Pitter Patter(ns)

When I was little, I loathed and despised tights. They were constricting and static-inducing, and they were almost always a hair too small (with three little sisters, our laundry was one big nightmare of mismatched socks and mis-assigned undergarments), so that the crotch was too low and I felt like I was waddling around. For years (and years) I refused to try them on, scarred by these memories and insistent that they would feel itchy. I went bare-legged even in the winter, much to the chagrin of my ladylike mother. It was only in my post-college years that I begrudgingly admitted Spanx into my wardrobe, but now — all of the sudden — I am completely over my aversion and in fact all about legwear. And not just any legwear: patterned legwear. Polka dot, chevron, herringbone. I’m ready to give it all a try, granted I follow the cardinal rule of keeping the remaining elements of my outfit sleek, upscale, and mature. (Otherwise, go ahead and admit yourself to frumpy librarian-ville.) Consider, for example, the unexpected chic-ness of the polka dotted stocking in this Vogue spread:

Or in these classic-with-a-twist Ann Taylor ads from earlier this fall:

Love the femininity and flair — they add a little texture and interest to any old outfit. And they just feel French for some reason. I bought my own dotted pair at J. Crew (pictured below, $22), though they have a back seam and feel just a tad bit racy for officewear. (The heat factor can be toned down by some all-business pumps and a buttoned-up top, however.)

I’d also recommend Club Monaco’s swiss dots (first pictured below — $29, Shopbop), but if you want something with a bit more…support — TGFS (ThankGodforSpanx), who has released its own patterned line (second pictured below — $43, FigLeaves):

Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, and Gap have some interesting patterned alternatives — chevron, striped, etc — that are worth checking out as well. As for pairing ideas? Stick with sleek separates, like a black turtleneck ($53, Petit Bateau — read about my obsession with the turtleneck on my {magpie covets} page…I can’t get enough of the style this autumn) and a tailored above-the-knee skirt (on sale for $59, French Connection):

Layer on some glistening jewels (Sequin, $198, Charm and Chain), add an item-of-the-moment cape (l.o.v.e. this plaid mohair variation — 3.1. Phillip Lim, $1,100, Net-A-Porter) and pair with these awesome flannel-effect pumps ($290, Reiss):

An oversized, be-tasseled black clutch completes the look (See by Chloe, $179, Zappos):

By the way, I think we have Balenciaga to thank for the incredible popularity of the patterned legwear trend this season. Once the fashion line sent its models down the runway in polka-dotted stockings, the trend went viral. And merci for that, because it means that retailers as varied as Forever 21 and Saks will have them in stock for us all season long.

{Balenciaga on the runway}

But the real lesson here is that — when wearing patterned tights, regardless of what you wear (a simple sheath, a skirt-and-cashmere set, your favorite sweater dress, etc), I’d go with a palette of sleek black and then add a statement-making topper and some killer heels. Consider the styling options below —

1) Ms. All Business: Pair your patterned tights ($12.50, Hue) with a classic black trench (whether it’s label-lust-worthy, as the Burberry below is — $995, Net-A-Porter; mid-priced — $198, Banana Republic; affordable — London Fog, $99, Macy’s; or budget — $49, Old Navy) and some pulled-together patent pumps (also Burberry, $276, Zappos):

A pair of pearl enorma-studs ($45, Carolee) and a chunky pearl necklace ($250, KEP Designs) are dressed-up without being too stuffy:

The CCSkye “Town and Country” bag adds the right amount of polish ($650, CCSkye) — and don’t forget your requisite Blackberry and WSJ…

2. Ms. Parisian Chic — focus on tailoring here, opting for a trim coat (Yves St. Laurent, $1,750, Net-A-Porter) and a structured skirt ($75, ModCloth) —

Pair with a sleek cape coat (Victoria Beckham, $1,260, TheOutnet — for something more within the realm of reality, hit up Zara or check out this $170 TopShop version — dig the militarista flair!) and a lady-like handbag ($275, Brahmin):

Finish with these to.die. suede Moschino booties (saw ’em in Sassanova and fell in love — $495, Moschino):

Baguette optional.

3. Ms. Slightly-Left-of-Center — J. Crew styled model Julia Stegner winningly in the October catalog, and though I can’t say this brand of eclecticism is exactly my cup of tea, I was completely transfixed by the overall effect. The pop of pastel, the mix of fabrics…ay!

To get a similarly “hybrid” look, I’m digging the nonchalance of a fisherman knit sweater ($138, Madewell) with a bold mini-skirt ($88, J. Crew), paired with (seemingly) mis-matched dotted tights.

Go Alexa Chung chic with a cross-body bag (in love with this affordable version from TokyoBay — only $51! — but the real catch would be a classic Celine or YSL…sigh) and some cap-toed flats (adore these affordable Marais USA pairs — $60!):

All you’d need to add is a roomy camel-colored coat, and this bomber is mah-jor (in the phraseology of the indomitable Rachel Zoe — $99, Zara):

Something about the elasticized trim and the roomy hood are just right.on.the.money. I love those chic little details — so much, in fact, that I almost snapped this jacket up last week while hunting for a Homecomings outfit (I headed “home” to good ol’ UVA last weekend! Ah! Love you, Charlottesville!), but then slapped my own wrist remembering that I have had an amazing camel colored wool coat with toggles for the past two years (it looks almost identical to this Fidelity brand version, available for $245, Steven Alan) and that I don’t.need.any.more.coats. But this is all beside the point — wouldn’t Ms. Chung approve of the outfit above?!

Love.

4) Ms. Classic-with-a-Twist — I love the way that patterned legwear can lend a little wit and edge to any ol’ thing, including a staid sheath dress. Pull your own out of the closet (and if you don’t own one and aren’t looking to spend a fortune, I’ve bought many-a-LBD at Ann Taylor, Banana, and Zara — but the one below is Calvin Klein, heavily discounted at $432, TheOutnet), and layer it beneath a zippy leopard print coat in a classic style (3.1 Phillip Lim, $795, Edit New York):

A mixed-media pearl-and-metal necklace ($298, Henri Bendel) and a pair of ladylike gray flats (Circa Joan & David, $99, Zappos — I also l.o.v.e the gray-and-bronze colored variation!) are the perfect additions:

A word on the flats: LOVE how these flats echo the It shoes of this past season– Louis Vuitton’s ladylike pumps, which came in a range of luxe materials, like ostrich and velvet.