Help! Pantyhose or Tights – Which should I be wearing?

Now that Fall is just around the corner and the stores are filled with Fall merchandise, it’s almost time to start covering up our legs as the season starts to cool. Being that I’m a sun worshiper, as much as I love Fall clothing, I’m not ready to turn in my summer clothes.

But as the season turns, lots of questions arise. I recently received this question on my blog from Lisa who just relocated to the East Coast from the S.F. Bay Area.

Hi from the East Coast where summer is turning to fall with winter on the horizon…

I’m curious what your thoughts are on pantyhose (or stockings) vs. tights. Someone said recently that pantyhose/stockings are now a fashion faux pas and that the way to go is tights. Do you agree?

No, I don’t.

However, there was a period where unless you were in the corporate world and needed to wear pantyhose, you took the chance of looking a little dated, especially if the pantyhose you were wearing were a “sheer nude.”

But then, two years ago, Kate Middleton was rockin’ the sheer nudes and all of a sudden pantyhose were back in style again, and this classic look took off. (If you’re interested in reading my blog about sheer nude pantyhose vs sheer black hose, you can click here.)

However when it comes to your question, Lisa, it’s not only a personal decision, based on preference, comfort, and your style Personality, but it can also depend on what you’re wearing. Let me give you some examples if you were to wear “Black Cocktail” attire.

1. 1 If you don’t feel comfortable with bare legs, or you feel your legs are too pale to go bare, you might want to wear a sheer nude.  If you’re a “Classic” girl, then a sheer black pantyhose might be your choice. Tights here might feel strange, a bit heavy, and too much black in your outfit.
2. If you’re super casual, and the thought of pantyhose makes you want to gag, not only because you fear you’ll run them the moment you wear them, but they just might seem too “girlie,” tights might be your best bet.
3. If your style Personality is a bit edgier pantyhose may seem too “Classic” for your taste. You might want to express your “Maverick” side with a bold textured tight, paired with sky high heels, or stiletto boots.
4. And for you “Femme” girls who want to express your charming side, a colorful opaque or textured tight, or even a patterned pantyhose, would do the trick. Plain pantyhose might feel way too serious for this girl!

In general, I find that lighter weight fabrics call for a sheerer pantyhose or tights, and chunkier knits or heavier wools pair better with textured hose or opaque tights. However, in today’s fashion, those general guidelines are meant to be broken too. And they are. Nobody wants rules when it comes to leg fashion, and the more I research the more I notice that almost anything goes. My caveat being: Wear what you want, as long as you feel comfortable and confident in your choices. 

Simply stated, if you don’t like pantyhose, wear tights, and vice versa. It really is that simple, and there are a myriad of choices!

For those of you wanting more Fashion Terms, I haven’t forgotten about you. Stay tuned. I plan to include them soon!

*****

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you. Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below. I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.”

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle