Statement Tights Are the Low-Cost, Low-Effort Way to Instantly Update All Your Outfits

There tend to be two distinct camps when it comes to tights: those who see them as nothing more than a necessary evil against the chill, and those who use them as an opportunity to add another layer of interest to their looks. I've historically aligned with the former mentality, but recent events have finally started to change my mind...

Statement tights have been all over the streets outside this year's Fashion Week shows, acting as a salient reminder of just how outfit-making they can be. Tiffany Hsu, for example, stepped out in a rainbow of burgundy, brown, bright red and pale pink styles, worn with everything from XXL coats to micro-shorts. Meanwhile, Camille Charrière opted for a pair covered in Gucci's iconic GG logo, which she styled under a furry coat-dress, and Olivia Palermo plumped for polka dots.

Even more recently, two buzzy collaborations have ensured statement tights are once again at the fashion fore. First, a collection for Swedish Stockings from tastemaker Leandra Medine Cohen, made up of shimmery fishnets, an opaque glossy red style, and a bold, tiger-print design inspired by a pair Chloë Sevigny famously wore in the Nineties.

Despite being by far the loudest of the lot, the latter immediately sold out—and were even snapped up by Marie Claire's very own Mischa Anouk Smith. "They’ve become top dog in my tights drawer," she says.

Then came celebrity stylist Aimée Croysdill's capsule for Heist, aptly named 'The Perfect Ten' and including styles in trending seasonal colours like burgundy and chocolate brown, alongside oversized leopard spot and crystal embellished patterns. As the brand put it: "This is legwear reimagined—the quiet foundation, and sometimes the headline." I couldn't agree more.

That's the brilliant thing about statement tights: when chosen and styled well, they're capable of being an entire look by themselves. They can be a particularly powerful tool come party season in particular, offering a low-cost, low-effort way to update your existing ensembles.

No need to splash out on a whole new festive wardrobe when you can simply rotate your hosiery around the LBDs and minis you already own instead...

The best way to style statement tights? As a relative newbie to this scene, I'm taking the safest, most beginner-friendly route by opting for a simple black base, styling sheer, crystal-covered tights with my favourite classic party dress. If I were bolder, I'd take the look up a few notches with a pop of colour or jazzy patterned pair instead, following in the footsteps of some of the most stylish women around. Those who want to lean into the trend even more can wear one shade from head-to-toe, or play around with clashing colours and prints.

There really are so many ways to style statement tights this season, whether to update your everyday looks or take your party pieces to the next level—much helped by the fact that there are so many excellent pairs on the market right now, too. Below, I've assembled my edit of the very best.

Shop The Best Statement Tights