleated miniskirt or micro shorts to show off the style. If it’s colder, go for wool or ribbed cotton knee-highs with cropped jeans or trousers for a cozy yet stylish vibe.

When it comes to footwear, choose a style that suits the season. Ballerina flats are perfect for this time of year, especially for holiday gatherings. “Delicate and timeless, flats like Chanel’s classic ballerinas create an elegant and feminine look when paired with knee-high socks,” says stylist Kim Appelt. As the snow starts to fall, swap flats for tall boots to stay stylish and warm.

Looking for more ways to style knee-high socks? Keep scrolling for outfit inspiration!

Double Down On Prints

Maximalist fashion lovers adore pattern mixing, and this leopard-and-floral combo is a standout choice. Take it up a notch by adding a bold, colorful bag to the ensemble. Balance the vibrant look with pointelle knee-high socks and classic black leather Mary Janes.

Monochromatic Moment

Knee-high socks and Bermuda shorts might seem like an unusual pairing, but influencer Alyssa Coscarelli shows they can work perfectly. The key is sticking to a neutral color palette, such as trendy khaki tones, for a cohesive and modern look.

White hosiery adds just the right amount of contrast to neutral tones, creating a statement that’s subtle yet striking.

Mad For Plaid

Though the chilly weather has arrived, fall isn’t over just yet. If you haven’t worn your favorite plaid miniskirt, now’s the time. Embrace the autumn vibes by pairing it with burgundy ballet flats or Mary Jane heels and cozy black cotton socks for a stylish look.

Leg-Baring Bloomers

If you’re in a warmer climate this fall and winter, try pairing your socks with trendy bloomers. Add an edgy leather jacket and a sleek suede bag to complete the look, ensuring you stay stylish and put-together, even if you feel like you just rolled out of bed.

Festive Velvet

Got a few holiday events lined up? Arrive in style by wearing a soft velvet mini dress. Pair it with sheer socks and your favorite pointy-toe heels for a subtly sultry, festive look.

Morgan Riddle always nails the cozy winter glamour look, proving she understands the assignment every time.

On Monday, December 16, the 28-year-old model and girlfriend of tennis star Taylor Fritz, often called “the most famous woman in men’s tennis,” shared photos from her Aspen, CO trip.

“Heart grew 3 sizes 🎅🏼🎄🌨️,” she captioned, referencing the classic Dr. Seuss tale, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. In the first photo of the carousel, the influencer stunned in sheer tights and a chic faux-fur coat while sipping a martini. Her glossy pink lips and perfectly styled hair added a touch of elegance. A full-body shot showcased her black stiletto heels, highlighting her toned legs and glamorous outfit.

Earlier this week, Morgan shared some stunning white-hot looks from Aspen, including another faux-fur and leggings combo she humorously called a “sleigh” instead of a “slay.” Monday’s photo dump also featured a few all-white outfits, such as a matching sweater-and-pants set paired with a white cowboy hat and trench coat.

If life teaches you one thing over the years, it’s that trends always come full circle. This applies to home decor, hairstyles (remember velcro rollers?), and even clothing. While some fashion trends, like neon shoulder pads, are better left in the past, others are making a comeback and bringing fun back into our wardrobes.

This year, a bold, color-focused fashion trend is making a comeback from the 1960s and 1980s: colorful tights.

The History of Colorful Tights

If you were forced to wear red tights and shiny black shoes as a child, the news that red tights are trending this Christmas might feel like a trigger warning! For others, it’s a beautifully nostalgic nod to festive seasons gone by—now back in style.

I’ve been loving tights during the past couple of winters. Although I don’t usually wear skirts or tights, I adore the look of sheer pantyhose peeking out from under jeans and trousers. Last year, I experimented with pops of red, but this fall, I focused on classic shades like brown and black. Wool tights, especially in Prada-inspired gray, are also catching my eye. After seeing stylish women in Paris embrace them, I’m ready to try this trend. Plus, I’ll admit, I’ve even warmed up to the more debated long-shorts-and-tights combo for winter.

Tights trends are making waves this winter, and burgundy tights are everywhere right now. It’s not surprising, considering 2024’s obsession with the color trend. Burgundy tights offer an easy and budget-friendly way to make even the simplest outfit feel stylish and intentional. Fashion influencers and celebrities, like Kendall Jenner—who rocked them last February at a Grammy’s after-party in Los Angeles—are embracing this trend. Here’s how the fashion world is styling this buzzy tights trend.

I’m sharing two photos of Megan Ellaby’s outfit so you don’t miss her clever styling of socks over tights. Similar to her bold choice of a clashing snake-print tote and loafers, sometimes what seems a little off actually works perfectly.

It would be a mistake not to highlight how burgundy tights bring a festive vibe that’s perfect for the holidays. Brighter cherry tones, in particular, stand out and pair beautifully with gray for a stylish look.

This all-black outfit becomes so much more striking with Salome Mory’s accessories. Her luxe burgundy tights and metallic clutch add the perfect touch of elegance.

Mimi Nguyen isn’t letting New York’s winter chill affect her style. A long puffer looks chic in burgundy, and her matching tights add an extra layer of cool.

Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande have had exciting years, earning Golden Globe nominations in the best supporting actress category. Gomez is recognized for her role in Emilia Pérez, while Grande shines in Wicked. On December 10, the two friends reunited at the Academy Women’s Luncheon in Los Angeles, hosted by Chanel. Both stars dazzled in elegant tweeds and heels from the iconic French brand.

Selena Gomez chose a chic outfit with a button-down collared top and a pencil skirt adorned with off-center buttons. Her top featured fold-over pockets and elegant white accents on the collar and sleeve cuffs. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande wore a stylish multi-colored sleeveless minidress with a deep V-neck. The dress included pockets embellished with crystals and pearl trim. To complete her look, Grande carried a black quilted purse, adding a touch of timeless sophistication.

Selena Gomez perfectly complemented her outfit with white and black pumps featuring a rounded toe. These stylish shoes showcased a platform and a tall block heel, adding height and elegance to her look. While primarily white, the pumps stood out with a black cap toe and two buckled ankle straps. This eye-catching design debuted on the runway in Paris during Chanel’s Spring 2025 show, a glamorous event held at the iconic Grand Palais.

Ariana Grande also chose cap-toe pumps, but her pair featured a sleek black design with a pointed toe and stiletto heel. Both actresses completed their outfits with sheer black tights, a timeless and elegant choice that added sophistication while enhancing their footwear styles.

As a devoted fan of jeans and trousers, I’ve typically reserved skirts and dresses for the summer months only. However, this winter, I’m committed to expanding my fashion choices and incorporating them into my wardrobe. Yet, this brings up a practical challenge. Wearing bare legs during the cold winter months isn’t an option for me, which means layering with tights. For years, I’ve struggled to see this pairing as stylish—it always felt more like a school uniform than a chic fashion statement.

Well, dear reader, I was wrong. Fashion experts far more stylish than I am have shown that tights can be both cozy and sophisticated when paired with your favorite skirt. The secret lies in nailing the formula: combining the right shoes, hem length, and top. This season, the choices for fashionable tights are endless. For a chic French-inspired vibe, go for barely-there sheer tights. If you prefer a playful, Scandinavian touch, try thicker, colorful tights that make your skirt and shoes stand out.

Still need convincing? Keep scrolling to discover my top six skirt-and-tights looks that I can’t wait to recreate this winter.

1. Slip Skirt + Semi-Sheer Tights + Turtleneck + Slingback Heels

Style Notes: This outfit radiates French sophistication, and the vintage charm of the slip skirt paired with a faux fur coat is stunning. I used to think slips and tights were an unusual combination, but Sylvie shows just how effortlessly chic it can be.

2. Grey Skirt + Grey Tights + Burgundy Knitwear

Style Notes: I’ve never imagined wanting to wear grey tights, but Julie’s outfit has more than convinced me. I especially love how it lets the red—this season’s hottest colour—pop, while working so subtly with the grey skirt.

3. Pleated Mini Skirt + Semi-Sheer Tights + Riding Boots + Cardigan

Style Notes: Pleated skirts and tights may feel reminiscent of school uniforms, but leave it to the Scandis to make them look playful and effortlessly chic. The high hemline is perfectly on-trend and looks especially polished when styled with a long coat and the ever-popular knee-high boots.

4. Leopard Print Skirt + Tights + Black Top + Pointed-Toe Heels

Style Notes: Leopard print is the must-have pattern of the season, and it transitions beautifully into winter when paired with tights. Choose sheer black tights to add a touch of relaxed sexiness to your skirt-and-jumper combo, channeling effortless French sophistication.

5. Mini Skirt + Tights + Biker Boots + Shearling Jacket

Style Notes: Biker boots are a must-have this winter, perfect for adding a touch of edge to delicate outfits. Unsurprisingly, they pair beautifully with skirts, and adding tights makes the look both stylish and winter-ready.

6. Leather Pencil Skirt + Ultra-Sheer Tights + Bodysuit + Patent Heels

Style Notes: Leave it to the queen of party looks to show that tights and skirts can be the perfect evening combination. The mix of textures—like a leather skirt and semi-sheer tights—creates an elegant yet sexy vibe, making it the ideal choice for a night out.

In today’s polished fashion world, Katie Holmes stands out as a refreshing change.

The actress is the queen of effortless style, often spotted in New York City wearing everyday basics paired with a touch of luxury. The result is a constant source of relatable yet inspiring outfit ideas for our daily wardrobe choices.

On Sunday, the actress was seen in the bustling city, rocking an unexpected and stylish outfit combination.

The mother-of-one rocked blue jorts layered over tights, paired with black leather loafers, a sleek camel shirt, and a long black winter coat effortlessly draped on top.

Oversized cat-eye sunglasses with tortoiseshell rims added a chic Y2K vibe, perfectly complemented by her neutral-toned Hermès Birkin bag. Even Serena van der Woodsen would approve!

Katie completed her bold look with a simple black knitted beanie, adding a cozy touch to her winter-ready outfit—sure to spark mixed reactions among fashion enthusiasts.

Jorts are a divisive fashion staple, much like mullets, skinny jeans, and Adidas Sambas. Emerging from denim’s rebellious rise in the 20th century, these boyish cut-offs have shifted between ironic high fashion and casual dad vibes. Now, they’re firmly back in style for SS25.

In September, several brands spotlighted jorts on their star-studded runways. Etro styled dark-wash, neatly-cut versions with tropical silk shirts, snake-print leather jackets, thong heels, and knee-high Western boots. Fiorucci embraced the controversial look in its unisex collection, layering light-wash jorts over lace-trimmed bloomers for male models. Marco Rambaldi presented XL cuffed, printed designs paired with whimsical, deconstructed lace-crochet blouses.

Parents’ night out!

Rihanna and her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, enjoyed a romantic dinner at Carbone in Miami on Saturday during Art Basel weekend. Photographers captured the couple as they left the restaurant.

For the late-night outing, the 36-year-old songstress stunned in a strapless minidress with stylish cutouts, highlighting her curves.

She completed the look with black ripped tights, a faux fur coat, and bold gold jewelry.

The mother of two added her unique touch by pairing sheer tights with nude pumps for a standout look.

Rihanna and Rocky, who made their relationship public in November 2020, looked happy and relaxed. The couple held hands and stayed close as they left the celebrity hotspot.

Meanwhile, the proud father, also 36, embraced early 2000s vibes with an all-denim outfit for their date night.