Ahh, tights and boots. How to pair tights with boots is a question that comes up around this time of year. While I had a stint years ago where I had fun with colored tights and got creative, I seldom get fancy with tights anymore. Rather, I have a few go-to rules I follow that make it SUPER simple to pair tights with boots. In case you need it simplified, too, I’m sharing my rules today!
There are tons of ways to get creative and artistic with how to pair tights with boots. These are just go-to rules you can fall back on when in doubt or need to get dressed quickly!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Match the color of your tights with the color of your boots.This mostly works with neutrals, such as brown tights with brown or taupe boots, black tights with black boots, and grey tights with grey boots. This is the easiest and most surefire pairing you can go with, so it’s the first combo I always try.
Above is one example of matching the tights to your boots. I’m wearing the green wrap dress I reviewed for you in the fall. To keep the palette soft, I went with brown boots and kept it streamline with brown tights. Easy peasy!
BTW, this dress is very stretchy and has a flattering wrap silhouette and v-neckline. It hugs and flatters curves or helps create some if you have a straighter figure. The material is on the thicker side which will help smooth over bumps. It comes in 20 prints and colors which you can see HERE, and it’s only $34. I wear size M because the arms on size S felt too tight despite its stretchy material.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (exact-wearing size M in Emerald/Pale Blue Delicate Floral, similar)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Tights: Old Navy (similar)
Boots: Lucky Brand via Nordstrom (similar-I wear size 9, similar)
Tote: J.Crew Factory (exact, similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact-wearing size M)
Below is another example of matching tights to boots with black tights and black booties. They almost blend into each other which creates a long, streamlined leg line. And, it’s just easy! Such little thinking involved when you match. 🙂
This dress is from last year and no longer available, but there are some similar ones HERE and HERE that come in regular, petite, plus, and tall sizing!
Also, bonus! Fleece lined tights are WAY warmer than regular tights. Do yourself a favor and grab a pair! Try them HERE from Macy’s or HERE from Amazon.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: LOFT (similar, similar)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar)
Booties: Kohl’s (similar, similar)
Fleece Lined Tights: Macy’s (similar, similar, similar)
Bag: Sole Society (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact)
2. Black tights can work with brown or grey boots, too. I don’t do this often because I find it easier to go with #1 and just match the color of my tights with the color of my boots. But, if for whatever reason you don’t have or want to wear anything besides black tights, try them with brown or grey boots.
This is easiest done with dresses that work well with black tights, such as dresses in a color that contrasts well with black or dresses with a print that has black in it. It is also easier to do this with tall boots, since, when paired with a dress or skirt, usually means only a little bit of the tights are actually showing. That makes it easier to work with the different colors. However, it can work with booties also.
Above is an example of black tights with cognac boots. You can barely see the black tights, and they go well with the black polka dot dress. Black boots would also have worked really well, but cognac gives it a little twist.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Target (similar, similar)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Fleece Lined Tights: Macy’s (similar, similar)
Boots: Lucky Brand via Nordstrom (similar-I wear size 9, similar)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact)
3. Match your boots with the color of your dress, then add a pop of color with colored tights. There are ways you can get creative with colored tights, but in case you want to play with some and don’t even know where to start, this is a very easy rule to follow. I haven’t worn colored tights in years, so I unfortunately don’t even have a picture of this. Sorry! But, imagine the black and white polka dot dress from rule #2 above with black boots and a pop of maroon tights at the knees. I’d keep the cardigan black as well to make things really, really simple.
Those are a few go-to rules to fall back on for how to pair tights with boots. If you’re stumped, try any of these. Hope this takes out some of the guesswork for you!
While we’re talking about tights, the question about how to keep tights from clinging to dresses also gets asked quite a bit. I seldom run into this problem because I wear slips underneath dresses. I wore them to keep myself warmer (any extra layer helps when it’s cold!) but realized it also prevents clinging.
The slip I use is from Target and no longer available, but they now carry an identical version under a new brand. I’m assuming it’s the replacement. I like this one because the waistband is a wide, flat lace band versus a skinny, elastic band. The wider band doesn’t dig into my stomach, rather, it lays flat against me. That is 1) more comfortable and 2) doesn’t create extra rolls in my stomach like a skinny band digging into me would. See the slip HERE. I usually wear the nude color since I tend to wear lighter fabrics.
Hey, hey! Did you hear? The Winter Starter Kit Checklist is now available! If you want a quick list to start a mix and match winter wardrobe, download the free checklist by filling out the form below. This list easily turns into 14+ outfits!
In the world of fashion, especially when it comes to pairing tights and boots, understanding the nuances of color, style, and combinations is essential. Matching tights with boots isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about creating a cohesive, elongated look. I've dived into various style guides, studied fashion trends, and spent years experimenting and refining the art of matching tights with boots.
Let's break down the concepts and rules mentioned in the article:
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Matching Tights with Boots by Color:
- The article emphasizes matching tights with boots based on color. This rule is a foundational one. It suggests pairing brown tights with brown or taupe boots, black tights with black boots, and grey tights with grey boots for a streamlined look.
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Black Tights with Non-Matching Boots:
- This rule suggests that while matching tights and boots by color is the primary approach, black tights can still work with brown or grey boots. It's important to coordinate the outfit, ensuring the black tights complement the dress or the colors in the outfit.
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Pairing Boots with Dress Color and Adding Colored Tights:
- Another suggestion involves matching boots with the color of the dress and adding a pop of color with colored tights. This approach allows for creativity and a bold fashion statement while keeping the ensemble balanced.
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Preventing Tights from Clinging to Dresses:
- The article addresses an issue commonly faced with tights clinging to dresses. Wearing slips underneath the dresses is recommended to prevent this problem. The slip's design, particularly its waistband, plays a crucial role in comfort and preventing any unwanted clinging.
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Winter Starter Kit Checklist:
- The article also introduces a Winter Starter Kit Checklist, offering a quick list to curate a mix-and-match winter wardrobe. It includes essential items like a beige sweater cardigan, printed wrap dress, polka dot dress, gold pendant, maroon cardigan, and tan suede boots, among others, to create versatile outfits.
Understanding these concepts not only simplifies the process of pairing tights with boots but also allows for flexibility and personal style expression within these guidelines. From color coordination to outfit combinations and even addressing practical issues like tights clinging to dresses, these rules offer a comprehensive approach to styling tights with boots for any occasion.
