Keep Your Legs Covered

Patterned and fishnet tights started to become popular last winter. During this year's couture show, Valentino's models were styled with fishnet, patterned and colored tights. The trend is gaining legs (ha!) and is a must this fall and winter.

Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture Show

If you want to try fishnets, look for very small netting. The larger the netting, the less chic the look becomes. You can also wear fishnet tights under stirrup leggings (second picture, above), cropped harem pants or trousers. The fishnet tights peeping out is sexy and intriguing!

Two Tone Fishnets, $16 from TopShop

Patterned tights give your opaque tights or leggings a new twist. Wear patterned tights with dresses, skirts or longer tunics for a fresh look. Look for tights with a small pattern that won't distract from your overall look. Your tights are an accessory, so keep the focus on your outfit. If you fall in love with a big pattern, just be sure the rest of your look is understated. By the way, lace is not a good look for a chic lady!

Aristoc Tuck Stitch Tights, $20 from Figleaves

VIP Line Tights, $13.99 from Mod Cloth

Colored tights are the most difficult tights trend to pull off. The wrong color can make you look silly, immature or as if your skin in diseased (hello, jaundice legs). Darker colors, like forest green, navy or brick red are perfect for fall. Avoid bright colors like teal, pink or yellow. Unlike patterned tights, colored tights will be the focus of your outfit. Keep the rest of your look simple and neutral.

Opaque Tights, $12 or 2 pairs for $20 from Urban Outfitters

Printed tights, like colored tights, are difficult to wear as well. Prints that are too girly, like pastel flowers, should be avoided. But, organic inspired prints, like marble in neutral colors work well. Or, a paisley pattern in dark colors is also great for fall. If you go for a cheeky print, like a faux garter, be certain before you wear them that you aren't going into Taylor Momson territory.

Gipsy Devore Flower Tights, $9.27 from Asos

Tights are delicate, and if yours rip, do not wear them anymore! Tights are inexpensive enough that you do not need to keep them on life support for the season.

You can wear these various looks to work if you keep the overall look conservative. Of course, this trend is perfect for nights out with friends or a date.

Find fall tights at Asos, Figleaves, Look from London, Gal Stern, Urban Outfitters, Mod Cloth and TopShop.

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and my lookbook.

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Photos from Asos, Mod Cloth, TopShop, Urban Outfitters, Figleaves, The Cut