Fashion tights are the outfit upgrade you need – add these to your drawer now
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From haute couture hosiery to cosy woolly winter warmers, a pair of tights will be your best friend this season.
If you thought tights existed solely to stop your legs from turning blue on the walk to the station, allow us to gently suggest a rethink. Much like the rise of the accent sock, hosiery has undergone a quiet glow-up. Tights are no longer just something you add out of necessity; they’re a proper styling tool – one that brings colour, texture and a bit of personality to outfits that might otherwise feel… fine. Perfectly fine. And sometimes, fine just isn’t cutting it.
That shift has been impossible to miss on the streets of Copenhagen, where fashion week regulars have been treating tights as part of the outfit rather than an afterthought. Layered under minis, styled with sharp tailoring or used to inject colour into otherwise neutral looks, hosiery has become one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel considered, but never overworked.
The autumn/winter 2025 catwalks were very much on board too. At Acne Studios, tights appeared in pretty, pale pink shades, while Gucci leaned into purple hues. Pillar-box red styles cropped up at Blumarine and Alexander McQueen, proving that a bold leg can do a lot of the heavy lifting, while lace tights at Isabel Marant brought a romantic, slightly gothic edge.
Credit: Getty
Unsurprisingly, the high street has got the memo. There’s now a wealth of playful, fashion-led hosiery available, including some genuinely fun collaborations. Celebrity stylist Aimée Croysdill’s capsule for Heist, aptly titled The Perfect Ten, includes tights in trending shades like burgundy and chocolate brown alongside oversized leopard spots. Meanwhile, Swedish Stockings’ collaboration with Leandra Medine Cohen features a cult tiger-print pair that continues to sell out and restock – yes, we’re still desperate to get our hands on them.
What’s reassuring is just how wearable it all feels. If the idea of statement tights sounds great but also slightly intimidating, the trick is to start small. Colour is often the easiest entry point: burgundy, chocolate brown, charcoal and deep navy all add interest without shouting. Treat them like neutrals and keep the rest of your outfit simple – a pencil skirt, a tailored mini or an oversized blazer. If you’re opting for pattern, shine or embellishment, let the tights be the moment and keep silhouettes clean elsewhere.
It’s your shoes that can make or break the look. Closed-toe styles are the safest option if you want everything to feel clean; pointed courts, slingbacks and tall boots help keep seams hidden and tights smooth. If you’re leaning towards loafers or flats, look for seamless or reinforced-toe styles, or borrow a street-style trick and layer socks over the top – practical, and warm, but still chic.
Ready to give your legs a little more airtime? Scroll on for the tights worth adding to your wardrobe now.
Best tights to shop this winter
High Heel Jungle spotlight premium jacquard tights
The easiest way to tap into the dalmatian dot trend without committing to a full look: polka dot tights add instant interest to a plain dress or tailored mini and work just as well by day as they do at night. Keep everything else clean and simple, and let the spots elevate the outfit.
Shop High Heel Jungle spotlight premium jacquard tights at Wolf & Badger, £61
Heist x Aimée Croysdill ‘Perfect Ten’ tights
Designed with celebrity stylist Aimée Croysdill, this capsule from Heist is exactly what you want when you’re craving tights that feel chic and elevated. Think rich seasonal shades, comfortable fits and statement animal prints that work with your everyday wardrobe.
Swedish Stockings x Leandra Medine Cohen Roxana tiger tights
Bold and fun, these are the pair everyone wants – and for good reason. These tiger-stripe tights add a little extra zhuzh without doing too much, instantly making even the simplest outfit feel cool.
Shop Swedish Stockings x Leandra Medine Cohen Roxana Tiger tights, £45
Fruity Booty Olivia premium tights
From cult cool-girl brand Fruity Booty, these pillar-box red tights are not here to blend in, and that’s the point. Style them with an all-black outfit and minimal accessories to keep the look sharp rather than shouty. They’re bold, confident and guaranteed to spark compliments.
Free People Highland Hues tartan tights
Tartan is having a moment again, and tights are the easiest way to wear it. They add personality to otherwise simple outfits and look especially good with chunky knits and boots for a country-coded look.
Anthropologie heart tights
Heart print tights are playful in the best way and surprisingly versatile when styled with sharper pieces. Try them with loafers and a mini for daytime or a simple black dress at night when you want something that feels fun but still put-together.
M&S fishnet lace tights
A deep wine shade keeps these firmly on the chic side, while the lace texture adds just enough drama. They work best when paired with something structured – a sharp blazer, tailored skirt or tall boots – for a look that feels romantic but grounded.
Falke Matt deluxe 30 denier tights
The lilac hue on these is subtle enough to wear like a neutral, but fresh enough to lift even the most familiar outfits. They work beautifully with greys, creams and chocolate browns, or as a gentle colour clash with navy and denim. An easy way to dip a toe into colour without committing to anything too loud.
Oliver Bonas bow tights
If your outfit ever feels like it’s missing something, this is it. These bow-detailed tights lean into the coquette mood and bring softness to your look.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
