August 19, 2003
The Look of Tights:
This season is awash with color. The all-black, all-gray and seemingly all-dismal duds have thankfully added a shot of color by way of super chic opaque tights. If by chance, one of the many periodicals dedicated to fashion has failed to find its way into your lap and the word 'tights' makes you cringe, let me elaborate. They're bright, they're sexy and as ubiquitous as long leather gloves (the other fall must-have). While equally ladylike, these colorful coverings are not your mother's pantyhose.

Granted they're still in good taste, but are loaded with edge. They're Audrey Hepburn come Twiggy and are the perfect way to mix some 'mod' into your wardrobe. With hemlines at a season high, they will be tres necessaire, once temperatures start dropping. If you've shied from fall skirts in the past because of sagging hose in hideously drab colors, make room in your closet for some fabulous transitional frocks to the tune of wool minis and mod shifts because you will want/need (same thing) a pair of tights.

More good news, this look travels well to the office. Throw on a tweed pencil, your 'go-to' white button-down and some neutral pumps with a slightly less conservative pair of tights and presto - you're the picture of autumn office chic.

Thinking about test-driving some tights? Remember, as tempting as the rainbow bright shades are its important to abide by some of the 'color codes.'

1. Stay away from 'holiday' mixes (i.e. red dress with green tights and black skirt with orange tights) 'twould be fashionably detrimental.
2. Start slow, try neutrals like plum and sage before you go deep in the jewel tones.
3. If you've made orange your signature color (as I have) and you're dying for a pair, wear them with browns and natural tweeds; NOT BLACK (see rule #1).
4. Finally, once you've experimented and are comfortable don't be afraid of color. We're finally permitted to wear pink in fall and we should do just that. I think a black dress with raspberry tights is way chic. And for a real 'outfit-maker' throw on this animal-print coat.

Go forth and be colorful.

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