Tights season has arrived: Here’s how to wear them

It's time to rescue them from the depths of your drawers

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As we arrive at the cusp of winter, there’s one question that dominates the minds of circumspect fashionistas far and wide: when is it acceptable to reintroduce tights back into your wardrobe?

Whether or not you wear hosiery in the winter tends to be dictated by a number of things including your hemline of choice, if you take public transport and the length of your nails; because pulling up super-thin material with incredibly sharp nails is only going to end one way.

This year though, we’re confident that even the most emphatic member of the bare-legged brigade will want to pull out a pair from the depths of their drawers.

Why? Because on the runways this season, a whole host of designers forwent exposed pins in favour of high fashion hosiery.

The most convincing case for tights came from Alexander Wang, where sheer black versions were paired with skyscraper heels and slinky dresses; a look that serves as ideal inspiration for upcoming chilly nights out on the town.

From Tom Ford’s bright animal print styles to Preen by Thornton Bregazzi’s fishnet offerings and Erdem’s spotty tights worn with glamorous evening dresses, the looks were a plenty and proved that hosiery not only serves as extra insulation but is also an instant upgrade to any outfit.

Still not convinced? Then this season’s styling tip might just sway you.

Wolford, Shape and Control 30 Tights, £31, Wolford

For those who don’t like the idea of dressing up in hemlines to thrill, the good news is that layering a pair underneath your trousers is now a fully-fledged trend.

A trick spotted at the shows of aforementioned designers like Wang and Ford, as well as London-based Shrimps, flashing a peep of your pantyhose is a low-fi way of getting in on the action.

Micro Fishnet Tights, £6.50, Topshop

So, what type should you go for?

Your style of choice is likely to depend on what you’re wearing and where you’re heading to.

Falke, Dot Transparent 15 Denier Tights, £19, Matches Fashion

If a midi dress or skirt and ankle boots is your outfit of choice, you can get away with something thinner and more fun, like a flash of colour or pattern.

However, if you’re sporting a mini skirt you’re going to want to up the denier count to protect your pins from the cold, while formal office fashion rules call for classic sheer black hosiery.

Lace Tights, £8.99, H&M

Naturally Close 2 Pack 100 Denier Opaque Tights, £10, Simply Be