It varies how much different people will suffer for fashion. There are those who are lower on the scale and put practicality first. Then there are those who will wear whatever they want regardless of weather, daring to go bare-legged on the coldest days for the sake of fashion. We applaud their commitment, but prefer to reach for an outfit-elevating pair of tights to brave the chilly temps.
Like puffer jackets, tights are a wardrobe staple for many when the temperature plunges. It’s easy to get into the habit of wearing your thick black tights under all of your dresses because they work so well, but don’t forget about all the countless ways you can wear your tights — and remember that there are many other options besides those 50 denier black tights.
The tights you have in your drawer can freshen up a lot of your winter staples and they can help make some of your warm weather styles work now. Get inspired to try new ways to wear tights this season with these next-level tights outfits that are perfect for cool weather.
[ Next: How to Wear Black Tights With Everything ]
18 New Ways to Style Tights in the Cold Weather
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Long Wear
Keep your cropped pants in rotation all year long by layering a pair of opaque tights with them. Accessorize with heeled sandals and your coziest sweater for a seasonless look.
Image: Imaxtree
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Warm and Fuzzy
When it comes to experimenting with tights outfits, it's all about playing around with proportions. Chiara Ferragni takes things to the extreme with an oversized fuzzy cape coat. The sheer polka dot tights and black boots balance out the volume on top.
Image: Imaxtree
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Just a Hint
You don't need to choose between your favorite jeans and tights. Layer your tights under a cropped pair of jeans. Complete the look with sky-high heels and a statement coat.
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It Takes Two
If you're lucky enough to find accessories that coordinate with your tights, take full advantage of them by wearing the pieces together. The Tanya Taylor Fall 2016 runway proves that matching accessories work brilliantly when paired with co-ords in subdued tones.
Image: Imaxtree
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Layer Up
Those who live in frigid climates sport tights under their jeans when it's a deep freeze outside. Fearne Cotton's look puts a fashionable twist on the practical idea by exposing metallic tights under her ripped jeans.
Image: Getty
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Mixed Monochrome
The best monochrome outfits play around with texture and proportion to keep things interesting. Her sheer navy hosiery works with her jacket and skirt, but they still stand out on their own. If you're craving some more contrast, add in a multicolored sweater and bag like she did.
Image: Imaxtree
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White Way
Forget everything you ever thought about white tights being unflattering or dated. The Celine Spring 2017 runway show proved that they can actually look very chic, especially when paired with coordinating trousers.
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Dot, Dot, Dot
LBDs and sparkly dresses aren't your only options for the winter party season. Rock a polka dot dress and tights with a similar pattern for a whimsical vibe. Don't forget your coat to keep warm.
Image: Imaxtree
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Switch It Up
Instead of automatically reaching for those sheer black tights for evening, consider how a pair of tights can bring out the details in your outfit. The Paco Rabanne Spring 2017 show gave us this clever idea of coordinating sheer blue tights with a sheer blue top.
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Are You Red-y?
Add a festive touch to a chic winter white look with some textured deep red tights.
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Time to Upgrade
Upgrade your jean shorts and ripped black tights outfit to leather shorts and sheer black hosiery for evening. Make like Sienna Miller and top the look with a white T-shirt, a modern tweed jacket and gorgeous bedhead waves.
Image: Getty
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Out of the Office
The skirt suit is a staple for many in the office, but a pair of metallic gold tights and a cheerful blouse make the style work for the weekend. Take inspiration from the Balenciaga Spring 2017 runway and match your shoes to your tights. It's easier to do than finding tights with attached boots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Layer How You Like
Do your legs not feel cold the way your upper body does? Bundle up on top with a turtleneck tunic and hooded coat. Then layer your sheer black tights on your bottom half. A pair of chunky boots will ensure your toes stay warm.
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Double Up
Are you constantly complaining about your cold feet? You'll love this look for its cool vibe as much as its warmth. Take a cue from Charli XCX and pair your tights with contrasting socks. Her fishnets and white athletic socks have a sporty edge, but feel free to experiment with different combinations.
Image: Getty
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Red, White and Blue
There is no such thing as too much color. Fact. Contrast a blue dress with red tights and a coordinating bag. Finish things off with your fashion girl-approved white sneakers.
Image: Imaxtree
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Pretty on Top, Edgy on Bottom
Balance out a frilly blouse and pleated skirt with your faithful black tights and chunky boots. Select a skirt with a high-low hem or cut-out so everyone can clearly see your contrasting look.
Image: Getty
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What's Black and White?
Black and white is a no-fail combination. Add some interest to your timeless ensemble with patterned tights and oversized sunnies. Remember, sunglasses aren't just for the summer months.
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Over and Under
Over-the-knee boots with shorts is a surprisingly versatile look. Make it work in winter by styling your tights underneath. Matching your tights with your boots is a leg-lengthening trick street style stars swear by.
Image: Imaxtree
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For All Seasons
We can always count on Anna Dello Russo for major street style inspiration. Here, she shows us how to make a summery white skirt work for the cooler months by pairing hers with a blue sweater and black tights. You can easily swap the silver heels for statement boots for more warmth.
Image: Imaxtree
