Why White

CEBU, Philippines - I remember buying almost every kind of local fashion magazine some months back and finding myself a little bit shocked at how each of them were raving about opaque black tights. I was never really a tights person to begin with, but then, there’s really just something about the subject being harped over and over again that simply makes you want to grab your own pair of opaque black tights and pair it up with a cute baby doll dress on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Of course, as summer came around the corner, the tights had to go and make way for sexy, tanned gams, worthy no less to be flaunted. Inasmuch as many of us are still suffering from a terrible summer hangover, there is every reason to cover up those sun-kissed legs and make way for a cool and refreshing twist via opaque white tights.

Opaque white tights are tres, tres, challenging to pull off. First, you have to make sure you keep yourself from looking like a lost ballerina. Second, you have to know what kind of white tights to don to bag a particular look. After all, there is an entire spectrum of white to choose from: from the starkest white, to an entire slew of off-whites, to cream. Regardless of which one you will be choosing, keep it mind that it’s always best to wear them opaque rather than sheer to make your gams really stand out.

For starters, you can play around with any of the five different looks:

Classic

If white is a little bit too flashy for you, balance it off with some black. Go goth and edgy by throwing in a black dress with leather details. The hem should fall several inches above the knees. You have two options for your shoes. Depending on the style and cut of the dress, you can either go for caged black heels or go all-out with thigh-high boots. This should do the trick in sandwiching the white between two blacks.

Country

I hope you didn’t chuck out your tweeds just yet. They were big years back. They’ll be back right now, thanks to the white tights trend. Tweeds and plaids that come in forest palettes of deep greens and lush browns speak everything about cozy nights at the porch, sipping hot chocolate. Knits in cable or herringbone speak of running around in the woods with dead leaves crunching right at your feet. The perfect white tights for this look? Cream. Definitely cream.

Vintage

Think about Veruschka or Twiggy, or any of the style icons of the hip and happening 60s and 70s and I’ll bet you we’re thinking of practically the same thing: mod mini dresses, flashy colors, and wild prints. 

Nab the vintage look by slipping on your white tights and sticking to a very nautical navy blue and deep red pattern in unmistakable vintage cuts. If you’re feeling more retro and disco, embrace an entire palette of brights like orange, yellow, purple, and fuchsia. Wear these colors on your shorts or on shift dresses and mini dresses. Go hippy with paisley prints, earth tones, and florals. Dress up your toes with kitten heels or ballet flats in the color or pattern of your fancy.

Icy

Make like the Ice Queen and show them what snow and ice are made of. Leave your sled pulled by wolves and polar bears behind though. This look is fierce and cold, but definitely hot and sexy. Play around with different tones of white, in different textures. Accentuate with lace or fur and throw in zircon or faux diamond accessories. If you’re donning a plain white dress with minimum frills and icicles at the hems, add an interesting touch to it with a statement necklace in clear crystal stones. A bold, statement ring won’t hurt either. Just be careful not to bring about a snow storm.

Modern

Modern and minimal is all about mixing the white tights trend with other trends like the sporty look trend for a very in-the-now feel. Stick to steels, greys, and neutrals though, to be able to pull this look together and to keep it from becoming too retro. Go for unconventional cuts and unexpected folds and twists in the fabric. A little sheen for accent won’t hurt, as well. Break the monotony of the white tights on your legs by adding a bit of texture without deviating from the color scheme. Ankle socks or leg warmers over the white tights will do very nicely.

Another crucial element in pulling off any look with the white tights trend is in choosing the perfect pair of shoes.  If you can, try moving a little bit away from black if it comes off as rather too heavy. Try some dove greys and tans for a more toned down, yet equally icilicious look.