Are Sheer Hosiery In or Out?

by Charity
(S.F., CA, U.S.A.)

I have a question and a debate with a friend regarding sheer hosiery:

Are sheer stockings in or out?

I say out. I believe opaque tights and leggings are in, including textured, fishnet, etc. Just not nude sheer.

He says they are in.

What do you say?

Thanks for clearing up this earth shattering question!


Charity,

I wouldn't exactly say that sheer stockings (and pantyhose) are extremely popular/trendy right now. But they're certainly not 'out of style' either because they work as a wardrobe essential. Many women wear them to work under a pencil skirt or dress, and even to other special occasions that require you to dress a professional or simply polished.

They're practical and one of the reasons many women appreciate sheer hosiery is because it give your legs a nice, flawless finish!

I've seen a couple of catwalk pictures from a Fall/Winter 2009-10 fashion show (can't remember the link) where the models were wearing skirts and dress with nude (and black) sheer stockings and pantyhose. But it's definitely not something a lot fashion magazines have picked up as a huge trend.

July 2011 Update: Sheer hosiery are on fire - thanks to Kate Middleton. She's now "royalty" after marrying Prince William and a fashion icon among women with a classic clothing personality, and sheer hosiery is definitely one her indispensables.

By the way, I recently wrote a page on sheer hosiery - I think it might be of interest to you.

I hope this cleared up your question!

Kind regards,

Should Pantyhose Be Worn With Open Toe Shoes

by Latika
(Chicago, IL)

Should panty hose be worn with open toe shoes?


Hi Latika,

wearing pantyhose with open toe shoes aren't a "must should". It comes down to what you prefer and the condition of your legs (you know, bumps, hair, veins, skin tone, etc.) as well as the occasion (pantyhose is recommended if you want to look extra polished).

Pantyhose can be worn with most types of womens dress shoes and look good on because they make your legs look flawless. They look good with both classic pumps and trendy open toe shoes. I personally like the open toe look as it gives a flirty and cute vibe to your outfit.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,

What Color of Nylon Stockings With a Black Cocktail Dress?

by Anonymous

What color of nylons should be worn with a black cocktail dress? The dress is backless and knee length and has a 3/4 length sleeve jacket. It is a dressy dress. The occasion is evening.

The choice of color nylon stockings depends on what kind of image you want to project with the cocktail dress. It also depends on your height as well.

Black stockings versus nude stockings

Courtesy of: Macy's


Black sheer (opaque, non-see through dresses down the outfit) nylon stockings appear sexy yet sleek and sophisticated. Nude is more of an everyday look which in my opinion looks best for warmer months.

Nude stockings might appear tacky because of the "barely there" look. So I would say that black nylons give a more dramatic flair to your outfit which is more appropriate for evening occasions.

Also, remember that if you're short or a plus size, wearing contrasting colors will break your frame in two (light nude with black hem). The same will happen if you have wide or fleshy legs, it can make them look wider.

Suggested reading:

Fashion Stockings

Shopping & Style Guide to Womens Hosiery

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,

What To Wear With Gray Mesh Tights

by Alisha
(Canada)

What do I wear with gray tights? I just recently bought these gray tights from Forever21 and I've been ransacking my wardrobe trying to find something to wear with them. I tried them with red pumps that I bought from there also and it was adorable. I don't really have any gray so that's not really an option.

The event I'm going to is classy-formal so I'm looking for outfits with knee-length skirts and rather modest tops.

PS. I'm 5'3, size 2.

Any Ideas?


Hey Alisha :-)

You mentioned adding red with gray tights, which I think is a terrific idea because it brings an unexpected color to a basic gray color. I can definitely imagine an outfit with the gray mesh tights and a pair of red pumps.

For a classy-formal event, I advise you to keep the red in one place or evenly spread (like for example, red pumps and red lips) throughout your outfit. And wear something plain colored on top with the bright colored shoes.

To make it look more interesting add a gold or silver bracelet and/or earrings into the mix.

Another idea would be to go for a black pencil skirt and a deep red/burgundy silk top and black pumps. If you're feeling extra confident you can throw in the red pumps. I stumbled upon this color scheme a while ago which gave me this inspiration.

What do you think?

Here are some formal-classy outfit ideas on how to wear the gray mesh tights:



Look #1
Combine a spicy red silk blouse (debenhams.com) with a drape detail (could also be ruffles) and a black pencil skirt (dorothyperkins.com). If you have curves then you want to tone it down with a black A-line skirt instead as it draws the eye away from the hips and butt. Achieve a classy look with black patent pumps and pearl jewelry.

Look #2
Another formal, sophisticated way to wear the gray mesh tights is to wear them with a long-sleeved silk wrap blouse (Diane von Furstenberg blouse from matchesfashion.com) and red pumps. The neckline exposes your chest so wear a seamless camisole top underneath it (preferably brown or black to blend it win and avoid looking casual with an obvious layered look).

Look #3
I would also suggest going black on top as well to create an elongating silhouette on your petite body figure. But make sure the blouse has some sort of unique, feminine detail that sets you apart from the rest, like for example a one shoulder top with ruffles (BCBG Max Azria from Zappos).

You might even want to create a more classy, 'Red Carpet' look with matching bracelet and chandelier earrings. And add the red pumps to make it look more trendier.

I hope I gave you some ideas!

Sincerely,