What Colour Tights Should You Wear with Which Dress Shade?

Are you wondering which colour of tights to wear with a blue, red, black, or yellow dress? Are you looking for handy tips on how to match your tights?

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I pay attention to every detail when putting together my outfits. When I wear a dress in winter, I make sure to carefully select my tights so they complement the rest of my attire perfectly.

Today, I’m sharing my top tips on tights, whether they’re plain or brightly coloured!

When wearing a dress, choose tights in complementary colours that pair well together, like grey and mustard yellow, or navy blue and burgundy. If you want to stick to a classic look or wear a dressy outfit with subtle tights, opt for slightly sheer black tights instead. Finally, consider coordinating the colour of your tights with hair accessories, a handbag, or a lovely jacket.

Would you like to learn more? Keep reading to find out:

• Where tights come from and what has contributed to their popularity,

• How to choose your tights colour based on the colour of your dress,
• What colour tights to wear with a skirt,
• All our tips for perfectly matching your tights with the rest of your outfit,
• And lots of ultra-stylish outfit ideas featuring coloured tights!

Why and how have tights become an essential part of our wardrobes?

What woman doesn't have tights in her wardrobe these days? Discover their success story in the following lines!

Tights, a revolutionary fashion accessory…

Contrary to what one might think, tights as we know them have only existed since the 1940s! In fact, it wasn’t until 1935 that Wallace Carothers, an American researcher from Harvard University, discovered nylon fibre. In France, this revolutionary product made its debut in the 1950s and quickly became essential. It's much cheaper than the silk and cotton stockings that were available before, and it allows for more personalisation of outfits.

In the 1960s, with the rise of mini skirts, a trend emerged: wearing a colourful skirt with matching tights, either plain or patterned! It became a true fashion accessory for young women of that time.

By the end of the 1970s, tights underwent a new revolution with the emergence of the grunge trend: influenced by designers like Vivienne Westwood, fishnet tights began to appear.

… Who's reinventing themselves!

Today, tights are a staple in most wardrobes and styles. Without them, it would be impossible to wear skirts or dresses in winter! In response to criticism about their fragility, more and more brands are offering more durable options that are suitable for all body shapes! There's a wide variety of styles available, so you'll be able to choose the perfect pair to personalise your outfits. 😉

What colour tights should I wear?

Are you wondering what shades to choose to match your favourite dresses? In the following lines, I'll share some simple tips on how to create chic and stylish outfits.

What tights to wear with a navy dress?

Navy blue is a classic colour that's very easy to wear every day. If you're looking for a subtle outfit, you can opt for black tights. If your dress is plain, you might consider wearing patterned tights, which will add a touch of sophistication to your look. The options are endless: flowers, polka dots, checks…

👉 If you're looking to slim down your legs, you might want to choose tights with vertical stripes, as they will enhance their shape beautifully.

Are you looking to add a splash of colour and a bit of flair to a navy dress? If so, you might want to consider some brightly coloured tights:

• in mustard yellow, which is the complementary colour to dark blue and will pair beautifully with it,
• in burgundy red, for a classic and elegant look,
• in cognac, if you're wearing shoes or accessories in natural brown leather.

What Tights to Wear with a Red Dress?

A red dress is an essential piece in any wardrobe. To complement it, you can choose dark tights, black or grey. If your dress is burgundy, navy tights would also work perfectly.

👉 Fancy creating a unique and original look with a bright red dress? Opt for turquoise tights and pair them with shiny red heels that match your dress. This two-tone style will be perfect for those who love to experiment with original and trendy outfits!

What tights to wear with a mustard yellow dress?

Very trendy in recent years, mustard yellow is a perfect shade for those looking to add some colour to their wardrobe. It’s easy to pair with other pieces and gives a lovely glow to your everyday look, all while keeping it stylish.

With a mustard yellow dress, you can wear navy tights and add a splash of red to the rest of your outfit to complete the look.

You can also choose to wear dark grey tights, which you can pair with black shoes and accessories.

What tights to wear with a black dress?

Sometimes, simplicity is the most beautiful form of elegance. This is particularly true for black dresses, which are usually beautifully complemented by black tights. One detail to consider is the opacity of your tights: with a black dress, opt for slightly sheer tights that allow a glimpse of your legs to avoid a monochromatic look. You can pair them with colourful shoes to brighten up the outfit.

👉 Fancy adding a splash of colour to your outfit? If so, I suggest you try some red tights, which will highlight your legs without clashing with the rest of your ensemble!

What colour tights should you wear with a skirt or shorts?

When planning to wear a skirt or shorts, it's important to consider the overall look of your outfit when choosing tights. To keep it simple, you can select tights that match your skirt, in a shade similar to the top you will be wearing with it. For instance, if you're wearing a navy top, you might choose tights that are the same colour.

In any case, it's best to stick to no more than three different shades in one outfit to avoid looking mismatched.

Embrace the monochrome look with patterned tights!

Do you enjoy wearing dresses with tights and fancy switching up your usual colour combinations? For a bold and original look that showcases your fashion sense, you might consider tights in the same colour as your dress. You can even pair them with shoes in matching shades: high heels or ankle boots would be just the ticket! If you don't have shoes in that style, black footwear will also work well to create a lovely contrast. 😉

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Tights

No matter what colours your outfit features, it can be quite straightforward to choose your tights if you know a few simple rules. I'll share these with you in the following paragraphs!

Choose Based on Your Shoes

When selecting tights to wear with a skirt or dress, it’s essential to consider not only matching them to the colour and style of the outfit but also to your shoes. Depending on whether your shoes are made of natural leather, black leather, or a less traditional colour, certain tights will complement them better than others.

For example, cognac tights often tend to match tonal with light brown shoes, which can make them seem a bit dull.

Opaque black tights aren’t the best choice to wear with open-toed shoes or heels in the same colour: save them for outfits with boots, or pair them with shoes that provide a nice contrast.

Choose the Right Thickness

When buying your tights, be sure to check the thickness on the label. It's indicated in den, or denier, which is an old unit of measurement.

🔸Below 40 deniers, tights are considered thin and will therefore be slightly transparent. They are a bit less warm and less durable, but they allow a hint of your legs to show through, adding a touch of glamour and sensuality.

🔸Beyond 40 denier, these are thick and opaque tights. They are durable and perfect if you're using them for hands-on activities. They also keep you warm. These tights are ideal for achieving a monochrome look!

Create Colourful Reminders with Accessories

If you're wearing tights, especially if they're coloured, it can be a good idea to incorporate some subtle hints of their shade into your outfit. A simple tip is to wear some hair clips, a headband, or a scrunchie in the same colour.

👉 Just choose a handbag in the same colour for the finishing touch to a really stylish outfit!

How to Wear an Outfit with Tights?

Are you looking to wear a formal dress in winter, for a special occasion (wedding, christening) or maybe for a night out? To keep your look stylish and avoid any fashion faux pas, I'd recommend opting for sheer tights without any patterns. You could also consider stockings, which are both elegant and quite sexy. Black is usually the most classic colour, but it’s also the chicest choice.

I hope this article has given you the tools to match your tights, no matter the occasion! They are a simple and effective way to add a touch of originality to an outfit, so don’t hesitate to try out the colours you love best!

Bohemian Long Dress