The Guide to Pantyhose for Work
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 or mid-level 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 most formal 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 FOR PANTYHOSE FOR WORK:
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 (or you can do this monochromatic look, which I still think is awesome)
- note that tights with patterns (swiss dots, ribbed knits, fishnets, lace, etc) are always going to be more casual
