We all need a splash of colour in our lives, and tights can be a simple – and inexpensive – way of adding some joie de vivre to an otherwise standard outfit. Here are a couple of ways I like to mix coloured and patterned tights into my everyday wardrobe, and a bunch of tips to make it easy for you to do so too.
- Colour Match
Matchy matchy is not a good look, but taking one colour from a pattern and wearing that as coloured tights is a great way of dressing up a standard look. One of my favourite Leona dresses has a black background with a red, white and teal-green pattern. I matched the teal with some Leona leggings. In winter, I wear this dress with boots and a belted cardigan. In warmer times, I wear it with footless tights and pretty sandals.
TIP: Choose a colour that’s in your outfit and highlight with your tights.
- Black and Blue
Not just seen on bruises! Black and blue are two classic colours that many shy away from pairing, but I think they’re fab together. It’s the unexpectedness of it that makes it work so well. I like to switch this look around by wearing lots of different shades of blue (cobalt, navy, pale blue… even purples) together, anchored by, say, a black skirt or black accessories. Navy shoes and cobalt tights is a great look, for example. So are purple shoes with navy tights. To me, purple and black are a bit “witchy” but purple and blue and black? Quirky perfection.
TIP: Try shades of blue with black accessories.
- Grey is fab, not drab!
Grey and black can be drab, but equally, they can be luxe and glamorous. I go grey, black, grey, black, grey, black from head to toe, or vice versa, ie. black shoes, grey tights, black skirt, grey top, black jacket, grey and black accessories. If you’re a bit nervous about this, try wearing charcoal grey or pearl gray tights to ease yourself into the idea.
- Pattern Clash
Patterned tights are fun too. The easiest way to wear them is to add a patterned tight to an otherwise plain outfit – like a denim skirt, boots and a top. Some patterned tights peeking out make for a fab look. I wore a pattern clash outfit to a Ladies’ High Tea recently. Painterly patterned, high-waisted Cue skirt, black top, vintage Balmain quilted patterned jacket (major market find!) and some lovely lace patterned tights from the bargainous Sussan’s. Paired with a mad Mimco hat and Tony Bianco black suede platform heels, I felt quite chic!
TIP: Patterned tights add interest and texture.
- One bright point!
Just like adding a pair of patterned tights to an otherwise plain outfit, I like to add a pop of colour with coloured tights to a classic outfit. I think this works particularly well with a classic patterned or plain wrap dress. If your classic dress or outfit is monochrome, you can wear just about any colour you like.
TIP: Bright tights add a pop of colour to a classic outfit.
- Nudie Rudie
One of my absolute favourites is fishnet tights. I particularly love nude fishnets. They give you the look of bare legs but give you a little more coverage, without the shiny legs from the traditional sheer tights. Quite often, they have a cotton elastic waistband and are much more “breathable” on a very hot day than sheers. They also add a touch of vintage glamour, which works for me!
Check out Kim-Marie’s blog, KimbaLikes, here, or Tweet with her here.
Header image from Arrow & Apple
Do you wear coloured or patterned tights regularly? And what’s your favourite outfit to wear them with?
