Ah, the cute sexy winter outfit. That almost sounds like an oxymoron, does it not?
It seems to me many women think that you can’t create a fancy dinner or a winter date night outfit while also sporting pantyhose. I’ve seen them shivering in line outside the club or zipping from car to restaurant faster than the Wile E. Coyote because they’re freezing their bare gams off.
Here are my hacks for how to wear black stockings, which kind to wear when, and how to style patterned pantyhose like a pro.
Don’t do it, ladies! It’s totally unnecessary to freeze because you’re avoiding pantyhose. You don’t need to choose between comfort and style when putting together a cozy winter outfit. You can style a look with pantyhose and feel cute, comfortable, and most importantly, warm!
Pantyhose can be sexy! Better yet, they can make your look that much more interesting. Whether you’re looking for a casual tights outfit, winter street style inspiration, or just what to wear in snowy weather and still look chic, I’ve got you covered.
How to Shop for the Right Black Stockings
If you’re creating a winter weather outfit and you’re shopping for pantyhose, you may find yourself full of questions when you happen upon the vast stocking section in the store. What does denier mean? What does 40 denier mean? How is it different than 70 denier?
When you’re just trying to work your best winter street style it can be frustrating to be met with so many confusing options.
Here’s all you need to know: the larger the denier (or den) number, the thicker the tight and the more opaque they will be. So, the larger the den number, the less you’ll be able to see your leg/skin through the material. As such, the opposite is also true. The smaller the den number the more transparent the tight. If you take nothing else away from this blog post, just know that.
The smaller the den number, the thinner the tight. It’s that simple.
What Kind of Tights Do I Need in my Wardrobe and When to Wear Them?
The 20 Denier Tight
Most commonly this is the sheerest tight you’ll come across in-store. Although I have seen 10 den before, I would recommend starting at 20 as going any lighter than that is arguably bare-legs weather. The 20-denier tight is something I wear when the temperatures first dip below the 10-degree Celsius (that 50 Fahrenheit) mark.
These won’t really add any warmth to your outfit. You’re just wearing them so you don’t look totally crazy outside with your legs exposed to the elements. Its more to say “hey look at me, I’m so stylish and seasonally appropriate” than anything else. That being said, the 20-den tight is also fantastic if you work in a super-professional environment where you may not feel comfortable with your skin exposed.
20-Den Tights Looks
Need some visual examples of what 20-den tights look like? Here’s some great holiday outfit inspo, and another Christmas look here. I’ve also put them together with a dress for the office, and worn them in the spring when the temperatures are getting warmer, but haven’t quite hit the bare-skin threshold.
The 40 Denier Tight
The most common tight you’ll find out there is the 40-den tight. If the box isn’t labelled there is most likely a pair of 40 den stockings stored inside.
This is the most practical pair of pantyhose you can own. They’re safe, the middle ground. They offer the most wear and longevity in your closet. If you have no idea how to wear or style black stockings, just purchase one pair of 40 den tights and call it a day. I promise you’ll have an opportunity to wear them.
40-denier tights are average thickness and in my opinion, are suitable for single-digit negative temperatures (think -5 Celsius or around 20 degrees Fahrenheit). Maybe you’re hoping to put together a look comprised of stockings, boots and a dress (done, like dinner), and need only one pair of tights. Get 40 den.
40-Den Tights Looks
For some examples of looks created with 40-den tights, check out this winter skirt look, or this super old post where I’m wearing them with a dress.
Sheertex Canada Unbreakable Tights Coupon Code
When Sheertex Canada offered to send me a pair of their unbreakable sheers I chose a 40-den pair because of these aforementioned reasons. If they’re never going to break and are durable enough to outlast a puppy crawling up my leg, I want something I’ll have the chance to wear repeatedly and on multiple occasions.
Since so many of you responded with excitement when I shared this (gifted) product via my Instagram Stories, the brand offered a discount code to me to share with you to save $10 if you’re a new customer. Use promo code STRUCKBLOG10 or visit their website via this link to have the discount applied automatically (please note this discount won’t apply if the product is currently on sale).
**note: this is not an affiliate link. STRUCKBLOG is not incentivized to share this link and is not compensated in any capacity by sharing this discount code with you. Please read my disclaimer page for full details.
The 70 Denier Tight
So what does 70 denier mean then? It means these tights are super opaque, basically leggings. I have only one pair of tights this thick and rarely wear them. This would be something I put on if I felt so inclined to absolutely sport a skirt in -10 Celsius (that’s in the teens in Fahrenheit). If that sounds like it would only happen on a rare occasion, I would agree.
Perhaps you live in a climate where you’re lucky to avoid such frigid weather entirely and don’t need a pair of pantyhose this heavy (if so, I’m jealous). Personally, if it’s this cold I’d probably opt to wear pants or just straight up hibernate. That being said, some locals in Canada are this cold fairly often, so 70-den tights may come in handy if you live in such a location.
Also, if you run cold or have found the perfect dress for your winter job interview and are dying to wear it (temperatures be damned) you may want to consider purchasing just one pair of 70-denier tights. Just don’t spend a lot of your hard-earned dough on them as you probably won’t wear them very often.
How to Wear Patterned Tights
Patterned tights are usually sold in a 20-den thickness to allow the design to show more clearly against your leg. I admit it. I have been known to ignore my own rules when it comes to the temperature and wear a patterned tight regardless of weather (even if a thicker tight would be more appropriate). Why? Well, they’re just more fun!
The rule with patterned tights? Wear them to jazz up a basic piece, like a solid coloured dress. It will add interest to your outfit.
A patterned tight adds interest to your look if it’s otherwise kind of plain. If the top, skirt, or dress you’re styling is a solid colour and you feel your outfit needs just a touch of something special, consider adding patterned pantyhose.
If you’ve never dipped your toe into the land of patterns, choose floral or polka dots. You can’t go wrong with these classic designs and they’re guaranteed to look cute paired with any pantyhose outfit. Otherwise, if like me you already have quite a few in your collection, don’t feel bad! For just a few bucks a patterned tight has the power to completely elevate your look. Consider yourself a stylish and savvy shopper.
Yes, that is officially the excuse you can deliver to your mother, friend, or significant other when you’re buying yet another pair. You’re welcome.
Patterned Tights Looks
I love patterned tights! I wore this floral pair very recently, and have also styled them with over-knee winter boots for additional warmth. This polka dot pair went perfectly with this festive look a few years ago as well.
So, unearth those skirts you thought you wouldn’t get to wear until next spring and unleash them from the depths of your closet. There is no reason you can’t strut through that holiday or New Year’s party in your stilettos and stockings. You can even pair pantyhose with your favourite sweater or tunic dress at the office and practice your tights-know-how on the daily.
Whatever you do, don’t let winter force your legs into hiding. They don’t have to hibernate all winter as long as long as they’re dressed appropriately.
Stay cozy,
Anna
P.S. Lots of tights in all varieties linked below! You’ll also see I’ve curated plenty of pretty party pieces and clothing for winter in the STRUCKBLOG Shop.
Dresses & Party Pieces
Disclosure: Thank you to Sheertex Canada for sponsoring this post and for gifting me with their highly impressive stockings while sharing a discount code with STRUCKBLOG readers.
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