(Betsey Johnson Cozy Hearts Crochet Tights, $50)

Stockings, tights, leggings, sheer, opaque. So many choices to cover your legs, and also so much confusion! With these items being even more popular than years before, we’re here to clear up a few questions about stockings and show you where to buy the latest styles in the coolest prints and colors. Continue reading, FabCrushers– we’ve got the ultimate guide to leggings starting right here!

Leggings

Leggings are basically footless tights, and they tend to be a blend of lycra, nylon and polyester.

The basic black legging has evolved a bit for the current season. For very fashion forward women, shiny leggings are the new “it look” and celebrities like Lindsay Lohan can be seen parading around in these on a daily basis. American Apparel sells the Nylon Tricot High-Waisted Legging ($42) are best paired with any kind of fitted knit mini skirt or mini dress in black, white or jewel tones.

For something a tad bit more classic, there’s the stirrup legging. But unlike the stirrups we’ve seen in the past, these are actually being made to go over shoes instead of under them. A pair like the Elizabeth & James Stirrup Leggings ($220) are great because they’re meant to be worn more as actual pants than an undergarment.

Want to stay ahead of the trend? Here’s what we think is coming next: shimmery metallic leggings, like the Lurex Footless Tights from Victoria’s Secret ($16). They’re just as flashy as the shiny leggings, but a bit more fun. And they’ll look great under a party dress.

Tights

That brings us to tights, the full length cousin of leggings. Even some of the most fashion savvy women confuse stockings with tights, and vice versa. The difference is that tights are thicker and are opaque, or semi opaque, meaning you can’t see through them. Tights are the best way to add bold color to your look and stay warm at the same time.

Of course, a pair of black tights are a wardrobe staple this season, but be sure to pick up at least one other color that you can have a bit of fun with! Purple, gray and blue are some of the most popular and wearable. The Colored Opaque Tights from Stockingirl.com ($17.99) come in all the colors of the rainbow.

Tights also allow you to have fun with ribbed textures and patterns, such as the Nora Tweed Tights with Zig Zag Pointelle, also from Stockingirl.com ($38). And you can bet these merino wool tights will keep your legs warm as well. And for a more basic pattern, check out the Ribbed Sheer Tights ($19) from BeBe.

Stockings

And then we have stockings, also known as pantyhose or nylons. These are the opposite of tights; they’re usually sheer, instead of opaque. Most of us are accustomed to wearing flesh toned or black stockings underneath more formal attire, but stokings can be just as fun and exciting as tights and leggings.

A pair of lacy stockings like the Lace Thigh Highs ($26) from BeBe adds a romantic touch to any little black dress or pencil skirt and blouse combo. The DKNY Tie Pattern ($20) stockings is a fun way to add a little flair to any outfit, especially when wearing shades of green, burgundy or earth tones. And lastly, the Hibiscus Print Sheer Thigh Highs are the perfect way to add a funky and flirty flair to an otherwise dull dress or skirt.

So many choices, it’s almost overwhelming! And what we’ve shown you here is only the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to check out the websites mentioned in this post for even more printed and patterned leggings, stockings and tights.

• No Related Post