It’s no surprise that Rihanna is one of the biggest fashion icons of our time
The musician and mogul has inspired an entire generation with her bold, ever-evolving style. From her cherry red hair in the Loud era to her unforgettable Pope-inspired look at the 2018 Met Gala, Rihanna’s iconic fashion moments are unmatched.
Rihanna in 2018 Met Gala
One thing is clear: Rihanna’s reign of glamour isn’t ending anytime soon! Since 2005, she has been styled by Jahleel Weaver, and together, they’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion, taking her style to new heights year after year.
Jahleel Weaver and Rihanna
Lately, we’ve been treated to countless iconic Rihanna style moments. From off-duty looks featuring the biggest thigh-high boots to a stunning, buttery yellow calf hair bustier dress by Alexander McQueen that flawlessly matched her hair, her fashion game is always on point.
Rihanna continues to solidify her status as the ultimate fashion star of our time. Over the weekend, she made a stunning appearance at a Savage X Fenty event at Nordstrom Century City in Los Angeles, wearing a see-through camo print bustier—styled as a dress—from her surprise collaboration with Diesel.
Rihanna completed the look with matching camo print tights, an oversized multicolored furry coat by Fendi, and YSL mules adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Let’s be honest: no one truly loves knee-high socks. They’re uncomfortable, leave marks on the skin, and frankly, they’re unattractive. Especially the nude ones in that yellowish beige color. They remind us of something outdated, like an elderly lady’s wardrobe. Think of Queen Elizabeth on a bad day at Balmoral or Nanny McPhee, but even more neglected. It’s definitely not the look anyone wants to see in the mirror. But recently, that has changed. Designers and brands are now pushing the idea that even those old nylon knee-highs, the ones we used to hide under boots and pants, can be stylish. They’re trying to convince us they have their own beauty and coolness.
Fashion has the power to change how we see beauty or coolness. Think about it. When a designer adds something we once thought was ugly or uncomfortable to their collection, they can make us change our minds. Suddenly, we see that item in a new way. A thought pops up: maybe it wasn’t that bad after all. In fact, it might even look interesting or beautiful just because it’s trendy. This happened with Birkenstocks, low-rise skinny jeans, Capri pants, white socks with sandals, flip-flops with heels, and velour tracksuits. Many brands get credit—or blame—for this shift, but Prada is the true master of turning unpleasant pieces into style statements.
No one has expressed this idea better than Miuccia Prada, who made “Ugly Chic” one of her trademarks. Thanks to her, ugliness has become attractive, and embracing the unconventional or embarrassing is now common. In fact, the “Cringe Chic” aesthetic has quietly taken over our wardrobes. For Prada, ugliness is a tool for self-expression and social commentary. But for most of us, it’s simply a trend we follow. So, if by 2024, our drawers are filled with sheer nylon knee-highs, especially in nude shades, we can blame Ms. Miuccia. She featured this style in many of her collections—remember SS19?
The sheer nylon sock, reaching just below the knee and held by an elastic band, has become the star of the season. This once unsexy item is making a comeback, almost mocking us from the catwalks. For FW24, designers like Acne Studios, Shiatzy Chen, Weinsanto, Casablanca, and Cecilie Bahnsen showcased them in classic black, white, and nude versions. Emilia Wickstead paired them with oversized sweaters, embroidered skirts with 3D flowers, and loafers. Tommy Hilfiger gave them a preppy twist with mini skirts, polo shirts, turtlenecks, and blazers. Even in the SS25 collections, these ugly socks remain a focal point. They’ve been reworked in silk, lace, and decorated with floral appliqués, net textures, embroidery, and bold colors. They channel the coquette aesthetic at Yuhan Wang, Vivetta, and Simone Rocha. They take on a sporty vibe at Melitta Baumeister and a playful touch at Natasha Zinko. At Kent & Curwen, they return to the preppy style.
Yuhan Wang SS25Vivetta SS25
Simone Rocha SS25Melitta Baumeister SS25
Kent & Curwen SS25
Bella Hadid loves knee-highs. She pairs them with capri pants, skirt suits, shorts, or mini skirts, often with sneakers or loafers. Kristen Stewart has made them sexy, wearing them like thigh-highs. She boldly combines them with sky-high pumps, shorts, and a sports t-shirt or a maxi skirt with a jewel top. The key difference is all in the attitude. During the press tour for Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga rocked knee-high lace socks to complement outfits inspired by Courtney Love’s grunge era. Julia Fox took it even further, embracing the granny look with nude compression knee-highs.
Even though we hoped to never see them again, we must surrender to fashion. Now, we have two choices: ignore them and criticize those who wear them, or set aside our preconceptions and make them part of our everyday outfits. In 2024, knee-highs are meant to be seen, not hidden under clothes or shoes. The easiest combo is pairing them with a pleated skirt, shirt, V-neck sweater, blazer, and penny loafers for a full preppy style. But that’s not the only option. Knee-highs are versatile and can be styled with more refined, romantic looks, like with ballet flats or slingbacks. The key is to choose the right model, the one that makes you feel comfortable.
In 2024, fashion has taken a nostalgic turn, with low-rise denim, UGGs, and ballet flats making a strong comeback in a major resurgence of 2000s trends.
While many of these trends have been warmly embraced, one more controversial style from the era is quietly slipping back into wardrobes. Those who experienced the ‘indie sleaze’ era the first time might not welcome it as eagerly.
That’s right—shorts over tights are back in vogue, bringing nostalgia for aging millennials.
This look was popular on school mufti days, featured in Tumblr posts, JustGirlyThings blogs, and worn by celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Pixie Lott, and Alexa Chung on red carpets.
However, in the past week, the iconic 2000s “shorts and tights” ensemble has officially made a comeback.
Gen Z fashion influencer and clothing brand owner Aimee Smale recently shared a TikTok from New York, showcasing her outfit: a cropped black coat, black shades, light denim mini shorts, black sheer tights, and pointed-toe heels.
Captioned “10-year-old me is screaming, tights + denim,” the post gained over half a million views but received a mixed response.
One TikToker, @kkmx_, commented, “Looks more chic than when I would wear the Topshop turn-up ones with Converse,” while another, Hannah, added, “Omg I wore this combo all the time, I love it so much. I’m going to wear it again!”
Others were less enthusiastic, including @ashleigh.j0rdan, who wrote, “I do not accept this trend coming back.”
Another user expressed their opinion, saying, “This is a trend I could never get into; something about tights under my shorts just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Aimee isn’t the only influencer rocking this trend lately. Saffron Barker, who has nearly two million Instagram followers, recently posted a series of photos wearing denim shorts and sheer tights. She styled her look with a large cream jumper, a Louis Vuitton blazer, black shades, and brown boots paired with white knee-high socks.
It was giving Kate Moss festival season circa 2008, and the comments were in full support, with @katieward_x writing: ‘Omg obsessing over this fit.’
Before you dig out your teenage gig attire to unleash it on the world again, keep in mind that this look has been slightly modified over the years.
Instead of the classic turn-up shorts of the past, it’s now all about teeny-tiny micro shorts, popularized by stars like Emily Ratajkowski and Sophie Turner after years of Dadcore-style jorts.
Instead of thick black tights or leggings, we’re now opting for sheer pairs, giving the 2000s trend a more luxurious feel while leaving behind any “awkward tween” vibes.
Recent catwalks have also given a nod to the trend, offering style inspiration. Chanel’s autumn/winter 2020 show featured monogrammed tights paired with tailored shorts and pirate boots, while Saint Laurent showcased black leather and lace with delicate, gossamer-thin hosiery, some playfully adorned with polka dots, during their spring/summer 2021 runway.
However, as we all know, just because a trend hits the runway doesn’t mean we all need to follow it. So, if you’d rather leave the shorts and tights combo in the past, no one will hold it against you.
But for those brave enough to channel their 2000s selves in the name of fashion, blast some Katy Perry and start layering up!
Normally, tights season kicks off around late October. However, this year, everything has changed.
The terrible weather—dark mornings, strong winds, and heavy rain—has caused hosiery sales in Britain to surge earlier in 2024 compared to 2023. Retailers like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer shared this with The Telegraph.
“Our customers began shopping for thicker deniers and more opaque styles as early as August, even while the weather was still mild,” says Claire Breslin, managing director at British hosiery brand Heist. The brand saw a 50% increase in September sales compared to the same time last year. “The 80 denier collection, our thickest, is outselling all other styles,” she adds.
Tights are already a common sight on commuter trains and in restaurants. Celebrities have also embraced them throughout September. Alexa Chung first wore hers on September 10, likely still sporting a summer tan from her trip to Kea, Greece. Just a few days later, Jerry Hall paired hers with a heavy winter coat. Typically, we expect a final stretch of bare legs at the start of autumn, but unfortunately, an Indian summer didn’t happen this year.
Alexa Chung’s first outing in tights was as early as September 10Jerry Hall wore hers with a substantial winter coatPatsy Kensit wearing tights to the Burberry spring/summer 2025 show in September
This year, tights trends are shifting. Beyond basic black, patterned fishnets and sheer 15 denier styles are popular choices for pairing with little black dresses. Even colorful tights are making a comeback. Heist’s top seller is a rich opaque “dark plum,” while on the high street, you’ll find a range of shades from steel grey at Falke to scarlet at Woolford.
Heist dark plum tights
“Tights are a must-have that can also add a playful twist to a winter outfit,” says Amy Jukes, hosiery buyer at John Lewis. Surprisingly, a £7 pair of candy pink tights has become a bestseller in recent weeks as customers transition their wardrobes for winter. It seems some aren’t quite ready for the heavy 80 denier black opaques just yet. This shade pairs beautifully with grey coats and tailored looks. “We’ve noticed a surge in customers wanting to experiment with their hosiery, exploring more colors and patterns,” Jukes adds.
Candy Pink Tights
Beyond the weather, the growing interest in playful tights may reflect a broader shift in fashion. Statement tights align with key trends for the season, such as Saint Laurent’s seductive French aesthetic and the return of mini and pencil skirts. With prices as low as £8 for a pack of three colored tights at Marks & Spencer, it’s also one of the most affordable ways to refresh your autumn look.
Lightweight fishnet tights, £10; Body sensor tights, £8 for three colours (both Marks & Spencer)
“Hosiery has quickly gone from zero to hero this season, becoming the must-have fashion accessory for autumn looks,” says Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design at M&S. “Bold styles like oversized nets, spots, bows, and lace are trending, while sheer and semi-sheer tights offer a flattering and elegant base for shorter hemlines.”
“Red is our color of choice,” she adds. When opting for bolder styles, shoe selection is key. For instance, look to Chung’s and Hall’s classic black courts when wearing black hosiery. Black slingbacks also pair beautifully with a statement pattern that highlights your heels.
Jerry Hall teamed her tights with classic black courts to view Burberrys latest collection
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has just launched her latest fashion collaboration with the luxury online store, Wardrobe NYC.
The 37-year-old supermodel posed in several designs for a photoshoot, showcasing the new collection, which includes sexy fishnet tights and form-fitting bodysuits.
The new collection also features figure-hugging dresses and skirts, giving fans the opportunity to dress like the fashion icon.
The RHW clothing line also includes more conservative pieces like a blazer dress, an overcoat, and a long skirt.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, posed for photos of her new clothing collection in collaboration with Wardrobe NYCThe supermodel showed off her long legs in fishnet tights that form part of the new clothing range
Rosie showed the fishnet tights can be teamed up with a long coat or a short blazer dress to create a sophisticated lookRosie designed the collection with Josh Goot and Christine Centenera for the modern woman to elevate her wardrobe
Rosie revealed her hourglass figure in two different black dresses featured in her collectionRosie wore a long black dress that features a sculpted silhouette much like the other dresses and skirts in the range
A few days ago, Kendall Jenner was spotted at Paris Fashion Week in a stylish look that’s simple to recreate. Her stylist, Dani Michelle, shared on Instagram that the supermodel chose a long-sleeved black dress from The Row, paired with bold red opaque tights.
Jenner is ahead of the trend with her bold choice in tights, sporting a color featured in the spring-summer 2025 collections unveiled last month. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to embrace next season’s trends. On the runways, brands like Ester Manas and Tibi styled vibrant, opaque stockings with soft pastel dresses, creating striking contrasts with shades like butter yellow and lavender.
Red tights have been a popular choice at Versace, where Gigi Hadid walked the runway in an asymmetrical printed dress paired with sheer, darker-toned stockings. GDCS followed suit with an all-black look, while Alessandro Michele introduced red lace tights in his debut for Valentino, using them as a stylish transition between footwear and his baroque-inspired dresses.
The takeaway? It’s time to stock up on red and maroon tights. After all, Kendall Jenner has set the trend!
You just bought a new mini skirt and can’t wait to show it off, but it feels a bit too revealing for a casual fall Tuesday. While tights might seem like the go-to option, street-style icon Chloe King recommends sheer knee-high socks instead (or stockings, as my grandmother would say).
King, a luxury retail expert famous for her appearances in Fashion Week street style round-ups, has become a leading figure in the knee socks trend. She’s styled sheer hosiery with mini shorts and jackets worn as dresses. While she’s tried pairing them with masculine brogue loafers, she admits that wearing super high heels is way more fun.
King at New York Fashion Week last February in a sheer set, styled with olive shorts, and brown platform heels.
“As hemlines have gotten shorter and shorter in recent seasons,”—cue the runway models and celebrities flaunting micro mini skirts, hot pants, and sometimes no pants at all—“adding knee-high socks to mini shorts or a jacket-as-dress helps balance all the exposed skin,” she says. “Plus, the sheer-to-skin gradient adds a fresh texture to the outfit and is a more surprising choice than tights.” Who would have thought nylon stockings would be trending in 2024!
Sheer knee-highs are an unexpected choice, which is exactly why they pair so well with a short, seductive hemline. “There’s something wonderfully puzzling about adding a knee sock to an outfit,” King says. “The sheer nylon brings both sex appeal and a touch of grandpa’s closet—it’s that ‘ugly cool’ that Prada nails so perfectly!” A styling move that feels so wrong, yet somehow becomes completely right.
Not all hemlines need to be of the mini and micro variety—a perfectly reasonable, just-at-the-knee hem works well, too.
King has perfected the art of balancing an awkward outfit with a truly great one. She has an instinct for adding the perfect finishing touch to make an outfit pop, whether it’s a quirky hat or a pair of dangly cherry earrings. Remember the brooch trend from last season’s New York Fashion Week street style? King’s oversized red rosette pin was one of the first hints that the accessory was making a comeback.
The brooch in question, paired with, of course, black knee stockings
All this to say, King knows exactly how to elevate a look—and if this trendsetter suggests adding sheer knee socks to your wardrobe, it’s fashion advice you won’t want to ignore.
But King isn’t the only one using knee-skimming pantyhose as a smart styling trick. While reviewing the latest Fashion Month street style, I spotted knee-high black fishnets in New York, sheer white nylons in London, and gauzy stockings in Paris, all paired with stunning platform heels.
The platform pumps that caught my eye, styled with sheer nylons and a supersized plaid blazer worn as a mini dress.
On the runways as well as city sidewalks, Christian Dior’s models rarely step out in a chic mini skirt or tailored pleated shorts without sheer black stockings to complete the look. The same is true for Cecilie Bahnsen, though the Danish designer prefers knee-high tights with her signature girlish puffball dresses. King also highlights Simone Rocha: “While I usually lean towards classic black sheer, the thigh-high nude hosiery at their Spring ’25 show has me rethinking new shades and proportions.”
Simone Rocha sent out a series of knee-high and higher socks in her phenomenal Spring 2025 show.
I’m also a fan of knee-length stockings and own a pair of sheer black ones that I bought on a whim from Amazon last August for layering in the fall. Since then, I’ve discovered they pair beautifully with tailored Bermuda shorts for a fall work outfit, and a leg-slit maxi skirt is a fun way to showcase a sheer calf. When I feel drawn to darker, edgier style inspirations and want to reconnect with my Tumblr roots, I turn on “Knee Socks” by the Arctic Monkeys and slip into my own pair with lug-sole black boots.
Another combo worth test-driving: sheer knee-high socks teamed with a sweet pair of Mary Janes.
Take it from King, myself, or a recent runway model: sheer knee socks are an unexpected trend for fall 2024 that’s definitely worth trying. They add a playful touch to any outfit and could unlock a new, more fun aspect of your personal style. Or, at the very least, they serve as a great reminder to give your grandma—a true sheer pantyhose muse—a call!
A guest at London Fashion Week styled white knee socks with a multi-plaid Chopova Lowena mini skirt and smart peny loafers.Sheer socks add some cheek to a checked short suit.The sheer knocks are low-effort addition, but they add a level of intrigue to this Paris Fashion Week guest’s preppy plaid set.Here, black knee-high tights add a sultry spirit to a corporate-coded look.Two trends in one: take the leather bomber jacket trend for a spin with a simple pair of sheer knee socks and black sneakers.
Selena Gomez is rocking her LBD era, and we absolutely love it!
Spotted out and about in yet another variation of the fashion world’s most favourable wardrobe essential, Selena proved just how versatile a wardrobe full of black mini dresses can be.
Selena Gomez chose a sleek satin tuxedo mini dress with a plunging neckline, paired with sheer tights and simple black pumps. She kept her look elegant yet understated for a night out in New York City.
Selena Gomez, the founder of Rare Beauty, straightened her long brunette hair for the evening, opting for a sleek middle part. She tucked one side behind her ear for a chic touch.
To enhance her sharp, tailored outfit, Selena Gomez went all out with her makeup. She paired a sultry smoky eye with a light peach shade on her lips for a flawless finish.
Selena Gomez wore her stunning sheer tights and tuxedo dress to accept the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award alongside the cast of her new film, *Emilia Pérez*. This honor, established in 1957 by the French Minister of Culture, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the promotion of these fields.
When your mother is supermodel royalty, Cindy Crawford, and your father is successful businessman, Rande Gerber, being an “it-girl” is in your DNA.
For model, actress, and style icon Kaia Gerber, this couldn’t be more true.
Kaia’s stylish snap oozed peak it-girl energy
Kaia Gerber, taking style inspiration from her iconic mother, Cindy Crawford, shared a stunning snap on her Instagram story yesterday, rocking a chic sheer outfit.
In the photo shared with her 10 million followers, the *Palm Royale* star poses in a tailored black tuxedo-style mini dress, paired with sheer tights featuring fluffy floral knee accents from renowned London-based designer Nensi Dojaka.
Kaia snapped the photo using a Y2K-inspired digital camera, a must-have accessory that no cool girl around the world leaves home without.
Kaia’s tights are from Nensi Dojaka’s newest collection
In recent weeks, Kaia and her stylish wardrobe have been turning heads, and fashion enthusiasts can’t get enough. Just last week, she hosted a group reading for her new book club, *Library Science*, wearing a white lace blouse from Chemena Kamali’s Autumn/Winter 2024 Chloé collection.
Kaia’s skin tight white dress fit her like a glove
Brie Larson is famous for her superhero role as Captain Marvel in MCU movies, but she’s also a style icon. She embraced the summer season by rocking adorable sundresses and swimwear. Now that summer has ended, the Oscar winner is flaunting her latest look, a chic little black dress with tights, reminding us that fall has arrived.
We’ ve seen Brie Larson rock black dresses before. She once wore the same black dress with fellow actress Alexandria Daddario that had white polka dots on it as well as a gorgeous black gown she wore while eating pizza.
But her latest black dress, shared on Instagram, is giving off all the fall vibes we need right now.
Seeing Brie Larson in this little black dress with tights feels like watching this generation’s Grace Kelly.
Brie Larson completes her classy look with black heels, wearing a short black dress with a deep V-neck and a cute bow in the center. What stood out in this photoshoot is how the light reflects on the Lessons in Chemistry actress, casting a dramatic shadow behind her. Whether she’s gazing into the camera or looking away, Larson is clearly owning this fall style.
