It used to be the case that true die-hard fashion girls never wore tights regardless of the weather. It could be Baltic outside but the industry's key names would never be seen wearing a pair of tights. They just don't tolerate them... Until now.
For the likes of most of us (myself included), this somewhat impractical style decision is utterly unfeasible. My calves aren't immune to the cold and my Uber budget won't allow for it, but for fashion people not wearing tights is a status thing - it proves that you are above menial worries like the weather because you'll be in a taxi anyway. It's also an indication that you have the luxury of being well groomed because, as we all know, bare legs require serious maintenance - shaving, exfoliating and tanning etc.
But times are changing. Tights are back. Saint Laurent has revived hosiery as a means of giving any party outfit a grungy, give-a-shit look. Courtney Love, The Slits and Suzi Sioux could have told you all this decades ago, but sometimes it takes a catwalk love-in for the fashion world to see the appeal in something again.
We're (sadly) not talking thick woolly tights here, rather the dark sheer kind that look ever so slightly like stockings. This is both a blessing and a curse - bad because they're not as warm as they could be, good because it doesn't matter too much aesthetically if you ladder them - in fact, they look badass with a slight rip. Just don't get carried away - no one wants to look like a poster girl for a Talk To Frank campaign. It's all about your attitude. Think Kate Moss, rather than Binge Britain adverts.
Look at Topshop's new winter campaign - the seemingly coolest models are wearing dark opaques with their party dresses, most specifically Ella Richards, granddaughter to the mighty Keith Richards. They add a rock 'n' roll, sexy edge, which we find very enticing. They also keep you a modicum warmer than going bare-legged.
See also Alexa Chung, who this week teamed a white cocktail dress with opaques and red open-toe heels. She looked excellent, as I'm sure you'll agree. Kate Moss enjoys a fishnet, while Rihanna recently wore her sheer tights with a slip dress and heels.
Saint Laurent have added a glam rock edge to theirs by covering theirs with Swarovski crystals - they come at £405 should you be so inclined (although, they are currently sold out at Net-A-Porter). Otherwise Heist offers excellent classic options, while Topshop offer great glitter styles (£10).
Grungy, sparkly and with a hint of indifference, we're not going anywhere without tights on this Christmas.
