How to Wear Textured Hosiery

Subtle Textured Hosiery

One of the best ways to make an outfit all your own is to add a special touch. Sometimes a nice accessory can make a big difference, like jewelry or a scarf. If you want something unexpected or unusual in your outfit, textured hosiery can be a real showstopper, if you know how to pull the look off. There are some precautions you need to take, but occasionally indulging in a bit of leg drama can be very effective.

Things You'll Need

• Full length mirror

Instructions

1. Keep it simple. The more busy the outfit, the less textured or patterned stocking will show up. Consider using solid colors or small prints that read as solid from a distance.

2. Avoid leggings if you need to lose a few pounds or your legs are short. Truncating the color at the ankle can be a dramatic style to wear, but it's best suited to tall, slender body types.

3. Think proportion. If you are on the short side, coordinate your hosiery with your outfit rather than contrasting it. Blending by using a base color for both will help create a cohesive whole. This is slenderizing and has a pulled together appearance. A black and white paisley print with a black and gray textured stocking can be a winner look, but only of the two patterns don’t clash. This is often a function of proportion. If the paisley is large, make the stockings a small design that's more tone on tone, with the predominant color also occurring in the skirt or suit.

4. Consider the focus. Are the stockings going to be the focal point of the outfit? If they are, avoid distractions that will draw attention away from the effect you are trying to create, like loud jewelry or a bold handbag.

5. Aim for balance. Textured stockings will draw the eye downward unless there is something to balance the impression. Good body proportions are a natural solution, but if you need to create some artificial balance, consider wearing a scarf, a free flowing hairstyle, or a wide collar that will create interest at or above the shoulder line.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider textured, colored or patterned hosiery for pants, too. A couple of inches of unexpected interest between the top of your shoe and the hem of your slacks can be elegant in an understated way.

• The more distinctive the stockings, the more they will be recognized each time you wear them. The first time is great, but after that, use in moderation.

• Even if you are wearing vertical stripes, textured or patterned stocking are likely to add weight to your legs unless you are very slender.

• Just to make sure you are creating the effect you want, check your outfit, stockings and shoes included, in a full-length mirror. You may end up trading those strappy shoes for flats, or switching out that striped blouse for a solid one.