Tights embellished in all kinds of abstract shapes and patterns are no longer something necessarily groundbreaking. But at the same time, ironically, there are many aspects and possibilities that are still unexplored. How many girls rocking a pair of zebra-patterned or leopard-print tights do we see on a daily basis? Patterned leggings have so much more to offer than this, from a wide array of colour choices to completely loony prints and designs.
There are women who prefer to steer away from this particular kind of bottoms just because they are fairly difficult to match and the tiniest error can make the transition from chic to kitsch. How do we make sure to not cross this very fine line? By following a simple set of rules that will help us make the best of our outfit.
Solid on Pattern – Always a Safe Classic
If you want to play the safe route, then the classic solid – pattern clash is the way to go. This involves surrounding yourself with print-less pieces of clothing and accessories in a way that will ensure that the tights are the stars of the show. Common tights in circle and stripe designs go excellently with combinations of colour that are extreme contrasts. So, for every pair of black patterned tights in your closet, make sure to have a solid dress in a light grey shade or a bright tone.
It doesn’t all narrow down to clothes, however. In winter, for example, you can still wear dresses or shorts curtsy of the warmth bonus provided by a pair of tights. Wrap a cosy white scarf around your neck, colour-matched with a knitted hat, and you’ll have a balanced outfit that revolves around the tights. In turn, this will make the design pop out even more.
The Bag Can Put You on the Map
Depending on how you choose to match your tights, the bag choice keeps varying, as far as colour, material, and size are concerned.
For example, a casual look consisting of a pair of black tights with small dotted designs pulled underneath a pair of pastel pink shorts works really well matched with a slim design carryall black leather shoulder bag. Top it all with a nude blouse with a subtle stripped embedding and you’ve got yourself an all-around outfit that’s ideal for strolls through the city that will turn heads after you.
Patterned bags should be avoided altogether, especially if either them or the tights are a bit more abstract than a few polka dots. However, with the right knowledge and eye for fashion, you can pull off even the pattern-on-pattern option. Speaking of which…
Patterns on Patterns – Go Big or Go Home
This combination can actually work, given that the choices are right and that it’s supported by the other pieces of clothing and accessories.
You can try breathing dynamism into your outfit by alternating between solids and patterns. In this case, take as example a pair of classic black mary-janes, a pair of over-the-knee socks, and tights in a playful little hearts pattern underneath. Slip into a cute knife pleated skirt that can break the monotony of black – either a velvet red or a radiant blue – and then continue the format with a grey sweatshirt that showcases a design of, say, stars. You can balance this combination out even further by completing it with a black leather jacket.
Solid-pattern alternations aren’t the only possibility. You can opt for a skirt rich in designs and shapes too, as long as someone can definitely come out on top as the winner. One of the pieces of clothing must outshine the other even the smallest thing. Grab a pair of striped tights, put them next to a knitted skirt with subtle vintage sewing. Which one catches your attention first? If you don’t need to think too much on the answer, great! Make sure the combination doesn’t provide a scenario where other people might be confused as to which one is the star of your attire.
There’s definitely a thin line between chic and kitsch when it comes to patterned tights, but it can be balanced with just a few easy tips.