A month of fabulous fashion and gorgeous shows comes to an end today, and what a month it’s been…
First thing’s first, I don’t think catwalk fashion has ever been as accessible as it has this year. As more and more designers embrace the opportunity to streamline their live catwalks online, Topshop Unique took things one step further by sending their models down the runway with a camera!
Model mania snatched a few headlines too, as Cara Delevigne and those infamous eyebrows kept photographers snap happy
inside and outside shows, whilst catwalk veteran Kate Moss took centre stage at the Louis Vuitton show in Paris.But eyebrows and hidden cameras aside, what really caught my attention was of course, the hosiery on show. From cosmopolitan New York to sundrenched Milan, designers everywhere relied on leg wear to add the finishing touches to their AW13 collection, and we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop to help you get a head start!
Thigh’s the Limit
I’m pretty sure one of the Ten Fashion commandments reads ‘If Chanel says it’s okay, it’s okay’. Unveiling their new AW13 collection at Paris Fashion Week, fashion guru Lagerfeld showed us that leather and flirty hemlines do mix – thanks to a little help from some handy sheers and clever socks. Fashioning thick over the knee socks from the fashion house’s signature tweed fabric, the extreme look of the leather was instantly softened, with sheers providing pins with coverage from the inevitable winter chill. It seems Missoni shares the same sentiment too, as thighs were celebrated with some rather gorgeous mock hold up tights. Made from the same loose knit that launched the label into the limelight and teamed with yet more over knee boots, I suddenly find myself perceiving Puss In Boots in a very different light. To show off your pins and your beloved boots, make like Chanel and layer your sheers with some thick socks. I love the Jonathan Aston Long Wool Mix Boot Socks for this. With two season appropriate shades, you can pull yours right up for more coverage or scrunch them down to show off a glimpse of your sheers. Love the layered look but want the style fuss-free? Introduce the Pretty Polly OTK Modal Secret Socks Tights into your wardrobe. Truly the cheats way to layering, these tights combine sheers and socks all in one, which means getting
ready in the morning is a complete breeze.
Oh So Sheer!
This is perhaps one for those tricky transitional months, whilst there’s still a smattering of green left on trees and you’re still getting away with that lightweight jacket. Taking the lead, PPQ showcased their colourful new collection in London, relying on black sheers to bring ladylike glamour to the table. Provided exclusively by us, the sheer tights had a slight shine to their appearance, adding that luxurious polished touch. From control top to extra tall, there is a pair for all legs. To get the exact PPQ style, go for the Aristoc Ultra Shine 10D Tights. Ideal for those boardroom-to-bar days, these are the ultimate weekday staple. If you crave a little more control, add the Charnos Killer Figure Hourglass Control Tights to your basket, to streamline your figure in secret! Shh!
Colour Wheel
Offering a much needed respite from the sea of sombre blacks & greys that made an appearance on catwalks, colour blocking came into full swing during New York Fashion Week. I love injecting a colour pop into outfits with my tights, and it seems that Kate Spade feels the same way. In keeping with the sugary sweet designs (quite literally – with doughnuts making an appearance on jumpers!), hosiery was kept playful and cheeky, with plenty of patterns and rosy hues. Plenty of appreciation was shown for bubblegum pink and quite rightly too. Both feminine and fun, a pair of pink opaques will instantly lift any outfit – the Pamela Mann 3D 50 Opaque Tights in Flo Pink are great for this, as are the Jonathan Aston 40D Coloured Opaques in Fuchsia.
Meanwhile, across the pond in London, Jasper Conran made sure to fly the flag for colour, serving up an aesthetically pleasing colour palette of mustards, violets and pinks. If the idea of going head-to-toe in one shade scares you a little, leave your legs to do all the talking for you. For an outfit that will cut the mustard, team that trench coat with the Pamela Mann 3D 50 Denier Tights in, well, mustard. Keep the rest of your ensemble fairly neutral, adding a fedora hat for a chic city feel (helpful for hiding your hair from the rain too!). Partial to a bit of purple? From plum to grape, the options are endless. Treat your legs to a pair of the Andrea Bucci Lycra Fusion Opaques in Plum and secure your fashion brownie points pronto.
Pretty in Patterns
My hosiery drawer would not be complete without print & patterned tights, so I am more than thrilled that come this autumn that section of my drawer will be embraced by high streets & magazine pages. From the timeless back seam at Temperley London, to the infectiously cute heart print at Burberry, there’s no excuse not to treat your wardrobe to a pattern shopping spree. To earn your title as Polka Dot Princess, make like Kate Spade and invest in both small and oversized dots. For great value and versatility, you can’t beat the Pamela Mann Sheer Dots Tights. If you’re lusting after a little luxury, the Wolford Dolly Dots Tights are just the ticket. Can’t wait until next season? Fulfill your polka dot needs now with the super fun Trasparenze Bubbles Tights, complete with punchy neon pops for that fresh spring style.
…And breathe! Hopefully that will leave you enough food for thought when the time comes to update your wardrobe for a new season…only 191 days until the next one…
Retro style has never been more current, thanks to the various nods to the past by some of our favourite designers each season. From swinging 60s to 20s opulence, make sure you’re making the most of your 
