College Fashion Trend: Opaque Tights
Move over, leggings – this winter, there’s a hot new trend in legwear that’s much more chic. If you can’t guess by the title of this article; I’m talking about opaque tights.
We saw the look all over the runways, and now the opaque tights trend has finally hit the streets (not to mention all the college campuses.) They’re everywhere – paired with ankle boots, dresses, and even shorts.
Opaque tights truly are this year’s leggings are a must-have trendy item that works in so many different outfits. The most popular tights are opaque black, but the look also works with bright colors from red to electric blue.
Edie in her opaque tights.
Why Tights Rock
Let me just take a second to say that I’m obsessed with this trend! Tights are a fab way to wear your fall dresses into winter (hello stretching the clothing budget), and a huge bonus – most are inexpensive! Also, I love the throwback to Edie Sedgwick and the 60′s mod look (see photo on the right – how fabulous does Edie look?) But here’s the best part – tights actually do keep your legs warm!
How To Wear Opaque Tights
Tights are so versatile and they truly work with tons of different looks! Here are a few tips to get you started rocking this trend.
- Try them with a sweater dress. Talk about cozy chic! Try a sweater dress over black opaque tights with cute ankle boots for effortless style.
- Use bright colors sparingly. Remember that if you rock brightly colored opaque tights, keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your legs be the focus.
- Try them with a party dress. Glam up your going-out look and stay warm while you walk to the bars or parties! Pair a sparkly dress with opaque tights, hot accessories and peep toe heels!
- Try matching your shoes. Wear your tights with flats or heels in the same color for a look that makes your legs look a mile long!
- Remember: Opaque, not semi opaque! There IS a difference. Opaque is hot this season, while semiopaque tights just look dated and are also much less slimming for your legs.
Shop This Trend
 Xhilaration Low Rise Tights $5.99 |
Sparkle & Fade Opaque Tights $12.00 |
 Hot Sox Metallic Tights $18.00 |
What do you think of the opaque tights trend? Do you love it as much as I do, or are you going to rock bare legs this winter instead? Take the poll below and let me know your opinions in the comments!
[poll id="8"]
Posted on on November 22, 2007 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Clothing, Dresses, Edie Sedgwick, Tights, Trends
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Gemma
Just had to comment on this – I love this trend and I’m glad to see it here on the site. Black tights are so hot and I love how they go with so many outfits and different types of weather. And they really are warm too just like you say.
Thanks for posting the hot trends and I’ll be checking back for updates of course :)
— Gemma
Zephyr
Aw, thanks Gemma, and yay I’m happy you like the tights too, I’m really obsessed haha
Christy
Opaque tights are my favorite trend this season! i love how great the look with everything, and the come in so many colors! at my college, alot of people are still wearing mini skirts! i’m glad you’re trying to teach people layering CAN BE cute!
Chanel
Zephyr-
I added you to my link list (Hip Links), and please know that it is honestly never my intention to be unfair.
Love your blog as well…
Chanel
Nicole
Hey,
I’m confused as to what type of black leggings every girl is wearing? I mean this has to be a special type to wear in the winter time. So are these a special type that The North Face would make? I’ve been looking for these and I know everyone is not wearing the basic $4.00 brand of black leggings in 20 degree weather? I know that these are pretty much only worn with boots. An example is the UGG boots. I should know this but I don’t…and I’m only 22. I’m just extremely busy with school and my elementary students I tutor, and one day I decided that, “Hey, I want those pants!” hmm…??
Jess
i love this! in january to a party i wore a black dress with hot pink opaque tights and black ankle boots and everyone loved it! this is great :)
laura
love this article! You need to mention welovecolors.com, I buy from them, and they have some many colors for each of their products and their tights are comfy!!
Sweet
I love this article and it makes my heart proud to see the younger generation is beginning to catch on with the legwear. Opaque Tights come in so many colors and patterns now! Men love and appreciate ladies who go the extra mile to wear sexy pantyhose or tights.
I found personally the cheap pantyhose feel uncomfortable and never fit…so I only wear the high end or European hosiery, such as the Wolford’s.
If you ever want to write an article for my blog to tell my readers all about your great site here…please feel free to contact me!
Sweet Dreams,
Sweet
Emma
can opaque tights be worn as pants? or is that just wrong
aish
i like them with dresses and sweater dresses, some times even tunics
Brenda
I’m so happy that tights are back for the fall season! I really dislike the bare legs in the winter…it’s to cold for me. Perhaps I will be more inclined to to wear a dress this fall knowing that I can wear tights to help keep me warm!