I thought it was about time I talked about Paris again since it’s been a couple of weeks:) So while I went there to spend time with my dear ole dad and to soak in as much interior design inspiration as I could, I couldn’t help but notice the many chic, young, and cool Parisian ladies that were wearing classic black tights. Sure I had been marketed those indestructible tights last year, but since I live in a pretty warm climate I didn’t pay much attention. Those of you living in colder climates may feel that tights never went away but y’all I am telling you they are bigger than they have been in a minute. A hilarious and wildly specific trend involving tights is the “no pants trend.” I actally just heard about it on Thursday’s Armchair Expert when Monica said she tried it when she was at SXSW the other week. I thought, “wait, people are actually not wearing pants?!” Y’all this is, in fact, true and if I was a much more confident person who knows, maybe I would consider it. FIY Monica said the hack is wearing two layers of tights which makes sense so they are less see-through. My favorite headline I found when researching this topic was, “What Happened to Wearing Pants?” Here are some celebrity examples:
Super long legs are probably very useful if you want to nail this “no pants” trend:)
You could even go do a twist and try them in white! To be fair, Gigi might be wearing shorts or a skirt but regardless this outfit is alllllll legs.
DON’T EXIT OUT YET! I promise I’m not going to attempt to convince you to leave your house pantless (unless you want to). Tights are also being widely worn with actual bottoms (and dresses) which is where I can personally get on board.
Another example of why I feel this trend is HOT was seeing Anne Hathaway in this outfit at the Versace show. It’s chic and powerful and while that exact outfit is out of most of our price range, the inspo is not. So let’s get into some more realistic looks, starting with the most casual.
Denim Shorts + Tights
I truly love this look and think it’s great for this time of year we’re in where it’s still cold but we’re ready to not be in our long pants anymore. We are trying to summon spring, right?! I also love the billowy blouse but think an oversized sweater or sweatshirt would be equally as cute. As for the shoes, I LOVE these tall boots but as you will see, delicate pumps are very in. A classic 80s/90s duo. Honestly, there are so many shoe types that would look cute!
1. Women’s High-Rise Curvy Cutoff Jean Shorts | 2. Mid-Rise Wow Jean Shorts for Women | 3. The Way-High® Canvas Short
Tailored Shorts + Tights
These shorts above may be a tad short for the workplace but I think this is a very cool yet polished look. The tights completely elevate the look and make it feel powerful.
1. Faux Leather Culottes | 2. Shorts with Belt | 3. Elements Pleated Shorts
Casual Mini Skirt (Or Dress) + Tights
Shorts, however, are just one way people are wearing tights. Naturally, dresses and skirts are just as popular. Look how cute model Jennifer Atilemile’s denim dress is with her tights! It’s a casual and fun look that will also keep her a little warmer.
This look from & Other Stories feels very on-trend right now with that belted mini skirt and off-the-shoulder ruched top. The tights add a nice sophistication, no? 2023 elevated causal?
1. High Waist Denim Miniskirt | 2. English Factory Pleated Mini Skirt | 3. Women’s Mid-Rise Chino Cargo Mini Skirt
1. Deep-V Faux Leather Babydoll Dress | 2. Griffith Dress | 3. Puff-sleeved Dress
Power Suit (Showing Leg) + Tights
Now, earlier this month YSL had a fashion show that almost made you immediately look at your watch to assure yourself you didn’t just time travel back to the 90s. I don’t mean that in a bad way at all! While the looks make you feel nostalgic (hello, tights), they also have awesome modern cuts and sizing (extra large blazers). Oh, and see what I mean about those classic pumps??
Again, Gigi decided to rock some tights (this time gray) with that truly incredible modern power suit.
1. Emalyn Slingback Heels | 2. ‘Tatiana’ Pointy Toe Pump | 3. Pointed Slingback Pumps
Tailored Mini Skirt + Tights
But for us nonprofessional model folk, these three looks above are much more attainable and wearable for everyday life. Sure, a short mini skirt is not always work-appropriate but find a length that works for you, grab a slouchy sweater or oversized button-up and you are good!
1. Margot Skirt | 2. Faux Leather A-Line Mini Skirt | 3. Houndstooth Tweed Mini Skirt
Here is a cool example of a longer skirt from Katie Holmes!
Or if you wanted to go for the mini skirt look but wanted it more of a “going out”look, Thamarr from Musing of a Curvy Lady nailed it with this look. Leather, lace, and a sick pair of heels:)
Short “Dressy” Dress + Tights
I of course wasn’t going to close out this post without talking about dressy dresses and tights. It’s a classic pair! I think what’s important with this trend or the current iteration of it, is to really show off the legs. I’m not saying you need to go mini but also don’t be afraid to get out those limbs! You can even see it with the shoe choices above. It’s all about elongating the leg. On the left, you have a pointed flat (the point helps to keep the leg line going). Then on the right, that extra tall-heeled boot also makes her legs look extra long. But the thing that really helps is that the tights and the shoes are the same color.
1. Virgil Strapless Mini Dress | 2. Endless Rose Mini Sweater Dress | 3. Women’s Plus Size Balloon Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
So now (FINALLY) here are our black tight recs that have great reviews and are at a few different price points. Also if you like colorful tights those are great too!
1. Classic Super Sheer Rip-Resist Tights | 2. Semi Opaque 35 Denier Tights | 3. ASSETS by SPANX Women’s High-Waist Shaping Tights
Remember those indestructible tights I was talking about at the beginning of the post? Well Caitlin actually bought them! Here’s what she had to say about them – “I bought a few different pairs in December 2020 and they are still going strong – they really don’t rip! I can’t see myself buying tights anywhere else now. The sheers are AMAZING buuuuut I’d just want to note that some of the pairs with “briefs” (the technical term for the thicker part of tights, around the top and down the thigh) can run a little low (i.e. if I’m wearing a shorter shirt or dress, you can see that top part of my tights, which I don’t love.). Just something to be mindful of when ordering! But OMG. GET THE SHEERS. You will not regret!!!” She might have even convinced me and right now they are crazy on sale. GO check em out!
Hope this was a fun Saturday fashion post that gave you some ideas (or reminded you) to maybe incorporate black or even colorful tights into your looks. It’s a fun and easy way to spice things up while we wait for the weather to warm up.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credit: From: My New Life (And Closet) Changing Secret
Some of those tights look suspiciously like pantyhose/nylons, which I am not ready for. I love black tights and wear them as often as I humanly can (my ideal weather is jacket + black tights + boots weather). At any rate, I get my tights from ASOS – I get the heaviest denier I can and get a size a few sizes larger bc I like them super opaque and matte.
Wally, yes, I guess we’re calling hose “tights” now. Fully on board with this trend as I’ve been trying to get my daughters to wear tights with their dresses for years. I just think it’s such a classic look. Going to show them this post. 😂
Yes, sizing up in authentic thick, opaque tights is the way to go!
As common as socks!
Thanks for showing so many examples. But you can say “tights” all you want, they’re still panty hose. And wearing TWO pairs of these things? No, thanks.
Been there, done that, not going to do it again! The last time tights were de rigeur I found thigh high tights to be a good substitute for tights. Still not ultra comfortable, but not the waist-mangling-of-it-all that tights, aka, pantyhose, can be. Not for me, but I applaud any look done well.
I wonder why some women are uncomfortable in pantyhose. Perhaps it’s the sizing and fit issue? I’ve always been comfortable. What bugs me are eyelets and pulls. I have a full drawer of pantyhose and things and I like them when new, but missing pairs or realizing some are in bad condition a minute before I have to put them on, just bugs me.
I have never found a pair of pantyhose or even tights that are comfortable. I think it has to do with body type. I’m short waisted with a smallish waist and ample bootie. The elastic waistband always rolls up and digs into my waist. In order to cover my hips and butt the waistband in back never comes up high enough, so yeah, very uncomfortable. And I’m a pretty average weight. 🤷🏻♀️
You should try Snag Tights!!! They’re a brand that set out specifically to solve this issue – they have developed their own size system specifically to fit tights to a variety different body types and they are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and last a really long time! Can not recommend them enough!!! https://snagtights.com/
Agreed! Snag tights are super comfy, nice denier, no snags, and the waistband doesn’t dig in.. I’m curvy with a short waist too.
yep. i’ve always had issues with waistbands rolling (I’m petite and an apple shape) and I LOVE snag. Only issue is it takes kind of a long time to get them from the UK. but well worth the wait.
Wait, can someone explain the difference to me? I would use those terms interchangeably, but have admittedly VERY little experience in this realm as someone who has lived in southern AZ her whole life.
Yep. I’ve got news for you youngsters: those “sheer tights” are pantyhose, and I will wear them again when hell freezes over. But you enjoy!
Yessss!🤣
I’m right there with you; this is cracking me up – those are “nylons” or “hose,” while tights are opaque, far thicker, and non-shiny.
And yeah, we wore hose in the 90s – so all of this looks “dated” to me and not new. (Especially nylons with “formal” shorts, ugh – never again).
I used to call them sausage casings! I can’t believe I used to wear so many layers around the hips: panties, pantyhose, slip and skirt/dress.
Exactly what I was thinking!
This is so late 1990s. Love it.
Tights, pantyhose, sheers, opaque – they are all wickedly uncomfortable and I will just never. The only way I could tolerate them the various times I tried or had to wear them in the past was to buy a size up and cut off the band around the waist (dance trick).
This is so funny as this side of the Atlantic it would be kind of like saying coats are having a moment this winter! Now I’m wondering just how mild your winters are in California and what you wear.
I’m not in the US and we call both sheers and opaques ‘tights’.
Agreed! I’m not sure you wear skirts and dresses most of the year if you don’t wear tights?
I’m in Northern California (SF Bay Area), and tights with skirts or dresses in the winter are a must, but lately, with all the rain, I prefer nice pants and boots.
I’m from Northern California too and have been wearing tights with skirts and dresses in cool/cold fall, winter, spring weather, my whole life. They’re very common!
Yes as a Brit (even one who’s lived in LA) this post semi-baffled me! What the heck else are you going to wear under a dress or skirt when it’s chilly? Not bashing the post at all, more the concept that tights could come in and out of fashion… it feels like saying ‘gloves when it’s cold are BACK!’
This is interestinggggg!
Pantless? Nope. Yikes!
Some celebrities like any publicity, so I guess that’s one way to get it?!?
In Australia, “tights” are opaque and usually black and thick.
Most of those fashion shows showed what we know as simply black, sheer stockings, which haven’t really gone ‘out’ of fashion for city office work wear.
Ilike the opaque, thick black tights with denim shorts and reckon Emily could rock that sooo well with her great legs!! 👍😊
Tights are one thing, pantyhose are not. Just no on the pantyhose. I think tights are cute for winter/fall.
I wear black tights every day from fall till now, spring. The tights I wear are from Target. I wear them once and wash them just like underwear, they go in the wash with my darks and then into the dryer. Some of these tights are three seasons old! Still going strong! Not a rip or tear.
For work 5 days a week I wear a dress or skirt and wear these tights so I feel utterly confident in recommending them. They are the Women’s 50D Opaque High-Waisted Control Top Tights – A New Day™ Black. I’m 5’ 6” and 155 pounds. I wear the size M/L. They stay up high around my waist and have a nice (not too strong) control fit that smooths out some imperfections. And only $8.50 a pair! Sometimes they go on sale and I pick up a few.
Haven’t tried any of the ones listed in the post because these are so good there is no need to try any others.
Cheers!
Ha,, I didn’t know these were out, I wear tights multiple times a week and have for years. Most of those images pantyhose though, which are not my fave.
I don’t know what about leggings instead of tights? Tights seem to fall down and don’t really hide anything.
Also when it’s really cold tights don’t help much.
However I do like a good fashion post I will try some of the recommend pairs
Thanks for highlighting the versatility and timeless appeal of black tights! This post has inspired me to experiment with different styles and textures. Excited to rock this fashion trend all year round.
“I couldn’t help but notice the many chic, young, and cool Parisian ladies that were wearing classic black tights.” After I read this, I was expecting to see pics of street style from your recent trip (kind of like your bistro chair pics). Nothing against Kendall, Gigi, Anne, Tan, Harpers Bazaar or InStyle but everyone has already seen or can easily find these pics. The smaller accounts you used to illustrate your points are so much more interesting!
Did not mean to reply to the ReadHindi spam comment! Oops.
Amen.
My favorite outfit has always been black tights (not pantyhose) with a short denim skirt and a black top. Before I got remarried, that used to be my first date outfit! Pantyhose are awful, but it’s what we wore in the 70s and 80s to the office with skirts and dresses.
NOPE! A few years ago I worked out that I could rock thin yoga leggings under dresses and boots, instead of pantyhose, and I am never going back. Pantyhose/tights are uncomfortable and practically disposable in terms of rips and snags. But if you’re a fashionable person you do you.
I’m down with black tights – especially the lovely fleece-lined ones I get from Target and which have been life-savers this insane winter here in the Sierra foothills (Nevada City) . . . but I just can’t with this pantsless trend. Or even tights with shorts (been there, not doing that again at 58).
But as I always say – to each, their peach and IMMV.
So pleased to see so many other people find tights uncomfortable – I thought it was just me!
I work in an office job where the aircon can get pretty cold (and I find getting pants that fit me hard) so I pretty much need to wear tights all winter. My hack – wear maternity tights even if you are not pregnant. The tops are super soft and the belly bit is very forgiving. They don’t hold anything in (in a good way).
Ever since I made the switch I’ve been cozy and comfy (although I am curious why they don’t make regular tights comfortable as clearly it is possible!)
I wore black tights/pantyhose so much pre-covid (formal office, East Coast.) It was fine but not exactly fashion-forward, so I’m kind of chuckling at the idea that tights are in. If you’ve been going bare-legged this whole time, you live in a warmer climate than mine!
Just wearing tights with no pants or skirt etc is hilarious. Can you imagine wearing this to work? Or, like anywhere? LOLOLOL
I swear, the next fashion trend is just going to be going naked at this point. Yecchhh!!
No, but give it time. 20 years ago I couldn’t imagine anyone just wearing leggings with nothing over them. I even recall the headline “Leggings Are Not Pants.” I still can’t handle wearing leggings with nothing over them. I just feel like no one needs that much information. But I see this everywhere on women of all ages. Probably the same thing could happen with the pantyhose.
Footless fleece lined tights are great in the winter. But I HATE the sweaty pantyhose feet thing that always happens in pantyhose or tights with feet. Maybe I just have very sweaty feet. And control top anything is so uncomfortable.
Yeah to reiterate what others have said: ultra-sheer tights are just nylons, and neither tights nor nylons have ever really been in or out because they’re just a functional piece of clothing. Love that Gen Z is “discovering” them though lol. Also those gray nylons on Gigi make her legs look necrotic and corpse-like, let’s never make gray tights/nylons/hose/whatever a thing!!
Ooo, I’m catching up on posts since I was out of town. I am delighted I chose to wear tights, cowboy boots and a skirt this weekend!!! Who knew?! Thanks for keeping us updated!
as an AZ girl, if i was gonna hop on this trend, that ship as sailed, it’s already warming up and it’ll have to wait til next november at this point, i like the idea of it being more casual (shorts and boots), instead of just with dresses though! so many trends (chunky sweaters, trench coats) are harder to justify in AZ unless you have a chilly AC office, but it’s still fun!
I live in Michigan, so it is necessary to wear tights a good 6 months out of the year here – I honestly don’t think it is possible for them to go out of style here due to weather. I love both sheer & opaque, but honestly wear opaque the most for warmth purposes. I have found that if you size up 1-2 sizes & layer two pairs you will be warmer & significantly decrease the risk of snagging them. I wear them most with mini skirts & dresses, but honestly they can also be layered under loose/lightweight pants/trousers as well (again for warmth – sensing a theme here) 🙂