Hosiery is much more than just a way to keep your legs warm.
How to style tights the right way
In the curvy community in particular, we know that styling your tights well is the key to a confident, elegant and perfectly coordinated outfit. Whether you want to show off your legs at the office, at a romantic dinner or on a relaxed stroll around town, the right combinations and accessories will make your look a real eye-catcher. At Glamory, we understand that comfort and style have to go hand in hand, which is why our tips are designed to show off your curves at their best.
The basics: choosing the right material and denier
Before we get to accessories, successful styling starts with the basics: the tights themselves. Choosing the right denier has a big impact on how your outfit comes across.
For a touch of elegance, especially at evening events or in a formal business setting, sheer 20 denier styles are ideal. They let your skin show through and act like a soft-focus filter for your legs. If you want to make a fashion statement or the weather is getting cooler, opaque styles from 40 or 60 denier are your best choice. Their matt look visually lengthens the leg and gives you a fantastic "canvas" for more eye-catching shoes or dresses.
Another aspect of styling tights is the finish: matt often looks more refined and makes the legs look slimmer, while glossy styles draw attention and are especially suited to festive occasions.
Accessories: the game changer for your outfit
Accessories play a crucial role when styling tights, especially for anyone who wears plus size hosiery. They add a personal touch to your outfit, highlight your style and let you combine your tights in versatile, creative ways. Here is a detailed look at how to use accessories cleverly to get the most out of your looks:
1. Belts: define your waist and shape your silhouette
A belt is often the underrated secret to a perfect silhouette. It can help define your waist and give your outfit structure, especially when you are wearing a loose tunic or a knitted dress. When styling tights, a waist belt helps balance the proportions between your upper body and your legs. Choose a belt that suits your style and let it contrast or harmonise with your legs. A wide belt is often flattering on curvy figures, as it creates a clear hourglass shape.
2. Jewellery: add some sparkle
Necklaces, bracelets and earrings can add subtle accents and draw attention to your overall look. If you are wearing simple black tights, your jewellery can be a little bolder. Choose pieces that complement your look without overloading it. A long necklace, for example, can lengthen your upper body, which works beautifully with opaque tights that visually lengthen your legs.
3. Shoes: an extension of your legs
Your choice of shoes can have a big influence on the style of your tights. From ankle boots and heels to trainers, the range of shoes lets you take your look from casual to elegant. A pro tip for styling tights: if you choose shoes in the same colour as your tights (for example black court shoes with black tights), your legs will look a few centimetres longer. For a bold contrast, you can also pair white trainers with dark tights.
4. Bags: stylish companions
A bag is not just practical, it can also provide a stylish contrast. Whether it is a shoulder bag, a clutch or a backpack, the right bag can complete your look. Make sure the material of your bag works with your tights. A glossy patent bag, for example, goes brilliantly with matt 60 denier tights, as the contrast in texture creates interest.
5. Scarves: play with layers
A light scarf can add colour and texture to your outfit. Tie it around your neck or use it as a belt to create an extra layer. In autumn especially, when tights season is in full swing, chunky scarves are a great counterbalance to close-fitting legwear and create a cosy yet stylish overall look.
6. Hats: dare to make a statement
Hats are an excellent way to give your look character. From fedoras to berets, choose the hat that best suits your style. A hat draws the eye up to your face, while bold patterned tights draw it down. This balance makes your outfit look thought through from head to toe.
7. Jackets and coats: the layered look
Jackets and coats can emphasise your style while protecting you from the cold. Choose styles whose length and cut work with your tights. A short biker-style leather jacket goes perfectly with opaque tights and a skirt, while a long trench coat looks great with finer 20 denier styles. Make sure your coat hem does not end exactly at the widest part of your calves, so your legs do not look shorter.
8. Gloves: elegance to your fingertips
Gloves do not just keep your hands warm, they can also be chic accessories. Choose leather gloves for an elegant look or knitted gloves for a more casual style. It looks particularly refined when the colour of your gloves is picked up in your tights or shoes.
9. Hair accessories: a frame for your face
From hairbands and headbands to hair clips, hair accessories can draw attention to your face and complete your styling. A coordinated headband can pick up colours from your patterned tights and tie your whole outfit together.
10. Statement pieces: show your personality
Add a statement accessory that takes centre stage, such as an eye-catching brooch or a large ring. This can give your outfit personality and shows that you see fashion as a form of self-expression. Details like these soften the strictness of a classic business outfit.
Colour combinations and mixing patterns
Alongside accessories, colour is key when styling tights. Black is the classic: it is slimming, goes with almost everything and is very forgiving. But in the world of plus size fashion, things can get more colourful! Navy, charcoal or a deep bordeaux are excellent alternatives to black that look softer but still have a lengthening effect.
If you choose patterned tights, keep the rest of your outfit fairly calm. A plain dress lets the pattern on your legs shine. The reverse also applies: if you are wearing a dress with a bold print, choose plain tights to keep the look balanced.
Seasonal styling: summer vs. winter
Styling tights is not limited to one season. In winter, thermal tights or high-denier styles are a must. Pair them with chunky knits, boots and wool skirts for the perfect cosy look. In spring and on cool summer evenings, on the other hand, fine 20 denier tights are your best friends. They soften small imperfections and make your legs look flawless, even in light summer dresses. Pay particular attention to open-toe shoes: there are special toeless tights that you can wear beautifully with peep-toes.
Care for long-lasting style
The best styling is no use if your tights have a ladder or have lost their shape. To keep your look looking its best, the right care is essential. Ideally, wash your hosiery in a laundry bag and skip the fabric softener, as it can damage the elastic fibres. Well-cared-for tights fit better, do not slip and keep you comfortable all day.
Conclusion: your style, your rules
At the end of the day, there is only one real rule when it comes to styling tights: you have to feel good. Fashion is there to be fun and to bring out your personality. Experiment with different accessories, be brave with new colours and discover just how versatile hosiery can be. Explore our wide range of tights, developed especially for your needs and your curves, and create your own signature look.