At Stems, we know tights aren’t just about covering your legs. They’re about empowering them. Navigating a frosty sidewalk; walking into a formal event; tackling a day packed with meetings—your tights should do more than keep up. They should elevate the experience.
Keep reading as we talk all about the right tights for each of these 3 different occasions.
Tights for Cold Weather: Warmth Meets Style
When temperatures drop, your legs deserve more than basic insulation. Cold-weather tights should bring coziness without the bulk, and style without compromise.
What to Look for
- Denier rating of 70+ for maximum warmth (and opacity)
- Fleece or thermal lining for insulation
- Matte finish for a chic winter look
- Reinforced toes and waistband (this helps withstand layers)
Stem Picks for Cold Weather
Slim Fleece Base Layer Tights. Our ultimate winter essential. Lined with ultra-soft fleece, they hug your legs in warmth but without adding any weight. Perfect under knit dresses, oversized coats, or even wide-leg trousers.
Outfit Ideas
- Pair fleece tights with a sweater dress, tall boots, and a belted coat.
- Wear opaque tights under a leather skirt and chunky knit for a cozy yet cool look.
Pro Tip: Cold-weather tights don’t have to be black. Try charcoal, burgundy, or deep green for seasonal depth.
Tights for Formal Events: Sheer Elegance
When the dress code calls for elegance, your tights need to keep up. Whether it’s a winter wedding, gala, or upscale dinner, you want tights that feel invisible, supportive, and beautifully sheer.
What to Look for
- Denier between 5 and 20 for a barely-there finish
- Sheer or satin finish for a subtle glow
- Control top or shaping panel for smoothing
- Skin-tone or refined black shades depending on your outfit
Stems Picks for Formal Events
- Avery Sheer 10 Tights. These are your go-to for events. Lightweight with a silky finish and control waistband for flawless polish. Available in nude and black.
- Stretch Control Sheer Tights (15 denier). Offers subtle shaping, breathability, and a photo-ready finish.
Outfit Ideas
- Pair nude sheer tights with a pastel dress and heels for a spring wedding.
- Match sheer black tights with a cocktail dress and slingback heels for after-dark events.
Pro Tip: Always go for reinforced toes with dress shoes, especially stilettos. They protect your tights (and your night).
Tights for All-Day Comfort: Move With Ease
For days that start with coffee and end with dinner, your tights need to feel like second skin—no pinching, rolling, or sagging allowed.
What to Look for
- Mid-range denier (20 to 40) for breathability and light compression
- Stretchy, soft waistband that doesn’t dig in
- Flat seams and gusset lining (for comfort)
- Durability—because you don’t have time for runs or snags
Stems Picks for All Day Wear
Stretch Control Sheer Tights. These combine breathability and stretch with subtle compression. Your legs receive support all day long!
Outfit Ideas
- Wear mid-denier tights under a wrap dress and pumps for office elegance.
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Try ribbed tights under a midi skirt and ankle boots for a chic vibe.
How to Choose the Right Tights According to the Occasion
Tights aren’t one-style-fits-all—and that’s a good thing. Choosing the right pair depends entirely on where you’re going, what you’re wearing, and how you want to feel. Here’s how to match your tights to the moment:
For Formal Events
Go for sheer, barely-there tights that offer elegance. A denier of 5 to 15 works well. When it comes to the finish, we recommend sheer or satin. Matte looks more informal. Classic black or skin-tone nudes go well with formal dresses. These are best for weddings, galas and black-tie dinners.
For Cold Weather
Stay warm without sacrificing style by choosing thicker, opaque tights. A denier of 60 to 100+ will suffice. You want a matte or softly ribbed finish. And the fabric should be fleece-lined or wool blends. Such tights are best for winter workdays, outdoor events and layering with boots.
For All-Day Wear
Comfort is key when you’re on the move. Look for tights that offer stretch, breathability, and stay-put waistbands. A denier of 20 to 40 will be suitable. You want to look for gentle compression or sculpting features. All-day wear tights are great for office wear and travel days.
For Fun or Statement Looks
Want to turn heads? Patterned or colorful tights are your style secret! The denier can vary here. You can go for sheer or opaque, depending on your style. The finish should ideally be lace, shimmer, mesh, or print. With the color, go bold! Such tights are best for parties, workspaces, and weekends.
Final Thoughts
Tights are the foundation of how you show up, no matter the season or setting. From cold-weather layering to black-tie elegance (and everything in between!), the right pair can elevate your outfit. And, needless to say, your confidence.
At Stems, we believe luxury lives in the details. That’s why every pair is crafted with both form and function in mind. Because your legs deserve comfort, beauty, and support at every step 💙
So whether you’re slipping into fleece-lined tights for a snowy commute, sheer control tights for a formal affair, or breathable essentials for a long day on the go, just know, you’ve got options that move with you!
Luxury for Legs. Always.