House of Fraser Blog

Pictured: Satin de Luxe tights, £30, Wolford

Q: Now that winter is here, I need to start wearing tights again, but I don’t know where to start. There used to be just black or sheer, and now I feel so overwhelmed with all the deniers, colours, footless, toeless, cellulite banishing, lace, stockings, over knee socks. It’s like another world. I work in an office and dress smartly, so I need some decent work tights, but I would love to have a go at some of the fashion tights. But what to pick and how do I wear them?

 A: Ah yes, welcome to the world of hosiery. Gone are the days of a choice between 40 or 60 denier. Instead you can have everything from 10 to 120 and they come in every conceivable and at times inconceivable form. We recommend an opaque or above 60 denier for workwear. Although sheer black tights feel like the right option, they can make you look dated, sheer nearly black aka grey is a big no no. Sheer black tights look amazing for a high fashion look and with a highly styled outfit. But for day to day an opaque will look modern and more practical. Alternatively a ribbed tight is a great way to work texture into your wardrobe. If you do want a sexier look then seamed tights and stocking definitely have the sex factor, but it’s a thin line between femme fatale and fatal fashion.

 For off duty looks, coloured and lacy tights are great, but again pick your outfit wisely. Cream and black lace tights are on trend and are easy to work into most outfits, and plum shades of tight work well with grey, black, navy, purple and mustard. Be wary of really bright shades, they are notoriously hard to get right and can leave you looking like you’ve got some strange skin disorder.  If in doubt play it safe because tights really can make or break an outfit.

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