The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

How to Wear Colored Tights




Colored tights have been popular for a few seasons now, and I think it's safe to say this trend is here to stay. For Fall 2008, designers like Anna Sui, Just Cavalli and Chloe mixed patterned tights with dresses and heels, a perfectly chic—and inexpensive—way to add warmth when temperatures drop. As spring approaches (eek, I said the "S" word!), you can continue to pair those boldly colored tights with skirts, frocks and sandals. I'll admit this isn't the easiest look to pull off, so let's look for some inspiration off the runway...




Representing the west coast, Cupcakes and Cashmere (left) rocks her bright red tights as only a California girl could—with a relaxed shirtdress, gray suede boots and Foley + Corinna handbag, all in neutral shades to temper the eye-catching hue on her legs.

New York City's retrogurl aka nitro:licious (middle) shows off her floral Forever 21 tights by pairing them with a black dress and towering black booties. With it's reserved exuberance, this look can go from day to night.

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (not a blogger but oh well) does a nice job pairing purple tights with a monochromatic black outfit. This is probably the approach I would take since it's a cute, cheap way to update an LBD.




Where to shop for colored tights:


  • MyTights.com: Features every pattern and color imaginable, from plaid checks to Pucci swirls.


  • Lovecolour-Lovetights.com: Lets you shop by color, type and pattern so you can find exactly what you're looking for.


  • FreePeople.com: A carefully edited selection of colored, patterned and textured tights that will inspire and awe.


  • Anthropologie.com: These essential opaque tights, available in 7 colors, cost just $12.50.


  • Forever21.com: It's hard to beat F21's wide selection (floral, stripes, solids) and low prices (all tights are under $10).


  • Target: You can always count on Tar-zhay for inexpensive accessories (like tights) that will help you update your wardrobe for less.


What do you think of colored tights?
Comments
LOVE colored tights! I'm the type that hates nylons--I don't see the point, always have a run in them, and find them generally itchy or uncomfortable in some way--but tights.. I adore. They add a nice pop of color, let me wear shorter skirts and dresses without feeling so self-conscious about my legs being on display; they even let me show off my legs a bit!

I'd also like to plug SockDreams.com. They have every sort of sock and tight imaginable, almost all for very reasonable prices (there are higher end offerings for those that are willing/able to shell out the money for them), and offer the kind of extra details about their merchandise that let you know they care about the products they're selling. A personal bonus to me is that the place is female owned and operated. ;-)

Anyway, I can't get enough of colored tights. I have to stop myself from buying more neutral-colored dresses and tunics just so I have an excuse to then buy more colored tights. It's really that bad!
#1 Alexandra on 2009-01-26 08:21 (Reply)
uhm... have you ever heard of We Love Colors!?! they have the best selection of colors in tights! check em' out...

www.welovecolors.com


:-)
#1.1 tedina j. on 2009-01-27 12:06 (Reply)
i just checked out welovecolors.com and OMG what a selection.. they have colored tights in ALL colors..

Thankz Tedina i just found my new fav website

:-)
#1.1.1 s3xy slim on 2009-01-27 13:07 (Reply)
This website is going to make me broke. :-D Thanks for the link!
#1.1.2 Alexandra on 2009-01-27 21:50 (Reply)
I love the look of colored tight, I need to wear them more often!
#2 budget chic on 2009-01-26 10:03 (Reply)
love this look- and F21 does have great selection!
#3 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 10:30 (Reply)
I'm a big fan of colored tights, and I have quite a collection that I amassed while in high school (we had uniforms, yet i got away with different tights in the winter to add my own spin to the outfit)
I love the way they can add so much personality (and a little modesty) to an outfit!

Love retrogurl's look!
#4 Peaches on 2009-01-26 11:13 (Reply)
I'm a huge fan. I try to mix colored tights in as a way to expand the palette of an outfit, but often just make them the pop of color in an all-black ensemble.
#5 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 11:58 (Reply)
I love retrogurl's look. might have to pick up a pair from f21.
#6 The Cheap Chica (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 12:09 (Reply)
these are all great options and thanks again for featuring me! i just checked out the anthropologie ones you suggested and am in LOVE with the rose color!
#7 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 13:57 (Reply)
Congrats to Emily =]

I've always liked the look of colorful tights. xxxx
#7.1 Fashion CHALET (Homepage) on 2009-01-27 10:03 (Reply)
Colored tights have been a great addition to my winter wardrobe -- what better way to brighten up cold, grey days??
#8 domesticinnyc (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 14:10 (Reply)
I haven't yet bought any colored tights, but seeing Geri Halliwell's look might just inspire me to get some. Love her look :-)
#9 Down Comforter (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 15:09 (Reply)
Big fan, just can't figure out how to pull it off! Maybe one day...

Also, I agree with Alexandra WRT Sock Dreams -- really great stuff there, tons of styles. I've got a bunch of thigh-high socks/stockings from there and they're great!
#10 brista on 2009-01-26 15:11 (Reply)
I ordered some daring prints from My Tights (not that my legs can pull them off) - I'll let you know as soon as I post blog pics!!

F21 seems like a great option too but they are always sold out on the Canadian site :-(
#11 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 19:37 (Reply)
i adore tights. they are my newest obsession!
#12 xs (Homepage) on 2009-01-27 07:06 (Reply)
Love the tights. Not sure if I could pull of PATTERNED colored tights. But more power to the rest of you ladies!
#13 Ana (Homepage) on 2009-01-27 19:06 (Reply)
Ironically enough, I just bought my first pair of colored tights on Saturday but wasn't sure how to wear. Thanks for your timely article!
#14 Christen on 2009-01-27 23:55 (Reply)
Love the colors, the prints aren't really my style.
-k
#15 Karen D on 2009-01-30 00:37 (Reply)
loveeeee love loveee WELOVECOLORS.COM
#16 Jamie on 2009-05-04 21:43 (Reply)
the tights in the middle picture, the last set....were are they from? Do you know were i could by them?
#17 Trina on 2011-07-02 19:33 (Reply)
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