The fashion frontline: Trend – Tights

By Shanel Williams-O’Reilly

Despite the odd few rays making a last-ditch attempt to prolong the inevitable, the time has definitely arrived to wave an earnest farewell to bare legs and not just embrace, but to celebrate the rise and new reign of our beloved tights.

For so long they have been banished from the forefront of fashion renowned only as a winter wardrobe staple, forsaken as a mere beacon of function, restricted to conservative styling and revered only when our unwaxed legs are caught off guard. But it is with great pleasure that I say that tights are officially back with a bang and are having a collective moment.

With their very own designated chest of three drawers, as a lifelong collector my desire to attempt to wear tights all-year round is noticeable, so needless to say I am ecstatic that this trend has made it’s way back onto the runway radar.

Ceremoniously brought back to life by the undisputed King of Fashion, Mr Lagerfeld made them the anchor of Chanel’s pre-fall assembly- luscious lace, with strategic patchwork detail; sexy, seductive and all-together show stopping. Seeing them was the emotional equivalent of bumping into a long lost friend and feeling as if a day hadn’t gone by; a sense of familiarity, comfort, overwhelming excitement and welcomed nostalgia.

The movement was then reiterated across countless catwalks where the results were just as desirable. With many designers taking their inspiration from the days of punk, the rock chick was revived and fishnets in all their glory were rife.

So whether patterned, printed, textured, coloured or cabled there is definitely a pair of tights out there for everyone. However, it was Gucci that appeared to master the new wave with the most artistic finesse and where the rules were well and truly broken, so for those of you as committed to the cause as me, then this is undoubtedly where you will find your hosiery style haven.

For the low key fashionista plain black tights in their varying denier degrees still have the power to deliver outfit elevation but if you usually gravitate towards a 120 denier matte finish then instead why not opt for a 15 denier gloss with seam and you might be pleasantly surprised with the simple but effective style transformation. Try applying this method to different outfits across various social outings; replacing plain with a subtle pattern or black with grey and not only will you be carving out new looks but you’ll have found an inexpensive way to seamlessly trend into the new season.

I hope I have successfully accelerated tights to the top of your accessory hit list, as always, here are a  few of  my personal faves: