The Cheap Styling Hack That Can Elevate Any Winter Outfit

Let's be real: winter weather isn't for the weak. At the initial onset of colder temps, the idea of bundling up can make your heart skip a beat, but after a month? That's a whole different story. It takes a great deal of strength and, frankly, some ingenious styling hacks to look still sophisticated in the dead of winter. No one, not even the most stylish person you know, is immune to entering a winter-induced dressing slump—especially if they're regularly turning to their staples to see them through the season. Don't get us wrong: winter capsule wardrobes can take so much of the stress out of dressing for ultra-chilly climates. But we'd argue that our winter basics can also cause outfit fatigue because there are only so many times you can re-wear the same black turtleneck with a puffer coat and baggy jeans!

Therefore, having a few styling tricks up your sleeve that can keep things exciting (even in the thick of wintertime) is imperative. So, what's one styling hack that will surely elevate the winter staples? Adding tights. We know it sounds basic, but please hear us out: in the last few seasons, hosiery has shifted from being an afterthought to becoming a "trend." We no longer see a sole reliance upon tights to winter-proof our pieces; instead, they've become a statement item in their own right. Of course, we've still seen average pairs of black thermals and sheer tights surface in the runway collections of Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, and many others. But there's also been a wide embrace of hosiery with unique prints and unconventional colors, too.

The subtle evolution of this seemingly "simple" underpinning in the last few seasons has made it one of the straightforward (and cheap) ways to individualize your winter wardrobe. To give you a better idea of what we mean, we've scoured the internet for examples of how to wear tights in the winter. Ahead, you'll find a few winter tight outfit ideas, along with styling tips and hosiery shopping recommendations. Shaking off your winter dressing-slump starts here.

WEAR: Black Hat + Leopard Print Coat + Black Sweater + Black Capri Pants + Black Sheer Tights + Black Ankle-Strap Pumps + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: If you're feeling sick of wearing all black but feel like you have no choice, try throwing on a leopard print coat and a matching pair of sheer tights. It's sure to throw a wrench in your usual look du jour.

WEAR: Black Wool Coat + Black Button-Down +Gray Pleated Skirt + Black Tights + Black Pointed Pumps + Black Handbag + Glasses

Styling Notes: Update preppy pieces with a pair of sheer tights. In seconds flat, your pleated skirt, button-down shirt, and wool coat will go from geek to chic.

WEAR: Aviator Sunglasses + Brown Blazer + Oversized Brown Turtleneck + Belt + Sheer Tights + Brown Knee-High Boots + Brown Handbag

Styling Notes: Give your most beloved oversized turtleneck the second life it deserves by styling it as a dress. While wearing it with pants may have been your original go-to, pairing it with sheer tights gives it a risqué flair.

WEAR: Headband + Sunglasses + Black Turtleneck + Brown Crewneck Sweater + Matching Knit Mini Skirt + Black Sheer Tights + Black Socks + Black Loafers + Brown Handbag

Styling Notes: Mixing black and brown has never been easier (or more fun) thanks to the addition of sheer hosiery. What started as two "clashing" colors ended in a full-blown ensemble of neutrals as far as the eye can see.

WEAR: Sunglasses + Brown Leather Trench Coat + White Tights + White Pumps + Oversized Green Hobo Bag

Styling Notes: Searching for a way to make your "stale" winter outerwear stand out from the sea of puffer coats? Try styling a neutral coat with colorful tights. Personally, we love the idea of pairing a brown coat with white tights and matching pumps (like above).

WEAR: Black Jacket + Thermal Base Layer Top + Black Mini Skirt + Red Tights + Black Kitten Heels + Silver Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: What's another way to make your staples stand out for the rest of the winter season? Opt for tights in one of the season's biggest colors, such as burgundy red. It can make an all-black outfit look ten times more bougie.

WEAR: Red Eyewear + Long White Fur Coat + Sweaterdress + White Tights + Red Slingbacks

Styling Notes: If you're the type of person who prefers a limited color palette, this outfit is for you. We can't think of a better way to embrace the "snowy" season than by styling a cozy white coat (fur or otherwise) with matching white tights. You can always add color back into the mix by adding a pair of red slingbacks.

WEAR: Fur Coat + White Turtleneck + Sheer Tights + Jeans + Black Pumps + Pointed Heels + Handbag

Styling Notes: When the weather forecast is far too frigid to pull off wearing only tights, take inspiration from the French fashion set. You can elevate your winter ensemble and make it even warmer by styling sheer tights under jeans.

WEAR: Longline Wool Navy Coat + White Thermal T-Shirt +Gray Cardigan + Matching Knit Mini Skirt + White Tights + White Mary Jane Flats

Styling Notes: Can't be bothered to wear pants? No problem. You can make a knitted cardigan and mini skirt set more winter-friendly by styling them with white tights, a long wool coat, and comfortable Mary Janes.

WEAR: Headband + Oversized Earrings + Long Gray Coat + Sweaterdress + Gray Tights + Black Legwarmers + Black Mary Janes + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: Let this outfit be your blueprint for layering for the rest of the winter. From the long wool coat to the matching gray tights to the contrasting leg warmers, this outfit reads sophisticated and perfectly seasonal.

WEAR: Navy Blazer + Gray Turtleneck + Black Mini Skirt + Fishnet Tights + Red Kitten Heels + Red Handbag

Styling Notes: Are colorful tights freaking you out? Don't worry. Black tights can also make dressing for the cold weather less boring. But we will say, black fishnet tights like the above are a far more interesting choice.