When do you wear black hose

Stand up to dropping temps with the pieces that have kept women warm throughout history. This post may contain affiliate links.

See our privacy policy. Classic sheer, nude pantyhose are worn with dresses to keep from baring legs, and all their imperfections, in formal and professional environments. In truth, pantyhose were very uncool for a time until Kate, Duchess of Cambridge famously brought them back into the spotlight. Your foray into pantyhose will go off without a hitch if you remember two things. One, avoid pairing them with open-toe shoes. Secondly, choose a color that looks natural on you. Natural and pale is always better than unnatural and tan.

Wait, what? Women wear pantyhose with pants? The higher-end brands tend to be more comfortable and durable. Self-tanning lotions and the sun give some of us more options when it is really summer weather. Skirts and dresses that are a few inches or more below the knee also take the emphasis off whether or not you are sporting hosiery. Sheer, nude stockings are the best choice for warm weather when you need to cover up more — like the slightly above the knee length you reference here.

Even if you are wearing a black dress or skirt, black hosiery is too dark and heavy with lightweight fabrics during the spring, summer and early fall. They lighten your look and complement hosiery well, especially when they are made of patent leather or have a fabric finish. Open-toe pumps that abound this time of year can look old fashioned with hosiery if you are not super skilled at hiding toe-seams. Hanes makes decent nude hosiery that is more affordable than some of the designer brands.

This is because you want to make a good first impression and the person interviewing you may be much older. Because pantyhose are generally considered old-fashioned, if you are bare legged your interviewer may unintentionally misjudge you based on what she considers to be your inappropriate attire.

When attending church or temple, it's always a good rule of thumb to be as conservative as possible. While it's usually completely acceptable to wear formal slacks to church, you can also wear skirts with pantyhose.

Pantyhose aren't necessarily required, but they do add an element of formality that lacks in skirts without pantyhose. You should especially consider wearing pantyhose when attending church with people you are less familiar with -- such as your in-laws or your friends' family. Whether it be an award ceremony put on by your co-workers, a first communion, a wedding or a funeral, pantyhose are the way to go. Again, pantyhose takes a dress to a level of conservatism that can't otherwise be achieved by a skirt alone.

Otherwise, wait until summer when your legs are tan to wear them. If you think something is flattering on you and you feel confident wearing the outfit go for it! Posted in General Fashion , Legwear , Questions , Seasonal and tagged black dress , black hose , black tights , Is it OK to wear black hose in the summer?