I’m frequently asked whether it’s acceptable to wear hosiery with open shoes. The answer is yes. It’s fashion forward to wear all sorts of hosiery with heeled strappy sandals, T-strap pumps, ankle strap pumps, and peep toe pumps. From basic sheer hose and dainty micro-fishnets, to self-colour patterns, opaques, and texture-rich tights. 

Visuals speak louder than words, so check out how these ladies wear hosiery with open toed footwear in casual and dressy outfits. 

Both high and low contrast between the shoes and hosiery can work. Wear sheer or thick hose in smooth or textured surfaces. Neutrals or colours. Solids or patterns. Truly, just about any combination of open shoe and hosiery goes when worn with fashionable intention. And the more unexpected the combination, the more arty, creative and eclectic the outfit. 

If you like the vibe of this look, and want to sport it despite being thrown out of your comfort zone, start off with a low contrast and dressier combination. Wear sheer black hose or opaques with dressy black open shoes. The effect of that combination is subtle and less eye-catching, and a safer way to dip your toes into the trend.  

Personally, I prefer open footwear worn with hosiery when the back of the heel is covered by the shoe, like the ankle strap pumps worn with hose in the first photo. This is not essential, but to my eye the extra bit of heel coverage grounds the look, which makes the combination more seasonally appropriate. The foot looks a tad too naked when the hose at the heel is exposed. That’s why I will not be wearing my Okala pumps with hose. Again, this is by no means a rule or guideline. 

Over to you. What are your thoughts on wearing hosiery with open shoes?

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