Monday, December 06, 2010

Tight Layers

With the prevalence of segmented worm syndrome, why, why, why would anyone wear two pairs of tights at once?

1. Get a super opaque look. You can spend $30 on a pair of absolutely opaque tights (and risk snagging them the first time you put them on) or you can layer two pairs of inexpensive tights for the same look.


This works well with two pairs of black tights – or try a black pair under another dark (but a little too sheer) color like maroon, purple, or evergreen.

2. Add textural interest. Layer an openweave pair of tights over a solid pair for three-dimensional legwear.


3. Tone down a bright color. Perhaps you’re a bit leery of bright purple legs. The visual impact is lessened by layering a neutral-colored, openweave stocking over the bright tights:


Or create an entirely new color by layering sheer, cream-colored hosiery on top. Cream/Purple = Lavender:


4. Weatherproof openweave tights. I love the patterns of open-weave tights – chevrons, florals, stripes, diamonds – but they can leave your legs a bit chilly. I’ve had success with layering a solid tight beneath the open-weave tight.



You can be really sneaky and wear a pair of flesh-toned tights underneath an open-weave pair and be both warm and "exposed."

As long as both pair of tights are well-fitting, I’ve never found it uncomfortable to double up on hosiery. It's warm, stylish, and fun.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I concur. This is also an absolute must for cold weather. Once you start doubling up on tights, pants begin to lose more and more appeal.

Sara. said...

I love this post such great ideas thanks.

Marley said...

fabulous! i have some pale grey open weave tights that i haven't worn yet, but I think over my burgundy or purple tights, they'll be fab.

So I can't sleep and I've been looking back through your archives and I just have to say- I love how your style has evolved. You are just fearless, and always on point. Love it!!

migotka said...

Thanks for these inpirational and creative ideas. I have been layering tights for some time, but mostly for warmth. No I feel comelled to try out something more fun and bold.

Katie said...

Great Idea! I stood in the tights section a Target yesterday for 20 minutes trying to figure out the best tights to buy! I was drawn to the bright purple tights, but really did not know how I was going to wear them. I never thought to layer them with an open-weave tight to calm the color down. Definitly going to go back and get some purple tights now!

Anonymous said...

Fab suggestions! Though layered tights are more likely to create Segmented Worm Syndrome that single pairs, sometimes it's worth it. ;)

Laura said...

Thanks for this post! I have recently been getting more into fun colored tights but I never thought about layering (especially with open weaved ones!) Such a good idea!!

Lori said...

I completely agree. I wear two or three pairs at a time and have never had any problem.

Marie said...

Love the layered texture and color you achieve- I haven't been able to try because I am too damn warm natured. Especially now.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
Christmas bracelet giveaway

Patty said...

I can't even wear a pair of leggings without them rolling down on me. 2 pairs of tights would be just too much for this apple shape. They look good on you, but I just can't imagine that they are comfortable.

Jodi said...

Funky or what??? I love this idea.. fishnets over bright tights.. I think I might have to try this for my final day of the 30 mix! go out with a bang.. I thought I was doing that yesterday but then realized I had miscounted and still had 2 days of the challenge left!! LOL I am so NOT a math person :)

you look maw-ve-lous as usual dahling!!
xxoxo J

Indiana Adams said...

I'ma gonna come to Ohio and steal that yellow dress of yours!

Also, you have an awe inspiring collection of tights. How do you store them?

-Indiana@Adored Austin.

karen mouse said...

Thanks ofr posting this - there is a lot of good advice in here!

Speaking as someone who has spent $30 to get the most opaque black tights available in a fancy-pants boutique, I can't believe it never occurred to me to layer two cheaper pairs for the same look.

One thing I have done is layer sheer black pantyhose under black fishnets - black fishnets have that sexy connotation that leaves me a bit leery of wearing them to the office, but putting black hose under them tones them down while still giving a bit of the fishnet look.

Holley said...

I've just recently discovered the amazingness of tights layering, and I am SO excited to see what combos I can come up with!

My only reservation is work. I want to wear all of this fun stuff to work, but when I go even slightly outside the box I start to get the odd sideways glances. I'm pretty sure I'm not breaking any dress code rules, but I think I'll ease my way into the open weave over bright colors!

newhues.blogspot.com

Louise said...

Ooh, I am gonna have to try this! I have so many tights, but I never layer. That's gotta change!

Unknown said...

I never used to wear tights before but, this year they are a go to wardrobe piece! Love the tips...

RoseAG said...

Great post! I have been doing this with fishnets for quite awhile.

If you are walking in fishnets the netty part can become uncomfortable digging into your foot, or your toe will pop through the net which shortens their life.

A layer under them makes them more comfortable on your foot and extends their life.

Anonymous said...

My GF took over my computer and showed me your comments about wearing 2 or 3 tights at the same time. I have both teased her and told her it was a smart thing to do. She made sure there were others who also wore layers so guess I better just tell her how she looks great. She does it for the look, but also because she just likes wearing layers. Last week for a movie she wore 4 pair and a pair of socks with what she calls mary janes. She also layers dresses, and that night she wore a short sleeve blue over a long sleeve blue and white dress with blue socks over white tighs over bright blue tights over 2 whatever colors. As an aside, I do like seeing girls wearing layers of most things. Just call me Ben.

Anonymous said...

right now im wearing 120 denier black opaque tights ..under 2 pairs of 40 denier black opaques ...and a pair of 90 denier black opaques ..that's 4 pairs ..I do this when tights get a hole or run in them instead of throwing them away ...must admit they get tight around the waist but makes them "Super Opaque"

Anonymous said...

love wearing colored tights of all colors and styles makes your legs look great love the glossy ones most of all