Ask Angie: Colored Tights & Age Appropriatness - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: Colored Tights & Age Appropriatness

Claudia

Veteran

I have read here that you believe that after a certain age, colored tights are a no-no.

I also believe in the wisdom of age appropriate dressing (I am 48), so no hard feelings.

I have a simple and modest navy dress somewhat similar to the following, and am wondering if at my season in life if I could sport any or all of these different tight looks that "E" is wearing here on this recent academichic post: http://www.academichic.com/201.....ight-swap/

I love these on E., but could these translate onto me?

To work? To a social event? Never more?

Thanks, Angie!

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21 replies

Latest reply was from neva

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Claudia, I think MUTED coloured tights worn with a similar hued shoe are totally age appropriate – like E’s second photograph. Very arty and texture rich, but still sophisticated. Bright coloured tights can work on younger lasses in arty and creative environments, as they don’t need to look sophisticated! But there is the risk of looking costume-y no matter what. I personally prefer the look of bright tights on young gals when they keep the tights the same colour as the shoe, as it looks less costume-y to my eye.

I am realizing more and more that there is really no accounting for taste. Almost anything goes these days and people will find ways of loving a look no matter how it’s worn – often in the name of creative brilliance. These are my perspectives on coloured tights and when you are my client, this is how I approach the subject. But at the end of the day, people have different views on all fashion and style related topics :0)

Ele

(website)

I love E and think she's adorable- she'd be hard pressed not to look cute in whatever she chooses to wear. That said, I think those saffron tights look ridiculous, even on her! Believe me, it pains me to say it, because mustard yellow is an absolute favourite colour of mine.

I think the dark purple and the patterned tights create the most wearable looks, because they both work well with the colour of E's dress. The brighter purple ones are fun and I'd probably wear them (I'm "young-ish" at 26), but I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be sporting them in another 5 years.

Basically, I love patterned/coloured tights when they're muted in hue and helping to create a monochromatic look, tying in with either the dress/skirt or the shoes. If those criteria are met, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't sport the look if you like it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

And there you go, Ele! We have precisely the same perspective on coloured tights. I'm high-fiving you.

Claudia

Veteran

Thanks Angie and Ele. Makes perfect sense. I will be returning to Target my recent impulse buy of a few pairs of colorful, non-muted, tights.

Kristine

Veteran

I agree, I really love the blue-green tights and even the purple. The yellow tights are just strange looking though, they kind of look like jaundice. What colors did you get Claudia?

Anonymous

What a great question, and distinct answers.

taylor

Veteran

DITTO Sandy:)

Louise

Veteran

I have some dark purple tights which i wear either with my purple dress or purple boots, i wouldn't be too happy wearing them unless they matched either my dress or shoes x

AJ

Veteran

So no go on this pair of tights?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w.....168731522/

Tricia

Veteran

I love the tights, AJ...but I think I'm opposite from Angie on this. I love colored/patterned tights, although not TOO bright (I don't like the yellow ones on Academichic).

Joy

Veteran

Thefirst tights on E look navy to me and polished with the dress and shoes. I could see any aged lady wearing that look. The second look also works for E but might be harder for anolder woman to pull off.
AJ, I think your tights work with your outfit because you look young and "hip" and everything else you are wearing is very palin and streamlined.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

AJ, the tights in that outfit are muted and totally age appropriate IMO. Very pretty. The black shoes are a similar hue and so is the skirt. That works well for my eye. Are you wearing black socks too? Or are they part of the booties?

I’d probably have kept the look more monochromatic if you were my client just because that’s a flop proof age appropriate guideline when you’re toying with high fashion - like those tights. I hope that makes sense. But you're free to be as creative as you like!

Isabel

Veteran

Ahhh Claudia, I went to sleep last night having visions if E's tights and rueing my age !!!

And yes, Angie hit the nail on the head....people can get away with alot by "creative expression". Look at Betsey Johnson and Patricia Field ( the stylist for Sex in the City ).

I used to fall for that Vogue stuff : you know, riding a horse in a ball gown with rubber boots on, then it hit me one day IT'S a PHOTO for Vogue ! WHO lives that way ????
: )

I need to be appropriate for my life, my geography and my age......besides, my husband wouldn't be seen with me.

Maya

Veteran

One day I'll get up the nerve to post my hot pink tights here and even though you will all hate them and think I look ridiculous, hopefully you'll still love me and be willing to be seen in public with me.

If Angie ever makes me mad, perhaps that is how I'll take my revenge! Either that or wide ankle pants, but that would hurt me more than it hurts her...

...not that Angie ever makes me mad

AJ

Veteran

Angie - Oh yeah! I can keep the tights! So you are saying I should have worn a blue or black cardigan instead of the yellow swing jacket? I just imagined that too much attention would be on the legs if I didn't balance that attention with a bright yellow top. How about if I wore a blue or black cardi but have a statement necklace to keep the attention from being on my legs only? LOL! I guess I'm a bit self conscious of my chicken bone legs.

Yes, I am wearing black socks with the tights. I have very narrow heels that leave a gap between heel and ankle part of the shoe so I was using the socks to fill that space and I also have anxieties about my narrow ankles. Hee-hee, I'm just a mess with my body issues!

Maya - You've got me curious. What do you usually wear with these hot pink tights?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah! You should try heel grips for those cute little ankles, AJ. Those tights do look best sans the socks :0). I like your idea of a blue or black cardigan with a statement necklace!

Maya, your hot pink tights won't hurt me. You're young and arty and should wear your tights. I've said that before!

Tricia

Veteran

Maya, if you post the pink tights, I'll post one of me in my gray, cream, and burgundy argyle tights. I don't care if I'm 33 and I'm not supposed to wear them - Angie will have to pry them out of my cold hands!

Maya

Veteran

AJ, I like wearing them with black and white. Actually, what inspired me to get them was a sheath dress that came in this print:

http://cgi.ebay.com/MARIMEKKO-.....19ba2f2bc2

I immediately envisioned it with hot pink tights and yellow pumps (not monochromatic at all, sorry guys). Unfortunately I could not find the dress in my size, so I was just left with the tights and I had to find some way to wear them. I try to go back to my original inspiration and stick to black and white. I just love the combination of black, white, and magenta or hot pink.

cciele

Veteran

I love how adventurous you are with color, Maya! Please post pics with the tights.

Meanwhile, I think my cobalt blue tights need to be tossed ...

AJ

Veteran

Maya - I usually pair my black and white with red, green or yellow. Hmmm...hot pink or magenta sounds nice, but probably too young for me. Yes, I would like to see a pic of you in your hot pink tights!

neva

Hello all! Maya I am also a proud owner of hot pink tights, hee hee hee! I usually wear mine's with black and white also but I try and keep it semi-monochromatic with a matching hot pink top. This is one of my fave outfits1 One day I will work up the courage to post pics!