8 Australian creatives show us how they style tights
WORDS BY EMILY HOLGATE
An autumn staple.
Although I do love summer and the fashion that comes with it – sundresses, tankinis, oversized shirt throw-overs and accessorising with sunglasses– it’s always comforting when autumn rolls around and I can start adding winter items to my repertoire.
I’m talking mini skirts paired with knee-high boots, a comfy sweater and a fluffy scarf to combat the morning chill. 15 degrees and rainy? I’ll throw a leather trench coat over my jeans and button-down shirt combo. But my favourite part of Melbourne’s frosty weather has to be pulling my tights and stockings out of hibernation from the back of my underwear drawer.
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I love adding tights to a winter ensemble, as I can still wear my favourite dresses, skirts and shorts while still keeping my legs toasty (not to mention avoiding shaving for weeks on end). So how do others style this versatile item? I asked eight Australian creatives to show me their tights or stockings-clad kits.
Josaia Bruinsma, stylist
Styling tights is so fun – they can elevate a look so much by creating a more sophisticated silhouette. I love to style my tights with baggy shorts to exaggerate a slim silhouette underneath the oversized look. I love to add tights to more oversized fitting clothes to prevent being washed out in the bagginess of an outfit.
Ashleigh Huynh, content creator
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons are to blame for my obsession with tights and stockings – no one does it like them! We’ve also been seeing no shortage of them on the runway as of late (think Versace’s La Greca Tights). I just love the way they add layer, interest and dimension to an outfit. I love wearing my semi-sheer knee highs with chunky brogues, reminiscent of Prada Spring/Summer 2019.
Georgina Downe, stylist
Stockings and open-toe shoes aren’t usually a match [and neither are] stockings and heels that wrap around the ankle. But doing something a little different and unexpected can make for an epic look. Just look at Megan Fox attending the Mugler x Jimmy Choo event earlier this year, or Elsa Hosk in sheer polka dot stockings with the Prada flame wedge sandal in 2020. Here I have styled a sheer stocking with Tony Bianco heels, [a] Sir The Label blazer dress and [a] Billini bag.
Hansika, designer
Tights have become a versatile piece in my wardrobe and I’ve learnt to purpose them in various forms. Tights for me are usually worn in the cooler seasons, as they’re great for layering. I purposely picked out these tights because they caught my eye immediately. It features a unique print – sheer, glittery and printed – all things that catch my eye, giving the whole look a funky and vibrant aesthetic.
Putting this outfit together, I decided to layer it with a mini black skirt that I upcycled from an old pair of slacks inspired by the Miu Miu skirt. I paired it with a halter neck vest I reworked from a blazer, layering a sheer corset on top and finishing with Tony Bianco knee-high squared [toe] black boots. This look was all inspired to curate a sexy and glamorous look. Tights are [a] simple yet valuable piece to complement outfits!
Prue Raisbeck, model and content creator
Being a Feb baby, my wardrobe is primarily summer-based, so stockings allow me the ability to wear my clothes year round. Mini skirts without freezing in Melbourne winter? Yes please. I would honestly wear stockings nearly everywhere – to work, bars, parties, galleries etc. I love their versatility and all-around chicness!
Rahma Mohamed, model
Stockings for me are a great way to add depth or another layer to my already layered outfits during the colder seasons. I try to jazz it up with coloured, fishnet or glitter stockings. In this picture, I’m wearing navy blue glitter stockings with my distressed Versace mini skirt and Margiela boots. It’s not a huge detail, but it makes me feel like I’ve tried something more than the usual black, go-to options I have.
Em Gurr, designer and content creator
I love a high-quality pair of second-skin tights. A plain sheer black tight, like this pair from Aviana the Label, with small details such as the thick stitching on the side, is sure to elevate any winter look. [I] paired [them] with a pair of YSL shorts and square-toed boots for a simple yet chic approach to dressing up for a boozy lunch during winter.
Imogen Clark, stylist and content creator
When it comes to styling hacks, stockings are my favourite accessory to explore – elevating an outfit that was once simple to align more with your personal style.
As you can see I have cut little holes up the leg and tied them together with ribbon. To add a bit of va-va-voom I have paired it with some stocking gloves. I think it makes the outfit more interesting and ties it all together. Anyone can do this, all you need is stockings, scissors, a roll of ribbon and a steady hand!
Curious to know about the history of tights? Head here.
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