The Easiest Way to Make Your Winter Outfits Less Boring

Weather can be hard. At the initial shift of the season, the idea of bundling up in coats and sweaters aplenty can make your heart skip a beat, but even at less than a month in, you're probably already bored of all your winter essentials. Head-to-toe black or a plain turtleneck with jeans quickly become the uniform, and before you know it, you've taken advantage of your time to let your winter wardrobe really shine (rhythming is fun). If the previous sentences ring true for you, then we have just the quick fix for you that will make nearly every winter outfit 10 times less boring. 

So what is the key to exciting winter looks? Tights. But not just your average black opaque or sheer ones—we're talking ones with prints, dots, lace, and unconventional colors. This time last year, we were referring to bold tight looks as a trend, but this season, it's simply become the easiest way to individualize your winter wardrobe, period. 

To give you a better idea of what we mean, we've rounded up all of the best ways fashion girls are styling their winter tight outfits on Instagram and on the streets so you have as much inspiration as possible by the time you get to the epic shopping roundup at the end. 

On Instagram: 

No pants? No problem. Polka-dot tights, an oversize blazer, and over-the-knee boots should do just the trick. 

For those days when you're feeling a bit sick of wearing all black, but also feel like you have no other choice, throw on a printed pair of tights to throw a wrench in your usual look du jour.

And for those days when you're feeling extra-bold, go for head-to-toe color and throw in some festive printed tights to match.

Mixing prints has never been easier (or more fun) thanks to the addition of wacky printed hosiery. What started as two prints clashing ended in a full-blown ensemble of prints as far as the eye can see.

Update a classics-filled outfit with spunky colored tights and sporty sneakers. In seconds flat, your pleated skirt will go from school to cool.

On the streets:

If all the crazy tights are freaking you out, black tights can also make your winter outfit less boring. But we will say, black lace tights like the above are much more interesting. 

This look is one for the books. Those Saks Potts tights essentially went viral last year, and the ways fashion girls have styled them since have been beyond extraordinary. 

Let this street style look be a major lesson in layering. From the turtleneck down to the ribbed tights, this outfit reads smart and perfectly seasonal. 

If you aren't afraid of color, this outfit is for you. Really step into the Christmas cheer via a red and green palette accompanied by white tights and statement sneakers. 

Give your most beloved turtlenecks the second life they deserve via a classic plaid miniskirt, dotted tights, and lace-up boots. While regular sheer tights might have been your original go-to, dotted ones add a fun and unexpected flair. 

Shop tights we love: