From fishnet and diamond shapes to floral and zebra designs, patterned tights continue to dominate the fashion scene. Many celebrities wear them to elevate a casual outfit or add glamour to their red carpet look. Patterned tights are also a stylish way to keep your legs warm when the weather starts to get nippy. Without a doubt, these accessories are a must-have in any closet. So, you may want to go shopping for pattern tights to expand your collection and update your wardrobe.

To help you make the most out of your new finds, this piece will guide you on how to wear patterned tights with confidence. From choosing patterns to matching them with different clothing pieces, here are eight no-fail style tips to rock patterned tights:

Opt for denser and smaller patterns for a lovely silhouette

Aside from adding aesthetic pizzazz to even the simplest outfits, patterned tights also help cover leg imperfections and create a more attractive appearance—provided you choose the right design. Do you want your legs to appear longer and more slender? If so, opt for pairs with denser and more cluttered patterns. Essentially, the less skin is exposed, the better. Unlike large designs that can make your legs and thighs look heavy, tights with smaller and more compacted patterns create an illusion of length and slimness. Try combining such patterned tights with stilettos or heeled boots in the same colour to elongate your legs even more.

Tone down your outfit when wearing patterned tights

Again, patterned tights are not mere coverings to warm up your legs. They also add visual interest to any ensemble. The diamond, flower, heart prints, and other designs are meant to attract attention. So, pairing them with clothing pieces that already have busy patterns or bold prints can result in an unpolished look. If you want to create a classy and streamlined appearance, make it a habit to wear solid-coloured dresses or skirts with patterned tights.

Let’s say you want to wear your black tights with floral patterns to the office. Instead of opting for printed and flashy clothes, you can try combining pieces in neutral hues and let the tights’ design glam up your overall appearance. For instance, you can wear a tailored grey blazer over a cream top and a matching mini-skirt. Finish the ensemble with your patterned tights and black high heels, and you are all set.

Show off your legs

Patterned tights are meant to elevate your style and create a semblance of slimmer, elongated legs. So, why hide them under long dresses or pants? It is best to pick clothing pieces with short hemlines whenever you wear patterned tights and allow your legs to become the focal point of your get-up.

If you are searching for fashion inspiration, you can try a tight-fitting black top, a blush yoke skirt, and black diamond tights. Complete the look with a pair of leather ankle boots with heels to make your legs look even longer. And voila! You have an attractive outfit that you can readily dress up and down effortlessly.

Match your patterned tights with the rest of your outfit

Patterned tights come in a wide variety of textures and designs. Some pairs, like dainty florals and small diamonds in dark hues, are versatile enough to be worn with your clothing staples, regardless of the occasion. Other designs like cartoon hearts and bright neon prints are a bit too outlandish for daily use. Just as you would dress according to the occasion, select a pair that goes well with your clothes, shoes, and accessories to create a flattering and put-together ensemble.

For example, if you plan to wear a pretty pink dress to exude a feminine vibe, you may want to stay away from tights with fishnet, tie-dyed, and similar patterns. Instead, look for delicate designs that will complement your pretty dress, such as little hearts, delicate lace, or polka dots.

When in doubt, pair them with an all-black ensemble

Perhaps you are in a hurry and do not have a lot of time to put together a rocking outfit for date night. Or maybe you are unsure how to match your new daisy lace patterned tights to the rest of your wardrobe. Whatever your predicament is in creating a foolproof outfit, you can never go wrong with an all-black ensemble.

Are you going on a romantic date? Pair your little black dress with black patterned tights and black heels. Add a touch of colour and tie everything together with a white coat with black buttons and a matching bag. You can also transform this outfit into corporate attire by simply changing the coat into a graphite grey blazer. You can also put on a denim jacket and chunky boots to create a less formal vibe.

Stay classy when using fishnet tights

Fishnet patterns are often considered too provocative as they are usually associated with rebellious or licentious behaviour. While this makes them challenging to pull off, it does not mean that you have to avoid them altogether. The key to staying classy when wearing fishnet tights is to opt for micro-sized diamond patterns instead of the more common large diamond shapes. Smaller and thinner outlines will look daintier, so you can readily match them with staples in your wardrobe.

You can wear fishnet tights under a black A-line skirt and a pair of chunky loafers. Complete the chic vibe with a light blue turtleneck sweater and a faux leather jacket. If you are still hesitant to try fishnet patterned tights, you can try wearing them underneath ripped jeans to add an interesting (yet subtle) element to your ensemble.

Use patterned tights to add personality to a casual outfit

Contrary to a common misconception, patterned tights do not only work with your fancy outfits. They are also helpful in transforming casual clothes into stylish ensembles. For instance, you can breathe new life into your off-white turtleneck sweater dress by pairing it with opaque zebra tights or sheer polka dots patterned tights. Complete the sweet look with black ankle boots and a cream beret.

Do you have an oversized button-down blouse that you hardly use outside? If so, make it more fashionable by pairing it with heart, moon, or star patterned tights and leather oxford shoes. Put on a bucket rain hat that matches the colour of your shoes, and you will undoubtedly look fab while running errands or having brunch with friends.

Make sure that your shoes and patterned tights go well together

Shoes can transform any outfit into fab or drab. That is why you should be selective with your footwear. Here are several pointers you may want to follow to ensure that your patterned tights and shoes complement each other and contribute to creating a flattering ensemble:

• Pair denser or more opaque patterned tights with chunky closed-toe shoes like platform loafers, ankle boots, and flare heels. On the other hand, you may want to wear stilettos, pumps, and similar shoes with thinner heels when wearing sheer patterned tights.
• Closed-toe shoes work best with patterned tights. But if you love open-toe shoes, you may want to purchase seamless tights for a more polished appearance.
• Opt for shoes in a darker than your tights to exude a put-together vibe.
• If you want a foolproof combo, go with black shoes and black patterned tights to elongate your legs.

Hopefully, the pointers discussed above gave you tons of ideas on how you can wear your patterned tights with pride. You can follow or modify any of them according to your preference and personal style. At the end of the day, fashion is about expressing who you are. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and continue finding ways to have fun with patterned tights.

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