I have said it before and I will say it again – clothes make me happy! I was absently scrolling through my Facebook feed yesterday morning, whilst waiting for a train and thinking how depressing it all was, with news items, people not well, keyboard warriors having a bash at someone, when suddenly an advert for red tights (pantyhose) came up and suddenly I had a smile on my face!
Does that make me shallow? I don’t think so. Does that make me a bit mad? Probably!
But in a world of gloom and doom and cold, miserable weather, if something makes you smile, I say embrace it. After all, why is loving clothes any different from loving paintings, or music for example? They all lift the spirits and make you feel good about yourself, so should be encouraged. In fact, "Museum Therapy" is a real thing and studies show that museums combat stress and increase self-esteem.
Anyway, going back to the red tights …..
I have never been a huge fan of tights or stockings. I find them uncomfortable (being quite long-legged) and a faff to put on – and take off! Also, for me it has always a bit like having to pay to put fuel in the car – expensive and not much to show for the money!
But seeing these red tights, I suddenly felt inspired and could feel all sorts of outfit variations run through my imagination.
Maybe a black, knee-length sweater dress with a pair of patterned tights, or a grey, maxi pinstriped skirt with bright red tights. Or perhaps black barrel-legged jeans, with grey opaque tights and a grey jumper, or beige wide-legged jeans, beige opaque tights, animal print shoes, and a cream silk blouse. Also, how about a maxi silk skirt with lacey or fishnet tights (surprisingly warm!) and an oversized sweater? I felt all the flutter of excitement that an artist must feel when starting a new painting!
One of my own style 101s is mixing up fabrics to create a contrast in my outfit, so lacey tights, a silk skirt and a chunky jumper would be a perfect example of this.
Tights are an essential accessory during the winter months, unless you are lucky enough to be living somewhere really warm. They also complete an outfit and make it look polished and put-together. But as with all things, if you buy cheaply they will look cheap and, annoyingly, will probably make your clothes cling, not to mention ladder and snag easily.
If your style personality is classic, then matching your hosiery to your top half of the outfit, or even your bags or gloves, will fit in with your style perfectly.
For a romantic personality, the lacey tights that are very “now” will be your go-to.
Dramatic, arty personalities can have a whole lot of fun mixing and matching colours and textures, whereas the more natural personalities will want to stick to more subdued hues and maybe thicker textures.
If you are investing in good quality products, it is a good idea to get yourself a pair of hosiery gloves (yes, really!) – these cotton gloves will help avoid snags and holes, whilst putting on your tights!
We have been through a long period of plain black and skin-toned hosiery, but now the shops are full of little bundles of joy, which not only lift the spirits, but are a relatively inexpensive way to be on trend and brighten up your wardrobe – and your day! The fact that it takes me back to the 1980s and the fun I had then, is just another bonus!
Having said all that though, don’t forget your sheer hosiery.
This is a very elegant way of accessorising an outfit. They give a ladylike feel and are incredibly flattering as they tend to look darker on the edges of your leg, thereby making them look more streamlined. If you want to wear shorter skirts, but normally go bare- legged, sheer tights are a great way to keep this style going from season to season.
If you are worried about snagging, use cotton gloves to put them on with, give them a little stretch from the bottom before you put them on and always carry a spare pair in your handbag in case of emergencies!
Read Here for another Ultimate Italian Accessory!
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