I firmly believe that tights are the unsung heroes of the top drawer.
They can even out the skin tone on your legs, provide that all-important finishing touch to an outfit, and insulate you against the cold during those freezing Winter months which, lets face it, feels like a good two-thirds of the year, but they’re still unfairly (in my mind) associated with the likes of Nora Batty.
Even Irish funnyman, Dara O’Brian, jumped on the bandwagon and dedicated a whole segment of his 2016 ‘Crowd Tickler’ tour (highly recommended by the way) to the weird ‘sexy line’ on the leg that can go from seductive siren (that’s strictly reserved for stockings or high socks apparently, “this is where the sexy is”) to your granny, in a matter of millimeters.
So imagine my delight when I came across an article in the Sunday Times Style Magazine (30 October 2016) chronicling one-woman’s lifelong passion for hosiery brand Wolford. For more than 20 years, a former war reporter cultivated a special relationship with the brand and it’s easy to see why; flattering, warm and virtually indestructible, she tells us how the range quickly became the corner stone of her wardrobe, as it is mine.
So ladies, it’s time to embrace tights and here’s how you can make the most of yours:
- Short skirts need tights (see Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton cavorting in their mini skirts). Pair opaque black tights with A-line mini skirts and pointy flat shoes to get the look!
- If you’re a fan of the preppy look – think buttoned up shirts and tan brogues – you need some grey tights in your top drawer arsenal; grey woolly hosiery gives masculine flat shoes just the right edge to work.
- Strictly Come Dancing is back with a sparkle, and with it comes renewed interest in nude fishnet stockings – the hallmark of many dance ensembles and something a little bit different this festivae season.
- Keep shine to a minimum. Black opaque’s with a sheen can (weirdly) have the effect of making your calves look wider.
- Proceed with caution when choosing colour… A hounds-tooth coat with red peeking out underneath screams style, however green tights can look a bit Peter Pan-ish.
- You can’t help but notice the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend this season, but like it or not, slip dresses look like nighties with bare legs. BUT with black sheers they start to resemble slinky, grown‑up evening wear.
- Tone down the tights on a bright outfit; neutral opaque grey is a good alternative to black if your dress is eye popping pink.
- Keep plaids subtle.
Step aside Nora, we’re saying YES to tights!
