Sheer genius: how to wear transparent tights

Tights: have you worn yours yet? Resisting your deniers for as long as possible – from the month of May to December in my case – is sport for many, with fashion purists fully indoctrinated in the theory that tights are something of a depressing addition to any look. This year though, it’s proving harder than ever to bare all. And not just because of the dramatic drop in temperature, but because tights are an increasingly attractive proposition. Undoubtedly, our wardrobe’s dullest addition is undergoing something of an image overhaul with sheer, patterned and polka-dot tights among the season’s stand out accessories. 

Street style stars are among the catalysts for this sea change. By teaming their 20 deniers with everything from leather shorts to tailored dresses, they’ve put barely-there nylons back on the fashion map.

A host of designers – among them Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello and Donatella Versace – have also unveiled love letters to hosiery in recent seasons, with sheer tights featuring everything from simple spots to logos making their way onto the catwalk. As a result, logo tights have won ‘it’ accessory status with some of the planet’s most influential fashion superhouses. Undoubtedly, it’s from them that we take our tights inspiration but how to ensure that you opt for a look with legs?  

This season’s tights trend is all about transparency so don’t be drawn to anything too matte. A barely there 10 denier is a fine place to start but it’s worth exploring thicker styles – or something with a print – if you prefer a little more coverage.

On the matter of how to wear, it’s undoubtedly a case of the more leg the better so team your tights of choice with shorter hemlines where possible. It’s also a wise move to incorporate a heel into your look – while flat shoes and tights are perfectly acceptable companions, the combo is is trickier to master against the backdrop of party season. 

A good tip for patterned tight novices is to let your legs do the talking. A pair of polka-dot tights work best with a muted colour palette – think a white shirt or shirt dress with a neutral-coloured coat. 

My final tip? Invest in quality. While cheap hosiery options are tempting, there’s something deliciously luxurious about treating your pins to the soft furnishings they deserve. Wolford is the Rolls-Royce of tights, while opaques with a velvet mix are perfect for party season.

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Images: Getty Images