As a lover of jeans and pants, skirts and dresses have usually been relegated to and only during the summer months. But as part of my determination to expand my winter fashion options, I decided to incorporate these into my rotation. However, this leads to practicality issues. Bare feet in the middle of winter aren’t on my fashion bingo card, but that means I need to layer up with tights. For years I thought it was impossible to make this combination stylish. It’s more like wearing a school uniform than being a fashion expert.
Well, dear reader, I was wrong. As far more chic tastemakers than me can attest, tights can be a cozy and sophisticated companion to your favorite skirt. The important thing is to get the shoes, hem length, and top combination right. And this season, there are so many options for fashion-approved tights. Choose sheer tights for a French look, or go for a playful Scandinavian look with chunky colored tights that accentuate your skirt and shoes.
Need more convincing? Scroll through to see six skirt-and-tights looks you’ll be recreating this winter.
6 chic skirt and tights outfits to emulate this winter:
1. Slip skirt + semi-sheer tights + turtleneck + slingback heels
Style Notes: This look oozes French sophistication, and we love the vintage vibe of the slip skirt paired with the faux fur coat. I always thought slip and tights was an impossible combination, but Sylvie proved that it can look very chic.
Shop the look:
C.O.S.
Merino wool turtleneck top
Perfect for layering under thick coats.
whistle
Black Lace Trim Midi Skirt
I love the lace detail on the hem.
H&M
2 Pack 40 Denier Tights
40 denier is the ideal sheer level in between.
Other stories
slingback leather pumps
Elegant shoes always come in handy.
reform
chloe faux fur oversized coat
The oversized fit is very good.
2. Gray skirt + gray tights + burgundy knit
Style Notes: I never imagined wearing gray tights, but Julie’s outfit more than made sense. I especially love how it subtly blends in with the gray skirt while adding a pop of red, this season’s hottest color.
Shop the look:
everlane
dream mini skirt
Many of my friends own this mini and love it.
reform
Dana cashmere crew sweater
This season’s most popular color is cashmere. What’s not to like?
M&S collection
60 Denier Body Sensor™ Tights 3 Pack
It’s the perfect tone to pair with a slightly pale gray skirt.
Zara
slingback shoes with buckle
We love how Julie opts for patent burgundy kitten heels that look great with the gray tights and tie in with the jumper.
3. Pleated miniskirt + semi-sheer tights + riding boots + cardigan
Style Notes: Pleated skirts and tights may sound like school uniform, but trust us, Scandinavia gives it an irreverent, effortlessly chic twist. High hemlines on skirts are very on-trend and look especially classy when paired with long coats and the very popular knee-high boots.
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Other stories
crew neck t-shirt
The white T-shirt peeking out from the knit is a styling trick that everyone wants to imitate.
M&S collection
crew neck button front cardigan
Other stories
pleated herringbone mini skirt
H&M
shape tights 40 denier
I’ve always been a fan of shape-fitting tights.
Massimo Dutti
Equestrian style boots with removable decoration
This season, riding boots are back with a vengeance.
4. Leopard print skirt + tights + black top + pointy toe heels
Style Notes: Leopard print is this season’s top pattern, and thankfully for those looking to incorporate it into their winter wardrobes, it looks incredibly stylish when paired with tights. Choose a sheer black color to give your skirt and jumper combo a relaxed sexiness with a touch of French sophistication.
Shop the look:
no one’s child
leopard print cord mini skirt
Yes, please. This skirt is perfect for the winter party season.
A top with just the right amount of sheer.
C.O.S.
sheertex semi-sheer tights
The best tight type for this costume is semi-sheer.
The shiny black heels look great against the sheer tights.
5. Miniskirt + tights + biker boots + shearling jacket
Style Notes: Biker boots have become one of this winter’s must-have shoes, perfect for adding toughness to a delicate look. It goes without saying that it goes particularly well with skirts, and adding tights will definitely make it winter-ready.
Shop the look:
mango
applique fur effect coat
This comfortable coat is at the top of my wish list.
Mini skirts are really popular this season.
sign
2 pack of 40 denier opaque tights
When it comes to tights, I always go to M&S.
by anthropology
By Anthropologie Knee High Ribbed Pants Socks
I love how Tia doubles it up by layering gray socks over her tights, peeking out over her boots.
Arket
leather biker boots
These will not be in stock for long.
6. Leather pencil skirt + ultra sheer tights + bodysuit + patent heels
Style Notes: Trust the queen of party looks to prove that tights and skirts are a combination that works well as evening wear. The contrasting texture of the leather skirt and semi-sheer tights looks both elegant and sexy, making it a perfect combination for evening.
Shop the look:
whistle
Black Jamie Leather Midi Skirt
Leather midi is very versatile.
Czarnos
Charnos 10 Denier Elegance Tights
I love the subtle sheen of these tights.
Anin Bin
Shiloh draped silk thong bodysuit
The drape of this bodysuit is so gorgeous.
gucci
Signoria embellished patent leather slingback pumps
Of course, you need to finish it off with some super sharp heels, and who better to turn to than Gucci for that?
