Leggings, tights, nylons, socks--heck, even jeggings--are a must have this fall and winter seasons. And why shouldn't they be? An over the knee sock can turn a once summer-only dress into a staple of you wardrobe as the leaves change and frost meets us in the mornings. But let’s be serious--do any of us have hundreds of dollars to spend on socks? (Okay, some people probably do, but this shopper most certainly does not.) So I sat out on a mission to find on-trend socks and tights for a price I could stomach. Here's what I found:
Over the Knee Socks:
American Apparel: I scored a pair of cotton, thigh-high socks for $15.
Why I love them: They come in lots of colors. Their length makes them very versatile. When pulled fully up the leg, they reach my hips. Now, I'm not a very tall girl, but even my 5' 9" friend commented on their length. The bonus of this: by cuffing them down the leg, you can make them any length you need. So, for a skirt that comes just above the knee, cuff them to end just below. For a skirt that rises higher, to mid thigh, cuff the socks to above the knee. They could also be scrunched, for a slouchy, casual look as well, though I haven't given that a try yet. But for comfort, versatility, price point, and for walking that ever-illusive polished-yet-casual fashion line, I give these a 10!
Urban Outfitters: I found a pair of thin-gauge, over-the-knee socks with buttons for $14.
Why I love Urban Outfitters: They have a way of lacing every one of their pieces with authenticity and detail. What do I mean by that? Simply put, all of their pieces include a touch to special detail that adds class (and makes them look more expensive.) I don't suggest Urban for all things--some of their items are grossly over priced--but for hosiery, their selection is always on-trend (if a little ahead of the trend, even) and fairly affordable.
Why I love these socks: I got mine in a light, heather grey, and with three black buttons on the upper cuff. I can't seem to find them online, but the link, above, is a very close representation (without the buttons). The upper cuff does not cut in on the thigh, making them comfortable and flattering. They are comfortably and surprisingly warm for how thin they are. The thinness means that they don't ad bulk to the leg, so all manner of boot will fit just fine over them. The cuff means that they are a little less versatile than their cousins from American Apparel, but what they lack in flexibility, they make up for in style.
Tights and Nylons:
H&M: For $10-$15, their tights and nylons can't be beat...mostly.
Nylons: Their selection is serviceable. I was even able to find a pair of thigh-high shimmer nylons for a recent christmas party (when even Nordstrom had had nothing of the sort!). But the durability leaves some to be desired. If you're very gentle with your hosiery, these will probably last you a through a few wears. However, if you are like me, and you carry a bag that has a way of brushing up against your legs when you hold it by the handle, you'll only make it through one evening. But at $10 (and considering how seldom I wear a shear leg covering), I can't be too disappointed.
Tights: Their selection is what I call on-trend-basic. It includes the standards like black and grey, but also light pink, green, purple and teal. And even some fun textures like knits, metallic and fishnet. But my favorite feature: they are comfortable! *hear angels singing* Can you believe it?! A comfortable tight! I can wear them all day and not think twice. They don't pinch in at the waist and they don't inch down my leg. (No penguin crotch here!) Now, they aren't control top, either (which is part of what lends them to being so comfortable) but if you need that, add your own pair of Spanx and you're good to go! AND, the tights don't seem to share the unfortunate problem of durability with the nylons. Just be gentle, use a lingerie bag in the wash and don't dry them in the dryer and they should last through many wearings. They rang in price from $10 to $14 per pair, depending on style, thickness, material, etc.
If you are on the fence about items such as tights and over-the-knee socks, try Target, or your other local big-box store. They can be a great way to try a on a trend with minimal impact on the pocket book.
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