Winter’s chill has settled in, which means no more bare legs until April (if we’re lucky). Thus, Make It Better has come with a list of our favorite tights that won’t snag or rip on your first wear.
From standard black opaques to paisley embroidered tights, we’ve chosen a variety of quality legwear that will both fit your personal style and budget.
High Quality, Low Price
Hue’s tights are my go-to every year when I need to replenish my black and brown opaques. I’m not a fan of shiny tights and these are perfectly matte. They also have a nice thickness, not too bulky or too sheer. Plus, the control top can come in handy as you make the rounds to the various cookie exchanges and holiday dinner parties (and they’re not the kind that will constrict your torsos’ circulation, just the right amount of control!). Hue opaque control top, $6.97, Nordstrom Rack
A Rainbow of Color
My favorite pair of cranberry tights were a find in Target’s clearance section last spring. I usually don’t go for an overly bright color on my lower half, but at the price they were marked at then, I couldn’t resist. I have since bought a pair of the Merone tights in Martha’s Vineyard (a purply wine hue) and Moroccan Blue this year. They can be a great pop of color with a simple black dress and heels as long as you go with the bolder colors (steering clear of White Sand and Dim Berry). Merona opaque tights, $10, Target
Warm and Wooly
If you want a pair of tights that will shield your legs against that arctic lake breeze, J.Crew’s ribbed tights are a great option. Made with nylon, wool and spandex, the combination of materials will keep you feeling warm and not itchy. Just heed a few warnings, make sure all the ribs are going straight down your leg to acquire that lengthening look and if you’re self-conscious about your thighs these might not be the tights for you because in the light colors, the ribs tend to overly accentuate things north of the knee. Ribbed tights, $26.50, J.Crew
Creatively Woven
Polka dot, fishbone, floral, paisley—Anthro offers plenty of options for funky legwear. If you’re feeling daring, pair the Folklore Paisley Tights with a cozy sweater dress. If you’re looking for a more subtle look, I love the way the way the navy Opaque Ombre Tights look with a short wool skirt and chunky heels—allowing for the whole gradient effect. (Top right photo also Anthropologie) Patterned tights, $18-$42, Anthropologie
