A couple of weeks ago I read an article about tights (!). I know what you are thinking, riveting stuff, but I was as captivated as I was outraged. It was written by a New Yorker who was basically implying that us Brits run and hide our pasty, winter afflicted legs under tights, while our stateside counterparts will bare all, come rain or stormy weather they will be depilated, toned and "tanicured" to within an inch of their lives. Now, I'm not about to sit here and defend a pair of opaque black tights worn with a couture gown, nor am I condoning the use of tights to mask dry, scaly, bristly legs, but there is a sense of excitement that comes with autumn, knowing that the weather is getting colder and not only do we get to dig out our favourite pair of boots and rush to grab the new Acne aviator jacket, but we get more choice of accessories! With the depressing rain, snow and darkness, winter brings the need for floppy cable knit socks and long fingerless gloves, hats, and best of all an array of tights that go with every outfit. We don’t wear tights because we are lazy, as implied about the nation who can spend over an hour perfecting the perfect hairstyle that made us look like we got out of bed 2 minutes before, or who queue in the sleet for the new designer collection at Topshop. No, we wear them because we like them. And it seems we are not the only ones: "Sandals and tights is a look we’ve been championing" said Nathalie Massonet, founder of Net-a-porter.com, and Ana Sui debuted her new range of hosiery at New York fashion week. Check out these styles for gorgeous!
With the funky patterns of these and the elegant sartorial qualities of old favourites like Wolford tights that never let you down, why would you want to bare your legs against the harsh cold of winter months? Not only are they flattering, and can be sexy, like the Henry Holland Chain Suspender Tights, they are warm and comfortable. I say we should celebrate tights, after all isn’t practical fashion what we are all championing for in the end?
