As a ghostly pale Irish person with zero self-tanning skills, I’m always slightly relieved when bare-leg season ends and tights become a necessity. No more blinding passers-by whenever I want to wear a dress! But I know of many reluctant tights-wearers who struggle to figure out which shoes to wear that don't call their school uniform days to mind. Often, boots are the default, but I'm here to tell you there are plenty of other shoe options that look even better with tights than bare legs.
Let's face it—come winter, tights are a must. Yes, you can wear sheer tights that match your skin tone, but there's no beating a 60-denier pair when the temperature drops to single digits. They don't have to be merely a practical addition to your outfits though; as the six outfits below prove, they hold the power to tie your look together and add that air of cosy elegance we all strive for at this time of year.
Keep scrolling to see the best shoes to wear with tights, according to some of Instagram's best-dressed influencers.
THE BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH TIGHTS IN WINTER, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:
1. Loafers
Style Notes: Tights and loafers might bring you back to your GCSE days, but with some chic styling, you can transform the look from school girl to French girl. Look to Parisian influencer Léna Farouil for guidance.
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Choose opaque tights on extra-cold days.
The chunky sole has won me over. *Adds to basket*
A fantastic high-street pair.
So sleek! You'd never catch these in the schoolyard.
2. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots and black tights were made to be worn together. Honestly, there's no combination that earns me quite so many compliments.
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John Lewis will forever be the go-to for affordable, long-lasting tights.
I just love COS' boot offering this season.
These look so expensive.
These also come in sand suede, but the black feels so classic.
3. Slingbacks
Style Notes: We are entering party season, after all, so it's worth having an elevated shoe in your arsenal. Slingback kitten heels are peak elegance, and on a practical note, they look great with tights—so you don't have to freeze on your Christmas night out.
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One of our editors' most-loved tights brands.
This heel height is perfection.
Beautiful.
These are so elegant.
4. Trainers
Style Notes: I never used to wear trainers with tights, but I've seen several fashion people sport the look in a way that feels fresh and effortless. Stick to a darker hue like black or brown to avoid too much contrast.
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Once you try Swedish Stockings tights, you'll never look back.
I love the dark gum sole.
Suede is a key fabrication this season.
The coolest pair going.
5. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: No, we're still not over the ballet flats trend. Is it even a trend any more, or a modern wardrobe staple? Resist stashing your collection in storage for winter and find new ways to wear them, starting with this tights-and-mini-skirt formula.
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Wolford always gets the basic wardrobe hosiery right.
The square toe is a nice detail.
I own these in black and wear them religiously.
The perfect black pair that will go with everything.
6. Biker Boots
Style Notes: If you're going to buy one pair of boots this season, make it a biker style. Influencers and fashion editors have wholly embraced this edgy silhouette, wearing it with everything from tights and skirts to barrel-leg jeans.
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Ladder-resistant with a body-shaping waistband, this might just be the perfect pair of tights.
I can already picture 10 outfits I'd wear these with.
This H&M pair look so chic.
Just the right amount of hardware, IMO.
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