Question Submitted to Hello50: Should You Wear Panty Hose to a Formal Event (2024)

Submitted question to Ask Hello50 from one of our readers

Women who completed our Hello50 survey had a lot of questions about what is appropriate and not appropriate to wear over 50. Recently, someone from our community submitted a question to Ask Hello50 wanting to know if panty hose are required for formal events. We received a variety of responses from women in our Hello50 community as well as insight from fashion stylist Cindy Lovas about panty hose.

Here are some of the responses we heard about wearing or not wearing nylons.

1) One woman shared that she stopped wearing panty hose when Princess Diana ditched hers in the mid 1990’s. We all remember what a fashion icon Diana was and she certainly had the legs to go without the hose. Her style choices impacted a whole generation of women and obviously left one of our readers following Diana’s lead over 20 years later. It is noteworthy that Diana did bring back decorative panty hose in her later years. Also interesting, Kate Middleton has made it very fashionable to wear hose and she prefers nude sheer that is a perfect match to her skin.

Question Submitted to Hello50: Should You Wear Panty Hose to a Formal Event (1)

2) We heard from someone who said it depends on whether it is an indoor or outdoor formalaffair. This recommendation was to wear panty house for indoor formal affairs but not outdoor formal events. Some women told us they wear black, colored or patterned tights in the winter but they do not wear panty hose to formal events or otherwise.

3) We also had women share their opinion about wearing panty hose in the work place. Theoverall consensus seems to be that it depends on the industry. Certain fields, such as the legal, finance and airline industries seem to trend more towards wearing panty hose while tech companies seem to not embrace hose as much. While you should decide what is most suited for you, knowing that particular workforce culture might be an important consideration.

4) Finally, we wanted to know what stylist Cindy Lovas thought about wearing panty hose. She tells us that panty hose are a personal choice since bare legs are acceptable for all occasions, even formal affairs, weddings, and galas. Cindy recommends, however, to decide how you will feel at your event with or without nylons. If you are not going to walk into that room with confidence unless you are wearing nylons, then wear them, especially if your dress or skirt is an inch above the knee. She said if you feel you can “rock” that event with your bare legs that is acceptable as well. Cindy did say if you are wearing an open toed shoe and you want to wear nylons, make sure it is a finished open toed panty hose option and never wear traditional nylons when choosing open toed shoes.

The good news is there doesn’t seem to be a right or wrong answer. If you are comfortable without your hose, don’t wear them. If you love the look of wearing the nylons, then go for it. Fashion experts say if you choose to wear nylons, invest in a good pair that will smooth and shape your figure and not run or snag easily.

Question Submitted to Hello50: Should You Wear Panty Hose to a Formal Event (2)

We love getting your Ask Hello50 questions! Do you have a question about anything of importance to you and are looking for input from our community? Go to www.hello50.com and select Ask Hello50 to submit your question.

Question Submitted to Hello50: Should You Wear Panty Hose to a Formal Event (2024)

FAQs

Question Submitted to Hello50: Should You Wear Panty Hose to a Formal Event? ›

If you are comfortable without your hose, don't wear them. If you love the look of wearing the nylons, then go for it. Fashion experts say if you choose to wear nylons, invest in a good pair that will smooth and shape your figure and not run or snag easily. We love getting your Ask Hello50 questions!

Do you wear panty hose with formal dress? ›

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.

Are nylons in style 2023? ›

Thus, a simple pair of stockings worn as tights has landed itself as the most viral trend of 2023 (so far). Indeed, 2023 is really in its 'no pants, no problem' era after a handful of celebrities have stepped out sans the bottom half of their outfits and honestly the look is a mood and a half.

Should I wear nylons with a co*cktail dress? ›

#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.)

Do you wear nylons to a black tie event? ›

Yes, wear tights, sheer or black. If you have a long dress, you can get away with no tights, but we are here to clarify the rules, right? And the rules are tights.

Should you wear panty hose to a formal event? ›

She tells us that panty hose are a personal choice since bare legs are acceptable for all occasions, even formal affairs, weddings, and galas. Cindy recommends, however, to decide how you will feel at your event with or without nylons.

Why no one wears pantyhose anymore? ›

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."

Do girls wear nylons anymore? ›

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.

Are black nylons in style 2023? ›

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.

When did nylons go out of style? ›

But by the 1980s the glam was wearing off. By the 90s, women looking for comfort and freedom began to go au-natural, leaving their legs bare as often as not. In 2006, the New York Times referred to the hosiery industry as “An Industry that Lost its Footing.”

Is it OK to wear black nylons with a dress? ›

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.

Do you wear nylons 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. In fact, they look stunning with royal blue.

Is it considered tacky to wear nylons with sandals? ›

Here's the general rule: Yes, you can wear pantyhose, so long as the shoe that you are wearing has a closed or peep toe. If it is a true sandal with an open toe, I will stay clear of pantyhose.

Is it OK to wear pantyhose with open toe shoes? ›

According to Stacy London of What Not To Wear, she too agrees that hosiery can be paired with open-toe shoes so long as the shoe is more of a peep-toe. Interestingly enough, fashion designers have intentionally dressed models in pantyhose with open-toe shoes on the runway as well.

What color pantyhose to wear? ›

Match your tights or stockings to the hemline of your skirt or dress. 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.

Can you wear open toed shoes to a black-tie event? ›

Do not wear open-toed shoes or sneakers to a black-tie event. Open-toed shoes are not considered to be formal footwear and are not appropriate for a black-tie event.

What can a woman wear to a formal event? ›

The saying “dress to impress” suggests that women wear dresses: co*cktail dresses, floor-length gowns, formal dresses, party dresses, black tie dresses, black tie optional dresses and more! Essentially, any dress that would make your besties ask you for the deets.

Do you wear pantyhose under a wedding dress? ›

You don't have to wear anything on your legs but nylons can make your shoes more comfortable. There are pros and cons as tights can be hot (and arguably unsexy at the end of the night) while sexier stockings can be fiddly with suspenders and hold-ups can feel tight and don't always hold up all day.

What do girls wear to formal events? ›

Women: Wear a formal, floor-length evening gown. Go all out with your most dramatic shoes and jewelry. Men: Wear a tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a white collared shirt, a white vest, a white bow tie, and black patent-leather shoes.

Why wear support pantyhose? ›

Compression stockings are specially designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. They may be prescribed by your GP if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow in your legs, such as: varicose veins (swollen and enlarged veins)

What do you wear with pantyhose? ›

The 5 Best Outfits That Go With Pantyhose
  • Midi Skirts. One of the most versatile bottoms you can own is the midi skirt. ...
  • Shirt Dresses. Shirt dresses also go well with pantyhose in most any opacity or color. ...
  • Fit-and-Flare Dresses. ...
  • Sheath Dresses. ...
  • Choosing the Right Footwear. ...
  • Related Articles.

Should you wear pantyhose to a funeral? ›

Modesty is the key when deciding what to wear to a funeral, as your attire should reflect the solemn nature of the service. In summary, yes, you should wear stockings for a funeral.

Did they wear nylons in the 50s? ›

Contrast black seamed nylons (or silk/rayon stockings) were made in the 1940s and 1950s. Although they weren't as common as the plain skintone versions, Katie has several vintage contrast black seamed stockings in her collection.

Are bare legs OK in winter? ›

Let's face it, no matter what you do, bare legs look hot in the winter, but it's still cold outside. You've gotta shield your exposed skin with a stylish long coat, that *bonus* will look amazing when paired with a shorter hem underneath. Yes, knee length or higher is acceptable here!

What dress colors are trending in 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors? Names are selected by the WGSN and Coloro color team, before being verified by our in-house Equality Vision Team to ensure a proper translation on a global scale.

Will leggings be in style in 2023? ›

Leggings Are Officially Runway Approved—5 Trends We're Eyeing for 2023. There was once a time when practically no one I knew left the house without wearing a pair of leggings.

What is out of style 2023? ›

The biggest style trends out of fashion for 2023 are mini pleated skirt with socks and chunky loafers, blazer with biker shorts, skinny jeans with chunky sneakers, mini pleated skirt with a crop top, leggings with high heels, ripped jeans with sneakers, dress with chunky sneakers, corset tops with cargo pants (wear ...

Should I wear tights with my dress? ›

Sometimes your outfit will call for no tights at all. Typically this is when your dress is too formal to pair with black sheer tights or if you're wearing an open toe shoe. If you don't feel comfortable going tights-less, try switching up your outfit to either a dress you can wear tights with or pants.

When did legs pantyhose come out? ›

L'eggs is a brand of pantyhose, introduced in 1969 by Hanes, which radically changed the hosiery marketplace.

What are old nylons good for? ›

Here are 8 ideas that will give your old leg-warming garments new life.
  • Emergency hair tie. ...
  • Use as a washing bag for your ~delicates~ ...
  • Rescue small items. ...
  • Make scent bags for your wardrobe and shoes. ...
  • Storage solution. ...
  • Polishing/cleaning cloths. ...
  • Make an onion/garlic rope. ...
  • DIY bath bomb.
Jul 12, 2016

Should you wear nylons to a formal wedding? ›

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.

Do ladies wear hose anymore? ›

According to Fortune: But then, many Gen X and Boomers stopped wearing pantyhose years ago, dismissing them as uncomfortable and easily ruined by runs. Most Millennial women have never even worn them, and thanks to more casual office wear, they don't need to in most offices.

What color nylons to wear with a gray dress? ›

Burgundy, teal, navy would all go with a grey dress. With black boots and a grey dress, Plum or Burgundy tights look good. With the grey dress with neck detail, brown chunky boots with burnt orange tights or a similar shade to the neck detail.

What color pantyhose to wear with red dress? ›

"Selecting nude hosiery for your red dress, whether it is for the office or for a co*cktail party, will help to make all of your other accessories fall into place, including shoes, handbag and jewelry."

Do you wear shapewear over or under nylons? ›

Though there are different levels of shapewear compression, these garments are all meant to be snug so they can work! With this idea in mind, the general consensus is that you do not need to wear underwear with shapewear. If you wear both at the same time, it might feel too tight and make you uncomfortable.

Can you wear black nylons with a blue dress? ›

"Emphatically YES!! A black sheer (or even opaque) stocking will look wonderful with a navy dress. Both colors are neutral, so they'll always be complimentary. Make sure the look comes off as deliberate, like pairing a navy shoe with the navy dress and pop it with the black stockings.

Is it OK to wear pantyhose with slingback shoes? ›

DON'T wear hose with slingbacks or mules—not attractive. DO get toeless hose (try Hanes Silk Reflections Transparent Sheer collection, $10.50 each) to wear with open-toe shoes.

Can you wear pantyhose with ankle boots? ›

The Do's and Don'ts of wearing ankle boots with stockings:

Do wear pattern stockings with ankle boots - Kick your outfit up a notch by mixing pattern tights with boots. Do wear boots and hosiery during cold weather - stay warm by wearing thick tights underneath your dress or skirt.

Can you wear closed toe shoes with a gown? ›

Yes. Closed-toe shoes look fabulous with a gown.

Do you wear pantyhose with heels? ›

Closed shoes can certainly keep your feet warm and protected, but they can be uncomfortable if you wear them without hosiery. A pair of stockings ensures that you can easily slip on a pair of heeled pumps or boots and last the whole day without getting blisters.

Are open toed shoes formal? ›

Open-toed shoes should be worn without stockings or tights (since you would see the seam at the toes), unless the stockings are opaque with a fun pattern. Due to its open-toe nature, this type of shoe (along with the peep toe) may not be suitable for formal office wear or other formal occasions.

What is the code for pantyhose? ›

Can be used for an export declaration.

How do I know what size pantyhose to buy? ›

ONE. Always refer to the size chart on the back of your hosiery packaging. Your height and brief size will help determine the best size to suit you. Keep in mind, that size charts are a guide only and may differ from product to product.

Which way is front on pantyhose? ›

Problem #5: You don't know which way is front.

If that's not clear, look to see if there's a long seam that sticks out higher in the back of the waistband, which indicates that it's the back. If you still can't tell, it means there's no difference and the tights can be worn either way.

What is the dress code for ladies at a black tie event? ›

Traditionally, black-tie attire is a dress code reserved for formal evening events. Guests commonly choose sophisticated floor-length gowns but depending on the occasion, beautiful long dresses are often worn too.

What type of dress can be worn to a black tie event? ›

Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose either a formal evening gown, a shorter co*cktail dress, or dressy separates.

What do you wear to a formal dress code? ›

The standard dress code in a business formal environment is a full matching business suit, including a jacket and dress pants or a dress skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal!

Do you wear pantyhose with prom dresses? ›

Pantyhose are ideally worn with skirts and dresses to cover the legs and their imperfections especially in a formal settings. When picking the right pantyhose, pick a color that is closest to your skin tone for a more natural look. You may wear them with stilettos or any other closed shoe.

What color hose do you wear with a black dress? ›

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.

What color pantyhose to wear with wedding dress? ›

Nude is the go-to sheers for this occasion.

Can you wear stockings under a dress? ›

Stockings look good with any length of dress, skirt or even jeans because of their versatility.

Do people wear tights under dresses? ›

Tight leggings under dresses work best. Looser leggings run the risk of making you look saggy. They do, however, work under a very loose, flowing dress. In this case, they should match in style and fabric, much the way a Punjabi suit does.

Can you wear hose with open toed shoes? ›

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.

When did pantyhose become fashionable? ›

Pantyhose were invented in the late 1950s and went on sale in 1959. They didn't become popular until the mid-1960s (thanks to the mini-skirt). They were revolutionary because women no longer needed to wear a girdle or garter belt.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 6306

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.