Tights are a wardrobe staple that can instantly elevate an outfit. Whether sheer, opaque, patterned or textured, tights add visual interest and a polished touch to any look. As temperatures drop, it’s time to break out these legging look-alikes and get creative with layering.
In this blog post, we’ll share 16 chic outfits featuring tights to inspire your cold weather style. From dresses and skirts to shorts and pants, these looks prove the versatility and styling potential of tights. They effortlessly bridge the gap between bare legs and pants, making the transitional weather a breeze.
So read on for outfit ideas to take your tights game to the next level!
1. Navy Dress and Beret
Beat the cold weather blues with this adorable nautical-inspired outfit.
A navy puff sleeve dress serves as a blank canvas for creative layering. Pair it with black leather boots, black opaque tights and a matching navy beret for a pulled-together look.
This outfit is both practical and polished – ideal for running winter errands in style.
2. Cream Blazer and Patterned Tights
Elevate your 9-to-5 style with this effortlessly chic workwear outfit.
A tailored cream blazer and matching mini skirt makes a neutral foundation for a punchy patterned tight. Ankle boots pull the professional look together.
Underneath, a silky camisole adds some feminine contrast. This outfit proves the power of patterned tights to transform an outfit.
3. Blue Puffer Vest and Ankle Boots
Run winter errands while staying cozy and chic in this casual outfit. A blue puffer vest adds a pop of color and locks in warmth over a neutral gray sweater.
Black patterned tights offer subtle visual interest under the vest. Lace-up black ankle boots ground the look, providing traction and style.
This is an easy outfit for weekends and casual gatherings with friends. It provides the perfect balance of comfort and polish.
4. Red Cardigan and Pleated Skirt
Sweeten up your winter style with this darling outfit featuring a red cardigan and pleated skirt combo. The rich red cardigan buttons up over a crisp white top for a preppy twist.
A brown pleated skirt contrasts nicely with the vibrant top layer. Sheer red tights continue the color story down to white Mary Jane shoes.
This cheerful look is perfect for brunch dates, holiday parties or a day of shopping downtown. It provides a playful polish while keeping you nice and toasty.
5. Gray Blazer and Pointed-Toe Heels
Opt for office-chic style with this monochromatic outfit starring a tailored gray blazer. A crisp white button-up shirt peeks out from underneath for a hint of contrast.
Black opaque tights disappear under the hem of the blazer to create a streamlined silhouette. White pointed-toe heels echo the white shirt, pulling the professional look together.
This power outfit proves that tights aren’t just for skirts and dresses.
6. Houndstooth Skirt Set and Red Shoes
Stand out from the crowd in this playful houndstooth outfit. A cropped blazer and pleated mini skirt in the graphic black-and-white print makes a statement.
Ground the eye-catching set with a basic black turtleneck up top. Sheer black tights temper the short hemlines. Then, red Mary Jane shoes pull the outfit together, echoing the accent color in the houndstooth pattern.
This unexpected mix of textures and colors helps you put together an outfit that’s anything but boring.
7. Black Blazer Dress and Fishnets
When temperatures drop, lose the cocktail dress and pull on this black blazer dress instead. Structured shoulders and a double breasted closure shape an office-ready silhouette.
But the short hemline and fishnet tights provide an element of edge. Pointed-toe stilettos take this look straight from the office to the bar.
This outfit provides a dose of drama and sex appeal to any wintry occasion, from client dinners to date nights.
8. White Bodysuit and Red Tights
This playful outfit proves that tights can be the perfect legwear to make an outfit pop. A classic white bodysuit and black mini skirt serve as a blank slate.
Then, bright red tights steal the show, adding a fun and flirty vibe. Draping a matching red cardigan over your shoulders echoes the accent shade.
Finish this leg-lengthening look with Mary Jane shoes to play up the retro appeal. This outfit embraces bold tights to create visual interest and turn heads.
9. Printed Turtleneck and Platform Heels
Stay warm while keeping things interesting in this textured outfit. A white printed turtleneck adds a graphic punch under a black pleated leather skirt.
Patterned tights pick up the visual energy, complementing the geometric top. Grungy platform heels ground the eye-catching separates with a touch of attitude.
This outfit masters the art of creative layering for cold days.
10. White Satin Jacket and Leather Shorts
Contrast sweet and sultry by pairing a silky white peplum jacket with daring black leather shorts. The sweet satin topper softens the edgy bottoms with its feminine shape.
Sheer black tights make the shorts seasonally appropriate to prevent goosebumps. Pointed-toe heels echo the sophistication of the satin jacket.
This unexpected outfit combo proves that tights make it possible to wear shorts all year round.
11. Cream Fur Coat and White Tights
Make a glamorous statement in this outfit starring an ultra-cozy cream fur coat. White tights and beige pointed-toe heels create a neutral foundation so as not to compete with the eye-catching coat.
The beige shoes echo the light color story. But the soft white tights fade into the background to direct all attention to the plush faux fur.
This textural look acts as a blank canvas, so pile on your most dazzling accessories. Pull your hair back to direct focus to dazzling earrings or a statement necklace.
12. White Turtleneck Dress and Combat Boots
This casual-chic outfit provides an unexpected styling combo for sweater dress season. A ribbed white turtleneck dress makes a cozy neutral base layer.
Black opaque tights add subtle contrast while protecting bare legs from cold gusts of wind. Then, black combat boots lend an unexpected edgy finish.
This outfit contrasts feminine and grungy pieces for a contemporary mix-and-match look.
13. Oversized Cable Knit Sweater and Knee-High Boots
When frigid temperatures hit, nothing beats wrapping up in a roomy cable knit sweater. This cozy cream sweater skims the body for a relaxed silhouette.
Sheer black tights provide lightweight contrast and coverage. Black leather knee-high boots pull the casual look together while providing some structure.
This cold weather outfit prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. It layers on the knits while keeping things streamlined enough for everyday wear.
14. Ribbed Top, Mini Skirt and Chunky Loafers
Show off your stems in this flirty outfit starring a thigh-skimming mini skirt and black tights. A long sleeve ribbed top provides a body-hugging white top layer.
The black mini skirt balances out the proportions. Sheer black tights transition the leggy look between seasons.
To ground the outfit, black chunky loafers lend a masculine touch. This contrasting outfit plays with textures and silhouettes for visual interest.
15. Sweater Vest, Pleated Skirt and Mary Janes
Recall schoolgirl charm in this darling outfit combo. A preppy sweater vest and knife-pleated skirt echo private school uniforms. But black opaque tights and Mary Jane shoes lend youthful polish.
This outfit plays up the nostalgic appeal of collegiate style. But the tights provide modern contrast to balance out the retro vibe. As a result, you get a look that’s cute and current.
16. Gray Sweater, Pleated Skirt and Red Shoes
Close out winter in style with this monochromatic outfit punctuated by a pop of color. A cozy gray off-the-shoulder sweater tops a charcoal knife-pleated skirt for an effortless color combo.
Sheer black tights bridge the gap between the two shades while providing coverage. Finally, bright red Mary Jane platform shoes steal the spotlight.
This unexpected splash of color keeps the neutral outfit from fading into the background. It’s a fuss-free way to pull together an easy cold-weather ensemble that looks anything but boring.