Haute hosiery: How to wear coloured tights
Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe with spring’s easiest accessories trend
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Classic black, nude, sheer or even fishnet tights are a staple in most women’s wardrobes but, as we dust off winter in anticipation of spring’s bright arrival, coloured tights are taking the spotlight. Bold and vibrant, daring and super chic, this on-trend styling trick will instantly inject colour and character into your wardrobe for an elevated look that is as playful as it is très chic, darling.
If this all sounds like a slight blast from the past – reminiscent of school uniform days, the Swinging Sixties, flamboyant 1980s, or even as a nostalgic nod to Scooby Doo and Gossip Girl – we’re here to tell you that coloured tights are back in a big way. Super versatile, they can be worn with skirts, dresses (mini or long), suits or shorts (even hotpants if you dare), and are guaranteed to compliment any outfit for a killer day-to-night look.
But how to style a statement pair we hear you ask? Taking inspiration from the influencers and stylists rocking the look IRL, read on for easy ways to wear your favourite electric shade, from teaming them with matching accessories to pairing with an equally bright colour palette so you can slip on, style up, and be in on the vibrant coloured tights trend. Plus, you can shop this season’s must-have variations in our edit below, from the likes of Swedish Stockings, Falke and Heist Studios.
How to wear coloured tights
Team with matching colours
Akin to the modern interiors trend for colour drenching, for a striking head-to-toe look, match your tights to the rest of your outfit (or your outfit to your tights). Pick a single shade to show off the monochromatic style, for example pairing red tights with a red dress, or blue tights with a blue skirt and jumper, for a simple yet put-together vibe. Bold and eye-catching, this matchy-matchy aesthetic is also known as statement dressing for a reason – it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Pair with black or neutral shades
Pull on a pair of coloured tights under your LBD or tonal outfit to add a pop of colour to your look. Contrasting with muted neutral shades, such as cream, beige, taupe or classic plain black, bright, colourful tights will add depth and fun to your ensemble, keeping it minimal and chic but with a little extra drama.
Clash with multicolours and prints
Channelling your inner wild child? For maximalist dressing, clash your colourful tights with the rest of your outfit – red tights with blues and pinks, yellow tights with oranges and greens, or even juxtaposing patterns for a devil-may-car combo. Colour blocking and pattern jarring will create a dramatic aesthetic where ‘less is more’ goes straight out the window.
Complement with matching accessories
A simple way to style your coloured tights is with matching accessories. Whether harmonising with your shoes, bag or hat (or even tiny details like your nail and lip colour), coordinating with accessories gives a cohesive splash of colour to your outfit without having to go all-out.
The best coloured tights
Heist Studios The Sixty opaque tights
Jazz up your outfit with Heist Studio’s best-selling tights in a range of funky colour palettes, from cardinal red and mauve wine to neon yellow and dark teal. Pick your favourite and wear the soft, seamless design under skirts and dresses for a contemporary cool-girl look. Sustainably made from recycled yarn, they’re good for the planet too, and with a hand-sewn high waistband, they’ll stay in place all day and night for a smooth and flattering silhouette – no digging, no rolling and no sagging.
Swedish Stockings Lykke net tights
Dress up with Swedish Stockings’ netted coloured tights. Founded in 2013 as the world’s first sustainable hosiery brand, swap out your regular choice for this vibrant apple green shade for some fresh spring colour. Made in Italy from recycled yarn, the knitted design features a soft waistband, toe reinforcement and a smooth silhouette for a chicly textured aesthetic.
Falke Pure Matt tights
German brand Falke has been turning out an impressive selection of high-quality tights since 1895 and offers a rainbow of colours to suit every style, season and setting. From imperial blue and forest green to berry pink and scarlet red, each design is beautifully crafted from recycled fabric and finished with a matt, semi-opaque look. Featuring flat seams and a comfort band at the waist, channel your inner drama queen with a pressure-free fit and glamorously bright style.
High Heel Jungle satin finish tights
For a spot of joyful dressing, pull on this pair of lime green tights from hosiery brand High Heel Jungle. Made in Australia, the tights are cut from a stretchy fabric with a flattering high waist and finished in a bright sheen satin for an element of fun. A luxurious design that feels like a second skin and looks ultra chic, wear under skirts, dresses and shorts for a modern style to elevate your everyday look.
Pucci printed tights
Cause a stir with Pucci’s wacky printed tights. A combination of pink, white and black contrasting shapes, render your legs in the label’s archival ‘Iride’ geometric motif and take your outfit up a notch. Fun and quirky, the Italian-made tights feature a high-rise waistband and reinforced toes for a smooth and comfortable but undeniably chic cut.
Wardrobe.NYC opaque tights
Make a statement in Wardrobe.NYC’s bold red tights. Crafted from Italian stretch fabric with a high-rise waistband, the fit is smooth and breathable with a flattering silhouette, while the scarlet shade will make your outfit pop. Wear with skirts and dresses, heels or flats and put drama into every stride.
Read more: The chicest cardigans for women
