I blame a lot of my fashion choices on Mad Men.
There is something so exquisitely nostalgic about looking back on an era where going to an office for work was something you got dressed up for.
Of course, in this nostalgia, I gloss over in my mind the corsetry that gave shape to so many of the outfits – and the women wearing them.
I’m a comfort queen from way back so I’m not looking to return all the way there.
What I do like is embracing slices of the style from this era.
The easiest style slice to pull off (or should I say pull up)? Hosiery.
Nothing works so quickly to take even the most basic frock from so-so to so-so fabulous than a pair of statement tights.
When I worked in an office every day, my winter staple was black jersey wrap dresses worked back with coloured and patterned tights and black patent heels.
So simple.
Now that my office is my lounge room, those hosiery and heels days still happen but more for winter nights out or corporate meetings.
The look is very much part of my multiple personality wardrobe – and it’s a personalty that’s here to stay.
Just quietly, Mr Styling You would be very happy if I actually embraced this personality for every day. Swapping ballet flats and leggings for sexy tights and heels always seems to go down well 
I have learned a few things over the years when it comes to wearing hosiery.
Try these 4 tips on for size:
- DO stock up at the start of the hosiery-wearing season. Like having the correct undies to pull out to wear with different outfits, having a number of pairs of tights on hand to work back with your winter frock options, will leave you with plenty of options in the madness that is the morning rush.
- DO go a little bit outside your style comfort zone when building your tights wardrobe. Yes, black and nude tights do have their place but if your winter wardrobe is mainly black then why not create a statement with coloured or patterned tights?
- DO check the sizing chart before buying. Tights that are too small or too big for you will not be comfortable. No-one’s a fan of the fallen down tight crotch. Are they?
- DO pay a little more for your statement tights. I’ve learned from experience (hello laddered tights when I’m a long way from home to change!) that paying for quality will actually be better for your budget in the long time. The tights are less likely to get holes in them as you pull them up plus you are more likely to get more than one or two uses out of them before having to throw them away. I’ve got quality tights in my drawer that are two or three winters’ old. True.
Which is why I was stoked to discover online hosiery store: FireHosiery.
And by discovered, I mean discovered a new obsession.
The average price you will pay for a pair of tights is around $25, and these are of the quality I mentioned in my fourth tip above, so in my books definitely worth it..
FireHosiery tights are made using state-of-the-art Italian knitting machines, using yarn sourced from Israel and America
I also fell head over legs for the statement value of these tights. Never underestimate the power of a patterned tight. Never. They can work for all occasions – from casual to corporate and evening.
And comfort? Wowzers. SO comfortable. They kind of stretch and mould over your legs to make you feel like you have pins worth showing off (yes, I can be delusional )
All of this was enough to make me unleash my corporate wardrobe personality.
FireHosiery Deco Flora tights in Dark Plum $31.95
We’re big fans here on Styling You about easy online shopping and FireHosiery ticks all the the boxes I like: free, fast courier delivery in Australia; same-day delivery service for metro Sydney orders placed before 10am; worldwide shipping $6.95. And the whole checkout process is really user-friendly. Yes, lots of ticks there.
FireHosiery Milano in black/grey $31.95
In each of the outfits on this post, I’ve let my FireHosiery tights do the talking. My shoes are traditional black pumps and I’ve kept my top and skirt black. The only addition to this is the blazer, with each working to lighten up a winter office or corporate ensemble.
What do you look for in a pair of tights? Do you like a statement leg? What’s your favourite way to wear statement tights?
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SPECIAL OFFER
THIS OFFER HAS NOW ENDED – hope you enjoy your tights!
The very stylish people at FireHosiery are very keen to get a pair of tights on the legs of Styling You readers. But you have to be quick.
FireHosiery is giving a FREE pair of Amora tights (pictured below $24.95) to the first 100 Styling You readers to redeem this offer.
To get your free pair, simply:
1. Go to www.firehosiery.com
2. Select Amora, choose your size and click “Add to Shopping Bag”
3. Enter the following promotion code at checkout: STYLINGYOU12
A $6.95 shipping fee applies but if you purchase any additional item, you’ll receive free shipping Australia-wide. Offer ends once 100 pairs have been redeemed.
THIS OFFER HAS NOW ENDED – hope you enjoy your tights!
