The arrival of autumn and winter means it is officially tights season! If you're anything like us, tights become an essential part of your wardrobe at this time of year. Even the sheerest, lowest deniers can provide crucial protection from the elements, not to mention hide any goosepimples that inevitably emerge as a result of Baltic temperatures.
While recent seasons have seen coloured, patterned and lace designs come into trend, we firmly believe you can't beat a classic pair of black nylons. Largely because they work with so many different shoe styles. That's right, you shouldn't feel limited to only wearing plain black knee-high and ankle boots with your hosiery.
Below, find plenty of inspiration for fresh tights and shoes combos you can try IRL immediately. And the best part – they all look *so* chic. Not a frumpy 'fit in sight, we promise.
Black tights and white pumps
Hailey Bieber stepped out this week and totally revived a ‘90s trend in the process – black tights and white heels. The key to pulling off this look and keeping it from looking cheap or tacky is to stick to sheer hosiery – ideally, nothing higher than 20 deniers – and white pumps with a heel, even if it's only a small kitten heel.
Black tights and cowboys
Sure, you're wearing black knee-high and ankle boots with tights already, but have you ever thought about trying your cowboy boots with tights? Again, sheer tights will work best as they'll lift your attire, compared to solid black high-denier styles.
Black tights and loafers
Tap into the preppy aesthetic by wearing your black tights with loafers, no matter the colour of your footwear. Hosiery is a great alternative if you can't get behind the shoes and socks trend – try wearing tights under jeans to achieve the same look.
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Black tights and animal print shoes
Animal print, from leopard and cow spots to tiger and zebra stripes, is a big trend in AW25. As most of these patterns contain black or brown, they should absolutely go with black tights, no matter the shoe style.
Black tights and trainers
Suki Waterhouse raised fashionable eyebrows back in February of this year when she wore tights with her trainers, only to repeat the pairing more recently in August 2025. Well, consider us convinced as we low-key love how her sheer tights elevate her satin sport shorts and colour-coordinated trainers.
Black tights and ballet flats
If you prefer tights with a higher denier, ballet flats are one of the few shoe styles that work as the minimal silhouette won't feel heavy when paired so closely to a block of solid black. Incorporating black details, like a contrast collar, or black accessories, like sunglasses or a bag, will help pull the whole look together.
Black tights and open-toes
Thought you couldn't wear black tights with open-toe shoes? Guess again! From heeled sandals to peep-toe pumps, this just opened up our entire party season wardrobe. And no pedicure necessary.
Black tights and mules
You can put your toes on show in tights, and your heels too! Mules aren't summer-only shoes. Add a pair of tights, and you can wear these anywhere.
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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!
