Wear nude pantyhose when: You’re interviewing, you’re in a formal situation (like court), or it’s a big day where you’ll see lots of big wigs. Another good time to wear nude pantyhose: when your legs don’t have any color yet (from sun or fake tan) and you want them to have a more even consistency. Also: wear them whenever you want to.
Wear bare legs when: It is not a big day, AND you have seen a superior do it at your office so you know it’s acceptable in your office. If you commute in flip-flops or other sandals, it’s good to get in the habit of changing into traditional pumps or flats as soon as you get to work.
Wear tights when: it’s the dead of winter and you need/want the warmth, or it’s a more casual day at the office. Yes, you can wear them with suits — however, know your office; note this is usually more of an “everyday” look, not an “I’m going to court today” look. (The mostformal look is always going to be nude-for-you pantyhose plus a skirt suit.) Fleece-lined tights do exist. Do not wear dark tights when it is hot outside.
Wear sheer tights or pantyhose: when you want to, but particularly during spring/fall where opaque tights are too dark. Back when I started this blog, I always wore off-black hose when interviewing — and I did just fine in terms of callbacks and offers. Still, a lot of people equate this either as a more casual look , or a nighttime, almost sexy look — so know your office.
Color rules: I was going to say “there aren’t any!” and then I realized I meant “wear black, gray, or nude-for-you.” Some general rules of thumb beyond that:
- skip white stockings unless you are under 12
- skip colorful stockings unless it is the weekend
- note that tights with patterns (swiss dots, ribbed knits, fishnets, lace, etc) are always going to be more casual
