Are you about to put away your dresses and skirts for the chillier seasons? Then stop! All you need is a great pair of tights to make your outfit cold-weather-ready. In this article, you’ll find our round-up on the best tights for women that we’ve found and all the outfits you need to give you inspiration on how to wear tights.

Depending on the tights you choose, they can add warmth or color, cover blemishes, make your legs look longer and slimmer, or add an extra dimension, texture, or pattern to your outfit. Whether you’re looking for classic or something a little bit different for work or a party, we have you covered.

Why you should show off your beautiful legs

For many women over 40 their legs are true assets. Apart from the knees, they are not prone to aging so quickly, and it can add a lot of sex appeal to your outfit. Therefore, the general advice for many women over 40 is to show some leg for a hip and youthful appearance.  Although this is easy in the summer, it can be challenging if you easily get cold. Tights are a perfect solution, but how to wear tights and still look hip and youthful?

What to look out for when buying tights

Before we get to our favorite tights and outfits with tights, what do you need to look for when choosing your tights?

1. denier

The higher the denier, thicker, warmer, and more opaque your tights will be. So, if you want your legs to show through your tights, opt for a lower denier, and if you want a look more akin to leggings, go higher.

2. what occasion will you wear them for (dressy or casual) 

You’ll want your tights to suit the occasion. Sheer tights tend to be dressier, and black opaques are more casual.

3. color

The best tights for women and how to wear tights | 40plusstyle.com

Melissa @melissabultburns above shows how you can wear your tights with a skort.

Get her look with this similar sweater, vest, skort, tights, boots and handbag.

As well as black tights, you could choose a colorful pair for an on-trend look.

4. size

Of course, you need the right size for your tights, and sizing differs according to brand. You’ll find a size chart on the website or the back of the tights to find the best size according to your weight and height. If you are between sizes, then go up a size.

5. special features

Are there any special features you want from your tights? If you want longevity, then reinforced toes are a good choice. You can also look for tights that offer the benefits of shapewear by streamlining your silhouette.

Types of tights

There are a vast array of tight styles you can choose from.

Opaques

We really like opaque tights for their versatility, and you can get them in any color these days. With the color-blocking trend still going strong, you can really play with the color of your tights and make it fun. If you want a more conservative look, then go with the color of your shoes or skirt; the Wolford opaque tights are good ones. Great neutral colors to own would be black, grey, brown, and navy. Do not wear opaques in nude, and make sure you create a nice balance with the colours in your outfit.

The Wolford tights (below) are 80 denier, so nice and thick to wear during cooler months. Reviewers say they are soft and luxurious.

Wolford Mat Opaque 80 Denier hosiery | 40plusstyle.com

Wolford Matt Opaque 80 Denier Tights

For a purse-friendly choice, the No Nonsense tights (below) have thousands of good reviews, and they come in a choice of colors, so you can choose a pack that has two different shades.

No Nonsense Super Opaque Control Top Tights | 40plusstyle.com

No Nonsense Super Opaque Control Top Tights

colorful tights

Colored tights are particularly on trend this Fall. Look out for shades that you can wear day-to-day like burgundy or navy.

HUE Super Opaque Control Top Tights | 40plusstyle.com

HUE Super Opaque Control Top Tights

Wolford navy hosiery | 40plusstyle.com

Wolford Velvet de Luxe 66 Tights

Catherine wears a print maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Catherine @notlamb above (read her style interview here) shows how you could add a pop of color under your maxi dress with the tights you choose.

Check out these printed dresses from J.D. Williams and Marella, similar tights and flats from Amazon.

Sheer tights

Sheer tights look best in (barely) black or very see through nude. Take a leaf out of the Princess of Wales‘ style book. She wears tights in a modern yet classic way.

Wolford Fatal 15 Denier Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Wolford Fatal 15 Denier Tights

Hanes Control Top Reinforced Toe Silk Reflections Panty Hose | 40plusstyle.com

Hanes Control Top Reinforced Toe Silk Reflections Panty Hose

Tights that look like skin

If you don’t want to go for a very sheer black, then choosing tights that look like your skin color is the way to go for thin denier tights. Choose a pair in the closest shade you can find. Nude tights are a good choice if you don’t want the look of tights, but you want to cover blemishes or the look of varicose veins.

Natori Ultra Bare Sheer Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Natori Ultra Bare Sheer Tights

nude barre Footed Opaque Tights | 40plusstyle.com

nude barre Footed Opaque Tights

Kate Middleton red outfit | 40plusstyle.com

You can see a look from the catwalks and from Kate Middleton above.

Fishnets

If you want to up the sex appeal even more then this is always a consideration, but be sure to keep the rest of your outfit very classy. I would stick to black or nude only for fishnets.

Natori Fishnet Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Natori Fishnet Tights

WEANMIX Fishnet Tights | 40plusstyle.com

WEANMIX Fishnet Tights

Eugenia wears a red and cream outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her style interview here) shows how one option is to match your fishnets to the rest of your outfit.

Steal her look with this similar dress, coat, tights, high boots, crossbody bag and sunglasses.

Control top tights

You can use your tights like shapewear and look out for a pair of tights with a control top. The SPANX tights (below) have built-in tummy, thigh, and butt shaping.

SPANX Tight-End Tights | 40plusstyle.com

SPANX Tight-End Tights

Natori Suede Control Top Pantyhose | 40plusstyle.com

Natori Suede Control Top Pantyhose

Textures and patterned tights

Flower patterns and printed pants are very much the trend right now and you may want to incorporate this trend with your tights. However, do so with care. You want to ensure your outfit still looks classy.

Take a look at our round up of Fall accessory 2023 trends for more inspiration.

MeMoi Antwerp Sheer Diamond Tights | 40plusstyle.com

MeMoi Antwerp Sheer Diamond Tights

EVERSWE High Waist Tights | 40plusstyle.com

EVERSWE Floral Fishnet Tights

Make sure that the pattern blends in with your outfit and it can look great. Here is how I wore my floral printed tights.

burgundypartyoutfit (3 of 6)opt

similar moto jacket, skirt, tights (another option here) and booties

Footless tights

Combining the feel of tights and leggings can be a good choice if you want to wear socks with your tights, or perhaps you want to wear your tights as warm layers under your jeans or pants but you don’t want them to show.

MANZI Run Resistant Control Top Opaque Tights | 40plusstyle.com

MANZI Run Resistant Control Top Opaque Tights

Hanes Blackout Xtemp Footless Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Hanes Blackout Xtemp Footless Tights

FLeece-lined tights

Fleece-lined tights have been all over social media this year, particularly on Tik-Tok. And, we can see why. They can keep you warm without adding a lot of bulk.

The Normov fleece tights (below) have great reviews, including from wearers saying they are the best tights they’ve owned.

NORMOV Fleece Lined Thermal Velvet Tights | 40plusstyle.com

NORMOV Fleece Lined Thermal Velvet Tights

Another well-reviewed choice are the Iserkafe fleece tights (below) which are praised for their fit and thickness.

Iserkafe Fleece Lined Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Iserkafe Fleece Lined Tights

Carmen in a gray sweater dress | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above matches her tights to her sweater dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater dress, coat, tights, sneakers, bag and sunglasses.

Knee highs

Knee highs can be great under trousers and some long skirts. Follow the same guidelines as for tights. Of course you should never be able to see the end of your knee-highs.

Mila Marutti Thigh High Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Mila Marutti Thigh High Tights

shop more tights here:

What to avoid?

  • Flesh-coloured opaque tights. These are very aging and generally don’t give you a flattering look. Some designers feel that you should avoid flesh-colored tights altogether, although we believe that very thin and natural sheer tights can look very nice with the right clothes. And the right nude tights can be great to cover blemishes.
  • Never show your reinforced toes of tights and knee highs in shoes.
  • In fact, avoid wearing tights with sandals altogether.
  • Don’t wear socks over tights. That should be left to the teenagers. But you can always layer footless tights under your pants and wear them with socks.
  • Any runs and holes. If you’re worried about this, then choose higher-denier tights.

These were my guidelines on how to wear tights in a nutshell. Use them as rough guidelines only, and use your own creative flair to create a great look! Below are a few tights that you can buy online now.

Outfits with tights

Have you chosen your favorite pair of tights? What should you wear them with? Below, you’ll find outfit inspiration with tights.

With ankle booties

For a modern look you can wear casually during the day, pair chunky ankle booties with tights in the same color.

Tights with ankle booties | 40plusstyle.com

Apparis Jay Faux Leather & Suede Moto JacketCOS Printed Roll Neck DressLa Canadienne Conner BootCOACH Tabby Leather Shoulder BagAQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

With a shorter dress

If you’ve pushed all your shorter dresses to the back of the closet, then a pair of thick opaque tights with the look of leggings can be the perfect way to wear them. Keep the chill at bay with a longer coat.

Tights with a shorter dress | 40plusstyle.com

Free People Victoria Flared Wool-Blend CoatMarie Oliver Velma Cotton-Silk Twill Wrap MinidressTory Burch Lee Radziwill Petite Leather Double BagNAOT Ethic Ankle BootsChan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine Earrings

With your evening wear

Given that party season falls into the cooler months (for most of you), going bare-legged can be too chilly. Look for a pair of tights that has the same elegance as your dress or skirt. A pair of sheer black tights will usually work.

Tights with your evening wear | 40plusstyle.com

Ginger & Smart Beloved Wrap Midi-DressRockport Total Motion PumpCult Gaia Eos Box ClutchChan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine EarringsAchillea Large Soft Pashmina Wrap

With knee high boots

A pair of opaque tights and knee-high boots is a classic winter combination that will keep you looking stylish and warm. Choose tights in a similar color to your boots.

Tights with knee high boots | 40plusstyle.com

Free People Victoria Flared Wool-Blend CoatAllSaints Margot 2-In-1 Ribbed Crew Neck Midi DressVionic Vienna Inessa Stretchy Pull-On Tall BootTory Burch Lee Radziwill Petite Leather Double BagChan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine EarringsCOS Rope Chain Necklace

Nikki in a black dress and tan boots | 40plusstyle.com

Nikki @40notfrumpy above opts for sheer black tights, and matches her boots to her bag.

Check out this similar sweater, vest, skirt, tights, knee high boots and sling bag.

With your summer dress

Add a pair of tights, boots and a cozy jacket is a great way to continue wearing your thinner dresses during the cooler seasons.

Tights with a summer dress for winter | 40plusstyle.com

Apparis Jay Faux Leather & Suede Moto Jacket – Mango Floral Wrap DressVionic Vienna Inessa Stretchy Pull-On Tall BootCOACH Tabby Leather Shoulder BagAQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

With your workwear

Stay warm at work with a pair of opaque or sheer tights. We’d avoid anything too ‘sexy’ like fishnets for work. Instead, keep your look professional with plain tights and a pencil skirt.

Tights with your workwear | 40plusstyle.com

Elie Tahari The Natalyia Houndstooth Moto JacketKobi Halperin Linden Sequin Embellished BlouseGeneration Love Chantel Cotton-Blend Tweed Midi-SkirtRockport Total Motion PumpLongchamp Le Pliage Top Handle Document HolderAQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

As a layer

You don’t even have to show your tights in your outfit. If you think your pants or jeans won’t keep you warm enough, pop a pair of tights underneath.

Tights as a layer | 40plusstyle.com

Elie Tahari The Natalyia Houndstooth Moto JacketZAFUL Cropped Turtleneck SweaterPAIGE Genevieve Flared JeansLongchamp Essential Large Cotton Denim Tote BagAQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

To winterize your peep toe booties

Do you have a pair of peep toe booties you love? Then you can keep wearing them by adding your tights. Just make sure the seam on the toes isn’t showing.

Tights to winterize your peep toe booties | 40plusstyle.com

ZAFUL Cropped Turtleneck SweaterMisook Striped Cable Knit A-Line Midi SkirtLifeStride Alita Heeled SandalLongchamp Essential Large Cotton Denim Tote BagAQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

Just a peek

A fun way to wear your tights is to just let them peek out from under your pants. Opt for fishnets and wear for an evening out or dinner.

Tights and mary janes | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Jamila Bouquet Embellished Crepe BlazerKobi Halperin Linden Sequin Embellished BlousePAIGE Leenah Velvet Wide Leg TrousersBandolino Kirsten Mary Jane PumpsCult Gaia Eos Box ClutchChan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine Earrings

tights outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You could change the formality of the outfits by changing the tights you wear with them. For instance, a pair of sheer tights and heels with the white dress or the turtleneck dress will give them a look more suitable for the evening.

Tights capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop the outfits with tights below:

Did we cover everything? What are your tips for wearing tights?

Continue reading:

  1. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 11 Ways Do You Use?
  2. How To Wear Dresses In Winter To Be Cozy And Chic
  3. How To Wear Leggings Over 40 – A Complete Guide With The Best Leggings And Tops And Shoes To Wear With Them

like this post on how to wear tights? share it on Pinterest!

The best tights for women and how to wear tights | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Melissa @melissabultburns

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!