How to Style Patterned Tights Over 40 and Love the Look
Every Fall, I end up pulling tights back into rotation. Plain black is always safe, but patterned tights have a way of instantly changing an outfit. They add personality and can make the simplest skirt or dress look fresh again. The catch is, not every pattern feels right once you put it on. Some look chic and flattering, while others can read a bit distracting.
Patterned tights can absolutely work after 40—it just comes down to how you wear them. Here are simple guidelines that keep them looking stylish, sophisticated, and completely wearable.
1. Let Them Take the Spotlight
Patterned tights draw the eye, so keep the rest of your look simple. A solid sheath dress, pencil skirt, or tunic lets your tights shine without competition. If your outfit is already bold, the tights will fight for attention, and the look can start to feel like “too much.”
2. Stick With Dark Neutrals
If you’re new to patterned tights, begin with black, navy, charcoal, chocolate, or deep khaki. They’re versatile and easy to pair with what you already own. Wearing them tone-on-tone with your outfit also makes your legs look longer and leaner.
3. Skip the Brights
Colored tights can read more playful than polished. The same goes for white or nude patterned tights—they tend to emphasize the leg rather than flatter it. Unless brights are part of your personal style signature, neutrals are the more elegant choice.
4. Choose Opaque Over Sheer
Sheer patterned tights can skew delicate—but also more suggestive and less polished, especially for daytime or the office. Opaque tights feel modern, provide coverage, and deliver subtle sophistication.
5. Avoid Shine
Shiny finishes rarely look refined. They can add visual weight and lean costume-like. A matte, opaque pattern will always read more understated and stylish.
6. Keep Patterns Subtle
Smaller patterns are almost always more flattering. Think tiny dots, a slight floral, or a neat geometric. Compact, repeating prints feel polished and slimming, while significant, bold patterns can overwhelm and make legs look heavier.
7. Try Pinstripes for Length
Vertical pinstripes are classic and flattering because they draw the eye up and down, creating the illusion of longer legs. Skip horizontal stripes—they shorten the leg and aren’t flattering at any age.
8. Pair Them With Boots
Boots and patterned tights are a natural match. Knee-high or over-the-knee boots let just a hint of pattern show through, which feels chic and a little playful. Ankle boots or pumps that match your tights keep the line long and clean.
9. Save Fishnets for After Hours
Fishnets will always have a sexy edge, but they’re not usually right for professional settings. If you wear them, choose classic black or nude and keep them for evenings out.
Do I, Deb?
Patterned tights shouldn’t feel intimidating—they’re just another way to add interest and personality to your wardrobe. When the pattern is subtle, the finish is matte, and the styling is simple, they look chic at any age. The goal isn’t to make them the whole story, but to let them add just enough detail to make your outfit memorable.
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I wear some patterned tights in light cream colors. My hair is blonde, and this seems to balance out my outfits. You have some great tips here. Although I think Sally@Already Pretty brilliantly wears colored tights.
Hi Marilyn, This is a common question, and I’d suggest you don’t wear pantyhose strappy sandals. A much better choice would be a pump; even a “peep toe” pump or slingback shoe will work. When you have sandals and pantyhose, it is a recipe for frumpy!
Have fun looking, Fab!!!
I’m going to London and will be dressing more formally to go to the theater, and the weather will be cool (about 50 degrees). My dress is short, about 1-1/2-2 inches above my knee, and my legs have visible marks. I’m planning to wear pantyhose to cover or hide this, but my shoes are silver sandals w/back strap and a 2″ heel. Will this work? I’m early 60’s, so I don’t want to look dated or frumpy.