As a ghostly pale Irish person with zero self-tanning skills, I’m always slightly relieved when bare-leg season ends and tights become a necessity. No more blinding passers-by whenever I want to wear a dress! But I know of many reluctant tights-wearers who struggle to figure out which shoes to wear that don't call their school uniform days to mind. Often, boots are the default, but I'm here to tell you there are plenty of other shoe options that look even better with tights than bare legs.
Let's face it—come winter, tights are a must. Yes, you can wear sheer tights that match your skin tone, but there's no beating a 60-denier pair when the temperature drops to single digits. They don't have to be merely a practical addition to your outfits though; as the six outfits below prove, they hold the power to tie your look together and add that air of cosy elegance we all strive for at this time of year.
Keep scrolling to see the best shoes to wear with tights, according to some of Instagram's best-dressed influencers.
THE BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH TIGHTS IN WINTER, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:
1. Loafers
Style Notes: Tights and loafers might bring you back to your GCSE days, but with some chic styling, you can transform the look from school girl to French girl. Look to Parisian influencer Léna Farouil for guidance.
Shop the look:
BBF Gambetti
The Sixty Opaque Tights Black
Choose opaque tights on extra-cold days.
& Other Stories
Chunky Leather Loafers
The chunky sole has won me over. *Adds to basket*
KHAITE
Alessio Textured-Leather Loafers
So sleek! You'd never catch these in the schoolyard.
A fantastic high-street pair.
2. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots and black tights were made to be worn together. Honestly, there's no combination that earns me quite so many compliments.
Shop the look:
M&S Collection
3pk 40 Denier Body Sensor™ Tights
M&S will forever be the go-to for affordable, long-lasting tights.
The ultra-dark maroon shade looks so expensive.
Charles & Keith
Louise Block-Heel Knee-High Boots
These also come in dark brown, but the black feels so classic.
H&M
Pointed Knee-High Leather Boots
I just love H&M's boot offering this season.
3. Slingbacks
Style Notes: We are entering party season, after all, so it's worth having an elevated shoe in your arsenal. Slingback kitten heels are peak elegance, and on a practical note, they look great with tights—so you don't have to freeze on your Christmas night out.
Shop the look:
FALKE
Matt Deluxe 30 Den Women Tights
One of our editors' most-loved tights brands.
Miu Miu
Patent Leather Slingbacks With Buckles
COS
Pointed Leather Slingback Kitten Heels
This heel height is perfection.
ZARA
Suede Kitten Heel Slingback Shoes
4. Trainers
Style Notes: I never used to wear trainers with tights, but I've seen several fashion people sport the look in a way that feels fresh and effortless. Stick to a darker hue like black or brown to avoid too much contrast.
Shop the look:
FAP
The 125 Nano Opaque Tights Black
I didn't know 125-denier tights existed, but I know I'll be grateful for them living in Scotland.
I love the dark gum sole.
AUTRY
Flat Low Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
Brown suede is a key fabrication this season.
LOEWE
+ on Cloudtilt 2.0 Stretch Recycled-Knit Sneakers
The coolest collab going.
5. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: No, we're still not over the ballet flats trend. Is it even a trend any more, or a modern wardrobe staple? Resist stashing your collection in storage for winter and find new ways to wear them, starting with this tights-and-mini-skirt formula.
Shop the look:
Swedish Stockings
Svea Premium Tights
Once you try Swedish Stockings tights, you'll never look back.
& Other Stories
Square-Toe Ballet Flats
The square toe is a nice detail.
I own these in black and wear them religiously.
LE MONDE BERYL
Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
The perfect black pair that will go with everything.
6. Biker Boots
Style Notes: If you're going to buy one pair of boots this season, make it a biker style. Influencers and fashion editors have wholly embraced this edgy silhouette, wearing it with everything from tights and skirts to barrel-leg jeans.
Shop the look:
Heist
The Fifteen Contour Sheer Tights Black
Ladder-resistant with a body-shaping waistband, this might just be the perfect pair of tights.
Loewe
Campo Biker Boot in Calfskin
I can already picture 10 outfits I'd wear these with.
Just the right amount of hardware, IMO.
dunelondon
Totoe Buckle Detail Leather Knee-High Boots
This Dune pair look so chic.
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