2 min readColorful tights had a moment last winter, with flashes of bright red, cobalt blue, chartreuse and lilac poking out beneath the hemlines of celebrities and stylish tastemakers from New York to Paris. Red tights, the boldest of the pack, have entered our wardrobes again, but this season the whole gradient is up for grabs.
It’s an accessory that can be worn year-round but really shines against the backdrop of winter neutrals and cool tones. Shades ranging from bright poppy to rich Bordeaux are here to liven up demure black dresses and silky separates or add some charming playfulness to serious winter coats.
Below, we’ve shopped out five outfits for nailing the look each and every time. Sporting a pair of red tights isn’t for the faint of heart—and that’s what makes them the perfect accessory for setting the tone of the new year.
With a Little Black Dress
While it can be easy to slip into an all-black wardrobe this time of year, don’t give up on color just yet. To warm up a LBD for a holiday party or an intimate dinner for two, throw on a red tight. It’s classic and a little sultry in the best possible way. Keep the rest of the look simple, finishing with a suede kitten heel and onyx jewelry.
Calzedonia 50 Denier Tights
Ferragamo Traci 40 Pumps
Now 30% Off
Lié Studio Louise Earrings
With Four Shades of Red
The best way to flex your style muscle is to build out a look focusing on one color. Start with a burgundy turtleneck paired with a wine-colored skirt. Slip on a berry red tight and bright red heels, and finish with a silvery earring to cool things down. The key here is to be bold with texture and to pull across the gradient to ensure your look pops.
Favorite Daughter Amelia Top
Max Mara Sportmax Leather Skirt
Swedish Stockings Rosa Tights
With a Shearling Topper
Cold weather calls for a big, toasty coat. A red tight can keep your wooly outerwear from stealing the show completely, especially when slipped under a sleek sweater dress in a neutral shade. Add some height with a stacked-heel leather boot.
Ba&sh Medee Sweater Dress
Now 30% Off
Burberry Cavalier Heel Boots
With Cool Denim
Red tights can go from looking bright and cheery to laidback and oh-so-cool when paired with dark denim. Add an asymmetric knit top for a playful twist, low-heeled boots for walkability, and a spacious purse for carrying everything you need, and you’ve got the ultimate off-duty weekend look.
Levi’s Back Slit Skirt
Now 30% Off
Anonymous Copenhagen Hicha 40 Stiletto
Contrasted with Petal Pink
Slipping on a silk dress in the winter feels just as indulgent as it looks, but to stay warm, you’re going to need good layers. Instead of trying to play down your weatherproofing with neutral black tights, pick a pair in a rich merlot that complements the pink of the dress, then tone things down with a simple flat and sculptural shoulder bag.
Ulla Johnson Marcelle Trench Coat
