Bold Legs, Fall Feels: Mastering Tights This Season
As fall settles in and the holidays approach, tights are an ideal way to blend warmth with style, all while nodding to vintage influences that make outfits feel classy and fresh. Tights first became a major fashion staple in the 1950s and ’60s when they transformed from utilitarian pieces to bold expressions of personality, thanks to cultural icons who embraced legwear as a canvas for creativity. With the festive season around the corner, this is the perfect time to channel that retro spirit and celebrate tights in all their glory. Here’s how to style them in ways that honor their mid-century heyday while adding a modern, holiday-ready twist.
One of the most eye-catching ways to style tights today is with bold, bright colors. A look that draws directly from the daring color palettes of the ’60s. Back then, fashion icons and mod enthusiasts embraced vivid shades like tangerine, turquoise, and fire-engine red, using tights to add a pop to an outfit. Reimagining this for fall, try pairing rich colors like mustard, emerald, or deep red tights with a simple black dress. This vintage-inspired approach is both playful and chic, especially as we head toward the season of holiday gatherings where a little extra color goes a long way.
Patterns also play a major role in fall and winter tights, just as they did in the early days of tights’ popularity. In the 1960s, polka dots, checks, and other bold prints were favorites for creating an edgy, youthful look. Adding polka dot or plaid tights to your outfit now is a great way to capture that mid-century vibe while staying festive and unique. For holiday events, consider pairing subtly patterned tights with a classic holiday look, like a wool skirt or a velvet dress, to bring a hint of nostalgia to your outfit.
Another fantastic way to celebrate a vintage fall feel is through textured tights. The cozy, textured tights we see today—think ribbed, cable-knit, or lace—nod to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined mid-century styles. These types of tights are perfect for layering under skirts and dresses when the temperatures drop. And with holiday parties in mind, try pairing textured tights with fabrics that feel seasonally warm, like a tweed skirt or a wool dress. This combination not only keeps you cozy, it adds visual interest in a way that’s subtly reminiscent of 1950s winter style.
Holidays give us a chance to incorporate some glitz, a trend that has roots in vintage fashion as well. Metallic tights, think gold and silver, are inspired by the shimmer and sparkle of mid-century cocktail attire. Paired with neutral or monochrome outfits, metallic tights add a festive, sophisticated feel that’s ideal for holiday parties. Try silver tights with a denim skirt and a gray sweater, or gold tights under a simple black or beige dress for a classic look with a hint of retro glam.
Additionally, a monochrome look with tights is a chic, timeless way to channel the ’60s while keeping things modern and holiday-appropriate. Matching your tights to your dress or coat in a single, bold color like burgundy or navy creates a streamlined silhouette that was a signature of vintage icons, especially in high-contrast, solid-colored looks. Monochrome styling feels fresh for the season, making it perfect for everything from Thanksgiving dinners to holiday gatherings.
As tights make their seasonal comeback, don’t shy away from embracing the bold colors, patterns, and textures that defined mid-century fashion. This approach not only celebrates the history of tights but also infuses your fall wardrobe with vintage charm, perfect for the festive months ahead. So go ahead, give your legs a little holiday cheer and make a statement that’s both timeless and modern!
References:
Davies, H. (2020, September 25). Memoi’s hosiery history: A brief timeline of tights in the 1960s. MeMoi. https://memoi.com/blogs/socks-and-hosiery/hosiery-history-1960s-socks-tights-leggings-and-accessories
Vogue Scandinavia’s Fashion Team. (2023). How to style the hottest accessory of the season: Stockings. Vogue Scandinavia. https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/stockings-trend-how-to-wear-and-style
Graphic by Kadyn Moore