For the longest time, I assumed footless tights were reserved for the most experimental of Gen Z's style set. But Jennifer Lopez has just made a case for the emerging trend to find a place in an entirely new styling demographic.

Stepping out in New York, Lopez wore a pair of black lace footless tights that cropped just above the ball of the foot. Worn with pointed-toe heels and a thigh-grazing tuxedo dress layered over a dramatic bow-adorned blouse, JLo crafted a glamorous daytime look to see her through a brimming day of engagements.

While the arrival of summer usually means your tights drawer gets a well-earned break, footless styles offer a lighter alternative to traditional full-coverage pairs. Their open-foot design feels fresher for warmer weather, while still bringing the texture and dimension that tights can add to an outfit. Styled with a mini dress, they offer extra coverage without feeling overly heavy on milder days.

I can't necessarily see this trend hitting the mainstream anytime soon, but a growing number of stylish dressers across generations are giving it a try. If you're tempted to join this stylish set, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best footless tights available now.

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Tights are a wardrobe staple I’d prefer to never live without. I wear them most of the year, aside from during the very worst of a New York winter or the summer, of course.

Beyond everyday black pairs, I’ve been into wearing fun tights to make an otherwise minimalist outfit more interesting, like my favorite argyle ones from Swedish Stockings. As a result, I tend to pay attention to which tights are trending. Over the past couple of years, red tights were everywhere, and I’ve been spotting pink and purple popping up too.

And most recently, there’s been one micro-trend I keep seeing more than the rest—from the February runway shows to celebrities to fashion editors: white tights.

This season, I first noticed them at Copenhagen Fashion Week during the Caro Editions and Baum und Pferdgarten fall 2026 shows, a sign they’ll probably still be popular come September. Since then, I’ve seen Hunter Schafer wearing them to a Grammys after-party and noticed them repeatedly on fashion editors in street style photos throughout February’s fashion month. It also reminded me that a few people were already wearing them as early as last September during New York Fashion Week.

As someone who tends to err on the side of anti-trend dressing, I actually kind of enjoy tights trends since they’re low stakes and easy to incorporate into outfits. Shop the micro-trend below.

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We’re mid-way through February and the days are slowly, but noticeably, stretching out. As the temperature lifts and the light lingers, getting dressed suddenly feels ripe for a little experimentation, and my first move? Swapping thick, wintery pairs for a prettier, alternative: lace tights.

Fuelled by our collective return to romance—I'm looking at the release of Wuthering Heights and Valentine's Day's imminent arrival as to why—fashion is leaning soft, delicate and romantic right now. And no accessory captures that mood quite so perfectly as a pair of lace tights.

But how exactly do you style them? Less familiar than your go-to semi-sheer pairs, lace tights can feel like a more elevated proposition—so knowing where to start is key. To spark some inspiration, I’ve been scrolling through some of the chicest women I know, bookmarking elegant ways to wear the trend. Read on for three lace tights outfits to copy right now.

3 Lace Tight Outfits to Copy This Spring

1. Lace Tights + Miniskirt + Knee-High Boots:

Style Notes: The easiest way to ease lace tights into your wardrobe is to style them exactly as you would a classic semi-sheer pair. A sleek grey wool miniskirt teamed with a coordinating knit provides a polished base, while lace tights add a subtle dose of texture and interest.

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2. Leopard Print Coat + Slip Dress + Lace Tights:

Style Notes: Looking to elevate your eveningwear rotation? Lace tights might just be the simplest way to do it. Styled with a silky slip dress in a soft spring-ready shade, they bring depth, romance and dimension to the look. Layer on a statement leopard print coat and you’ve got a striking contrast that feels confident, chic and perfectly primed for nights out.

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3. White Dress + White Tights:

Style Notes: Perhaps the chicest styling option of all, a cohesive monochrome look feels undeniably elegant. A pair of white lace tights worn with a swishy dress in the same hue creates a beautifully streamlined effect. Finish with a contrasting shoe to punctuate the look and add just enough edge.

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Every season, there's one outfit formula that quietly takes over among the fashion set before it hits peak trend status, and for spring 2026, this is it. Mini bottoms paired with sheer tights have become the elegant shortcut cool girls are already relying on when they want something that feels polished but not overly precious. The look strikes that perfect balance between refined and directional, offering coverage without heaviness and a silhouette that feels intentional rather than try-hard. It's less about showing skin for shock value and more about how proportion and texture work together to make an outfit feel elevated.

What makes miniskirts and micro shorts with sheer tights feel so right at the moment is how adaptable the combination is. A tailored miniskirt instantly looks more sophisticated when grounded with delicate hosiery, and sheer tights add a subtle layer that softens the overall effect. The result is an outfit that works just as well for daytime errands as it does for dinners and events, depending on how it's styled. Think clean lines, thoughtful layers, and accessories that keep the look streamlined rather than overly styled.

In 2026, elegance is defined by nuance, and this outfit formula delivers exactly that. Sheer tights bring a refined finish to mini silhouettes, making them feel less seasonal and more wardrobe-worthy year-round. It's the kind of look that reads confident, modern, and quietly chic without feeling costumey or trend-chasing. If you're wondering what stylish women are already wearing on repeat this spring, consider this your answer.

Get the look: Long brown jacket + Sweater + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Block heels

Get the look: Long coat + Oversize scarf + Sweater + Mini shorts + Sheer tights + Sneakers

Get the look: Leather blazer + Matching miniskirt + Sheer tights + Heels + Belt

Get the look: Leopard coat + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Knit hood + Oversize blazer + Button-down shirt + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Heels

Get the look: Black button-down shirt + Printed mini shorts + Sheer tights + Belt

Get the look: Shearling coat + T-shirt + Miniskirt + Sheer tights

Get the look: Long trench coat + Sweater + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Tall leather boots

Get the look: Leopard coat + Turtleneck + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Tall leather boots

Get the look: Shearling coat + T-shirt + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Faux-fur coat + Top + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Peep-toe heels

Get the look: Puffer jacket + Faux-fur scarf + Trouser shorts + Sheer tights + Heels

Get the look: Silk top + Silk mini shorts + Sheer tights + Heels

Get the look: Leather jacket + Sweater + Miniskirt + Sheer tights + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: White T-shirt + Mini shorts + Sheer tights + Pointed-toe heels

Dresses and skirts will never truly depart from our closets, but they're definitely taking a back seat this year. Aesthetically, they're no longer the freshest and most forward thing you can wear. Sorry! Instead, I'm starting to see a number of trending pant styles that are so much more sophisticated and trend-forward, and it's time to discuss them.

Suddenly, all the chic women I know are setting aside jeans in favor of styles like ugly-cool camo prints and luxe suede and corduroy finishes. Celebs such as Hailey Bieber and Elsa Hosk and fashion people in Paris and Copenhagen are already all over these new 2026 pant trends, and I plan to follow their lead. The pants in this list hit all the categories that matter most this year: comfy, cool, and easy to wear.

Here, discover the biggest pant trends for 2026, from the celebrity-backed return of camo pants to the elegant balloon pants on the spring runways. Scroll on to shop my favorites.

Balloon Pants

Harem pants were a main theme throughout the Altuzarra S/S 26 collection, and the rounded silhouette with a tapered hemline was styled with ankle boots and leather jackets. While these genie pants have been trending since last summer, the designer's winterized backing gave us new ideas for how the pants can fit into our cold-weather wardrobes too.

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Camo Pants

I thought we had left the era of Y2K style in the past, but when Hailey Bieber posted in a pair of camo-print army pants earlier this month, she brought the dated pants back to the forefront of my mind. Now, I'm beginning to notice the roots of a trend taking hold, and several fashion creators are styling camo pants with a comfy-casual vibe, adding hoodies and oversize tees into the mix.

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Corduroy Pants

With 2026 set to be a huge year for modern preppy style, it makes sense that we'd start to see corduroy pants bubbling up too. With their thick, winter-friendly texture and vague school-uniform vibe, fashion people are already starting to wear them as an alternative to denim.

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Suede Pants

Suede bags, suede shoes, suede jackets, and now suede pants. The luxe texture has been infiltrating every corner of our wardrobes, and it's officially coming for our pants. Early favorites are emerging from cool-girl brands like Still Here and Nour Hammour, whose styles can be found on some of the best dressed women right now alongside staples like turtlenecks and loafers.

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Track Pants

All around me, I've been spotting track pants, from the 2026 runways to the off-duty outfits of celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and Ayo Edebiri. In almost every instance where they'd normally wear leggings (like coffee runs, weekend errands, and travel days), fashion people are increasingly choosing a pair of cool track pants, styling them with sneakers, clogs, and ballet flats. With designers like Tory Burch, Donni, and Tibi putting an elevated spin on the pants, there's never been more chic options to choose from.

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Woolen Leggings

A pair of thick cashmere tights was the hero item on The Row's winter 2025 runway. The tights didn't merely appear from underneath a trench coat or tunic. They also arrived draped over the shoulders as a quasi-scarf, and they instantly became a piece to keep an eye on as a future buy. Now that we're in peak tights season, sheer styles are slowly being put on the back burner for these thicker cashmere and wool blends.

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While jeans are one of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe, these "do it all" bottoms can start to feel stale. Even when styled with statement funnel-neck jackets and paired with trendsetting fringe details, their simplicity can feel repetitive, creeping up in nearly every outfit formula.

Instead of tossing my denim to the curb (I could never!), I turned to cool European women on Instagram for fresh inspiration. Within seconds, my feed was flooded with chic, elevated, and head-turning looks built upon three simple elements: jeans, heels, and sheer stockings. A few scrolls in, it was evident that tights under jeans are shaping up to be one of the hottest trends of 2026, and I understand why. For starters, it's a smart solution to chilly winter weather, providing a base layer that locks in warmth. Plus, it allows you to comfortably wear exposed footwear without freezing your toes. Unlike workout leggings and long johns, stockings are ultra-lightweight and virtually invisible, providing a second-skin feel without bulk, lines, or discomfort.

Beyond the sheer genius (no pun intended) of wearing stockings under jeans, this fashion hack adds extra oomph to even the simplest outfits. Whether styled with a classic oatmeal cardigan or brown cashmere sweater, the layer elevates winter accessorizing with added dimension and intrigue. Editor tip: You can even accessorize the accessory, adding an anklet or ruffled socks on top.

Revive your denim and slip into winter's most popular trend by shopping everything you need to master tights under jeans for 2026 below.

The Outfits

Style Tip: Reach for heels with straps to keep your shoes from slipping and sliding.

Style Tip: Wedged heels are genius for added stability and visual interest.

Style Tip: Flare-leg jeans secretly elongate the legs and balance proportions.

Style Tip: Coordinate the color of your shoes with an accessory up top for a cohesive look.

Style Tip: Show off your pumps and stockings with slightly cropped trouser jeans.

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Shop Sheer Tights

Shop Heels

The Row's influence is unmistakable—it's a subtle yet powerful force. Rather than overtly encouraging consumerism, the brand, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, serves as a master class in style, prompting a reconsideration of personal taste. It has trained the fashion world to prioritize fabric quality, precise proportions, the movement of garments, and versatile styling potential before rushing to judgment or making a purchase. The effect of the brand on individual wardrobes is a widely shared experience. While I have many examples, the most recent and impactful is how it convinced me to swap my sheer stockings for cashmere tights.

If you know me, you know I look forward to winter in NYC because I get to wear my collection of sheer tights—especially the brown ones (a detail those who know me really well are aware of). Therefore, it was quite a feat for The Row to sway me into swapping my preferred 10- or 20-denier sheer tights for significantly heavier, more opaque ones. Yet, after seeing its resort 2026 collection, I was won over.

Back in March, during Paris Fashion Week, The Row debuted its resort 2026 collection, continuing its minimalist yet complex aesthetic in a way that is anything but boring or basic. A range of flipped-up-collar coats and fluid dresses was evident, as was the absence of shoes. In nearly half the collection, rather than shoes, thick cashmere tights separated the models' feet from the carpet. That immediately caught my attention, as did the styling of the cashmere tights. If they weren't paired with dresses or skirts, the tights were worn as leggings, with nothing layered over them, just sweaters or blouses, and directional outerwear on top.

Cashmere tights are the definition of winter elegance. Compared to sheer tights, they're incredibly soft, naturally insulating, and have a refined finish. Plus, the thick texture adds a unique layer of depth and interest, instantly elevating the simplest winter outfits. That said, if you have sensitive skin and cashmere makes you itch, this trend might not be your favorite. But don't worry, there are plenty of other The Row–inspired looks to dip your toes into, itch-free. Message me if you're eager for ideas.

Keep scrolling to see the tights in The Row's collection, how I've re-created the runway looks, and the cashmere tights to add to your rotation in 2026.

Cashmere Tights on The Row's Resort 2026 Runway

How I Replicated The Row's Cashmere Tights Outfits

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Gone are the days when tights were purely functional. Over the past few years, a wave of playful hosiery looks has taken the fashion industry by storm. Red tights had their viral moment on Instagram, and white pantyhose quickly followed suit. So, yes, it's safe to assume you've accumulated your fair share of styles. If you’re still figuring out how to zhuzh up your tights, though, look to the season’s elegant shoe trends for inspiration.

After all, nothing breathes new life into tights quite like a pair of luxe shoes. And with winter in full swing, we wouldn't recommend donning your dresses and skirts sans hosiery. Should you favor heels, influencers are making a convincing argument for pairing sleek slingbacks with hosiery. Or, if flats are more your speed, try styling tassel loafers alongside your pantyhose. Without further ado, scroll onward for five elegant shoe trends (along with our favorite pairs on the market) to wear with your tights in the coming months. Cold weather, meet your match.

Tastefully Embellished

Did someone say twinkle toes? ’Tis the season for a little extra sparkle—starting from the ground up. Style your embellished heels with equally statement-making tights (as illustrated below) or with an understated black pair, depending on the vibe you're going for.

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Tassel Loafers

Fashion girls have spoken: Tassel loafers are the season's It flats. While they pair seamlessly with classic blue jeans and tailored trousers, consider offsetting the polished style with lace tights and a miniskirt.

Shop Tassel Loafers

Wedges

Wedges have a habit of falling in and out of fashion. However, there's no denying they're en vogue right now. With that in mind, give the notoriously summery shoes the cold-weather treatment by way of tights.

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Animal-Print Heels

Take a walk on the wild side this winter in a pair of animal-print heels. Whether you opt for leopard or snakeskin, ground the patterned shoes with neutral tights—or go bold in vibrant hosiery.

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Slingbacks

Slingback heels deserve a spot in every shoe collection thanks to their inherently sophisticated silhouette. During the chilly months, wear yours with sheer or opaque tights—we'll leave that decision to you.

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As I've gotten older and gained a better understanding of what defines being "chic," I've realized that style lives in the details. The smallest, most underrated choices are what separate an outfit from one that's stylish to one that looks effortless and expensive. A perfect example is something most people barely think twice about: the color of sheer tights.

For years, black tights have been the default. Fail-safe, classic, unquestioned. But if you pay attention to those whose outfits always look instantly right, you'll notice a quiet shift. Sheer brown tights are replacing black ones, and once you see the difference, it's impossible to unsee it. Brown tights read more naturally against many skin tones, creating a seamless, elongating effect that feels polished rather than heavy.

I first noticed this change last winter after watching content creators on my social feeds talk about brown sheer tights and show how they look on the body compared with black ones. I made the switch almost immediately, slowly replacing every pair of black tights in my wardrobe with brown ones. I wore them with miniskirts, little black dresses, and long wool or leather coats that I've worn as dresses, and I haven't looked back since.

After testing well over 20 pairs from brands like Calzedonia, Commando, Wolford, Hanes, and more, I can confidently say I'm an expert in sheer brown tights. I've influenced a few of my friends and family members, and they continue to thank me. I could easily write a dissertation on why brown tights look sleeker and photograph better, but it's the kind of thing that you have to see to believe.

With that said, keep scrolling to discover the sheer brown tights I've tested, styled, and truly loved over the years. And one more thing: If I can influence you or teach you something else today, it's that the secret to keeping your tights from ripping is spraying them with hair spray. So ahead, you'll find a few different hair sprays to shop while you get yourself a new pair of tights.

The Difference Between Sheer Brown Tights and Sheer Black Tights

Shop the Best Brown Tights, Tested and Reviewed

Commando The Essential Sheer Tights

Size range: S-XL

Sizing tip: If between sizes, size up

Material: 73% nylon, 27% elastane

Testing review: Starting with one of my favorite sheer tights, Commando's The Essential Sheer Tights. There's so much to love about this pair. For starters, the waistband uses the same raw-cut, dig-free material as the brand's tried-and-true underwear and thongs, so it's soft on the skin, not restrictive, and doesn't show lines under tight-fitting dresses or skirts. I also love how the yarn isn't as porous as other sheer tights, creating a smoother, airbrush-like effect on the legs. In terms of color, the brand's brown, also called espresso, reads a bit more terra-cotta than a true chocolate brown. It's not the same color as the waistband, but it still looks sleek on the body.

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Calzedonia Sheer Essential Tights

Size range: XS-L

Sizing tip: Runs true to size

Material: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane

Testing review: Whenever someone asks me where to find the best tights, I always point them to Calezdonia. The hosiery brand offers a wealth of options for all body types and tastes, and its products are well-priced and durable. The Sheer Essential style is one of the brand's classic pairs, available in 8, 20, or 40 deniers. I always choose the 20 because they're the perfect level of sheerness. These everyday tights feature a wide, comfortable waistband that offers light support. My favorite part is that they don't have the thicker, darker fabric around the thighs or toe area, so you can wear them with miniskirts or shorts and open-toe shoes.

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Hanes Silk Reflections Control Top Tights

Size range: A/B-I/J

Sizing tip: Run small

Material: Panty: 84% Nylon, 16% spandex; Leg: 85% nylon, 15% spandex

Testing review: Whoever says you can't find a great pair of sheer tights on Amazon is wrong. Hanes's Silk Reflections Pantyhose are a great option. I learned about them after an influencer posted about them on Instagram, and at just $12, they made me think, "Why not give them a try?" They feature a "control top" that extends from the mid-waist to the upper thighs and a reinforced toe to help prevent runs. The only caveat is that they run small, and the slightly compressive fabric makes them challenging to put on. I'd suggest rolling them up and then starting at the feet and pulling up slowly. Once they're on, though, they're great for an evening out.

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Wolford Individual 20 Tights

Size range: XS-L

Sizing tip: Runs true to size

Material: 79% nylon, 21% elastane

Testing review: Wolford is known as one of the most reliable brands for tights, thanks to its durability and clean look. That's true. However, the brand's pantyhose come at a pretty price, so since they're an investment, let me give you the down-low. The two most popular sheer styles from the brand are the Satin Touch Tights and the Individual Tights. The main difference is that the Satin Touch Tights have a shimmer, while the Individual Tights don't. I prefer a more matte finish, which is why I bought the Individual Tights. This style comes in 10- and 20-denier, which means they're pretty sheer and delicate. The double-entwined elastane stretches with every movement and helps prevent runs or tears; however, you do have to be gentle when putting them on and taking them off. My one con is that the waistband is thinner than on other tights, so it can dig into the skin.

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Calzedonia Sheer Control Top Tights

Size range: S-L

Sizing tip: Runs true to size

Material: 85% polyamide, 13% elastane, 2% cotton

Testing review: The Calzedonia Sheer Control Top Sculpt Tights are ideal for those seeking a shaping effect. They are designed to sculpt the body with a thick waistband that cinches and smoothes, complemented by compression throughout the legs. Select the 15-denier for a very sheer appearance or the 30-denier for a standard sheer look.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

It's officially tights season, the time of year when every winter dress or skirt practically demands a layer of warmth—and just a wool coat isn't enough. The problem? A snag from a fingernail or even a cuticle can ruin your elegant outfit before you even walk away from the mirror. But this year, shoppers are getting smarter about what they wear—and the solution is the tights Taylor Swift recently wore.

For dinner at Chez Margaux, New York City's buzziest members-only club, Swift stepped out on a freezing night wearing a turtleneck bodysuit, a miniskirt, a short wool coat, heeled knee-high boots, and a pair of Sheertex tights. She chose the brand's Stardust style, a subtly shimmering, semi-opaque pair that can make any all-black outfit look fresh.

For those unfamiliar, Sheertex has become the hosiery brand that insiders won't stop whispering about. The label's tights are crafted from a high-tech polymer blend that delivers durable, rip-resistant tights. They may look like sleek 20-denier tights, but their tightly woven knit helps trap heat, acting as an invisible layer when the wind chill drops the real-feel temperature into the teens.

"I wear tights practically daily in the winter, layering them under jeans and trousers, as well as with skirts and dresses," senior fashion editor Eliza Huber shares. "The number of pairs I've ripped through with my nails or snagged and seen run immediately after putting them on for the first time would shock you. Truthfully, Sheertex tights are the only ones that don't tear. I've washed them in the washing machine, even, and nothing."

Trust us—we love the elegant, barely there look of classic sheer tights, but the truth is, in freezing weather, it's just not realistic. That's where Sheertex comes in as winter's best-kept style secret. Among editors, celebrities, and influencers alike, these high-tech tights let you stay warm and look chic. So wear your LBD or hot pants without sacrificing style this winter.

Keep scrolling to shop Swift's exact tights and more Sheertex styles worth adding to your winter wardrobe.

On Taylor Swift: Sheertex Stardust Rip-Resist Tights ($99); Louis Vuitton coat, Midtown High Boots ($2370); Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Tote Bag ($3100)

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Winter fashion has completely shaken up my tights drawer in the past few seasons. A bin that was once just filled with practical opaque tights is now a collection that includes bright pops of red, lace, and even stark white. If you told me I’d be styling my winter outfits like this a few years ago, I would’ve never believed you, but even minimalists these days are taking their simple black frocks to the next level with a pair of tights that turns heads. Now that the cold is officially here, the past few weeks have transformed my entire social media feed into a world of lace, florals, and every imaginable color of tights. It feels like tights are suddenly the main character of winter dressing, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. It’s an affordable and easy upgrade to any outfit.

The fun part is that every trend has its own vibe—some feel chic and quiet, others feel playful and intentionally maximal. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or refreshing a drawer you swore you’d never revisit, these are the styles that keep popping up on the fashion crowd (and the exact versions I’d add to my cart).

Classic Sheer

There’s a reason sheer tights never go out of style—they add instant polish, and while they might not be the warmest choice, the final look is so worth it. Think of them as your winter equivalent of a great white tee: simple but essential.

Floral Details

It’s rare for something that might feel like a statement to carry weight long term in the tights department, but floral details will always add a special touch to whatever you’re wearing. They add just enough texture to make a simple outfit feel intentional.

Stark White

White tights are a bold trend that feels very runway-coded. They brighten winter outfits in a way that’s crisp and cool. If you want something statement-like that still feels grown-up, these are the move.

Color Pop

Bright tights have had a moment lately, and they are finally back in full force. From cherry red to electric blue and even bright hot pink, they turn a neutral outfit into a fashion moment with basically zero effort.

Classic Lace

Lace tights bring that slightly undone, Paris-meets-downtown energy that’s perfect for evening dressing. They’re delicate, a touch sultry, and add instant dimension to otherwise simple silhouettes. If you want something timeless but not boring, lace is the sweet spot.

White Lace

If you were surprised to see white tights on this list, prepare to be amazed because we're about to talk about them more than once. Simply because white lace tights give a totally different vibe: soft, ethereal, and a little unexpected in the dead of winter. White lace tights instantly elevate an outfit, bringing a strong editorial POV that somehow works with both slip dresses and oversize knits.

All of a sudden, everyone is searching for patterned tights—Google Trends has seen an increase in search interest of 4500 per cent over the past week—while this is exciting news for anyone looking for an easy way to elevate their winter outfits, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years working in fashion, it’s that not all tights trends are created equal. Some prints feel fresh, elevated and genuinely wearable… and others, well, might be best left in the archives.

So which styles are worth slipping into for winter 25/26? There are a few styles worthy of your winter rotation.

First up: argyle tights, which have made a chic comeback this season. Fashion people are leaning all the way into the wintry look, pairing them with wool skirts, cosy knits and boxy outerwear for a look that will keep you comfortable during winter's coldest days. I also find them to be one of the easiest ways to add interest to an all-black outfit—especially when dressing up an LBD without overthinking it. This is one trend I fully expect to grow legs as temperatures continue to drop.

Animal motifs are also prowling back onto the scene. While leopard-print tights remain a perennial favourite, cheetah and zebra versions have been cropping up across the high street and on social feeds, offering a bolder way to tap into the look.

If your style skews classic, however, you can’t go wrong with polka-dot tights. Timeless, glamorous and romantic, they’re one of the most called-upon patterns of the season.

Much like the colourful tights trending right now, patterned pairs are set to become just as influential this season. If you’re as intrigued as I am, read on to discover the chicest patterned tights to shop now—from delicate lace styles to full-throttle animal prints.

Shop Patterned Tights:

The other day, I was sitting around the Who What Wear UK office with some of my chicest colleagues, discussing my winter dressing philosophy. As someone who has relocated to London from Sydney, I was waxing lyrical about the plights of covering up for the cold and how, surprisingly, tights were a fail-safe wardrobe essential for both combating the freezing temperatures and helping me seem like I hadn’t lost my sense of personal style.

“Tights make me feel like I’m back in a classroom,” someone said in response, much to my dismay. With somewhat matronly connotations, thicker grey styles and fleece-lined black versions can certainly transport you to your time in sixth form. But as someone who adores the way a pair of coloured stockings or printed hosiery can inject a playful and thermal touch to any look, I considered this an opportunity to school her on the chicest tight trends that are anything but dowdy.

Indeed, the key tight trends for winter 2025 in particular are ones that stealthily enhance any ensemble. Be it a wash of primary colour or ditsy prints, these major tight trends bring an unsung bold dimension to your winter outfit that’s unrivalled by any other category. Wearing animal-print trousers or dainty pointelle leggings might feel a tad too out of comfort zones for more demure dressers and commitment-phobes alike, the key tight trends for winter 2025 resolve to add an experimental slant, whilst not being too overt.

Conspicuously bold and cold-resistant is entirely the mood I strive to achieve in winter and, as my formerly unconvinced fellow editors came to learn, only achievable by tights. This season, we’ve shifted away from the rococo flourishes encapsulated by white lace tights and the boudoir-inspired takes seen by the reign of fishnets. The mode of now is epitomised by a restrained elegance, with primary colours like blue and white being layered against statement coats to bring an element of either harmony or contrast, depending on your tastes.

Sure, there is a case to be made that wearing tights with pieces like button-down shirts and pleated skirts might make you feel like a teenager stuck in homeroom again, but that’s not to say that’s the only way you have to wear the major tight trends for winter 2025. To prove this point further, I’ve pieced together a guide to the top shades and styles of now and compiled chic examples that showcase how to wear them well. A masterclass in trialling tights, if you will. So, without further ado, uncover the key tight trends for winter 2025, ahead.

The 6 Key Tight Trends for Winter 2025

1. White Tights

Style Notes: From ivory denim to cream coats, winter whites are a colour story that always makes you feel incredibly polished and put together during cooler months. Blame it on the fact that you blend in with the frosty surroundings or the bravery it takes to wear a stain-attracting colour during moments where rain, hail, snow and sleet are guaranteed, but adding a touch of white will ensure an incredibly refined outfit every time. If opting for a jacket or trousers is too contentious, a pair of bright, white tights are the solution.

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2. Polka-Dot Tights

Style Notes: Spotted: The elegant print trend that dominated the street style set over summer returning for winter. It’s true, after reigning supreme as the pattern du jour, polka dot is reemerging for one final hurrah in the format of speckled tights. Reminiscent of an old-world glamour, this tight trend will appeal to anyone who wants to channel their inner ‘60s socialite or ‘80s aristocrat, albeit with a modern flair.

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3. Blue Tights

Style Notes: Blue has always been a source of inspiration for the most stylish. From Joni Mitchell’s seminal album to Picasso’s blue period, the hue is one of the most evocative on the colour spectrum. For winter 2025, the hue finds new meaning in the form of tights. Reminiscent of the shades worn by nurses in the ‘50s, this baby blue tint takes a normally clinical hue and turns it on its head by pairing it with lavish leopard-print coats and spritely mini dresses.

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4. Animal-Print Tights

Style Notes: Animal print tights are one of the crucial tight trends of winter 2025, but it’s actually a movement that dates back nearly thirty years prior to when a young Chloë Sevigny wore a tiger style to a film premiere in 1996. Adopted by many taste makers and It girls like Chani Ra, Camille Charriere and Leandra Cohen in the time since, you’ll find this style at leading tights brands like Swedish Stockings and Wolford.

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5. Designer-Logo Tights

Style Notes: Logomania pandemonium has certainly quelled since the 2010s. But at a time where even entry-level luxury goods are out-pricing some people out of the market, why not embrace your favourite designer by wearing a pair of tights embellished with the brand’s sigil? Given how tights are a staple in any Parisian wardrobe, it should come as no surprise that maisons like Celine and Givenchy do this style well.

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6. Argyle Tights

Style Notes: Fans of Saltburn and the dark academia literary classic The Secret History rejoice! Argyle print tights have left the country club and polo fields and entered the fashion set, with searches for the trend currently at an all-time high. The diamond print is a classic preppy fashion staple, but as they say, the shape is forever.

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When you’re contending with constant rain, relentless wind and an intensifying chill, getting dressed in the morning can quickly shift from an expression of personality to a purely practical exercise. Still, style and warmth don’t have to be at odds, and I’ve found that having a few fail-safe outfit formulas in mind makes that early-morning rummage through my wardrobe much more successful.

Fortunately, Amal Clooney has just delivered a fresh dose of cold-weather inspiration in the form of a winter-ready three-piece look I’ll be returning to all season long. Starting with the boot trend I favour above all others, Amal anchored her outfit with a glossy pair of black knee-highs. Not only do they offer ample coverage (a blessing for anyone prioritising warmth), but their sleek, elongated silhouette brings polish to every outfit they meet.

She completed the core of the ensemble with black semi-sheer tights and a speckled minidress in a tonal shade, crafting an elevated silhouette that feels perfectly pitched for November and December’s event-filled calendar.

Topped with a black leather jacket, the whole look delivers head-to-toe inspiration for winter styling. If you’re feeling just as inspired, read on to shop my edit of the best knee-high boots, black tights and minidresses to re-create the formula yourself.

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As anyone who likes wearing skirts and dresses in the winter will tell you, tights aren't really optional—they're a necessity. Luckily, they make your outfits look significantly chicer than they would otherwise. And if you're like me and get tired of wearing black tights over and over and want some non-black tights inspiration, you just clicked on the right link.

This will come as a shock to no one (no one who follows fashion, at least), but the chicest, easiest alternative to black tights is chocolate-brown tights, and Elsa Hosk, one of the most well-dressed It girls on the planet, just wore a pair. She styled them with a fur-trimmed parka from her line Helsa and the shoe trend that I predict you're about to see paired with brown tights at every fancy winter occasion and night on the town: satin shoes. Specifically, Hosk wore brown satin mules by Alaïa, but any (preferably brown) satin shoes will do.

To see how stunning the brown-tights-and-satin-shoes combination is, keep scrolling to see the look Hosk recently posted to Instagram, and shop the combination to wear with your own skirts and dresses (or long coats, à la Elsa Hosk).

On Elsa Hosk: Helsa Bubble Puffer With Faux Fur ($449); Gucci Horsebit 1955 Bag ($3550)

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It feels like we're all in peak appreciation mode of the cold weather as well as the great layered looks we're finally able to wear, so let's continue on that theme with a little tribute to chic winter outfits that include a pair of tights. You'll rarely go wrong with timeless black pantyhose, but there's so much more to experiment with. If you're game, even your more classic tights have unexpected styling possibilities.

I'm mainly seeing preppy miniskirts and tights on the streets of New York, London and Oslo with either Mary Janes or loafers below the ankles. There's no shortage of tights inspo in my feed at the moment, from fun and colourful vibes in Lisbon to elegant outfits in Paris. Here are some of the best outfits with tights that have made it into my Instagram saved folder and everything you'll need to re-create them at home.

6 Chic Tights Outfits to Copy in Winter 2025:

1. Jacket + Burgundy Tight + Mini Skirt

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be a story about winter 2025 outfit inspo without touching on the burgundy trend. Expensive-looking and chic as well as timeless, this deep wine hue is the perfect accessory to bring a new energy to an otherwise all-black outfit.

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2. Leather Trench + Grey Tights + Mules

Style Notes: Like V-neck sweaters and T-bar shoes, wooly tights are further evidence that my style is slowly but surely becoming anchored in pieces from my old school uniform, which, ironically, I always hated. Tights and peep-toe heels are one of those "love it or hate it" styling things, but if Sylvie Mus can't sell you on it, I don't know what to tell you.

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3. Blazer + Sheer Tights + Sheer Skirt

Style Notes: Since sheer skirts are still trending, ultra-sheer pantyhose are the trick to not feeling too naked. If your slingbacks keep slipping, try trimming some double-sided fashion tape to add a little tackiness to the inside of the straps.

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4. Trench Coat + Midi Dress + Lace Tights

Style Notes: Lace tights definitely deserve a special mention here, especially when styled with more pared-back outfit to contrast against the bold pattern. I like to think of this look as a go to to minimalists who want to avoid looking boring. I see you, and I do too.

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5. Faux Fur Coat + White Tights + Slingback Heels

Style Notes: White tights might initially feel too out-there, but trust me when I say they'll earn you serious style points. Pair it with a cream faux fur coat and red slingback heels for a look that is sure to turn heads.

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6. Red Jacket + Polka-Dot Tights + Grey Skirt

Style Notes: I love how Vicky Montanari always brings something a little quirky to her looks without getting so wild it doesn't feel wearable. Adding an unexpected layer of socks makes this outfit feel extra fresh and preppy, and maybe they're the secret to wearing tights with Tabis!

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Sheer black tights have become a true winter essential, lending a polish and a hint of allure to cold-weather dressing. They're often paired with slingback kitten heels, classic pumps, or knee-high heeled boots; however, if you're anti-heels, you don't have to count the tights out. Elizabeth Olsen just proved that sheer tights look just as chic with flats as they do with heels, wearing hers with dark-brown loafers.

While leaving The Drew Barrymore Show in NYC to promote her role in the new comedy movie Eternity, Olsen was spotted wearing a long black wool coat layered over black sheer tights and The Row's chocolate-brown tassel loafers. Her look exuded casual elegance, which shoppers, no matter how experienced, will appreciate this winter, particularly on really cold evenings when the last thing one wants to do is think about what to wear. The best part is that this pairing is highly versatile for any setting, allowing you to style sheer tights and loafers with a pencil skirt, a knit maxi dress, or even layer the tights under cropped jeans, revealing a touch of the stockings for added flair.

Keep scrolling to see Olsen's outfit, and shop my picks for the best sheer black tights and brown leather loafers of the season.

On Elizabeth Olsen: The Row Tassel Boyfriend Loafers ($1150)

Shop Sheer Tights and Brown Leather Loafers

Black tights are the ultimate cold-weather workhorse, but stylistically, they sometimes fall flat. They're a necessity rather than a fashion choice. However, Demi Lovato recently proved that black tights can be the foundation of a genuinely trendy, chic look. The key to this transformation is pairing them with one specific, unexpected skirt trend: white lace.

Lovato was recently seen embracing this especially cool tights-and-skirt combination. Instead of a fall-ready wool or corduroy skirt, the choice of a white lace skirt changed the entire dynamic. The lace adds a delicate, romantic element, grounding the black tights and preventing her outfit from looking too summery. The beauty of this trend lies in its ability to instantly elevate the basic nature of the tights. Want to emulate Demi Lovato? Keep scrolling to shop white lace skirts to pair with black tights this season.

On Demi Lovato: Ludovic de Saint Sernin top and skirt

Shop Lacy Knee-Length Skirts to Wear With Black Tights

Getting a "What are you wearing tonight?" text used to raise my blood pressure. Every Friday night was the same scene: I slammed my laptop shut at 5 p.m., and by 5:06, my entire closet was strewn across my bedroom. After college, I spent way too much time trying to figure out my personal style, only to keep reverting to the same baggy jeans and tiny tops that carried me through my early 20s. A few years later—with more wisdom—I finally cracked the code on what works for me in every aspect of my wardrobe, including the always-looming going-out looks.

These six combinations almost gamify getting ready for a night out. When the clock is ticking and you need to get out the door, you can always fall back on these six classics.

SHEER TOP

There's something so sexy about a sheer top, especially one with movement that catches the light just right. I love how this poncho and beaded bag add a flirty element of surprise. Pair this top with your favorite black work pants and pumps and you're golden.

TONAL DRESSING

Tonal dressing is my cheat code when I'm in a rush but still want to look put-together. These Zara sequin shorts are absurdly good for the price, and the mix of textures—from the cozy cashmere to the structured croc boots—makes it anything but boring. A tonal look like this always feels curated, even if you threw it on in five minutes.

PARTY PANTS

If you want to stand out without trying too hard, lace pants are the move. I own a pair almost identical to these trousers, and trust me. You can't go one second without a compliment. I keep the top simple—a soft black sweater ensures the focus is on the pants, but playful touches like velvet pumps add to the overall fun of the outfit.

STRUCTURED BLAZER

Fashion icons like Hailey Bieber and Morgan Stewart are consistently photographed wearing oversize blazers over barely-there skirts and dresses—and for good reason. The combination is perfectly flirty and elevated. Bonus points to Stewart for pairing hers back to high boots for some added warmth.

BLACK TOP + JEANS

I never claimed that these pairings would be groundbreaking, but sometimes, the simplest outfits are the ones that just work. A black top and jeans are one of those pairings that never fails. I love how a little structure in a jacket can take the whole look from casual to sharp in an instant. It's the combo I reach for over and over.

OXBLOOD EVERYTHING

Oxblood has officially taken over my wardrobe, and it pairs magically with dark denim. The colors just do something to my brain. You are guaranteed to be that girl while wearing this outfit combo.

The most remarkable thing about the wonderful world of fashion is that, every so often, a microtrend sweeps through the landscape with such vigour, we’re forced to throw away the playbook and start anew.

This is (albeit quite dramatic), a fitting way to describe what's currently happening with the meteoric rise of coloured-tights outfits. It goes without saying that styling tights with your winter-capsule staples is about as groundbreaking as florals in spring; it's practically a must when you live in the UK. But outfits that feature tights in hues so vibrant that they'd make Mary Quant take note would, not long ago, have been considered a touch passé, slightly juvenile and best saved for dress-up opportunities like Halloween.

But change is afoot (quite literally!), and with it comes a rainbow of bright and bold hosiery which would put Emily in Paris's namesake's kaleidoscopic collection of colourful stockings to shame. With a spectrum of vibrant hues and unapologetically bold prints coming to the forefront, you might feel safer overlooking the shift in the zeitgeist and retreating to your tried-and-true black tights. And of course, that's fine, but I believe that when pulling together a look, it's the finer details that help elevate our layers from a mismatched outfit build to something that feels far more put together.

What's more, tights are gloriously affordable (costing far less than other autumn/winter 2025 trends, like a statement faux fur or pair of indigo jeans), yet they can breathe new life into your winter wardrobe in much the same way as a bold pair of earrings or a printed blouse. This being said, I still understand the struggle of trying to make funky tights work. I, too, have fallen victim to a late-night scroll that led to adding a pair of colourful tights to my basket, only to feel deflated when trying to style them.

Which is why, on this topic especially, I take inspiration from the most fashionable people on my feeds. As the reign of the quiet-luxury aesthetic continues to wane, my stylish favourites are already fighting off the winter blues in style by embracing dopamine dressing in a way that feels refreshingly "now", injecting a touch of colour into their winter looks on their legs. Whether they’re using them to bolster an otherwise monochromatic look or adding a playful pop of colour to a minimalist outfit, I’ve come to realise that colourful tights can work with many pieces you might already have in your wardrobe.

Having scoured my algorithms, I’ve rounded up five fail-safe ways to incorporate a colourful-tights outfit into your current rotation. Scroll to see them.

1. Red Tights + Leather Jacket + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Let’s start with the basics, shall we? One of the biggest colours of the year, the pop-of-red trend has taken the fashion set by storm. Adding instant visual interest through aptly placed colour contrast, they’re like a breath of fresh air when livening up your winter neutrals. Take inspo from Lucy Williams and pair them with shorts on warmer days, or a pleated maxi when it's chillier.

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2. White Tights + Minidress + Maxi Coat

Style Notes: To give your winter look a frosty touch, consider white tights. A focal point of Richard Quinn’s spring/summer 2025 runway, the designer proved that white tights play well with almost every colour imaginable, giving your outfit a subtle twist. Drawing the eye, they easily elevate the neutrals that typically make up most of our winter capsule wardrobes.

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3. Green Tights + Blouse + Maxi Skirt

Style Notes: As I said, colourful tights really help to execute style with ease, and this is especially true in Anne-Victorie Lefevre's case. A way to look directional without being too loud (owing to the spectrum of earthier tones), green is quickly emerging as one of the chicest colours to wear this winter. Adding a low-key flair to the outfit, Anne-Victorie's green tights pull her look together. To make it winter-appropriate, just add a long coat.

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4. Brown Tights + Knitted T-shirt + Midi Skirt

Style Notes: It feels like we’ve discussed every possible iteration of chocolate brown at Who What Wear UK, but tights have been quite overlooked. Adding warmth to your cold-weather outfits (literally and figuratively), the rich tone has a luxe appeal and is neutral enough so as not to overpower the look.

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5. Grey Tights + Black Jumper + Biker Boots

Style Notes: If you’re looking to add a pop of colour but are a touch afraid to depart from black, maybe grey tights are for you. Not a dramatic departure but fundamentally more interesting, they add an innate preppy tone to every ensemble, especially in a cable-knit texture. Finish the look like Jeanette Madsen: with biker boots and a heavyweight brown blazer for a perfectly 2025 winter 'fit.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

The word "muse" gets thrown around a little too lightly nowadays, but if there’s one tastemaker who is undoubtedly deserving of this title, it’s Alexa Chung.

Over her two decades in the industry, the perennial It girl has garnered a legion of adherents who worship her commitment to ethereal everyday style—Peter Pan collars paired with boxy leather jackets, denim jeans finished with quaint lace-up derbys, knee-grazing shift dresses plastered with an illustrated portrait of Elvis Presley’s face.

Now, to celebrate her 42nd birthday, the British fashion icon delivered a masterclass in effortlessly elegant evening wear just in time for the upcoming party season. Fusing a timeless silhouette with a contemporary trend, Chung donned a knee-grazing little black dress that boasted a raw hem trim and saccharine bow accent.

This enduring mini is a style that appears in any well-edited wardrobe and has been a staple for chic socialites like Audrey Hepburn to Margaret Qualley since Coco Chanel invented the garment over a century ago. But to ring in her latest lap around the sun, Chung leant into the zany girlishness she’s curated over the years by teaming the look with a pair of light-denier tights and white court pumps.

Given the fact that Chung fêted the occasion in New York, the outfit formula also felt like an homage to some of the city’s most prolific dressers, like Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw and Madonna during her Material Girl era. As it turns out, Chung isn’t the only one to gravitate towards this ensemble.

Earlier this week on the island of Manhattan, Hailey Bieber also embraced this template by stepping out in a black leather midi from Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2026 collection and razor-sharp white heels.

With the festive season fast approaching, it’s only a matter of time before we see more of this exact outfit formula. Between the classic dress shape and the polished shoe colour and cut, don’t be surprised when you see this at every upcoming soirée from here on out.

Because if you can’t beat them—and I doubt you’ll be able to find a more sophisticated look than this—join them, and scroll on to shop the best black dresses, black tights and white heels below.

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I’ve long believed that dressing chicly through the seasons comes down to keeping your outfit’s foundation strong and your layers uncomplicated. Colour certainly has its time and place, but for the most part, I find that a restrained palette ensures lasting elegance and versatility. The same goes for silhouette—choosing a few simple, sophisticated shapes can do the heavy lifting for any look. Perhaps that’s why Sofia Richie’s latest winter ensemble resonated with me so much.

Keeping things uncomplicated, Sofia put together one of the chicest cold-weather looks I’ve seen this season. She began with an elegant base: a beige scarf coat cut to an ankle-grazing length with a built-in scarf detail that draped gracefully across her shoulders. Cocooned from neck to ankle, the long-line coat maintained a clean, refined silhouette void of excess.

Allowing just a glimpse of her ankles and shoes, Sofia completed her look with a carefully chosen tights-and-heels pairing that elevated the ensemble even further. Rather than opting for the colourful or printed tights that have been trending this season, charming as they can be, she kept things cohesive with a pair of sheer black tights, which balanced the softness of the beige coat.

To finish, she stepped into sleek black pointed-toe heels. The tall, angular design added structure and polish, offsetting the coat’s voluminous drape with some sharpness.

Inspired by Sofia’s timeless approach? Read on to shop her look and discover my edit of the best scarf coats, black heels and sheer tights to see you stylishly through the season.

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Every winter, I hit the same styling roadblock: how to make tights feel sleek rather than frumpy. Year after year, it takes me a little finessing before they start to feel fresh again. Usually, I end up defaulting to knee-high boots—but this season, I’ve been swayed by a far more unexpected pairing.

While out for the evening this week, Hailey Bieber reminded me of a shoe trend I hadn’t thought about in years. Sidestepping the black high-vamp heels that have been everywhere lately, she styled her tights with a pair of white pointed-toe pumps—a ’90s favourite that looked thoroughly modern set against the rest of her ensemble.

Paired with an otherwise all-black outfit, the bright white shoes and sheer tights gave her look a lift. They broke up the heaviness of her leather and imbued a sense of lightness that black heels just couldn’t achieve.

Now, white heels haven’t always enjoyed the best reputation—often dismissed as a little “cheap” or tricky to style—but Hailey’s look proves their chic potential lies in the contrast. When kept clean (a quick polish or cobbler visit goes a long way to rectifying any blemishes), they add a sharp, elevated edge to any outfit.

If you, too, are ready to give this two-part formula a try, scroll on for my edit of the best sheer tights and white pointed-toe heels to re-create Hailey’s surprisingly sleek winter look.

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When it comes to fall fashion, black tights are as essential as a pumpkin spice latte. They're reliable, chic, and go with absolutely everything. But if you're looking to turn heads and gather compliments faster than you can say "apple picking," Emily Blunt just showed us the secret weapon: colored tights. And not just any color, but a bold, unapologetic red.

For the London premiere of her film The Smashing Machine, Blunt redefined what hosiery can do for an outfit. Instead of opting for the expected sheer or opaque black, she donned a vibrant pair of crimson, polka-dotted Calzedonia tights. She paired them with a dramatic David Koma dress and heels, and the effect was simply mesmerizing.

The red tights didn't just complement her look; they made the look. They added a jolt of unexpected color, a playful yet sophisticated twist that elevated her entire red carpet ensemble from polished to utterly unforgettable. This niche trend is perfect for anyone looking to inject some personality into their fall wardrobe. While black tights fade into the background, colored tights demand attention in the best possible way.

Keep scrolling to shop Emily Blunt's red Calzedonia tights, plus several similar styles to try this season.

On Emily Blunt: David Koma dress; Calzedonia tights; Anya Magnificent earrings

Shop Emily Blunt's Exact Calzedonia Tights

Shop More Red Tights for Fall

From Kate Moss roaming around Paris in a slinky little black dress and a pair of seductively translucent light deniers to Alexa Chung in a silky mini slip and Burberry’s Nova Check pumps, there’s no denying that black tights are as British as they come.

But to some, this cool-weather staple still reeks of the sixth form corridors and stuffy libraries that used to play host to them, causing a slight aversion to donning the beloved hosiery style. That’s where the chicest alternatives to black tights come in.

In recent years, tights have slowly risen in the ranks from a forgotten underwear drawer to a considered and foremost addition to thoughtful outfits. You can blame this on Chanel's creative director Matthieu Blazy, who first helped whet consumers’ palettes for elegant tights during his tenure at Bottega Veneta. Indeed, during the Italian designer’s sophomore season at the house, he presented a look that featured a chunky navy jumper paired with black tights and a pair of knickers. This act of wearing tights as trousers swiftly became one of the year’s biggest trends, adopted by everyone from Kendall Jenner while out in Beverly Hills to Emma Corrin gliding through glittering grand canals at the Venice Film Festival.

And while black tights will always be a true sartorial classic, it’s moments like these that encourage you to expand the horizons of your personal taste and explore more innovative options. These sophisticated alternatives to black tights aren’t total substitutes, but rather fresher choices that can breathe new life into a stale outfit or transform a look into something far more intentional and impactful. Better still, these choices all offer the same thermal support and layering benefits that black tights do, which is an essential element for surviving the frigid winter months that await us, without actually breaking the bank, given that most expensive-looking high-street styles start for less than the price of sickly sweet iced coffee at one of London’s trendiest cafes.

As for what alternatives to black tights are dominating? It’s a combination of bold neutrals and vibrant patterns, including the beloved tiger-print pair famously worn by Chloë Sevigny to a film premiere in 1996 and the saturated tones seen on Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2023 runway.

Ultimately, the question isn’t whether to wear tights or not to wear tights, but what tights to wear, and as the below proves, there are countless slick and polished options for you to choose from.

With that in mind, keep scrolling through for the 5 elegant alternatives to black tights that will have you swapping, or at least pausing, your well-loved and long-standing pair of dark stockings.

The 5 Chicest Alternatives to Black Tights

1. Grey Tights

Style Notes: When eschewing a colour as classic as black, it’s always safest to stay within your comfort zone with another dialled-down shade. Grey, as unassuming and benevolent as it sounds, is a fantastic option for those who want to shake things up. Not only is the hue the closest thing you can get to black without crossing over into that territory, meaning that you’ll feel a sense of familiarity when wearing it, but the paler tone actually can help brighten your overall ensemble. From steel to pewter and even true silver, this look is 50 shades of classy.

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2. Burgundy Tights

Style Notes: It’s not just you who’s seeing red. Shades like oxblood, merlot and chianti continue to dominate during the colder months, with the most ingenious dressers incorporating the popular hue into their outfits by slipping into a pair of burgundy tights. The result is something that feels decadent but also gently winks to the shade du jour.

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3. Designer Logo Tights

Style Notes: Fashion has steadily been obsessed with the naked dressing movement, from Miu Miu’s satin bras that poke out the side of the brand’s knitted cardigans to Chloé’s boudoir-approved lace-trim ruffle shorts. In recent seasons, however, we’ve seen brands embrace this mode further through hosiery and the fusion of revealing the skin through a historically matronly silhouette. The result is both prim and provocative, proving the most potent antidote to secretarial and sexy black tights.

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4. White Tights

Style Notes: As is often the case when it comes to resolving style woes, this option proves that it’s a matter of inverting or juxtaposing what you know to achieve a completely different outlook. Ethereal and prim, this style can often border on bridal or ballerina territory—which is great for those who adore Natalie Portman’s performance in Black Swan or regularly peruse Danielle Frankle’s dresses, but not so much everyone else—so ensuring they look as suave as black tights is simply a matter of toughening them up. Pair with a funnel neck-jacket or a super structured tweed coat et voilà!

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5. Animal-Print Tights

Style Notes: Speaking of edge, there’s not a pair of tights boasting more personality or flair than that of the animal print variety. As previously mentioned, it was a then 22-year-old Sevigny who introduced the act of wearing patterned tights to the masses when she paired a tiger-print pair with an asymmetrical black dress with sequin stripes and a boutonniere. Now, It girls like Camille Charrière and Leandra Medine Cohen have both followed suit, including the style in their respective collaborations with sustainable Scandi brand, Swedish Stockings.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

I’m not much of a dress or skirt wearer to begin with, but this year, I’ve worn them more than ever. I’m all for simple outfits, but lately, I’ve been looking for ways to make wearing a skirt or dress more interesting. That is, until I saw what Lily-Rose Depp just wore to the Chanel S/S 26 runway show, which was a skirt set with an unexpected, anti-boring fall accessory trend: patterned tights.

Her outfit was the perfect balance of whimsical and chic. She styled her navy Chanel suit with diamond-print black-and-white tights, a pair of black pumps, and a small baby-blue shoulder bag. The tights were the star of her outfit, and it was such an interesting way to make them the focal point. We saw this styling trick several times on the F/W 25 runways of Valentino, ACNE Studios, Isabel Marant, and more. The models wore patterned tights, adding an eclectic twist to the high-fashion outfits. After seeing this look, I’m definitely wearing patterned tights with my dresses and skirts this fall and winter. I’m over being boring, and you’re never too old to wear a fun outfit.

If you’re looking for a way to make your skirts or dresses look cooler with minimal effort, keep scrolling to re-create this look and shop similar items.

On Lily-Rose Depp: Chanel suit, bag, and shoes

Patterned Tights on the F/W 25 Runways

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The weather in NYC is finally beginning to hint at fall—temperatures are dropping a bit, and there's a crisp feel in the air. This means that before we know it, fashion people across the city will begin swapping their blue jeans and white tees for sheer tights and miniskirts, finishing the look with the one shoe color trend that makes the outfit look the chicest: brown leather loafers.

Aubrey Plaza is one insider who knows this firsthand. Spotted in the city today, the actress stepped out in a matching houndstooth blazer and miniskirt from Reformation, styled effortlessly with a white polo sweater, sheer black tights, and Khaite's new Blake bag. On her feet, she opted for brown leather loafers, specifically a penny loafer silhouette with ruched detailing.

On Aubrey Plaza: Reformation James Relaxed Blazer ($298), Bentley Cotton Polo Sweater ($148), Calloway Low Rise Skort ($148), and Ani Ruched Loafers ($268); Khaite Blake Bag ($2800)

While Plaza could have chosen classic black loafers, which would still have looked stylish with her miniskirt outfit, the brown loafers elevated the look from simply stylish to chic. The warmer hue added depth, and because it's a less expected color, it made her ensemble feel fresh for fall 2025. Additionally, what fashion people love about loafers is their versatility, making them suitable for sheer tights and a miniskirt, as seen today, as well as with tailored pants, long dresses, or jeans.

If you're inspired to add a pair to your wardrobe, keep scrolling because we've curated an edit of the best brown leather loafers for women. Additionally, ahead, shop the pieces needed to re-create Plaza's elegant NYC ensemble.

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I’ve always had a real penchant for skirts and dresses, and I refuse to let them gather dust just because the temperatures take a dip.

The trade-off, of course, is that my tights collection works overtime from October through March. For years, I defaulted to black, rotating through various opacities without giving it much thought. Dependable? Absolutely. But inspiring? Not so much. This season, however, my winter wardrobe is in for a treat, as I've discovered a subtle but impactful upgrade that’s made my trusty black pairs feel almost redundant. The chic alternative? Grey tights.

Not a dramatic departure from black, but certainly more interesting, grey tights are becoming the new-season neutral I’m reaching for the most. In thick, woollen styles, they call back to the pairs we wore at school, bringing a nostalgic, preppy energy that sharpens a look. But what I love most is how versatile they are with colour.

Just look at Maya Hawke’s pink jacket and grey tights pairing, pictured above. The tights ground the pastel hue beautifully, anchoring it without dulling its sweetness. Add in her burgundy bag, and you’ve got a three-tone colour story that's impossibly chic.

In sheerer finishes, grey tights take on a different personality altogether—polished, expensive-looking, and adding dimension to outfits in ways black tights simply can’t. Picture them with knee-high boots and a mini, or layered under buttery leather separates for a chic, considered finish.

Below, I’ve rounded up the very best pairs to shop now. Read on to discover my edit.

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The City of Lights has played host to many a style icon throughout its storied history: Marie Antoinette and her rococo extravagance, Josephine Baker and her ostentatious showgirl wardrobe, Audrey Hepburn and her beatnik chic…

Now, during the early part of Paris Fashion Week, legendary supermodel Kate Moss has taken it upon herself to prove exactly why the French capital is the perfect place for stylish dressers to shine. No stranger to making her well-adored wardrobe items the centrepiece of a memorable outfit—including the Levi’s 501s she wore on repeat whilst off-duty in the ‘90s, the Wellington boots that made regular appearances at Glastonbury during the early 2000s or even her vintage Hermès bag that she recently took to the beach in Formentera, Moss’s latest appearance relied upon a very simple formula.

However, it was the way she leaned into the effortless sensuality and refined elegance synonymous with the city that truly made me stop in our tracks.

Of course, I'm referring to the way the 51-year-old transformed a humble LBD into something far more sophisticated by teaming it with a pair of black tights and chic, round-toe heels. She stepped out in this look whilst running errands in the 1st arrondissement: checking into The Ritz in Place Vendôme, attending a fitting at Tom Ford’s atelier and enjoying the sights after attending Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2026 collection on Monday evening. On the latter, it appears she took styling cues from Anthony Vaccarello’s latest collection for the house, as the Belgian designer also presented a slew of vampy looks paired with lighter stockings and humble pumps.

And whilst a luxe monochromatic outfit like this seems in keeping with what one would pack to wear in Paris, what surprised me the most was the way she switched out her higher-denier tights for a pair that was on the sheer side. In the past, I’ve almost omitted wearing anything under a 40, erroneously thinking they wouldn’t make an impact. But what Kate has proven here is that there’s a subtle sophistication in exercising restraint and not going too bold with your hoisery this season.

Those who have found themselves asking, "Whatever happened to glamour?" will be happy to hear me salute Kate in her act of dressing suitably for the occasion—and the location. With party season and colder weather approaching, it’s also never felt more relevant to lean into the fun of dressing up for the hell of it. Who knew all it took was throwing on a pair of tights that have been in your underwear drawer since secondary school? I am in no way suggesting that you reach for this pair, however, so consider this an invitation to upgrade your collection and shop my edit of the chicest black tights currently available below.

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When it comes to fall fashion, we tend to focus on jeans and trousers, but dresses are just as crucial. They're super easy to slip into, and paired with tights, they look super polished. There are many styles to choose from, but for the new season, one dress trend stands out as the top choice—satin minidresses.

This week in NYC, actress Grace Van Patten gave us a taste of the satin-minidress trend. She opted for a gold Miu Miu off-the-shoulder dress from the brand's S/S 98 collection and styled it with sheer tights, Mary Jane pumps, and a leather shoulder bag. While her outfit was one we might wear in the fall, it was very fitting given that the temperature on the East Coast has dropped to the '60s in the last few days.

On Grace Van Patten: Miu Miu S/S 98 dress

Aside from Van Patten's recent look, the satin-minidress trend has been gaining popularity in new collections. We've seen it from designers such as Toteme and Kallmeyer as well as more affordable options from Reformation and Zara—ranging from asymmetrical lace-trim styles to high-neck A-line silhouettes. No matter the cut, the luxurious fabric makes each look elegant and polished. If you're searching for a chic dress trend to pair with sheer tights and heels this fall and beyond, keep scrolling for the best satin minidresses.

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Pamela Anderson's no fashion newbie, but lately, her outfits have been commanding my attention even more than usual. With a knack for blending easy elegance with trend-led touches, she has inspired me once more with a series of chic outfits, all of which happen to feature a somewhat controversial styling trick that's primed to take off ahead of autumn. I'm talking about a polarising pairing that’s long been considered a fashion faux pas: open-toe sandals worn with tights.

I've always felt that visible hosiery seams can make an outfit look slightly unfinished, and pairing a summery sandal with a wintry accessory is a tricky balance to strike. Pamela is clearly one for breaking "rules" though; I've spotted the actor pull together this pairing on multiple occasions over the past few days, varying the tone, texture and opacity of her tights, as well as, naturally, the sandals she pairs them with. There’s something intriguing about the contradiction—shielding yet exposing the foot—that lends an outfit an unexpected edge. It’s this tension that elevates a simple look and gives it that directional twist.

Designers are backing the move, too. Autumn/winter 2025 collections from Murmur, Véronique Leroy, Valentino and Ottolinger have all featured tights-and-sandals pairings, usually grounded by long hemlines or pencil skirt silhouettes.

If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe with a minimal shift that still feels ahead of the curve, this is it. Scroll on for the tights and sandals to take you there.

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