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):
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):
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:
The ’50s, reinvented. The only thing I’d add is a structured bag ($149, Zara):
