5 Creative Ways to Wear Patterned Tights

Spring and fall are the seasons when you feel most inspired to be creative with your legwear. Move over boring black tights, it´s time to experiment with patterns, textures and proportions. Of course, patterned tights are going to be the base of your outfit.

But may I be frank? How often do I see ladies rocking patterned tights without realizing that their combination make them look shorter than they already are and their legs appear like only a couple of inches in length. Take for example this look; the petite wearer teamed a dotted midi dress with bright floral print tights and platforms. The tights cut off her vertical line emphasizing her short legs.

Sometimes I wince when I see women wearing tribal print tights with an LV monogram bag. There´s just too much noise in the look and the result is tacky. Surely you´d like to avoid mishaps that would ruin the fun of your wardrobe experiment. So let´s examine how you can wear patterned tights fabulously without jeopardizing elegance and class.

Wear Black Patterned Tights with Black

Black patterned thin tights would look polish if worn with black. Try partnering your tights with a little black dress and black high heels, and then add a hint color with a bright jacket. Animal print in dark shade would also do well with patterned black tights provided that the print doesn´t overpower the look.

Wear Black Patterned Tights with Bright Skirt

Dot print tights, whether subtle or loud, look cute with black shoes and bright colored skirt. Feel free to splash some vivid colors and patterns to your wardrobe. Balance your legwear with a black top or a black dotted top.

Balance It with Tall Boots and Mini Dress

If you wear your patterned tights with tall boots, make sure to balance it with a mini dress. You need to work with proportions in order to avoid cutting your vertical line. If you´re petite, stick with dark hues and subtle print tights in order to create an illusion of long legs.

Layer Your Patterned Legwear with Socks

“Mix textures and proportions by topping thick or thin hose with crew socks,” says Anna Sui. This works best with booties and flats so don´t try it with stiletto pumps. Subtle dot-print tights layered with neutral socks are fun but not too obvious. But if you´re ready to make a real statement, try graphic tights with flashes of neon.

Work with Tonal Colors

Another creative yet clever way of styling patterned tights is mixing tonal colors and patterns. Your best guide in creating tonal mix are the colors of nature. Tonal colors “reflect one another creating a deep, rich color effect that allows for the eye to smoothly follow from one color to the next.” The result is very polish. This style trick is especially safe for petite women.

Now over to you, girls. How do you wear patterned tights without sacrificing elegance?

Top photo: sideara, photo credits: Pinterest