Stockings have been a staple of women’s fashion for a long time, from when they had to be held up with garter belts, to the invention of pantyhose. It’s a common fashion fact that due to a shortage of stockings during World War II, women drew a thin line down the back of each leg to mimic the seam of a stocking. Though stockings aren’t a necessity the way they used to be, they still have the power to enhance any outfit.
For fall and winter, stockings (or tights) are an ideal accessory. In cold weather, they also help keep legs warm, but lightweight stockings can also be worn in more moderate weather.
Patterned Tights
While plain black or gray tights may be most appropriate for an office or formal setting, patterned tights have been shown in numerous recent fashion magazines and catalogs. Patterns range from the subtle (tone-on-tone) to outright funky (bright colors, stripes, polka dots). This is a way to embellish an otherwise neutral outfit. It’s easy, for example, to jazz up a black dress and boots with purple (hot color for fall) or other bright tights.
Fishnet Stockings
By no means new, but also by no means out of style, fishnets always have a place in a woman’s wardrobe. No longer only available in black, fishnets can be found in almost any color (baby pink was recently seen.) These are more for the look than an actual guard against cold weather.
“Thights”
There are various lengths that can be found -- some thights cover almost the entire thigh, looking like regular stockings under a dress or skirt. But there are also lower thights that leave a small gap between the hem of a dress and the top of the thight -- a recent magazine ad for Max & Co. features a woman wearing a dress and thights, with a gap of skin in between.
Ankle Tights
These may be considered the opposite of thights. They have a waistband, but they end at the ankle (no feet attached). Ankle tights have the same look as leggings, which can also be worn under dresses or skirts.
Where to Buy
Stockings can be found in catalogs and online, but for the best results, browsing a department store ensures one can see the fabric, size and style up close.
For fall and winter, stockings (or tights) are an ideal accessory. In cold weather, they also help keep legs warm, but lightweight stockings can also be worn in more moderate weather.
Patterned Tights
While plain black or gray tights may be most appropriate for an office or formal setting, patterned tights have been shown in numerous recent fashion magazines and catalogs. Patterns range from the subtle (tone-on-tone) to outright funky (bright colors, stripes, polka dots). This is a way to embellish an otherwise neutral outfit. It’s easy, for example, to jazz up a black dress and boots with purple (hot color for fall) or other bright tights.
Fishnet Stockings
By no means new, but also by no means out of style, fishnets always have a place in a woman’s wardrobe. No longer only available in black, fishnets can be found in almost any color (baby pink was recently seen.) These are more for the look than an actual guard against cold weather.
“Thights”
There are various lengths that can be found -- some thights cover almost the entire thigh, looking like regular stockings under a dress or skirt. But there are also lower thights that leave a small gap between the hem of a dress and the top of the thight -- a recent magazine ad for Max & Co. features a woman wearing a dress and thights, with a gap of skin in between.
Ankle Tights
These may be considered the opposite of thights. They have a waistband, but they end at the ankle (no feet attached). Ankle tights have the same look as leggings, which can also be worn under dresses or skirts.
Where to Buy
Stockings can be found in catalogs and online, but for the best results, browsing a department store ensures one can see the fabric, size and style up close.
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