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How to Wear Tights in Winter: 5 Chic Ways to Stay Warm

Learn how to wear tights in winter with a coat and short dress, a leather mini, a black skirt, a fur jacket and lace tights, with real photos.

By How Do You Fashion · Updated · 3 min read

How to Wear Tights in Winter: 5 Chic Ways to Stay Warm

Tights let you keep wearing skirts and dresses all winter. Black tights are trending again, and they make almost any outfit look chic. This guide shows you how to wear tights in winter in 5 easy ways, with real photos from women in the US and the UK.

Quick answer: Pick black tights in a thickness that fits the weather, pair them with a short skirt or dress, and add boots in the same color. A long coat on top keeps you warm.

Step 1: Wear Sheer Tights With a Coat and Short Dress

Woman in a cream coat, short dress, sheer black tights and ankle boots1Cream coat over a short dress2Sheer black tights3Ankle boots
Photo: Alisha on Instagram

A light coat over a short dress with sheer black tights is a classic winter look. The tights make your legs look long and polished.

Quick tip: Sheer tights look dressy, thicker ones look more casual.

Step 2: Pair a Leather Mini With Knee Boots

Woman in a leather mini skirt, black tights and knee high boots1Leather mini skirt2Black tights3Knee boots
Photo: Alisha on Instagram

A leather mini skirt with black tights and knee boots is cool and edgy. All black from waist to toe makes your legs look extra long.

Quick tip: Match the tights to your boots for a seamless line.

Step 3: Wear a Short Black Skirt for a Night Out

Woman in a short black skirt and sheer tights on a rainy city street at night1Short black skirt2Sheer tights for night
Photo: Carson Light on Instagram

For dinner or drinks, a short black skirt with sheer tights and boots is an easy night out look that is still warm.

Quick tip: Add a cozy knit on top to balance the short skirt.

Step 4: Add Tights Under a Fur Jacket

Woman in a cream faux fur jacket with black tights and boots1Cream fur jacket2Black tights and boots
Photo: Gosuamii on Instagram

A cream fur jacket with black tights and boots looks glam and stays warm. It is perfect for holiday parties.

Quick tip: A light jacket with dark tights makes a strong contrast.

Step 5: Try Lace Tights for Detail

Woman in a black outfit with patterned lace tights1Lace tights add detail
Photo: Alisha on Instagram

Lace or patterned tights add fun detail to a simple black outfit. They are great for parties and dressy dinners.

Quick tip: Keep the rest of the outfit plain when your tights have a pattern.

Tights Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wearing very sheer tights on freezing days.
  • Picking tights a size too small. They run and slide down.
  • Mixing brown shoes with black tights.
  • Wearing nude tights with dark winter outfits.

FAQs

How do you wear tights in winter?

Pair them with skirts, dresses or shorts and add boots and a warm coat.

What color tights go with everything?

Black tights go with almost every winter outfit.

What shoes go with tights?

Knee high boots, ankle boots, loafers and simple heels.

Are thick or sheer tights better for winter?

Thick tights are warmer for day. Sheer tights look dressier for nights out.

Now You Know How to Wear Tights in Winter

Pick the right thickness, match tights to your boots and add a warm coat. Tights let you wear your favorite skirts and dresses all winter.

More ideas: how to wear a skirt in winter, how to style knee high boots and how to style a red sweater.