Fashion

15 Patterned Tights For Fall That Are Anything But Basic, Because Plain Black Nylons Are So Boring

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but I don't care: fall fashion is the best kind of fashion. When the weather's in flux, finding the perfect balance of layering is truly an art form... which is where fall style staples like scarves and boots come into the picture. Another necessity are tights, which allow you to keep wearing those summer skirts even as the weather starts to cool off. It's amazing what these thin pieces of fabric can do to keep you from freezing and the best part is that there are oodles of them on the market these days — many of which stray from the standard solid form.

I've rounded up 15 pairs of colorful, clever tights to suit any set of legs. From bright crochets to bedazzled and bandage varieties, these styles are sure to add flair to any outfit (no matter what the occasion) this fall. So while solid nylons are nice, it's not a bad idea to have an extra pair or two of "fashion tights," as they're often called. They do double duty by easily sprucing up a look and keep you cozy on frigid fall days. Win-win! Just remember that some of these styles require a bit of extra TLC, so to make them last longer you should wash them by hand or toss them into a mesh lingerie bag to wash on a delicate laundry cycle.

by Julia Friedman

Lace Footed Tights

These cleverly designed tights have built-in lacy socks that won’t slide down your feet like actual socks tend to do. Wear them with black booties and let a hint of the lace peek out from the tops.

Marisa Tights, $65, Wolford Shop

Ombre Tights

Solid colored tights are great, but ombre tights’ll amp up your leg game ever so slightly.

Ombre Tights Spring Indigo, $40, Etsy

Jeweled Tights

Because everything is better bedazzled!

Pretty Precious Tights, $19, Pretty Polly

Geometric Tights

For days when you want to look like an awesome modern art instillation.

Henrik Vibskov Bauhaus Stockings, $60, Far Fetch

Herringbone

This herringbone is a sleek and slimming option. There’re great for the office because there’re fun but not too loud.

Celina, $30, Fogal Shop

Falling Feather Tights

Cascading feathers turn ordinary tights into a work of art.

Feathers Print Tights Orange & Black, $36, Trendy Legs

Half and Half Tights

Business in the front, party in the back.

Front & Back Tights, $48, Alice and Olivia

Velvet Tights

These velvet tights add a bit of texture. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of soft velvet against skin?

Velvet-Flocked Brocade Sheer Tight, $14, Urban Outfitters

Crochet Red Tights

From far away these tights look like ordinary red tights, but up close you’ll see a subtle perforated pattern.

Meadham Kirchhoff Pattern Stockings, $109, Far Fetch

Embellished Tights

A smattering of shiny gems transforms these black tights into a pair you’ll want to wear all day and into the night.

Embellished Leg Tights, $30, Kate Spade

Map of the World Tights

Daydream about your next travel adventures just by looking at your legs.

World Map Print Tights Blue & Grey, $30, Trendy Legs

Fox Tights

With these, you’re one step closer to figuring out what the fox says.

Fox Trot Tights, $30, Anthropologie

Bandage Tights

Like lace-up ballet slippers… only not as painful.

Gipsy Bondage Tights, $19, ASOS

Blue Crochet Tights

These blue crochet tights have a few funky patterns going on.

Art Deco Crochet Tights, $12, Leg Avenue

Math Tights

The limit does not exist… for cool tights, that is.

Coline Design Cheat Sheet Tattoo Tights, $25, Etsy

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