How to wear tights this winter, according to stylists

As an adult, wearing tights in the winter can sometimes feel like you’re playing dress-up or going to ballet class. But when styled correctly, tights can be the most stylish part of your look. So how do you avoid the pitfalls that will make you feel like 5 again?

We talked to stylists who broke down the best ways to style tights this season. They recommend playing with the texture, color and opacity of tights, which can elevate your wardrobe. As the temperatures rise, here’s how stylists say socks can keep your feet warm while pushing your outfit.

Sheer panties can look sexy when the skin peeks out from under your look. Think black tights with a stripe running down the back or even less opaque colored tights. “I like sheer tights because they can’t be mistaken for leggings,” said the designer Julius Wettrichwho recently dressed”Riverdale” actor Drew Ray Tanner. “A chunky sock on top with a cute kitten heel or sneakers is a fun way to dress up your tights casually.”

Famous fashion designer Samantha Brown also stacks with socks. “You can play with socks layered over fishnet or lace panties,” she recommended.

The appropriate broadcast style Sidney Sadick describes her dream date night dress in sheer black panties as the standout piece. She suggests black Wolford tights with overlapping seams (with a line running down the back) paired with a black mini skirt, a black turtleneck bodysuit, a brightly colored jacket and short boots. “Wearing panties on a date makes me feel fun and flirty,” she said.

Winter footwear makes any t-shirt match the season. Think combat boots, ankle boots, over the knee boots, Mary Janes or loafers. “Play with the juxtaposition of tights and something more masculine like a loafer,” Brown said.

Stylist Parker Blaine is a fan of pairing tights with platform loafers. “Loafers, whether heels or flats, add such an edge to tights,” she said. His personal favorites are Steve Madden Lawrence loafers And Stuart Weitzman Ultralift loafers.

The biggest mistake – panties with open heels. “I’m not a big fan,” Wettreich said. “In my experience, my legs felt weird because the seam was showing.” Instead, he suggests a few tall black boots from Camper.

Sadick frowns when wearing low-cut panties. “Fall can be beautiful, but winter just doesn’t work,” she said. “It’s very important to wear tights with boots.” Sadick said she normally wears panties with heels to a church service for a more classic look. Boots are her go-to for winter street style.

Prepare your summer clothes for winter by adding tights underneath. Tank tops, mini skirts and t-shirts are all fair game. “Tights can be worn with any length of skirt or dress and also look great with shorts in winter fabrics like tweed and leather,” said Brown. The designer transitions into winter with her favorite leather shorts, layered over textured tights, a turtleneck or a cashmere sweater.

Brown recommends selecting darker colored pieces to be appropriate for winter. “Transfer your summer clothes to darker palettes in winter by adding tights, boots and opaque or textured layers like a blazer or leather jacket,” she said.

There are two reasons to wear panties: style and function. Wettreich wears tights to stay warm, but also uses them as a basic layering accessory. “Mini skirts and slip dresses are my favorite summer pieces to wear with tights because they’re thin enough to cover with a turtleneck or sweater,” she explained. “Layered with bare panties underneath, if it’s really cold outside, it’s the ultimate trick.” Skims Mid Support Clay Tights are the most suitable.

Wettreich also suggests pairing tights with a maxi dress. “I think the maxi dress and panty combo is appealing because it’s such an unconventional way to style a maxi dress,” she said. “It’s not something you see very often, but it makes your outfit more expensive.”

Black tights are chic and elongating and go with any look. “White colas are fun if you’re going for a ballet aesthetic, but black is my favorite,” Wettreich said. “It’s a great way to show off your legs in cold weather.” She recommends a pair of classic black tights from Sheetex.

Bright colors aren’t necessarily off limits, but Sadick thinks reds and blues should be reserved for sweaters. “I know a lot of women like colorful tights, but they’re not for me,” she said. “Wearing bright colors in sweaters, pants and dresses will be more complementary.” Whatever you decide, a rule of thumb is to coordinate your tights with your clothing palette – this will help you stick with it.

Styling tights with a winter ensemble can be fun, but not everything works. Wettreich said one mistake she sees people make is pairing jeans with panties. “Layered tights with jeans are killer,” she said. Structurally, “denim and tights contrast too much” – it’s just one layer too many.

Brown’s biggest concern with panty styling has to do with sizing. “Make sure your tights fit properly,” she said. “You don’t want them to get too big if they’re comfortable or sit around your ankles if they’re too big.”

Blaine advises avoiding sneakers with tights. “I can’t get behind this couple. There’s just too much going on,” he said. “At worst, opt for a black leather sneaker if you need comfort.”