9 Ways to Style Stockings | Clovia Blog (2024)

FAQs

How do you style stockings? ›

Sheer stockings look best in black or very see-through nude. You can wear nude stockings if you want to create a clean look. Nude stockings are a great pick for formal wear under pencil skirts and shift dresses. While black stockings would look better with winter outfits.

One of fashion's cardinal rules drilled into us from an early age is that stockings should never be worn as pants. But as any fashion fanatic would know, rules are made to be broken. Thus, a simple pair of stockings worn as tights has landed itself as the most viral trend of 2023 (so far).

Freezing your tights helps keep their fibers tighter, making them less susceptible to rips and runs, according to StyleCaster. All you need to do is wet your tights once you open them, then wring them out slightly before placing them in a freezer bag and freezing them overnight.

Experiment with outfits and pantyhose to find your favorite looks. In fall and winter, opaque tights are a good choice as they're a bit warmer than regular pantyhose. Most any type of skirt or dress can be worn with pantyhose or tights and styled for any occasion.

Stockings, garter belts, and heels

A majority of men prefer stockings and garters - or thigh-high "stay-ups" - over the omnipresent nude-like-Mom-used-to-wear pantyhose. On the upside, sheer, sexy tights with interesting patterns ... or made of fishnet ... don't fall into the underwhelming "pantyhose" category.

After numerous trend cycles of bare legs being a major theme on the runways, hosiery is returning to the spotlight—and in all forms. From tights and stockings to socks (of all heights) and even stocking-like things, hosiery has become a big part of 2023's trend conversation.

As we look back in history, women started wearing shorter skirts in the 1920s that showed a little more leg. They also wore stockings for comfort and continued modesty. Clothing sets the boundaries for social interaction as well as office interaction. A bare leg invites touch.

The culprit you're looking for is gravity. Thigh highs don't stay up on their own (that is, unless they're high quality thigh highs with a reassuring silicone band.) They need a little extra support in the shape of garter belts and clips that fasten to the thigh highs stockings to hold them in place on your leg.

If you put on your tights and they are loose in any spots, they are probably too big for you. Try buying a pair the next size down to find ones that fit perfectly. Baggy tights will fall down easier than ones that fit you well.

And generally speaking, going commando is fine, but there are a few rules to follow. If you're going without panties regularly, be sure to consider the health risks. vagin*l folliculitis, yeast infections, UTIs, and chafing are a few possible ailments that are even more uncomfortable than wearing undies under tights.

Do girls still wear pantyhose? ›

Pantyhose weren't left-back in yesteryear. Many women enjoy them today, and you don't have have to settle for the squeezed-in corseted feeling of the past. Hipstik provides comfortable low-rise pantyhose with a non-squeeze waistband for women of today.

The resurgence of black pantyhose is in line with Pinterest's 2023 trend predictions, announced on December 7, which included “Airy Styles” as one of next year's top fashion trends.

First of all, with thigh highs, no uncomfortable waistbands cut into your waistline, like with pantyhose or tights. Secondly, when you feel so free and at ease – that's naturally sexy. Finally, you exude sensuality and confidence while wearing thigh highs, which plays a significant role in why they're such a turn on!

The best way to determine how far up the top of the stockings should go is by placing your hands around your pelvis. The top of your thigh highs should reach the bottom of where your pinky finger falls - in other words, the top of the band should sit a couple of inches away from your crotch.

Stockings are basically the same as a pair of tights but then without the pants. Most stockings sit upon your thighs but can vary in length. If you want to wear stockings, you'll need a garterbelt as well to keep them from sagging.

Perhaps the most basic rule to remember is that hosiery can be a functional and fashionable addition to any fall or winter ensemble. They'll keep you nice and toasty while giving you the look of longer and sleeker legs.

You can wear socks, slippers, and shoes over compression stockings. Check with your doctor about how often and how long you need to use them.

Slip your thigh high onto your foot and roll your thigh high up your leg to the middle of your thigh Your thigh highs should sit one inch away from your inseam.

Slender. There are no surprises: the color black can make you look slimmer. In fact, we would go one step further and recommend opaque stockings. Contrastingly, sheer stockings tend to reflect more light (compared to dark colors), and thus may not provide the same illusion as you would with black opaque stockings.

Black tights serve a real purpose in a woman's wardrobe: They keep the gams toasty, sure, but they also make it possible for a woman without pristine, cellulite-free legs to wear an entire wardrobe of clothes she may never otherwise attempt.

Why do I want to wear stockings? ›

It helps them to keep their legs warm in winter seasons suppose if they wearing skirts, in order to avoid their legs from frozen.

#1. Go without. If you don't care for pantyhose and you're comfortable going without, that's perfectly fine for all but the most conservative of semi-formal events. (If it's a business event, you may want to ask around and see what the other women are going to wear to be sure you look appropriate.)

The introduction of commercial pantyhose in 1959 gave an alternative to stockings, and the use of stockings declined dramatically. A main reason for this was the trend towards higher hemlines on dresses (see minidress).

Drop-Waist Dresses and Skirts

Heads up: The '80s are coming back and in a major way. You may think of drop-waist skirts as a thing of the past, but they're about to make a return in 2023—as proven by Carolina Herrera and Sandy Liang (and they're looking good). Honestly, we can't say we aren't excited about this one.

They generally view them as a great accessory that exudes power, sexuality, femininity, excitement, effortlessness, mystery, confidence, maturity… The list can go on. Clearly thigh highs mean many things to many men, but what truly matters is how they make you and your ideal man feel.

I think it is because we see them as an extension of fashion … a bit like make-up. Much like trends in fashion encourage women to wear make-up to extenuate various features of their faces to appear more attractive to the opposite sex, stockings work to highlight the womanly curve of, well, a woman.

The most popular time for opening stockings, with 32% of respondents, is before the gifts on Christmas morning. My family always does stockings post-gifts, but I'll allow it. That's the runner-up, actually, with 23% of respondents.

“There is no benefit to wearing compression stockings to bed — when the leg is flat in bed, gravity does not affect blood flow,” Kim said. “That being said, it doesn't hurt to wear them to bed if you please. Just keep in mind that wearing them in bed doesn't mean you don't have to wear them during the daytime.

Compression stockings are used after surgery to prevent blood clots developing in the leg, which is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What holds up ladies stockings? ›

In a nutshell, garter belts, also known as suspender belts, are garter-like lingerie worn around the waist or hips to hold up stockings.

Yes, you want a bag of weight in the heel to keep the stocking more upright. A handful of florist glass or pebbles tied into one of the grocery bags will work. But if you are using on a door, fill a small bag with sand, flour or rice.

Stockings should be removed for no longer than 30 minutes every day. Your legs should be washed and inspected for damage and skin discolouration or soreness. Stockings should be changed and washed every two to three days and a fresh pair applied.

Spray them with hairspray

Yes, spraying your tights with hairspray once you've put them on will apparently help to reinforce the fibres, though be sure to give yourself just a light spray rather than a dousing.

You can usually tell if your compression socks are too small because they will fold over at the top and often roll down on their own. If they're too big, they will be difficult to keep up and be loose all over.

“Going commando” is a way of saying that you're not wearing any underwear.

Classic sheer, nude pantyhose are worn with dresses to keep from baring legs, and all their imperfections, in formal and professional environments. They're not exactly a style statement, but more of a practicality.

When thousands (or in the case of the Super Bowl, millions) of eyes are watching your every move — and you're moving, like, a lot — tights can provide a feeling of security that allows performers to focus on what really matters: performing. “I feel naked without them on stage,” says Grady.

It turns out pantyhose sales have been sagging for the last two decades, because of self-tanner, open-toed shoes, women wearing pants more often, and, generally, more casual dress in the workplace. Millennials don't own pantyhose. One article says, "Many people associate sheer with grandma."

The truth is, as the mother-of-the-groom, you can wear whatever you want to the ceremony. While it's not required to wear pantyhose to weddings, we highly encourage you to look and feel fabulous for the occasion. Thigh highs are a glamorous way to help you reach this goal.

Do men buy pantyhose? ›

Of course! There is nothing wrong with a man wearing pantyhose. Men have been wearing nylon pantyhose for many reasons—both practical and fashionable—since they were invented in the 1950s.

Solid black pantyhose works well for a formal gathering on a warm day, as it elongates the black look while keeping you cooler than wearing dress slacks. Pair the hose with a matte-finish black pump or flat. If you must add some color to your look, do so with metallic jewelry or a delicate dark-hued scarf.

You may be asking, what color hose to wear with a black dress? Black sheers dress up black dresses, giving them a wow factor. It's the go-to choice for black dresses. Black nylons aren't just reserved for black dresses.

For example, if you have a black dress, then choose a pair of black tights or stockings. There is an exception to this rule, however; if your outfit is darker than the shoes you are wearing, choose nude-colored tights or stockings instead.

#1. Go without. If you don't care for pantyhose and you're comfortable going without, that's perfectly fine for all but the most conservative of semi-formal events. (If it's a business event, you may want to ask around and see what the other women are going to wear to be sure you look appropriate.)

Wear Your Stockings and Boots With a Dress

A midi or maxi dress with stockings and boots is a chic winter look that will keep you warm all day. It's a simple look that can be worn both during the day and at night.

Yes, you can wear stockings with open-toe shoes. Tricia recommends getting stockings that do not have a reinforced toe or a large seam on the toe.

Pumps and flats

Pumps and flats are the best shoes to wear with tights for their slim and comfy designs alone. These versatile shoes are the go-to for a casual, yet chic look. Slip on a breathable leather pair for work, or opt for lace up plimsolls for a comfortable day out.

The stockings recall the fullness of our lives and the importance of grounding down into our feet. They help us stand strong on the earth, warming the foundations of life as we draw strength from our roots.

Whether you are the mother-of-the-groom, a bridesmaid, or a guest, the answer is – yes, you should wear stockings to a wedding. For the most part, weddings are formal events, and stockings are perfect for special occasions.

Should I wear pantyhose with my wedding dress? ›

There are many reasons why the bride needs to wear pantyhose, but these are the most important: They stylize your legs and figure in general so that you look flawless in your wedding dress. You can avoid rubbing your foot with the shoe; they will protect your skin during your big day.

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer.

For warm summer days, give fishnet stockings and ankle boots a try. For cold winter days, try pairing thick stockings (55 deniers and up) with your boots. The Outfit – Dresses, skirts, and pants are all fashionable items that can be paired with hosiery and ankle boots.

Even though fashion for stockings has risen in the last few years, it has been around since the 90s, and women still love to style them with mini-skirts, dresses or even ripped jeans. Stockings are an excellent addition to your wardrobe because of their versatility.

With Skinny Jeans

roll up and leave 1/2″ of ankle between the boot and your pant. You can fold over twice to have a narrow cuff or one large fold. Be aware, the wider the cuff, the shorter your legs will look. If you cuff your jeans, wear a shorter top to help elongate the look of your legs.