Tights: the new Winter must-have

It all started with Pre-Fall 2016 collections: this was where some designer, some more noticeably than others, began to leave naked legs aside to bring tights back to the runways. Balmain with its velvet-effect super opaque style, Giamba with a roaring animal print, Gucci with thick colorful tights, recalling those from our childhood days, that are the perfect touch for the new Margot Tenenbaum style of the house. However, it was Karl Lagerfeld with Chanel that it made clear to everyone: tights were not just a rare whim of some designer looking for something new. As a matter of fact, the Paris in Rome collection, in which all models wore wonderful patchwork lace tights matched with gem set heeled mules, emphatically declared that tights were going to become one of women’s next objects of desire, even of those who always seemed to disagree.

All it took was a few months to get the final confirmation from the runways. This past fashion month has in fact shown that tights will definitely be one of Fall Winter 2016/2017 must-haves. From fishnet tights, that left their rebellious and super sexy role behind to transform into daytime options (especially in Jeremy Scott’s wide netted version, but also in Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini and Rodarte’s super tight knits), to Saint Laurent’s veiled ones and Burberry’s elaborated versions presented with every look and matched with everything from python prints to sequins. The options are endless; pastel colors (Gucci and Blugirl are the most prominent example), optic white, Prada’s mountain argyle, and even crystal embroideries, creating a precious accessory at N°21. In short, a true statement piece that you must have in your wardrobe.

Will this be enough to convince even the biggest #barelegs team supporters? By looking at streetstyle, it might seem that those who don’t wait for fashion shows to establish the success of a new must-have, already had their mind made up, even before the runways confirmed the trend. Just like Chiara, who, for NY Fashion Week completed her Prada look with a pair of super opaque tights by Calzedonia, the Made in Italy brand, specializing in socks and tights that have always been a legwear staple for Italian women. She confirmed her choice even during the following fashion weeks, showing how tights can be cool and sexy not only in the classic black version, but also – mostly – when embellished. Like the ones she chose for Giamba’s Milan show in which she wore a red dress from the designer, and a pair of black Dr. Martens boots matched with Calzedonia micro polka dotted fishnets. Chiara chose Calzedonia once again to attend the Elie Saab show in Paris: veiled featuring polka dot tulle, they bestowed a super chic touch to the beautiful white look from Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini.

So, bare legs lovers, it’s time to embrace new ‘warmer’ habits. Which, we must point out again, are certainly not less sexy. Leaving something to the imagination is often much more seductive than actually showing. And what’s more seductive than the profile of a pair of beautiful legs?