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How to Wear Patterned Tights

by Lesley Kennedy (Subscribe to Lesley Kennedy's posts)
Posted Oct 29th 2009 at 3:38PM  
9 Comments
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chanel runway

A look from Chanel Spring 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Fall's new legwear has taken the conservative looks of seasons past and splashed them with stripes, dots, checks, and color blocks for gaze-at-me gams.

From the runway (think everyone from Balenciaga to Betsey Johnson) to retail, open weaves, jewel tone hues and embellished sheer styles have legs making serious statements as the temps turn cool.

"Patterned and textured legwear was all over the runways this year," says Maggie Adams, trend expert and spokesperson for Spanx. "I think women love it because it's a fun, easy and affordable way to update existing outfits in your closet."

"Nothing screams fall like tights and sweater dresses for women's fashion," says Jana O'Leary, spokesperson for Target. "Textured and patterned tights can instantly change a look, adding a personal touch to any fall ensemble."

Here are some tips from hosiery pros on how to wear the patterned tight trend. It's time to show your spots...And stripes...And lace...And plaids...And ....
  • Bob and Weave: "Open weave styles in vertical patterns elongate the leg and are popular this fall," says Spanx's Adams. "Also, classic and vintage-inspired patterns like houndstooth, diamond, Swiss dot and back seams have been top picks for Spanx fans. They are chic, sexy and still totally appropriate for the office."
  • Easy Update: ""Patterned hosiery adds a little something extra to your overall look," says Adam Sakara of La Fée Verte. "It's the easiest way to update your wardrobe for the season and make a statement without having to redo your closet for fall."
  • Added Edge: "Patterned tights add instant edge to a LBD and are perfect for extra coverage in a mini," Adams says. "As far as footwear goes, patterned tights with peep-toe booties are perfect for ladies who want to be on top of the latest trends. But, a classic platform pump is always a safe bet."
  • Make a Statement: "For the fashion-forward, opt for legwear that makes a statement and mix and match it with other patterns, colors and textures," Adams says. "For example, pair a diamond-patterned tight with a floral print dress or a Swiss dot sheer with a tartan pencil skirt."
  • Or Keep it Simple: "Top stylists like Pat Field and designers like Marni do a great job of mixing and matching patterns," says Hessert. "It's best to mind the following rule of thumb: the busier the pattern, the simpler the outfit. A great way to wear patterns is to match the rest of your outfit to one of the colors in your tights."
  • Shine On: "Be confident in your choice (of tights) and use them as your statement piece," says Donna Karan's Cathy Volker. "Metallics and lace are a great wardrobe addition. Adding a few pairs this season will help update your holiday wardrobe without breaking the bank on party dresses."
  • That's hot: HUE's Hessert says the hottest prints and textures in legwear and sheers for fall include geometric designs, dots, plaids, houndstooth, color block, ombre, florals and lace.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=760723&pid=760722&uts=1256835041
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How to Wear Patterned Tights
Fall's new legwear has taken the conservative looks of seasons past and splashed them with stripes, dots, checks and color blocks for gaze-at-me gams. Check out the latest designs in stylish hosiery. - By Lesley Kennedy
INFphoto.com

Patterned Tights

    Crazy legs are crazy popular for fall. Look for bright neon shades and loud patterns, like this style, or opt for a sheer, more subtle texture and print.

    We Love Colors Vertical Jagged tights, $15 at Welovecolors.com.

    Courtesy We Love Colors

    "Black, gray and Bordeaux are basics, but don't be afraid of lace and fishnets," says Donna Karan's Cathy Volker.

    DKNY Croco tights, $20 at DKNY.com.

    Courtesy DKNY

    "For fall, prints and textures are key," says Donna Karan's Cathy Volker. "Hosiery is an easy an affordable way to update your wardrobe. DKNY offers a variety of prints that easily transform your everyday work outfit or add a bit of glam for holiday party dressing. Color is key. The fashionable cast of 'Gossip Girl' frequently wears DKNY and they aren't afraid of prints and color."

    DKNY Color Block tights, $20 at nordstrom.com.

    Courtesy DKNY

    Adam Sakara of La Fée Verte says anyone can pull off the patterned tight trend. "It is not such a 'risqué' or 'in-your-face' trend, which makes it more wearable for the masses," he says. "It's about making sure that your hosiery choices are flattering on you – whether they're barely showing or fully exposed."

    La Fée Verte Colette tight, $40, for information visit lafeevertelingerie.com.

    Courtesy La Fee Verte

    "While printed tights look great with most shoes -- especially boots and this season's platform heels -- try to steer clear of multicolored, embellished or seriously strappy footwear, as well as super casual sneakers or flats," Hessert says.

    HUE by Trina Turk Twotoned tight, $20 at HUE.com.

    Courtesy HUE

    "In today's economic environment, patterned legwear is an easy and affordable way to have some fun updating last year's wardrobe," says Alison Hessert, spokesperson for HUE.

    She says to look for jewel tones, especially purples, berries and burgundy, as well as neutrals such as gray.

    HUE by Trina Turk Later Gator tight, $24 at HUE.com.

    Courtesy HUE

    Open weave styles in vertical patterns elongate the leg and are popular this fall," says Spanx's Adams. "Also, classic and vintage-inspired patterns like houndstooth, diamond, Swiss dot and back seams have been top picks for Spanx fans. They are chic, sexy and still totally appropriate for the office."

    Spanx open weave Birdseye tight, $28-$42 at spanx.com.

    Courtesy Spanx

    "Patterned and textured legwear was all over the runways this year," says Maggie Adams, trend expert and spokesperson for Spanx. "I think women love it because it's a fun, easy and affordable way to update existing outfits in your closet."
    Spanx Houndstooth patterned tight, $28 at spanx.com.

    Courtesy Spanx

    "This fall, textured and patterned tights are on trend and Target offers a variety of control top options from the Merona collection, perfect for any body type, at low prices," says Target spokesperson Jana O'Leary.

    ASSETS by Sara Blakely Basketweave tights, $16, at target.com

    Courtesy Target

    Blake Lively on the set of "Gossip Girl" in a chic pair of red stockings.

    INFphoto.com

Lesley Kennedy is the editor of Denveralamode.com, an online magazine devoted to fashion, beauty and trends in the Mile High City.
Read All Comments
Filed under: Accessories, Fashion, How to Wear
Tags: balenciaga, chanel, hosiery, nylons, patterned tights, PatternedTights, stockingss, style guide, StyleGuide, tights
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READER COMMENTS

(9)Add A Comment

dragonfly, 11-05-2009, 8:27AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
dragonfly

Wow...what a large selection of stockngs! Great sale at 40% off, like free shipping. I can order half a dozen designer stockings for a very low cost during this Holiday Sale! Thanks Trixi! :-)

Reply »

Rachel, 11-09-2009, 12:26PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Rachel

The white Chanel tights are great, is there a budget version available anywhere?

Reply »

sdggfjhfgjyt, 11-14-2009, 1:18PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
sdggfjhfgjyt

==================FOR MAN


POLO new t-shirt man $16
ed hardy short t-shirt $17
POLO short $35
Ed Hardy board short man $33
jordan men $34
Sunglass $16
ed hardy cap $18
-------------- http://www.uspopularbiz.com

Reply »

snowqueen, 12-17-2009, 2:21AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
snowqueen

so many choices. and I think the fishnet tights are easy match. I bought several Angelina Fashion Tights (panty Hose)at 77% off from www.followsales.com. two blcak and two brown.

Reply »

sasa, 1-06-2010, 10:17AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
sasa

Some style tips from HK

French Hair Piece Brand: Mademoiselle Slassi
http://www.queeneco.com/blog_/Fashion_&_Style/Trends_&_Style/1/137

Reply »

Annabel, 2-21-2010, 7:31AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Annabel

I find it really hard to find nice pattered tights on the high street, i have found a yummy site with the biggest selection at http://www.itsocks.co.uk/patterned-tights-c-65.html enjoy x x

my fav is http://www.itsocks.co.uk/black-tights-with-black-grey-tattoo-no406-40den-p-309.html
They look like the ones showing at london fashion weeks by Chanel. "as in stick-on tattoos"

bella

Reply »

chinda joy, 3-11-2010, 10:29AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
chinda joy

men that's hot, wish i can lay my hands on them.

Reply »

caroline lond, 3-24-2010, 4:56PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
caroline lond

this dress is amazing; it would have been so nice with a hat from Hélène de Saint Lager; definitely!!!!

Reply »

ED Hardy sale, 3-07-2011, 10:57AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
ED Hardy sale

I agree with totally, please write more.

Reply »

 
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