Guest Author - Vicky Talbot

With temperatures dropping and the overwhelming urge to reach for those lovely warm trousers starting to get the better of you, there’s no doubt about it, winter is almost upon us. Goodbye sunshine, goodbye sandals, goodbye shades – but it needn’t be goodbye legs. Far from it, your pins will be a huge part of this season’s trends, whether you’re keen to sport a micro-mini, tunic top, body-con bandage dress or a sultry high-waisted skirt, your legs are going to be your greatest asset this season.

For those of you who shudder at the mere thought of wearing nude pantyhose, unflattering flimsy tights and unruly ladders, fear not, this season’s tights are pure statement: think colour, density, pattern and detail.

Colour Tights

The ideal way to add spice to dark jumper dresses, tunics or shirt and skirt combos, be daring and pick out a bright pair of hose. Stay away from garish neons and go for high denier pairs (50 plus) as these tend to flatter the leg more than thinner varieties – and they’re the perfect pin protection for chilly mornings! Block colour tights are a daring addition to anyone’s wardrobe so wear with caution and be careful not to overdo the look. Always wear with plain clothes in grey, neutrals or black and go for warm jewel colours such as deep purple, berry red and emerald shades. To complete the look, elongate your legs further with a pair of high heel courts.

Leggings

Probably the most unlikely trend to have carried over from last season, the rising popularity of smock dresses and floaty tunics have given leggings a second chance at style. Find a punky pair featuring exotic leopard print, stripes or polka dot to add a dash of 80’s glamour to an otherwise sensible LBD. Introduce leggings into your casual wardrobe and team with oversize shirts (don’t forget to cinch with a body-con waist belt), long jumpers and cropped jackets. As with skinny jeans, leggings look best paired with baggier tops, instantly creating slimmer, leaner looking legs. Wear with comfortable but pretty pumps and be wary about mixing patterns – choose some plain, carefully embellished pair ballerinas or a slick patent pair.

Patterns & Prints

Yet another way to reinvent your closet basics, pulling a pair of patterned tights on this winter will instantly update skirts and dresses. Let your legs do the talking and choose a pair of densely detailed tights – perfect for wearing with mini skirts if you’re a little cautious about bearing your pins. As a general rule try to stick with vertical patterns and dark colours to lengthen legs – polka dots and intricate designs can add density to curvier pins. Finish the look with a pair of this season’s must-have shoe-boots in jet black.