I am a complete black tights fiend, which should be a surprise to exactly no one, being that I live in New York and wear almost exclusively dresses.

Being an at least mildly logical individual, I had the presence of mind not to wear my compressive shaping tights to Thanksgiving last year – but I did wear another pair of beloved black tights, and to be honest, the elastic, digs-into-your-hip waistband was almost worse.

The tugging and pinching and trying to hike them up or roll them down so they wouldn’t hurt during dessert (I know, but it was Thanksgiving!) was enough to make me want to spend the next year’s dinner in sweatpants.

Thankfully, I just got this pair of Hanes Opaque Tights, and I’ve worn them with almost absurdly frequency since they arrived. In fact, I’m wearing them right now, and eating roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta. And they’re still comfortable.

I got the tights in my normal size, but a holiday-friendly tip: If you want a comfy, high-waisted fit and a super-opaque leg, order a size up.

And have a comfortable holiday.

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So we’re all for funky, patterned hosiery (after all, we were beside ourselves with glee when Gerbe’s polka dot stockings made a comeback this fall) but these Twitter-inspired tights by the designer Gaby are just plain icky. People spend years trying to rid themselves of the ugly tattoos they ended up with after a crazy night in Vegas, so why would you willingly wear hideous tattoo-like designs all over your legs? Twitter has officially been taken one step too far.

For some slightly classier stockings, we suggest these elegant tights from Wolford (arguably the best of the best in hosiery) or HUE’s comfy basketweave style. Or simply peruse our guides to the best in hosiery and while you’re at it, some high heeled boots to go with them.

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While your first inclination may be to pick out leg warmers in some crazy hue, resist the temptation. Go for a textured black or dark gray pair and slip them on over super opaque tights. There’s no way you’ll be mistaken for Madonna in the early years if you wear some heavy duty riding boots. Remember you’re going for an effortlessly chic look, so make sure your leg warmers stick out the tops and are properly scrunched. As for above the knees, we suggest a simple smocked skirt and loose fitting blouse that’s elegant enough to dress up the look.

Free People Soft Sparkle Legwarmer, $24

Gap Opaque Tights, $12.50

Frye Dorado Riding Boots, $458

BDG Solid Smocked Waistband Skirt, $48

Theory Lilla Top, $180

For more tips, find out how to wear leather gloves and pick up some winter accessories of your own like stylish cheap scarves and hats.

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Oh, young Hollywood.  We suppose this is better, or at least, more intentional, than a DUI or a nip-slip.  Lily Allen and Taylor Momsen are among those wandering the streets with purposefully exposed thigh-high stockings flashing their semi-opaque selves to the world.  We’re not terribly inspired to cop the look from start to finish, but we are intrigued about more appropriately worn garter tights.

Worn with the right coverage, the look is subtly sexy instead of overtly trashy.  We love the Calvin Klein Stocking With Lace Garter as well as Falke’s Pure Matte Thigh High Tights, which are thick enough to actually keep you warm this winter.

Delve deeper into the tights look with all the best hosiery, and then pair it with a perfect pencil skirt and a cute plaid shirt.

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Yesterday The New York Times reported on the popularity of the French hosiery brand Gerbe.  In particular, the brand’s Plumetis polka-dot tight ($30) is showing up all over the place, from German Vogue to the Balenciaga runway.  We also happen to love the century-old hosiery brand’s back seam stocking:

In general, we love that not only are tights sticking around for another fall, they’ve returned with a new sense of fun.  Since no one should miss out on this trend, here are our favorite non-Gerbe tights, both wild and sensible.

Make fishnet office friendly with Betsy Johnson’s lace tights ($20).

Walk on the wild side with these leopard-print tights ($88).  Or make over your fall wardrobe with Trina Turk’s patterned and bold berry tights ($20).

Peruse more of the best hosiery for fall, and be sure to pair it with a neat pencil skirt and comfortable high heels.

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What: Regular Length Women’s Fashion Sock

Why: This beautiful sock is made from a soft cotton blend, displaying vibrant colors brilliantly representing the official colors of Count Me In.  It’s a great way to make a statement that is both stylish and fun.

About the Designer: Laurie Mallet is the owner and founder of Ozone Design Inc.  Laurie founded Ozone Design in 2000, with the goal to bring spirit and passion to one of the most intimate and neglected parts of our wardrobe: “For too long the sock has been ignored by the world of fashion, and we’re going to change that.”

Proceeds to be Donated: 15%

Get Yours: $16.00 @ http://www.ozonesocks.com/count-us-in.html

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While first instinct may dictate wearing a super-slim pencil skirt, we’d actually beg to differ – we like keeping this look modern with a neatly draped dress.  High heels are a must, though, and a bag that’s neither highly structured or too floppy balances the outfit well.  Lastly, we think jewelry should be kept simple and limited to one piece, as the tights already lend the outfit an ornamental aspect.

Wolford Individual 10 Back Seam Tights, $50

A.L.C. Tulle Draped Dress, $450

Banana Republic Flatiron Shoulder Bag, $140

Ann Taylor Perfect Tweed Platform Pumps, $175

New York & Co. Red Label Triple Strand Necklace, $39

If you’re looking to explore more back seam tights, we’ve got them for you.  Be sure to check out our guides to sheath dresses and fall shoe trends for items to pair with the hosiery.

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What: Six pairs of tights/leggings/stockings for fall, worth a total of $152.50. You’ll get new fall selections from some of our very favorite brands, like SPANX and HUE.

Here’s the full list:

Falke Pure Matte Semi Opaque Tights ($36)

HUE Denim Leggings ($28)

SPANX Tight-End Tights Convertible Leggings ($28)

SPANX Footless Vintage Tight-End Tights ($28)

DKNY Fishnet Tights ($12.50)

Donna Karan Control Top Pantyhose ($20)

Why: We wear tights with everything in the winter. Plus we have a hardcore crush on Spanx, and denim leggings are supposed to be really cool this season.

In all seriousness, when Bare Necessities told me about this week’s prize, my response was “Argh, I can’t believe I’m not allowed to enter.” You, however, can. Take advantage.

How: Comment below about what you’ll wear with your tights this fall. So easy! Because, really, you can wear just about anything with tights.

1. Post a comment about how you’ll wear your tights this fall.

2. You must supply us with a valid email address and sign up for the SheFinds newsletter.

3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our
server no later than Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.

4. One winner will be selected during a random drawing. The winners will be contacted and must reply via email as instructed in the newsletter to claim the prize.

5. No prize substitutions.

6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA.

7. No purchase necessary.

8. Void where prohibited.

9. Click here for the full rules.

10. Specific prize subject to availability.

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We love an autumn uniform that consists of a skirt, crisp blouse, booties, and tights, but there’s one adjustment we’re looking forward to making this fall.  This time around, we want a 1940s-esque seam traveling down the back of our stockings.  Backseam tights are making appearances in locations ranging from Vogue Germany to Bloomingdale’s, so we’d recommend getting in on the first wave of this trend just as soon as it cools down enough to don a pair of sheer hosiery.

Wolford Individual 1o Back Seam Tights, $50

American Apparel Sheer Luxe Back Seam Pantyhose, $28

Hue Back Seam Sheer Control Top Pantyhose, $8

For more top fall picks, check out our guides to the best hosiery, pencil skirts, and booties.

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What: Tres Sleek Elbow Length Sleeve Arm Shaper, $29

Why: Upper arms are a big problem for a lot of people–to the extent that many women won't even wear sleeveless. Tres Sleek (formerly known as Flabuless) offers the first line of shapewear for arms, and for the most part, I think this is a great quick fix for ladies looking to temporarily tighten up without spending weeks at the gym.

I needed a little assistance putting it on, especially with the second sleeve. And like most shapers, my arms felt squeezed into the confined space. The shrug design helps keep the arm socks in place, but pulls up a bit near the armpits thus creating some pudge-like bra fat. But the elbow-length sleeves don't create any bulges near the elbows.

Still, I'd probably invest in the long sleeve version to avoid any potential bulges…and as a useful alternative to layering in cooler weather.

Get Yours: barenecessities.com

Check out our Shapewear Guide for more ways to keep everything sucked in and faux firm. 

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