How to style coloured tights, according to 10 Australian and New Zealand creatives

No boring legs.

Slowly but surely, coloured tights have become one of this season’s most sought-after accessories. Who would’ve thought so many of us were looking to hoist our limbs through thin, brightly-coloured hosiery? Lingerie has made a hard and fast comeback on fashion runways – from Gucci and Versace’s sheer stockings this past FW23 season, to Miu Miu‘s underwear as outerwear.

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For those wanting to inject some colour and warmth into their wardrobes, coloured tights are a “simple but impactful way to switch up an outfit,” according to Melbourne-based stylist Cecile Huynh. Here, we asked 10 Australian and New Zealand creatives to show us how they style their pair of coloured (ranging from hot pink to baby blue) tights.

Joely Malcolm, she/her, content creator

Bella de Almeida Reis, she/her, marketing coordinator

Add these hot pink tights from Gorman to your cart, stat! While a statement accessory, [they’re] incredibly versatile and style back perfectly with most of my wardrobe. With winter fast approaching, I realise I don’t embrace colour enough during Melbourne’s dreary months.

This was my sign to purchase [this pair] and say no to blending in! I styled these tights back with my ’60s-esque green dress and platform black loafers (both thrifted!) for a bold look while maintaining a classic silhouette. I also like wearing the tights with a simple, neutral outfit so the pink does all the talking.

@isabellachantal

Liv Brown, she/her, Founder of Rattle Style

I LOVE coloured tights. I think it’s such a fun way to spice up an outfit. Pink is basically a neutral to me so these Asos ones go with everything. I think coloured tights are a great way to bring summer clothes into your outfits all year round, pair them with your mini skirts and mini dresses to stay warm but also to add some colour to your winter clothes.

I have also seen lots of white lace tights around which look so cool with sneakers, I love pairing something pretty with something more athletic or steezy. The brand Lazy Oaf always [has] fun colourful and patterned tights. I can’t get enough; my collection keeps growing.

@rattle_style

Cecile Huynh, she/her, stylist

I love using coloured tights, both in my styling work and in my own wardrobe, as they’re a simple but impactful way to switch up an outfit. Having said that, they don’t necessarily need to be the focal point of your look. Now that it’s getting chillier I’ve been reaching for thicker knit tights in muted tones and layering them with socks and sheer pieces, like this vintage lace dress (a relic from my Tumblr days). My current favourite [tights] I’m wearing here are from Chusette. When I’ve already got a lot of colour going on in my outfit, I like to go for brown or cream tights so they don’t overpower the look.

@cecile2k

Kelly Thompson, she/her, multidisciplinary designer and Founder of Makers’ Mrkt

Chloe Hill, she/her, stylist

These super thick tights are really old season Miu Miu. Given how chunky they are, they’re harder to style than regular nylon tights so [they are] usually better with shorter-length looks. I’ve buttoned up my longline Gestuz cardi and worn it sans pants, as a mini dress. Hot tip: I always refer to Chanel Fall Winter runway images for cute tight styling ideas.

@chloechill

Allie Daisy King, she/her, content creator

All hail the coloured tights renaissance. As a child, I idolised the likes of Blair Waldorf and her minions’ candy-coloured legs as I believed they were the peak of fashion. Now as a 23-year-old, I am elated at their comeback. I decided to go for a [Marc Jacobs’] Heaven meets Cher Horowitz-inspired look.

I got these tights from the sock shop on the bottom floor of Melbourne Central a few months back for $8. I was drawn to the colour of them and how versatile of a piece they would be in my wardrobe. Thank you fashion gods for making coloured tights cool again and making me rediscover my love of tights! For the remainder of this trend’s lifespan, I will be endlessly quoting Blair Waldorf’s motto, “Tights are not pants”.

@alliedaisyking

Emma Cutri, she/her, co-founder of Sister Studios

I can’t get enough of these baby blue tights. I bought [them] online for a shoot but decided to keep them for myself! They are just off eBay and I have styled them here with my Sister Lani cardi and Maggie grey mini skirt.

@sister_studios

Cat Forsyth, she/her, stylist and writer

I was lucky enough to be in Italy over Christmas and found that coloured tights became a staple for me. When I realised that the city we were staying in (along with the rest of Italy) was abundant with hosiery-lingerie-hybrid shops, I knew I’d struck gold and stocked up on coloured tights and decorative socks.

I used these dark blue tights to brighten up a monochromatic look, which consisted of a thrifted white shirt and a skirt that my sister and I picked up at Swop in Fitzroy (only $40!). My friend’s ex’s sunnies (eep) and bleached brows completed the look, which ended up being my favourite [look] of the trip!

I grabbed these tights (and several other pairs) at a chain store in Italy called Calzedonia, but in Naarm, I love to get stockings and tights from random $2 shops,  especially when I need them for styling. I love to add a pair of coloured tights to an otherwise simple outfit to add some visual interest (and then layer with super cute little accessories, think flowers, lace and ribbons).

@catforsythh

Chanu Wick, she/her, art therapist

The pretty Gallery Tee Dress I am pairing with these tights is a Gorman x Agathe Singer collab piece. I have drawn the colours from the very colourful print of the dress to clash against many solids to harmonise the look [of] this outfit. The opaque tights I am wearing in bottle green are from Snag. I like Snag for [its] range of colours, options of footless tights and chub rub shorts, and also the coverage and comfort these size-inclusive tights provide.

@chanuwick_wears

This article was originally published on May 16, 2023.

For advice on making your tights last longer, try this.