Fab Friday style tip: how to wear tights this winter

I still remember as a 12 year old living through an English winter to experience those first rays of sunshine on the one day that spring decided to arrive.  Everyone literally stripped off and went outside to bask in a deck chair.  I think it was 19 degrees!

Queenslanders in winter are like Pommies in summer – but in reverse.

At the first hint of a touch of cold weather we drag out the boots, tights, coats and scarves.  Even if it it just for one hour in the morning on the way to work.

Now, I know my southern readers are scoffing at me right now but we DO actually get cold nights and mornings.  It’s just that we’re blessed with sunshine in the middle of the day that allows you to thaw out.

These extremes in temperature can, however, play havoc with your wardrobe planning unless you become the master of layering.  And layering, for me, starts with tights.

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Key styling tips

Ok, so I'm not suggesting you adopt this outside the home but Gwyneth is sure rocking a sexy fishnet look. Photo: Pinterest via whyfame.com

1.  A pair of tights in any colour or design will complete an outfit, keep your legs warm and hide the forest you may or may not be cultivating over the winter months (sorry, if that’s just me).

2.  If you have a wardrobe of neutral colours (sorry, if that’s just me again), then a pair of coloured, patterned or textured tights can add just the lift a winter outfit needs.

3.  For a sexy, sophisticated look, opt for patterned sheers or fishnets. (Warning:  you won’t get away with the leg forest in these.  I know, I tried.)

4.  Buy tights in your correct size.  The size guide on the back of the pack is there for a very good reason.  Buy too small and the crotch will be hanging down around your knees.  Buy too big and you’ll have more rolls of fabric than the skin on those cute puppies in toilet paper commercials.

5.  Ask any grooming and deportment teacher about wearing tights with open-toed shoes and you’ll get a very firm, “it’s not on”, response.  HOWEVER.  It’s a tricky trend that’s persisting in fashion land.  I say tricky because if you’re 22 and have a sassy attitude you can pretty well wear whatever you like.  When you get to a more *mature* age then approach this one with caution.  To work it on the safe side stick with black opaques with a black peep toe bootie.

6.  Spend as much as your budget allows so that you get tights that last more than one wear.  And as a rule of thumb, the higher the denier (like a sheet’s thread count), the more opaque they are and the less chance you have of putting your fingers through them on a drunken visit to the bathroom on a night out (oops, just me again).

Shopping suggestions
I’ve always got a pair or two of Leona Edmiston Pins in my tights drawer.  Yes, they’ll set you back $25 each but the quality is there.  I have to take more care with the sheer styles but the opaques continue to serve me well – often more than one season.  My favourite from the range this season are Juliette – black opaques highlighted by small red hearts.  A gorgeous take on polka dots.

Leona Edmiston Pins $24.95 each. From left, Portia, Juliette and Audrey. Available at Myer and Leona Edmiston boutiques

Voodoo continues to set new benchmarks in the hosiery game.    This season I’m really impressed with its Voluptuous range, featuring fashion tights options for sizes 18-24.  The quality of the extra thick opaques is fantastic, offering a great comfort + style option.  The Voodoo boot tights have also got my tick of approval.  These are a sock/tight hybrid.  Up to the calf or ankle, it’s more like a sock so will sit well in a boot without slipping.  The rest of the tights are, well, tights.

Voodoo's collection offers a solution to all your "tights" needs. From left, Firm Control Opaque tights; Voluptuous Totally Opaque Tight; and Boot Tights. Stockists: 1800 810 449