As January tumbles into February and fashion weeks begin rolling into each other, I like to take stock of the quieter trends that start to bloom amid the season’s heightened creativity. While the biggest runway moments often steal the spotlight, it's the looks worn by attendees and via street style that I like to focus my attention towards.
Fashion Month hasn't yet begun in earnest, but this week's Haute Couture shows in Paris have already started to sow the seeds for the trends set to define the season. We've seen dramatic peplum jackets on showgoers, sculptural silhouettes dominating the runways, and today, I’ve spotted another trend taking root—one I’m warming to very quickly.
Once deemed a fashion faux pas, the combination of wearing tights and strappy, open-toe sandals is having a moment. This week alone, I’ve spotted multiple front-row favourites embracing the styling trick, proving that fashion "rules" ought to be broken. The pairing is playful yet contradictory—both revealing and concealing in equal measure—adding a touch of unexpected charm to even the most polished looks.
Lily-Rose Depp and Dua Lipa were among the first to champion the look at the Chanel Haute Couture show. Depp opted for a classic tweed skirt set, grounding the look with silver metallic open-toe heels and sheer black tights. Lipa, on the other hand, leaned into a monochromatic aesthetic, styling her black miniskirt and jacket with a quilted Chanel bag and an oversized bow in her hair. The addition of tights and sandals and XL bow tempered the primness of her matching set, lending the ensemble a playful, retro-infused edge that felt refreshingly modern.
So, why was it considered a "faux pas"? It can sometimes look a little messy, more so if you can see the seam that connects the bottom of the tights peaking through the open toe of the shoe. However, position your hosiery right, and it can look very chick, as evidenced above. The pairing does carry a certain retro allure, too—perhaps because it harks back to the hosiery trends of the ‘60s, when tights became a statement in their own right.
Regardless of its roots, the message is clear: it's time to rethink seasonal dressing. Why limit your favourite summer shoes to warm-weather months when a simple pair of tights can transform them for year-round wear?
If you're also charmed by the rule-breaking trend, read on to discover our edit of the best tights and open-toe sandals below.
SHOP OPEN-TOE SANDALS AND TIGHTS:
I'm banking these ahead of the summer months.
Shop these rip-proof tights while they're on sale.
The peep-toe shoe trend is set to dominate next season.
These come in four other shades.
These snake-print heels are certain to sell out.
Style with a flowing dress or wear with a structured mini.
The thick block heel ensures a comfortable stride.
I always make sure I'm stocked up on good quality 20 denier tights.
The Row's Bare Sandals are a favourite within celebrity circles.
These come in 12 other shades including colour pairs.
-
This Is the Only 2025 Outfit Trend That Matters on 60-Degree DaysAs seen on Dua Lipa in NYC.
-
Making Basic Jeans and Black Boots Look Elegant Is Easy—Just Add This Coat Color TrendHint: It's neither red, navy, nor leopard print.
-
It's Here: The Only Coat Trend That's Cooler Than LeopardIt's a bit harder to find, though.
-
All the Coolest Girls I Follow Are Wearing This "Dated" Shoe Trend With Jeans, Dresses, and SkirtsGive your pointed-toe heels a break, and wear this style instead.
-
Here It Is: The New It-Girl Way to Wear Jeans and a Pair of HeelsSofia Richie gets it.
-
Black Tights Are Classic, But *This* Niche Fall Trend Will Get You More ComplimentsEmily Blunt understands.
-
In London and Lisbon, Fashion People Are Stirring the Pot by Wearing These Anti-Fall ShoesIt's a controversial choice.
-
These Are the Surprising Shoe Trends Gen Z Is Styling With Everyday Outfits for the Rest of 2025Niche, weird, and unconventional.
