Best Shoes To Wear With Tights & How To Style Them

Discover the perfect pairing for your tights and stockings with our comprehensive shoe styling guide. Whether you’re opting for dress shoes, boots, or heels, we’ve got you covered – yes, even sandals! Elevate your outfit, from short dresses to maxi dresses, leather skirts to cropped pants, by choosing the right tights and shoes. Imagine the festive flair of sparkly sheer tights under your little black dress or the bold contrast of opaque black tights with colored shoes. Tights, also known as stockings, pantyhose, or hose, come in various styles, including lace, fishnet, and thicker weaves. Explore our tips on color, opacity, and outfit coordination to make the most of this essential accessory. Whether you’re a fan of sheer elegance or bold contrasts, we’ve got the insights you need. Let’s dive into the world of tights and discover the best shoes to complement every style!

Top 9 Footwear Choices for Stylish Tights Outfits:

1. Ankle Boots with Tights
2. High Heel Pumps with Tights
3. Platform Sandals with Tights
4. Combat Boots with Tights
5. Loafers with Tights
6. Knee Boots with Tights
7. Mary Janes with Tights
8. Minimal Black or White Sneakers with Tights
9. Oxfords with Tights

1. Ankle Boots with Tights

As fall weather arrives, it’s time to embrace boots and tights! Whether opting for classic heeled or sturdy lug-sole ankle boots, these are the go-to choices for the cooler months and pair effortlessly with tights. Sock booties also make a stylish addition to your fall wardrobe, completing the perfect seasonal look.

These boots are available in an array of styles, colors, and finishes. Timeless favorites include classic black leather and suede ankle boots, especially when paired with sheer or semi-opaque black tights. Here are optimal pairings of ankle boots and tights that create stylish combinations:

• Monogram tights + in-tone ankle boots
• Opaque or sheer black tights + all ankle boots
• Silver booties + patterned black semi-sheer tights
• White leather ankle boots + white, lace or semi-sheer black tights
• Brown sheer tights + beige or brown ankle boots

Enhance your ankle boots and tights ensemble by pairing them with a mini or midi dress, complemented by a stylish cardigan. Layer this chic look with either a moto jacket or a peacoat for added flair. Complete the ensemble with a delicate leather crossbody featuring a chain strap detail, or opt for a whimsical handbag to elevate your outfit.

2. High Heel Pumps with Tights

Embracing a timeless look involves pairing sheer hose with strappy pointed-toe stiletto pumps. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of variety to your style.

For a retro touch, combine opaque white, pastel, or vibrant tights with a higher vamp or block heel. If you want to infuse a bit of edgy flair into black or colored lace tights, experiment with a pair of black patent, multi-strap pumps for an extra layer of style.

For professional and polished work attire, you can’t go wrong with either simple semi-opaque black tights paired with black leather pumps or sheer skin-tone hose matched with neutral pumps.

Certainly, monogrammed tights, whether they bear the signature of Gucci or Fendi, add a touch of elegance when paired with pumps, a mini dress, or a skirt. Complete the ensemble by donning a leather trench coat or blazer for a polished finish.

3. Platform Sandals with Tights

Certainly! The age-old question of whether tight with heels is a fashion faux pas continues, and the answer is a resounding yes! The revival of platform sandals is proof that pairing them with tights can create a stunning look, despite any negative opinions from skeptics.

Explore a variety of options, ranging from classic sheer black tights to intricate lace designs and cozy rib-knit styles. These legwear choices are particularly flattering when paired with shorter hemlines, allowing you to showcase the intricate patterns of lacey tights.

I prefer thicker knit stockings during the colder months, especially when paired with suede, velvet, patent, or sandals in a contrasting color. Opaque black tights complement metallic and leather styles beautifully, but it’s advisable to avoid matching them with black platforms.

White tights pair excellently with black sandals or sandals of any color, particularly those in bright or pastel shades for a striking contrast.

Opt for a platform sandal that conceals the toe seam when wearing lace or patterned tights. The ideal choice depends on the color and sheen of the tights, ensuring a complementary and stylish look.

Glossy metallic or velvet sandals, along with patent styles, create a fabulous pairing with opaque lace tights. This stylish combination effectively enhances evening ensembles like slip dresses, cocktail dresses, or satin skirt suits.

4. Combat Boots with Tights

Enhance any outfit with a touch of classic black combat boots or opt for a patent finish on platform combat boots to add an extra edge. Elevate your style further by pairing these combat boots with tights for an additional layer of fashion flair.

Opt for black fishnet stockings to effortlessly channel a rock ‘n roll vibe, or explore the versatility of opaque, semi-opaque, or sheer black tights, whether adorned with a pattern or not. Embrace cooler days with a cozy sweater dress paired with ribbed knit tights in black, burgundy, or dark grey for a fabulous look.

Explore beyond the timeless appeal of classic black combat boots and embrace the versatility of white or patent pairs for a refreshing change. Elevate your style by pairing them with a floral midi dress or a chic little black dress.

5. Loafers with Tights

Numerous excellent sock options complement loafers, showcasing their versatility both with and without this type of footwear. And for an even more stylish appearance, pair them with tights!

Choose a bold chunky pair of Prada loafers in black or opt for a similar style, pairing them with either semi-sheer black tights, with or without polka dot detailing. Alternatively, you can enhance your look by incorporating black fishnets for an edgier touch, whether it’s with a little black dress, black shorts, or a rocker tee ensemble.

A popular contemporary fashion trend involves combining white ankle socks with sheer tights and pairing them with loafers. Another stylish option is coordinating Gucci Horsebit loafers with matching Gucci monogram lace tights. For a chic fall look, consider pairing opaque, colorful tights with black loafers in warm tones.

Put on your loafers and snugly fit them with either a sundress or a basic tee paired with a mini skirt. Complete the look with a neutral or plaid blazer or opt for a trench coat to achieve a preppy aesthetic.

6. Knee Boots with Tights

Certainly! It’s fashionable to pair knee boots with tights. When styled with the right boots and outfit, many women choose to don tights with knee-high boots and it looks fantastic.

Opt for semi-opaque stockings when pairing them with leather knee boots to achieve a balanced look that avoids stark contrasts with the substantiality of the boots. Consider subtle patterns like fishnet or polka dots for added visual interest, steering clear of larger, bold patterns that may appear awkward in this ensemble.

You have the option to choose slightly sheer tights when pairing them with suede boots. However, my personal preference leans towards semi-opaque tights in a matching tone for all types of suede boots, be they straight leg, slouchy, tall, or ankle heights.

Knee boots paired with tights and a mini or midi skirt are a favorite style choice, especially when the tights make a bold statement. Whether it’s a structured mini dress complemented by straight-leg boots or a flouncy boho dress paired with a soft, slouchy suede boot, both combinations can create a stunning look.

7. Mary Janes with Tights

Mary Janes is making a comeback as a popular shoe type, available in flat, lug-soled, or dainty stiletto forms. Surprisingly versatile, Mary Janes can be paired with different styles of tights to complement the chosen shoe style.

High Heeled Mary Janes with Tights

Choose a sleek high-heel Mary Jane with a more refined touch, complemented by an elegant black hose that boasts a subtle sheen. Consider incorporating a discreet polka dot detail for added sophistication.

Enhance your ensemble with a stylish skirt suit or a chic shift dress. Alternatively, elevate your heels by pairing them with a glamorous mini-party dress and sparkling hose for a touch of festive flair.

Chunky or Lug-sole Mary Janes and Tights

Heftier renditions of this footwear, reminiscent of Doc Martens’ 8065 Mary Janes or Chloe’s laser-cut platforms, pair excellently with sturdy plain or chunky lace, cable knit, or herringbone tights that complement the shoes’ robust aesthetic.

Certainly, you have the option to pair these shoes with a simple dress for a classic look or get creative by combining them with jean shorts, cropped or ripped jeans, a rocker tee, and an oversized blazer. Alternatively, you can opt for a chunkier shoe and tights to create a contrasting style when wearing a mismatched skirt suit.

Mary Jane Flats with Tights

A simple leather Mary Jane flat pairs beautifully with opaque, matte tights in a luxurious jewel tone or even off-white or pastel, depending on the shoe color and outfit. Their versatility allows them to effortlessly transition from casual to formal occasions, making them a stylish choice for various outfits.

8. Minimal Black or White Sneakers with Tights

Certainly! Sneakers aren’t restricted to just socks; they can complement tights beautifully when paired with the right outfits. Black or white sneakers, in particular, go exceptionally well with tights, creating a stylish and versatile look.

Black or white lace tights paired with sneakers are a popular and timeless combination. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more vibrant and playful look, opt for black statement tights featuring opaque prints such as checkers, and large or small polka dots. These lively patterns work well with sneakers in black, white, or metallic shades, adding a touch of fun to your outfit.

You can incorporate sneakers into almost any ensemble, particularly when paired with tights, to impart a more casual vibe. Opting for a simple lace-up leather style works well for this purpose. Additionally, the timeless combination of Chuck Taylor shoes with fishnet stockings adds a touch of classic flair to the overall look.

9. Oxfords with Tights

If loafers don’t appeal to you, but you have a fondness for oxfords, they can complement tights beautifully as well. Opt for a pair of robust Doc Marten oxfords, paired with either solid black or vibrant patterned tights for a stylish punk-inspired ensemble.

You also have the option of donning semi-opaque black or contrasting tights with any Oxford-style footwear.

In a minimalist Oxford fashion approach, nearly all tights styles are suitable, except for thick knit or ribbed varieties when paired with more delicate shoe styles. For a conservative work setting, refined leather oxfords complemented by black tights make a cohesive and polished choice.

Feel free to compare our Oxford’s patent or matte leather with a pair of tights, whether they have a matte finish or a subtle sheen/sparkle.

Shoes Not to Wear with Tights

While the focus of this post revolves around the pairing of shoes and heels with tights, certain combinations don’t particularly resonate with your preferences. Here they are, below:

• Cowboy Boots: Traditional cowboy boots exude their timeless charm when worn without tights; however, when paired with leggings or specific lace tights, they can complement the right outfit with a stylish flair.
• Peep-toe heels or flats: These may appear awkward when worn with tights, particularly if the front seam of the tights is visible.
• Ballerina flats: Not every pair of ballerina flats needs to steer clear of tights. Timeless ballerina flats can complement sheer tights with subtle or no patterns. Avoid thicker tights, especially cable knit or loose varieties, as they may overpower this shoe style and create a more juvenile look. Instead, consider going barefoot or opting for no-show socks.
• Slides: Wearing socks with slides is generally acceptable, but it’s advisable to avoid pairing them with athletic slides, Birkenstocks, or minimalist designs when combined with tights or hoses. The two elements don’t complement each other well in these cases.
• Strappy flat sandals: It’s challenging to envision a pair of gladiator or thong-strapped sandals paired with tights. Let’s steer clear of this combination, as it may not create the most cohesive or stylish look.

Conclusion:

Pairing tights with the right shoes can elevate your style and add a touch of sophistication to your outfits. Whether you opt for classic pumps, trendy ankle boots, or comfy sneakers, the key is to balance comfort and style. Experiment with different colors and textures to create unique and eye-catching combinations. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the versatility of tights by incorporating them into various looks, from casual to formal. Ultimately, the best shoes to wear with tights are the ones that make you feel confident and express your personal style. So, go ahead, step into the world of tights and shoe pairings, and let your creativity shine!