I'm a Fashion Writer, and I Get Non-Stop Compliments on This Unexpected $32 Accessory I Used to Hate (2024)

I'm the type of person who wears outfits that elicit the dreaded "Aren't you going to be cold?" I almost always prioritize aesthetics over comfort, and it's forever driven my mom wild. Whenever I opted for a mini skirt in not-optimal-mini-skirt weather, she'd recommend I wear tights so incessantly that I grew to despise them out of spite. It was only until I saw stockings on the Prada runway back in 2019 that I started to warm up to them as not just a necessity, but a styling essential.

Statement tights are set to be a major trend once again. They feel like the more grown-up evolution of TikTok's obsession with leg warmers, plus socks, tights, and knee highs have been a key element in both of Miu Miu's recent viral fashion shows. Apparently, my mom was right, and every mini skirt could stand to benefit from accessorizing with some fun hosiery.

My recent go-to stockings are one of my best purchases of the year, so far, and they only cost $32. These tights have gotten me an endless stream of compliments from strangers —on both the street and the internet — and about ten of my friends have also been convinced to invest in a pair themselves. They're the Natori lace cutout tights in white, and I had been wanting to stock up and get a apair in black, but they'd been sold out at Nordstrom for weeks. Thankfully, they're finally back in stock, but I imagine it won't be for long.

The thing about these tights that makes them superior to all other tights is that they are not constraining at all. They're extremely easy to put on without ripping and have so much stretch I forget I'm even wearing them, which I don't think is something I've ever said about tights, ever. The lace is beyond beautiful, and when I tell people they were only $32 and haven't ripped in the entire five months I've owned and worn them, they're speechless.

I also think they're the perfect tights for spring, especially in white, because it's the most lightweight way to add another layer. The lace feels just as pretty as the florals that define spring dressing and add some feminine edge to any look. Basically, they're both mom- and fashion writer-approved, which is something I never thought I'd say before.

Shop the Natori lace tights at Nordstrom before the sell out below.

Natori Lace Cutout Tights in Black

Shop now: $32; nordstrom.com

Natori Lace Cutout Tights in White

Shop now: $32; nordstrom.com