How To Wear Statement Tights
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3 months ago
This season's ultimate accessory
Ready to dust off your autumn style? One trend making a mega statement on the runway this season is tights, in every pattern, colour and denier you can imagine. Think electric shades of red and blue, dainty white lace and leopard print netting. It’s a bold look, one that can seem a little intimidating at first – but one that’s also certainly worth trying. Stuck for ideas? Here’s how to wear statement, colourful tights throughout AW24.
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Statement Tights Are Having A Moment
When designers sent models out onto the runway for the AW24 Fashion Week season, they made sure they were layered up against the elements. And no, we’re not talking about hats, coats and scarves. The real hero this season is lacy, playful and full of character: tights. This is hosiery with high-octane energy, stockings with style, tights with trend-appeal. And, wrapped around the legs of stomping models, it’s a look designed to turn heads.
@noemiipiunti in love♥️ #redtights #outfit ♬ GEORGINA SPARKS. – jevffx
‘Tights are becoming a staple item this fall because they offer versatility and texture, which can transform a look in multiple ways,’ says Linn Frisinger, CEO of Swedish Stockings. ‘Shifting focus from the historical perception of tights primarily being viewed as an underlayer, people are considering them as more of a standalone piece of clothing that can bring an extra dimension to their outfit.
‘And with this season’s trending styles – whether coloured, sheer or patterned – you can transform a more simple look by adding another visual interest through your tights, that keeps you warm at the same time,’ she continues. ‘Lace pattern especially gives an elevated eveningwear dimension, while knitted patterns offer a warm, but fashion-forward option. People are also exploring more colour options; this season we offer some nice options in more autumnal colorways. Leopard print is definitely a style to watch this season too, and a great alternative for those that want to try the trend on a softer scale.’
How To Wear Statement Tights
Layer Up
Autumn signals the return of layering season – making it the perfect opportunity to test out your tights. ‘There are various ways to incorporate tights in our outfits this fall,’ says Linn. ‘While we’re used to seeing them under skirts, we expect more people to style them under shorts as the temperature drops.’
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Blazer Fit
A popular trend with thicker (and brightly coloured) tights, we’re noticing more people treat them almost like leggings and belting a blazer over the top. It’s a chic statement – one Linn says you can take from day to night. ‘Whether it’s for a night out or to wear to the office, tights paired with a longer blazer is also a staple outfit this season.’
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Pattern Match
Now for some technique. With patterned tights, there’s a lot of room to play with matches and clashes. We especially love the idea of bringing together two very similar patterns, which are offset by smaller details such as scale or texture. ‘Matching the pattern to the rest of your outfit is such a cool way to wear your tights,’ agrees Linn. ‘Just look at Jenna Ortega on the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice press run; she wore our Siri stripe tights with a matching striped blazer set. Combining patterns make the outfit look complete and well thought out.’
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Play With Texture
Speaking of texture, this is another aspect of your tights you can get creative with. And with party season coming up, it makes sense that shimmery, metallic numbers are high on the list. ‘It get much easier to dress when you use tights as a fashion accessory,’ advises Linn. ‘See them as an integral part of your outfit, and pull items together based on what feels right. With texture, you can be as playful as you like – start the day with shiny pair, then shift into the evening with something shimmery to celebrate any festivities.’
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Where To Shop Them
While there are plenty of retailers that sell tights, Linn tells us it’s important to be picky when choosing the right pair. ‘One way to look out for a good quality pair of tights is to look for good materials,’ she says. ‘Recycled, certified materials – ones that aren’t going to fall apart quickly. All of our products, for example, are knitted in Italian factories with super high standards.
‘It’s also worth taking into account the denier,’ Linn adds. ‘This affects the delicacy of a pair of tights. A lower denier number offers a more sheer look, which usually means they’re more delicate and prone to ripping.’
The Edit
How To Keep Your Tights In Good Condition
While delicate, we shouldn’t just give up on looking after tights (statement or no) correctly. And, thankfully, there are several ways to prolong the lifetime of hosiery. ‘It is important to know how to take care of your stockings,’ emphasises Linn. ‘Generally, the main rule is to not over-wash your stockings – this will ensure they last longer. But, if in doubt, you can visit the brand’s website for more information.
‘It is important to mention here that tights do not “break” – no matter the quality,’ she continues. ‘The only risk of ruining tights is through snagging, which regardless of the materials used or care taken, is unavoidable if they get caught on something.
In cases like these, Linn tells us, you can seek out repairs or even recycle your snagged tights. ‘Recognising that snagging does happen, we set out to find a circular solution so that tights don’t continue to be seen as something to dispose of in the trash once they’re no longer wearable,’ she says. ‘In 2016, we set up the Recycling Club, which aims to prolong the lifespan of tights by recycling them and thereafter recreating new materials for durable products. Through the program, we have collaborated with Swedish architect Gustav Wessman, who has created beautiful tables out of the recycled materials from old stockings.’
Featured image: Swedish Stockings
