Casual Office Style   |  February 7, 2019

What To Do When Black Tights Don’t Go With Your Outfit

It’s rarely an issue. When it happens, we’re shocked. Honestly I think leap years occur with more regularity. But sometimes, black tights actually don’t go with your outfit. [Horror movie scream.] It’s winter, and at this point I think we all like to consider ourselves experts when it comes to layering. A key part of our skills rests in our ability to simply throw black tights under whatever else it is we have on and scoot out the door. When that’s not an option, we need other options.

First, when does this happen?  There’s the obvious culprit, a lighter color or print that doesn’t lend itself well to the dark tights look. Think a cute pink tweed dress. Then of course, things get tricky when we start trying to pair black tights with navies and browns, oh dear. And while nude tights work in both scenarios, I hear from readers that you guys get a distinct grandmotherly vibe from them. I mean, Kate Middleton makes it look amazing, but I hear you.

Styling Solutions

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1

Experiment with Color

This just in: There are other colors of tights! So many of us hoard black opaque tights in the winter and forget there are other fantastic (and flattering) colors and styles. If you’re wearing brown shoes and accessories, try chocolate tights. If your ensemble has navy accents, go with navy tights—and discover how much they’ll expand your wardrobe. Play with opacity, too! If you’re wearing softer colors and opaque black tights are too harsh for your look, try sheer black or charcoal grey tights — both can really soften a look. Want to get really creative? Explore truly colorful and patterned tights like these or these.

2

Add More Black

Including other black elements in your outfit will make you feel more coordinated with the classic black tight. Layering a black turtleneck under your dress is a neat trick, then your tights and shoes won’t be the only starkly black items. Another option is to add a black waist belt or a black blazer.  Anything that will help ground the black tights so the outfit feels more balanced. Also this option makes you less freezing, so win-win.

NYC style blogger in plaid midi dress, tall boots and long camel coat in New York sidewalk in fall season

3

Skip the Tights, Add a Boot

Ditch the tights altogether (hear me out) and wear knee-high or over-the-knee boots in a neutral color or color that blends better with your outfit. You’ll be surprised at a high boot’s ability to ward off winter frost, and you get to wear high socks without anyone being the wiser. For example, if you’re wearing a pale pink knit dress like this one, and you don’t want to wear dark tights, opt for a softer-hued over-the-knee boot. They’ll provide the necessary coverage while having the added bonus of being amazing boots. Another great option here.

4

Wear a Maxi Coat

In some cases, bare legs are only a real issue when you’re en route to the office/party/dinner/etc. Maybe there’s no need to rework a whole outfit based on the the three seconds it takes to go from your front door to the interior of an uber?  Invest in a maxi coat (like this one, this one, or this one) that falls to your ankles and will protect your bare legs from the elements while you’re getting from A to B.

10 thoughts on “What To Do When Black Tights Don’t Go With Your Outfit”

  1. BeingIsabella

    And…. once again you nailed it with this post! One reason why I always opt to freeze versus wear black tights is I find it clashes with my outfits – another reason I have gotten into wearing trousers more, however, I completely forgot other coloured tights are even an option! That’s it, I’m running to the drugstore now to pick up a pair of navy blue sheer tights. Switching tights for over the knee or knee-high boots is also brilliant 🙂

    Isabella | http://www.beingisabella.com

    Reply
  4. Cat

    I have Soft Black and Ash Grey sheer tights and those have made everything work except my silver pumps. Any ideas for those other than wait for Spring?

    Reply
  5. Joanne

    I have black, nude, burgundy, grey and navy. As you can see I am fully on the colored tights bandwagon!! Love all the other suggestions as well. Thanks again for a really informative post!

    Reply
  7. Linda Evans

    I think that today there are so many different colours of tights that you can pair them with every outfit you can think about. But, in general, I love very much wearing tights. They are very feminine and too sexy….

    Reply
  8. Katherine

    Hello Mary,

    This was a timely post! I recently came across this VERY problem, so I am glad to see that it wasn’t just me. Ha ha

    While I truly “get” the perception of nude tights and the matronly vibe they CAN give…given some careful shopping and experimentation, nude tights can truly be a blessing. Even Leggs has made strides in improving their tights to where we won’t look like Vickie Lawrence from “Mama’s Family” fame.

    I was not blessed with wonderful legs and, to be frank, they are a little “hard” looking from years of running/cycling, so they need a little help in “softening” their appearance…hence nude tights.

    I did have to experiment a bit to find a good match. A few brands are just too pale/too shiny or just a TAD too dark. I have had some luck with taupe/smoke hue, but they do vary between brands. Even the stereotypical “suntan” tights CAN work. However, it really depends on your personal skin tone and your outfit…YMMV.

    Reply

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