When temperatures drop, tights become one of the most powerful tools in your wardrobe. They offer warmth, create balance within layered outfits, and add instant style with color, texture, and pattern. Whether you’re dressing for a holiday party, elevating everyday basics, or experimenting with new trends, the right pair of tights can completely transform your look.
Below, we break down how tights should fit, which brands are worth the investment, which thickness or material to choose, and most importantly, how to style them for maximum impact.
Want to up your style game for fall and winter 2025? Check out LA Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher‘s women’s styling services below:
Why Tights Belong in Every Fall/Winter Wardrobe
Tights provide leg coverage during colder seasons, making it possible to wear skirts, shorts, and dresses without sacrificing comfort. Far from being a boring basic, hosiery can:
- Add dimension and texture to an outfit
- Break up heavy layers and dark colors
- Create flattering, elongated lines on the legs
- Add sparkle or pattern for special occasions
- Help smooth, shape, or streamline your silhouette
Sparkle and textured tights, in particular, are a holiday-season go-to – ideal for adding interest to a little black dress while also keeping you warm.
Hosiery Sizing 101: Why It’s Not Like Clothing
Tight sizing is not the same as traditional clothing sizes. Instead, hosiery is typically based on:
- Height + weight ranges
- Body proportions
- Fabric stretch and denier (thickness)
Don’t be surprised if you size up – doing so often ensures a smoother look, fewer snags, and more comfort. Always check the size chart for each brand, as they vary significantly.
Understanding Material & Thickness: Semi-Sheer, Opaque, and More
Denier (the measurement for thickness) determines opacity, warmth, and durability.
- 10–20 denier: Sheer – Great for subtle polish, leg-sculpting, or light coverage.
- 20–40 denier: Semi-sheer – Adds color without heaviness; perfect for this season’s trends.
- 50–100+ denier: Opaque – Warm, practical, and sleek. Ideal for cold weather or when you want rich, saturated color.
- Textured, ribbed, cable-knit, patterned: Adds dimension, especially with chunky knits or leather.
How to Style Tights (and What NOT to Do)
1. Your legwear should support your outfit, not fight it
Defaulting to “whatever black tights you have” can undercut a gorgeous look. Black doesn’t go with everything. Instead, build a small capsule of tights that pair directly with your wardrobe colors.
2. Match colors thoughtfully!
Try coordinating your tights with:
- Your knits
- Your jacket
- A bold accent in your accessories (hat, bag, scarf)
This creates harmony and makes even bold colors feel intentional.
3. Create leg-lengthening magic
Match your tights to your shoes. This trick creates one continuous line that visually elongates the leg; especially flattering with heels, loafers, or boots.
4. Build outfit continuity
Pair tights that match the color of your skirt or shorts. It keeps the look cohesive and modern.
5. Embrace pattern & texture mixing
Tights look especially sharp with fall/winter textures like leather, knitwear, suede, and wool skirts. This is an easy way to elevate a simple outfit while staying warm.
Top Trends for This Season:
1. Brown Tights
This is the color of the season; rich, warm, and more versatile than you think. Go monochrome, or pair with cream, camel, gray, navy, burgundy, or olive for polished fall layering.
2. Sheer Over Solid
Sheer tights are overtaking opaque ones due to their lightweight look. They break up heavy winter layers and make outfits feel less bulky.
3. Pattern Play
- Dots
- Floral motifs
- Delicate lace-inspired patterns
These add refinement without overwhelming your outfit.
4. Trending Colors
- Burgundy
- Cream
- Caramel
- Bold: Red, royal or powder blue, chartreuse accents
These hues offer vibrant ways to breathe life into darker winter wardrobes.
Micro Trend: Leggings as Layering Staples
Leggings are back as the ultimate layering tool. Style them piling over loafers, skinny “torpedo sneakers” and even heels.
Final Thoughts: Build a Hosiery Wardrobe You Actually Love
Tights don’t have to be a last-minute layer – they can be the style foundation of your winter outfits. Invest in high-quality pairs that fit well, experiment with color and texture, and use hosiery as a tool to highlight your personal style. With the right pair, even the simplest outfit becomes intentional, flattering, and fashion-forward.
Shop the Tights Trends here:
We love a mix of tights brands that each bring something special to the drawer: Spanx and Commando are our go-tos for control-top, shapewear, and effortless tummy smoothing, giving a sleek look under any outfit. For an investment pair that actually lasts, Sheertex is unbeatable with its rip-resistant technology. If sustainability matters, Swedish Stockings delivers beautifully made, eco-friendly options that feel as good as they look. For trend-forward styles each season, Calzedonia keeps things fresh, while MeMoi offers endless variety – from everyday staples to fun, novelty pieces that add personality to any look.
Shop our favorite on-trend pieces here:
Frequently Asked Questions About Tights
1. Q: What types of tights are best for fall and winter?
A: The best tights for fall and winter depend on the level of warmth and opacity you want. Opaque tights (50–100+ denier) offer maximum coverage and insulation, making them ideal for cold days. Semi-sheer tights (20–40 denier) provide a lighter look while still adding warmth under dresses and skirts. For durability and everyday wear, brands like Sheertex, Spanx, and Commando offer high-quality options that resist snags, smooth the waistline, and maintain their shape.
2. Q: How do you choose the right color tights for your outfit?
A: To choose the right color tights, start by matching them to pieces already in your outfit (such as your knitwear, coat, or shoes) for a cohesive look. For a leg-lengthening effect, match your tights to your shoe color. Trend-forward colors like brown, burgundy, cream, and caramel pair beautifully with fall wardrobes, while pops of red, blue, or chartreuse can highlight accessories or patterns in your clothing.