When to Wear Hosiery and When to Go With Bare Legs (2024)

When to Wear Hosiery and When to Go With Bare Legs (1)

This seemingly endless debate comes up every year when the holidays are just around the corner or whenever we have to attend occasions like weddings and other important events. But like most sartorial rules, there is a right and wrong way to wear almost anything, and the same is true for hosiery.

When it comes to hosiery, many women still tend to associate it with vintage ways of dressing and office wear. However, there are other scenarios where it is perfectly acceptable to slip into a pair of pantyhose without committing a fashion faux pas. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind in case you need to shop for tights today:

When to Wear Hosiery and When to Go With Bare Legs (2)

When Should You Wear Hosiery?

When It Starts to Get Cold

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. Go for darker pantyhose—or better yet, opaque tights in dark colors—and pair them with a bright-colored outfit for a nice contrast.

When Covering Up Leg Imperfections

Dark hosiery isn’t only good for keeping you warm, but it’s also great for showing off your leg shape without having to bare any skin. From varicose veins to scars and cellulite, pretty much any imperfection can be kept out of sight while still looking your best with the right pantyhose.

When Wearing Closed Shoes

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.

When You Want a More Subtle Look

If you’re worried about your hosiery looking too obvious, go for something with a low denier that’s as close to your skin tone as possible. That way, you can give your legs a no-hose but airbrushed look. You can never go wrong with sheer hosiery because of its versatility.

When to Wear Hosiery and When to Go With Bare Legs (3)

When Should You Go with Bare Legs?

Now that there are a few ground rules for when one can wear hosiery, it’s time to determine when going bare-legged is fine. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if you should go for this look or not:

When Wearing Open-toed Shoes to a Formal Event

Combining stockings or tights with sandals is a bit too dated and casual to wear to a black-tie event. Besides, open-toed shoes are generally more comfortable to wear if you allow a bit of air circulation around your feet. So, when going to a more formal event, consider skipping the hosiery so that you can show off your bare legs and pretty pedicures in sandals and peep-toe heels.

When the Weather Is Warmer

It’s perfectly fine to go bare-legged when it’s too hot and stuffy for hosiery. You’ll feel more comfortable and cool that way.

When You Want to Show Off a Tan

Have you gone on holiday recently or applied a self-tanning lotion? If so, the last thing you want to do is cover up your skin. Flaunt your bronzed legs confidently by going bare-legged to an upcoming event.

At the end of the day, it’s fine to wear hosiery or skip it on certain occasions. It’s simply a matter of wearing what looks best for you. If you’re still in doubt, then try your ensemble both ways to avoid making any last-minute outfit decisions the night before you plan to go out. It’s the best way to see if your ensemble could use some hosiery or not.

When to Wear Hosiery and When to Go With Bare Legs (2024)

FAQs

Are pantyhose out of 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.

When should a woman wear stockings? ›

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.

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!

Do you still wear pantyhose with dresses? ›

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.

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."

What is out of style for 2023? ›

Are high waisted pants out of style 2023? High waist pants are out of fashion for spring 2023 – especially the carrot pants, paper bag pants and palazzo pants. And high waisted pants will be out of style for fall winter 2023/24, too. In fact, the high waist pants were not seen on the fall winter 2023/24 runways.

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.

Should I wear pantyhose to a wedding? ›

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.

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.)

Are pantyhose back in style? ›

News flash: Pantyhose are back in fashion! Even sheer pantyhose. Even nude pantyhose!

When did pantyhose fall out of fashion? ›

But the bottom line is this: Between 2009 and 2013, according to Experian Marketing Services, the number of women in the U.S. who said they bought regular pantyhose declined 40%. The number of women who said they bought control top pantyhose declined 47%.

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.

Should you wear pantyhose to a winter wedding? ›

I maintain that pantyhose are a classy and appropriate choice for a dressy winter event, as long as you wear closed toe shoes. I generally recommend matching your skin tone, but you could potentially wear sheer black hose or fishnet stockings with a black dress and black shoes.

Do you wear pantyhose over or under? ›

All my shapewear manufacturers agreed unanimously: pantyhose should go on first. Why? Because most shapewear is designed with fabric that is slick.

What temperature should you wear stockings? ›

For temperatures that are between 10 – 30 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend wearing hosiery that range from 70 – 180 denier. When the temperature gets above 50 degrees, we recommend wearing 50 denier (or less). Perfect for temperature between 10 – 40 degrees.

Where are pantyhose most popular? ›

This statistic shows the import volume of pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery into the European Union (27 countries) in 2021. In this year, Malta imported the highest amount of hosiery, totaling at 70,230 tons, followed by Germany at 60,855 tons.

What color nylons to wear with navy blue dress? ›

White, off-white, or cream with navy has always been a classic combination. Opaque cream tights or sheer white with a subtle pattern would look great with a navy dress. A pair of brown knee-high boots will keep this outfit from feeling too little-girly.

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.

What is the color of the year for 2023? ›

The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.

Are cold shoulders still in style 2023? ›

While it might be a fashion favourite for many women, cold shoulder tops are not in fashion in 2023. Rather, opt for more structured tops that suit and work for your body. Like, if you like body-hugging clothes, try crop tops with ribbed materials; something that was in trend even at the end of 2022.

Are ankle pants still in style 2023? ›

Ankle cropped jeans are on trend in 2023. Crop-style jeans have been a popular style for years, but they've reached new heights this year. The ankle crop is one of the most popular styles right now. It's cropped at the ankle, but not too short—just enough to show off your legs and make them look longer.

What kind of pantyhose to wear with open-toe shoes? ›

Opaque tights are the easiest option to be stylish with this tricky mix. To be sure not to make any mistake, go for the black opaque ones. They'll match any sophisticated pair of open-toed shoes: delicate jewel like sandals, chunky sandals and peep-toes pumps.

Should you wear black pantyhose with a black 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.

Can you wear pantyhose alone? ›

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.

Should you wear pantyhose 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. Wearing pantyhose with strappy open-toe sandals weighs your legs down and makes you look old and dowdy.

Can I wear black pantyhose with a dress? ›

Short skirts with high waists are great to pair with hosiery. You can immediately take a high-waisted short skirt from day to night by keeping a pair of black pantyhose tucked in your purse until it's go-time. Black pantyhose aren't just for skirts and dresses, pair them with shorts.

What color nylons to wear with a 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."

What color nylons should I wear with a purple dress? ›

Tan/Brown. Tan and brown pantyhose complement the color purple in a subtle pairing with a touch of earthiness.

What happened to legs pantyhose? ›

Pantyhose decline

Around 1991, pantyhose sales started dropping because office workers were adopting a more casual appearance, wearing slacks with knee-high hose rather than pantyhose.

Should I wear pantyhose to a funeral? ›

In summary, yes, you should wear stockings for a funeral. To elaborate on this, we spoke with Ginger Burr of Total Image Consultant for her expert opinion. Ginger shares, "for many women, wearing comfortable stockings can help us feel more pulled together and elegant."

What country buys the most pantyhose? ›

In value terms, the U.S. ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported pantyhose worldwide, making up X% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Germany ($X), with the share of X% of global imports.

What size are vintage pantyhose? ›

Vintage stocking sizes range from about 8 1/2 to 14, and it's based largely on foot size. Sometimes you'll find petite, regular, and tall options to account for differing leg sizes.

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.

What is the most popular color for stockings? ›

Black is most common. But colours like marine blue, burgundy or green also look great.

Should you size up or down for pantyhose? ›

Bigger is better

Tights are typically made small and considering their close fit, it's better for them to be bigger rather than too small. There's really no need to ever try and squeeze into a pair!

What is the code for pantyhose? ›

Can be used for an export declaration.

What do you wear on your legs with a dress in winter to a wedding? ›

You'll want to pull your tights out when wearing your dresses in the cold winter months. It's best to pair your tights with boots or booties, and in some cases, pointed toe heels. Opt for a sheer pair of black tights so you can see some skin underneath.

Can you wear a short dress with tights to a wedding? ›

Mini dresses can also be paired with tights and an oversized faux fur coat in the fall and winter, or a hat and strappy heels in the spring and summer. If you've grown tired of the same flattering-yet-forgettable wedding guest looks, we suggest maximizing your wardrobe with a mini.

Is it OK to wear open toe shoes to a winter wedding? ›

While open-toed shoes might be a bit adventurous for a winter wedding, there is no limit on what you can wear, especially if you're having an indoor celebration. Bridal shoes for a winter wedding with open toes will always look great under a long or mid length wedding dress.

How do you tell which side of pantyhose is front? ›

The fix: When there isn't a tag to indicate the front, the first step is to check the shape of the foot. 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.

Is wearing pantyhose good for your legs? ›

Because they are tight, compression hose squeeze the leg muscles and encourage blood to return uphill toward the heart instead of allowing the blood to pool at the lower legs. While they cannot entirely prevent varicose veins, compression pantyhose might ease leg discomfort associated with venous insufficiency.

Which dress to wear in 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.

Do you need tights in 60 degree weather? ›

Tights are essential when wearing a skirt or dress in 60 degree weather.

Can I wear tights in 70 degree weather? ›

Outfits styled for 70-degree weather require a balance of breathability and insulation. We suggest composing a full-coverage ensemble, one that requires a cardigan, a light jacket, tights, or a pair of pants.

What pants are in trend in 2023? ›

Wide-leg pants are big this spring.

Wide-leg pants are back in a big way for spring 2023, according to John Smith, fashion stylist and textile designer at Leather Skin Shop.

Did pantyhose go out of style? ›

This fall into disrepute has probably been hastened by the pandemic, since pantyhose are not exactly a necessary part of one's wardrobe when working from home. And indeed, even before remote work became a reality for many of us, most offices had abandoned the requirement (spoken or not) for pantyhose at work.

What are summer 2023 fashion trends? ›

Summer Trend 2023: Summer Black

While brighter, more vibrant colors typically dominate between the months of May and September, brands like Tory Burch and Valentino really embraced all-black everything for summer 2023. The good news is, the very same pieces will still fly once things cool off again.

What are the hottest beauty trends for 2023? ›

In 2023, expect a shift towards bold shades,” says Tinu. “Rather than an all-over hue, I predict that brights will be used to outline and accent nails, taking a basic manicure to the next level, with sharp edges and negative space,” she says. "Shades to look out for will include blue, purple, yellow and orange."

What pant leg is in style 2023? ›

Cargo pants are the look of choice for 2023 with baggy legs, long hems, and maximum pocket space. While the trend has definite early '00s roots, the waists are higher than their super low-rise counterparts at the turn of millennium—which comes as welcome news to most.

Is skinny jeans still in style 2023? ›

Skinny Jeans, Skinny Pants & Leggings Are Back in For Fall 2023.

Should you 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.)

Can I 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 is the color of the season 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors?

What will be the color of 2023? ›

The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.

What decade of fashion is coming back 2023? ›

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.

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