January is all about staying warm, but long underwear under pants gets old, fast. Wear your skirts well into winter by pairing them with tights both practical and fun.
Patterns
Patterned tights are fun and flirty, but many of us find them impractical for winter wear since they offer less coverage. However, you needn’t wait until spring to wear these stylish stockings: Instead, layer patterned tights over matte ones to give you that extra bit of warmth. Don them over basic black or other neutrals for a monochromatic look, or, for something bolder, try them over bright colors.
Chevron
This classic pattern is graphic but not too busy, so it will work with a variety of skirts.
$16.50, Banana Republic Chevron Pointelle Tights
Ribbed
The vertical lines of ribbed tights slim your legs, and wool adds a bit of warmth. We like the freshness of the gray, seen here, but they also come in black.
$26.50, J. Crew Wide-rib Wool Tights
Lace
Adopt the lace trend for your legs, but keep things simple with the rest of your outfit.
$16.95, New York & Company Lace Tights
Sparkles
Business in front, party in back: These tights have a smattering of crystals along the backs of the legs, adding a touch of unexpected sparkle to an outfit.
$36, Kate Spade Spangle Tights
Colors
When days are gray, it’s fun to spice things up with a pop of color. The key is to make sure the shade of your tights is reflected elsewhere in your outfit so you don’t end up clashing.
Jewel Tones
We love these hues from Gap, which give you a kick of color but aren’t distractingly bright.
$11, Gap Opaque Tights
White
No question, white tights can be hard to pull off, but there’s something appealing about switching up dark legs. To keep things from looking too girlish, go for a winter white shade as opposed to bright white, and try a tight with some texture, like this cable knit. Pair with a sweater dress and utilitarian booties to balance out the femininity.
$22, Lauren by Ralph Lauren Cotton Cable Tights
Warmth
Fortunately for those of us living in northern climes, there are plenty of tights out there made of sterner stuff. Fleece and wool tights are a bit more of an investment, but when those winds blow, your legs will thank you.
Fleece
Warm, soft, divine.
$34, Plush Fleece-Lined Tights
Wool
We love the burgundy shade of these tights, which also have a touch of cashmere for softness and warmth.
$28, Nordstrom Love Sweater Tights
Best Buy
How genius are these? Spanx brings us tights that reverse from black to brown, black to gray or black to navy, giving you two pairs in one.
