Trend Alert: Tights are Right

The bare legs vs. covered legs debate has been raging among fashionistas for decades, and both trends seem to have their day in the sun every couple of years. If you’re in the “I wouldn’t dare go bare” camp, you’re in luck this Spring — with leggings not going anywhere, and designers showcasing everything from fishnets to bright opaques to textured naturals at Spring 2007 Fashion Week, the leg wear industry is experiencing a major upswing.

D&G sent their models down the catwalk in full-length electric blue, acid yellow and neon plum tights. To cop the shocking look yourself, pick from one of several colors of Jonathan Aston 40 denier opaque pantyhose ($12) and pair them with stark black, making them the statement piece.

Erdem was all about a neo-Victorian look, with lace and floral patterns shown in cream and neutral tones. Paris’s white lace fleur de lis-patterned tights ($15) are a perfect complement to light Spring dresses that you want to break out a few weeks early.

The leggings-under-skirts trend is sticking it out for another season. Mandy Moore, Christina Ricci and Zooey Deschanel all chose dresses with ultra-coverage leg wear over more bundled-up looks at the festival this year. Wolford Captivation tights ($45) work the texture-heavy look seen on Anna Sui’s runway. And the always-wonderful Spanx Tight End Footless Tights ($24) are perfect for getting you through the chilly temps without putting you in a jeans rut.