Hosiery 101

September 21st officially ushered in autumn, and while the temperatures are taking a bit of time to catch up, we all know that it's time to start the annual migration from sundresses and sandals to cardigans and boots. In honor of the season, I thought a primer on hosiery would be a befitting way to get ready for the rain.

When I was small, there were three things a hated above all else; taking naps, yard work, and wearing tights. Now, I've gotten over my aversion to yard work by having my own (very small) garden plot, and I absolutely love to take naps, particularly in the middle of the afternoon when I'm supposed to be cleaning my house. However, it took me quite a while to really appreciate tights. This may be due to the fact that most of my childhood memories of hosiery involve wearing uncomfortable white tights to church and having to sit still for what seemed like hours on end. Even now, I am very talented at fidgeting.

I currently love to wear tights, stockings, and socks of all kinds. What started out as a childhood aversion is now an integral part of my wardrobe choice nearly every day. Due to my love, I find I am very grateful for the recent resurgence of the popularity of hosiery in general.

This season in fashion introduces even more color, pattern, and fiber options. Hosiery was largely present on the fall runway. Many designers, including Chanel, Proenza Schouler, and Stella McCartney, incorporated basic opaque or sheer black hosiery as an accent for everything from pumps and semi formal gowns to sassy thigh high boots with miniskirts. My personal favorite was the use of subtle fishnets to accent Zac Posen's lushly exquisite dresses.



While we may not be able to recreate runway looks on our own, there are clever tricks to making your hosiery work for you. Simple black tights, whether in ultra sheer or opaque, lend a polished air to a look while lengthening legs and trimming thighs and calves. Colored tights are a fun way to provide a pop of color to monochromatic looks, and an easy way to wear the jewel tones so prevalent this season.

Tights and socks are very practical for Portland as well. As a city full of bicyclists, walkers, and Trimet riders, Portlanders spend a great deal of time outside in the cold and windy rain. Thicker cotton and wool tights, on their own or layered with knee high and over the knee socks, keep us warm and toasty while expressing our personal styles. For those days that are a bit chilly, but not too cold, knee highs and over the knees on their own are very fun. Available in a variety of colors, and great patterns such as stripes, argyles, polka dots, and cable knits, these socks are an exciting addition to skirts and dresses.

Now, lets go get ready for fall! Class dismissed. :)