The autumn season always tricks us with a pretty mild start, but trust us, it starts getting chilly real soon. And when that weather shift happens, you *have* to be ready. The best way to prepare for those annoying temperature changes? Two words: black tights!
We'd be lying to you if we said that we've always been fans of wearing tights. After being required to wear 'em with our school uniforms as a child, you can imagine that resentment has stuck with us. But black tights are a capsule wardrobe staple that are such a useful outfit detail during the colder months. From opaque to sheer, fishnet, patterned and fleece-lined, they work with anything from ballet flats to trench coats.
Now, if you have some summer dresses hanging up in your wardrobe that you want to wear this autumn and winter – we've got the run-down on how to style them with a pair of black tights.
Below, we'll look at some amazing inspo pics along with some shoppable links so you can try these looks for yourself! We're talking black tights and dresses paired with different types of shoes, jackets, and fun accessories.
Style with a blazer
Style a pair of sheer black tights with a white button-up dress, kitten heels and an oversized blazer for a sophisticated look.
MANGO Straight jacket with flap pockets
Wear with a bomber jacket
Stay warm this winter by styling your black tights with a mini dress, a bomber jacket and a cute pair of black ankle boots.
MANGO Oversized leather jacket
Team with an LBD and undershirt
Throw on a black and white striped shirt underneath a sleeveless black dress to take your LBD into daytime. Not to mention weather-appropriate. Complete the look with a pair of black tights and ankle boots (or Moon Boots if you’re feeling bold).
Nobody’s Child Black Cord Nila Pinafore Mini Dress
Arket EIRA Heavyweight T-Shirt
Pair with a knit dress
We can always count on Bella Hadid to give us a cute outfit. She styled a cosy sweater dress with black tights and knee-high boots – such an easy look to replicate!
Vagabond Karlie Tall Boots
Opt for a blazer dress
A sleek pair of black tights will look perfect with a fitted blazer dress. Finish the look with a comfy pair of heels.
Unum Diem Double-Breasted Mini Blazer Dress
Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium Tights
Charles & Keith Luciana Croc-Effect Slingback Kitten Heels - Animal Print Black
Wear with a denim dress
A denim dress is a great style for autumn and winter. Pair it with opaque black tights and a thick belt.
Meshki Cosmala Denim Long Sleeve Mini Dress
COS Oval Buckle Leather Buckle
Match with a mini dress
For a night out look, wear black tights with a classic mini dress, some sling-back heels, and a perfect little black bag. Just as sexy as going bare-legged.
Mashu Artemis Black
Tony Bianco Cherry Kitten Heels
Try with cowboy boots
Cowboy boots are this year's hottest shoe trend. Style yours with a pair of black tights, a mini dress and a grey oversized blazer.
Falke Softmerino Women Tights
Wear with a turtleneck dress
We love a turtleneck dress for autumn and winter. Keep your outfit simple by styling your black tights with a turtleneck dress and some silver accessories.
LE SPECS Outta Love Oval Sunglasses
Diana Ring Flap Saddle Bag - Black
Opt for patterned tights
PSA: your tights don't need to be plain. Spice up your outfit by trying some floral-patterned or lace tights.
Foliage Fishnet Tights
Sezane Darcy Loafers
Wear under your summer slip dress
You can still wear your summer dresses in the winter by adding some extra layers! Try wearing your black tights with a slip dress and a leather jacket to add a touch of toughness to the look.
Omnes Aurelia Dress in Cerise
Pair with a floral dress
Florals are not just for spring! Style your black tights with a floral dress and some boots for chilly szn.
M&S Collection Body shaping fishnet tights
Saint & Sofia Noho Boot
Style with loafers
Pair a mini dress and some black tights with a cute pair of loafers. Bonus points if you add an adorable pair of socks.
MANGO Manteco wool coat with fur collar
Bobbies Jessie Loafers
Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
