Author: hilldong@yantaithriving.com

From the highest seats at the *Short n’ Sweet* tour, Sabrina Carpenter’s legs gleam as if coated in Krispy Kreme glaze. It’s hard to take your eyes off them.

If you saw her opening set for *Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour*, her Coachella show, or her 2024 VMAs performance, you noticed the same thing: her legs glistened with every outfit change and sassy hip pop.

In the past year and a half, the 25-year-old “Espresso” singer has followed Swift’s stage style by wearing double-layered nude pantyhose. This practical and flattering fashion trick has been popular with stars like Beyoncé and Demi Lovato.

These pop icons don’t need to coat their legs in moisturizer or liquid shimmer; the sheer pantyhose provide an instant glossy effect with no hassle. Now, this performer-approved trend is reaching everyday women, as skin-toned pantyhose make a strong comeback.

Allen E. Gant invented pantyhose in 1959 to help his pregnant wife, who struggled with constantly pulling up her stockings. He aimed to create a garment that extended from the waist to the toes, removing the need for garters completely.

In the 1960s, as Mary Quant popularized the miniskirt, tights helped make the style more “appropriate” for everyday wear. Even with rising hemlines, it wasn’t considered acceptable for women to show their stockings and lace garters. Pantyhose provided a modest solution under the thigh-skimming fashion.

Over the next decade, nude tights became an office staple, mandated by most employers’ dress codes. Bare legs were not allowed, and women had to wear pantyhose if their skirts or dresses were mid-calf-length or shorter. However, by the 1990s, as workwear standards evolved, pantyhose were considered outdated and unfashionable.

Once abandoned in professional settings, nude nylons shifted from polite undergarments to fun, costume pieces. Unless you were a ballerina, figure skater, aspiring Broadway dancer, or even Taylor Swift, wearing skin-tone pantyhose seemed unusual.

In 2024, the fashion scene has shifted again, creating a noticeable generational divide. To millennial non-A-listers, nude tights are still seen as old-fashioned underwear, a throwback to what older generations wore. As one X/Twitter user put it, they’re forever linked to Nora Batty from *Last of the Summer Wine*. But for Gen Z, nude tights are now a sexy staple—an ideal alternative to self-tanner and, according to one pantyhose fan on social media, “very hot.”

Millennials and Gen X who resist the trend often do so because they can’t shake the conservative values passed down from their mothers and grandmothers. One Gen X woman, for instance, shared online that she only wears skin-toned tights because of her family’s influence. “I just can’t bring myself to go bare-legged if I’m wearing a skirt,” she admitted. “If it’s a long summer skirt, fine, but if it’s a tailored skirt with a blazer or jacket, I have to wear pantyhose. I can’t not. I hear my mother’s and grandmother’s voices in my head.”

Some women took to Reddit to share their trauma of being forced to wear flesh-toned “granny panties” in their youth. “My first job out of college required pantyhose with skirts and even with sandals – this was in 2000, and one of the reasons I left after 18 months,” one user shared. “Nope, nope, nope! I always hated them. I’m pale and could never find a nude that matched. I’ve worn black pantyhose, fishnets, tights—anything like that—but nude hose? Never again,” another agreed.

This frustration was echoed by many online, with users pointing out that most companies offer a limited range of skin-toned pantyhose. “The skin tone on my legs DOES NOT match my arms,” one frustrated woman vented on Reddit. Another self-identified “elder millennial” admitted, “I haven’t worn ‘nude’ stockings or tights since I was a kid. I often wear patterned or fashion tights (both sheer and opaque) in various colors as an outfit accent, but never in my skin tone.”

Both high-fashion and affordable brands have continued to promote flesh-colored tights, introducing new offerings and expanding skin tone options. Notable names like the drugstore staple L’eggs are leading the way with more inclusive choices.

The Row, Miu Miu, and Maison Margiela have all championed pantyhose, pushing for their chic revival in recent runway collections—especially in the last two years as the no-pants trend gained traction. For her Fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection, Miuccia Prada made a bold statement: not only can pants be optional, but flaunting what’s underneath is now in vogue.

Gen Z stars like Addison Rae and Sydney Sweeney followed the designers’ lead, ditching pants and pushing tights into the fashion spotlight. But even millennial icons are joining in—Kristen Stewart and Jodie Turner-Smith have both been spotted wearing tiny underwear paired with nude hosiery. While the no-pants look is usually seen with colored or sheer black tights, Stewart opted for skin-toned pantyhose. In March 2024, the *Twilight* star was seen strutting the streets of New York City in light tights and cable-knit underwear.

Sure, the “pants-less” look may be a fashion step too far for anyone but celebrities. But there’s no denying that the trend—along with Carpenter-mania—has brought nude tights back into the style spotlight. Sorry, millennials—it seems Nora Batty was ahead of her time.

 

 

Lucy Liu showed off her legs in sheer tights at a London screening of her upcoming movie, *Red One*. She turned heads and created a buzz with her stunning appearance.

The action comedy features Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as the North Pole’s security chief. He faces a major crisis when Santa Claus is kidnapped.

Lucy, 55, plays Zoe Harlow, the North Pole’s spy chief. She is also involved in the mission to find Santa.

For her recent public appearance, the *Kill Bill* star showed off her figure in a sleek black outfit, perfectly highlighting her toned legs.

Lucy wore a stylish tuxedo jacket over a shimmery black top and matching shorts, accentuating her slender figure.

Her look featured fishnets over her décolletage and a pair of high black stilettos, enhancing her leggy silhouette.

With bold makeup, including crimson lipstick, Lucy sharpened her screen siren look. She wore her dark hair pulled back to highlight a pair of sparkling earrings.

As she walked the red carpet, Lucy took a moment to pose with JK Simmons, who plays Santa Claus.

Let’s celebrate Lily Collins, the ever-giving actress who continues to impress.

On her hit Netflix show, Lily Collins’ wardrobe is full of colorful, eccentric pieces. In real life, however, her personal style is much more understated.

On Wednesday evening, American actress Lily Collins attended the press night after-party for *Barcelona* in London, accompanied by her husband, Charlie McDowell. At The Crypt in St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Los Angeles native wowed in a timeless outfit: a black knitted dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, a longline silhouette, and a thigh-high split.

She completed the cozy look with sheer black tights and point-toe heels, creating an effortlessly elegant style.

Lily wore her short, dark hair loose in a sleek, straight bob with a side part. Her look was enhanced by vampy makeup, featuring a high-contrast mix of dark bronzer, bold brows, and a porcelain complexion.

Still, Lily couldn’t resist reminiscing about her time on the Parisian set of the popular Netflix series. Earlier this week, she shared a photo in a striking red leather catsuit, along with a playful caption teasing fans about the upcoming season: “Already seeing some amazing @emilyinparis Halloween costumes, so here is some more season four inspo…”

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.”

We’re all embracing this perfect autumn weather and the layered outfits that come with it. To celebrate, let’s look at some chic fall outfits featuring tights. Sheer black pantyhose are always a safe choice, but there’s so much more to try. Even classic black tights can bring unexpected style to your look if you’re ready to experiment.

In 2023, Miu Miu made the visible pantyhose waistline under slip skirts a fashion statement, especially if paired with a tucked-in cardigan. But for 2024, the look is more relaxed. Across New York, preppy mini skirts with tights, often styled with Mary Janes or loafers, are everywhere. My feed is bursting with tights inspiration—from vibrant, playful styles in Lisbon to chic, elegant looks in Paris. Here’s a roundup of top tights outfits saved in my folder, along with everything you need to recreate them at home.

Tights are essential in royal ladies’ wardrobes. Moreover, they add elegance and style.

Although it’s not an official royal rule, the late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly preferred that royal women wear tights at formal events. Thus, this choice reflects her style preferences.

The Princess of Wales often wears nude stockings. In contrast, the Duchess of Sussex was seen wearing hosiery for the first time at a garden party for King Charles’ 70th birthday in 2018. This choice highlighted their individual styles.

Princess Anne frequently wears nude tights. However, during an investiture on Tuesday, she broke from tradition by choosing fashion-forward sheer tights. This change highlighted her stylish approach while awarding honors to sportsmen and writers.

The Princess Royal wore sheer tights under her military uniform, which included a gold and navy skirt suit. She paired the outfit with round-toe court shoes, adding a touch of elegance.

This season, the fashion set favors sheer tights, as noted by our stylish friends at HELLO! Fashion. They state, “Sexy sheer tights with delicate denier are back,” highlighting the trend’s resurgence.

Among the celebrities embracing this trend, HELLO! Fashion highlights Dakota Johnson, who elevated her look with sheer tights. She paired them with a fitted strapless mini dress and black Christian Louboutin stilettos. Additionally, Nicola Peltz styled sheer tights with a white ruched mini dress designed by her mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham.

 

Taylor Swift wears nude tights under all her Eras Tour costumes—two pairs, in fact, for added coverage and shine. Just a few years ago, sheer nylons might have seemed outdated. However, more and more women are now wearing them as a trendy accessory.

Wiz Wakefield, 30, owns around 14 pairs of black tights and wears them daily during winter. “I prefer them relatively sheer because thicker, darker tights don’t look as appealing,” says Wakefield, a talent acquisition professional in New York. “But I don’t want them so sheer that they look inappropriate.”

Tights are making a stylish comeback, with the market growing fast, especially among young women, after years of flat sales. Once just for modesty, tights have turned into statement pieces. Models, musicians, and Hollywood stars now wear tights as pants, and the trend is spreading. Now, a legacy brand that once led the pantyhose market aims to dominate this hosiery revival.

L’eggs, the go-to drugstore brand for women, is relaunching with a new line of shapewear tights made from recycled yarns. These tights come in colors like red and brown, plus trendy patterns like leopard and lace, all designed to attract younger shoppers.

Created by a Hanes executive, L’eggs launched in 1969, quickly becoming iconic for its unique plastic, egg-shaped packaging.

Sold in drugstores and supermarkets, L’eggs provided affordable, convenient pantyhose for women entering the workforce in the 1970s and ’80s. Long before “shapewear” was a term, L’eggs offered compression and control tops. By the mid-1980s, the brand’s revenue had reached nine figures.

In the 1990s, the barelegged trend took off. By the 2000s, pantyhose became a generational marker: while some older women wore them to work, most younger colleagues chose to go barelegged. Shapewear brands like Spanx and Skims, launched in 2000 and 2018, introduced more smoothing options, making control-top pantyhose feel outdated.

For some women, nude nylons still feel out of place in modern wardrobes.

Anastasia Kenworthy, 30, a business development manager in New York, laughed when asked if she ever wears nude nylons. “Never,” she replied, noting that Taylor Swift is the only person she can think of who actually pulls them off.

“I associate them with grannies,” said Charlotte Jones, a 29-year-old project manager in London.

L’eggs is working to change that perception. Although its original egg packaging is displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, the brand’s owners aim for it to be more than just a style artifact.

Last year, Hanesbrands sold L’eggs to the private equity firm Windsong Global. CEO and chairman Bill Sweedler hired Cami Téllez as executive creative director and board advisor in January to modernize the brand. Téllez co-founded the underwear company Parade in 2019, which was acquired in 2023, and she left earlier this year. Known as a Gen-Z whisperer, she initially sent her brand’s colorful briefs to micro-influencers, turning their photos into social media flexes. Now, Téllez aims to introduce L’eggs to a younger audience.

The brand’s relaunch coincides with a pivotal moment for the tights market. According to the marketing research firm Circana, hosiery sales in the U.S. reached $1 billion in 2023, with an 18% increase this year so far. Notably, sales among 18- to 24-year-olds have surged by 76%.

Brands are noticing increased interest from a younger demographic. Nordstrom associate fashion director Linda Cui Zhang stated that colorful and patterned tights, along with knee-high stockings, have gained popularity among younger customers. They are drawn to creative styling, such as wearing socks over tights or pairing tights with sandals. In response to this demand, the department store has expanded its offerings to include a variety of textures, colors, and embellished styles.

Charlie Nichols, president of L’eggs, stated that to stay relevant, the company now refers to all its hosiery options as “tights” instead of “pantyhose.”

“One of the things we needed to do quickly is change the brand’s optics,” he said.

The brand’s first new offering, called 360 Contour tights, will be available in the coming weeks. These tights are designed to evoke modern shapewear rather than the control-top pantyhose of the past. Téllez, in collaboration with the design firm Family Office, designed all the packaging. “Each one is like its own piece of art,” she said. The new campaign imagery showcases women of various sizes, ages, and races, with some styled according to the no-pants trend, where tights are worn as bottoms.

Nichols noted that traditional nude, sheer tights continue to sell well, with sales on the rise. Téllez compared them to tinted moisturizer for your legs.

L’eggs is currently available in nearly 30,000 drugstores and grocery stores. It will debut in 1,800 Target locations next spring, along with Kohl’s and other smaller chains.

“Today, tights have evolved into a powerful form of self-expression in fashion, and we’re seeing them on the runway,” said Téllez, highlighting brands like Fendi, Miu Miu, and Sandy Liang. “We’re excited to continue bridging the gap between the runway and the streets more quickly.”

In May, Kendall Jenner and the legwear brand Calzedonia created buzz with a sizzling summer photoshoot. In these viral images, she flaunted a stunning satin green bikini, offering plenty of swimsuit style inspiration.

Now, this dynamic duo returns with another seasonal campaign. On October 24, Jenner celebrated the return of tights season by showcasing bold pairs from Calzedonia. If you haven’t embraced this daring hosiery trend yet, take Jenner’s advice: now is the perfect time to dive in!

Thursday was a busy day for Jenner. Alongside her cover story release with M Magazine, she shared Calzedonia close-ups with her 291 million Instagram followers.

For her holiday-inspired endorsement, Calzedonia’s brand ambassador modeled the 20 Denier Ultra Comfort Sheer Tights in black. She layered these sheer pantyhose under matching hot pants and a cherry red turtleneck. Next, the 818 founder accessorized with strappy black sandals, silver hoop earrings, and burgundy nails—three chic touches for upcoming festive events. Plus, her dark brown hair marked the surprising end of her month-long blonde era.

In true supermodel fashion, the red-on-black look was just one of three luxe outfits for Calzedonia. For the next photo, Jenner switched to another pair of sheer tights, this time adorned with polka dots. Thanks to Calzedonia’s Sheer Polka-Dot Tights, her mod black bodysuit with a mock neck and long sleeves took on a surprisingly retro feel. Slingback pumps and chunky hoop earrings enhanced the timeless vibes.

For the final shot, Jenner embraced the burgundy color craze in Calzedonia’s 20 Denier Ultra Comfort Sheer Tights. Following other A-list fans of this rich shade—Zendaya, Kate Middleton, and Jenna Ortega, to name a few—she paired her opaque tights with a matching cropped leather jacket. To keep the focus on her monochromatic outfit, Jenner chose minimal accents, including pointy patent pumps and mini gold huggie earrings.

Just like her red carpet looks, Jenner collaborated with her longtime stylist, Dani Michelle, on these enviable ensembles. “Stockings are my favorite accessory for fall—I always feel they elevate any outfit and polish the leg,” Michelle said in a press release. “Tights were big the last two seasons, and they aren’t going away anytime soon!” If you need help curating a tights-inspired outfit this fall and winter, Michelle recommends pairing them with a mini skirt and a turtleneck. “There’s something about the covered yet exposed look that feels so crisp and confident,” she adds.

On Oct. 20, Julia Fox turned heads with an edgy monochrome outfit at the Rome Film Festival photocall for “The Trainer,” a dark comedy she stars in.

Julia Fox showcased her skill in mixing and matching materials with her all-black ensemble. Though the color was consistent, she played with different fabrics for each piece. The actress and model paired a knee-length leather skirt with a longer sheer overlay, cut out in front and elegantly trailing along the floor.

She layered a sheer turtleneck under a classic peak-lapel blazer, adding depth to the look. Her platinum blonde hair provided a striking contrast to the dark ensemble.

Fox completed the black-on-black look with opaque tights and classic black pumps, showing a chic way to style tights with heels. Her shoes, featuring a pointed toe and a slim ankle strap, added a touch of timeless, understated glamour.

Fox is celebrated for her bold fashion choices. In April, while promoting her show “OMG Fashun,” she made a statement in New York by wearing an oversized black Sho Konishi blazer and briefs, opting to go without pants.

Victoria Beckham’s style is truly timeless. The British singer-turned-fashion designer combines refined minimalism with modern elegance in a seamless way.

Victoria Beckham effortlessly blends sleek, tailored silhouettes, sophisticated color palettes, and classic designs with a modern twist. She skillfully combines the latest trends with timeless elements, showcasing her evolution from pop star to fashion icon.

The 50-year-old shared a throwback photo on Instagram for Kim Kardashian’s birthday. Her outfit showed just how timeless and stylish black lace tights remain.

Victoria Beckham posted a stylish shot from her Paris Fashion Week SS24 afterparty, featuring Kim Kardashian, Vetements’ creative director Guram Gvasalia, and former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. Victoria embraced the ‘no trousers’ trend, wearing a black blazer over black lace monogrammed tights from her own brand. While this look is one of 2024’s hottest hosiery trends, her approval shows just how timeless it truly is.

“Black dresses paired with patterned black tights create a unique and interesting look,” Kristina Falke, international PR Director of hosiery brand Falke, shared with H! Fashion. “When it comes to patterns and bright colors, it’s best to start with the tights and then choose your outfit. But with a black dress, anything works.”

Kim also jumped on the trend in 2023, wearing a pair of nude tights with a black lace overlay, giving the illusion she was wearing no pants (celebrities love the ‘no trousers’ trend).

Before the style became a cool-girl trend in 2023, Bella Hadid brought goth glam to the 2022 Met Gala. She wore a custom Burberry look by Riccardo Tisci, featuring a leather and chiffon corset dress paired with black patterned lace tights, fitting the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” theme perfectly.

Whether you want to elevate an everyday blazer or enhance a special occasion outfit, patterned lace tights are the perfect, timeless choice.