How do " we" feel about off- black hose for work ?

unfrumped

Sheer , that is.
In this transition seaso I'm not wearing opaque tights yet, but am shifting to darker colors and the nude sheer hose leg looks more summery and slso high- contrast.
I like off- blsck sheer hose for a tonal look, but wonder if it's too formal or even f_____? Because would not be wearing heels, but some kind of black flat, slipper flat. Oxfords are tougher as can look " old lady" with something dark but sheer, while I find opaque or even textured tights can work.
I think it might be more common in some corporate environs, but mine is in- between.
Thoughts? I haven't Google'd for any current examples.

8 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I am in the work at home environment. But I like off black and sheer and have been wearing that with dresses. So much of the cropped pants looks are about showing that little flash of skin at the ankle ... and I think that even as we move into hosiery season, the more sheer look lets you keep that.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Interesting question. I always go through this period of doubt every fall trying to figure out what to wear on my legs with a dress when opaque hose still look too heavy . I've never been a fan of off black or grey sheer hose, and sheer doesn't seem quite right with booties or heavier footwear. I have no answer to this either

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Sheer black and heels seems a little formal and wintery to me right now... but with flat oxfords, I think that could be just right.

8 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

Hmm. FWIW, I'm wearing non opaque black tights with low heel booties right now. I really liked the look; it doesn't have the formality of hose, nor the heaviness/warmth of truly opaque tights. To be honest, I'm rather pleased with myself!

8 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Ginger, interesting--maybe THAT is the look I'm really going for. Because I'm nog trying to do form- dressy at all- mord of the mild fall/pencil skirt- light sweater look.
What brands and " labeling" gives this look? Just lower denier microfiber?
I get confused because some people say "sheer tights" for what I call pantyhose, and there are various other

8 years ago

Susie

Veteran

It's 85 here today so I am wearing a dress with bare legs but that's not helpful is it?

I struggle with this and I think I just avoid dresses and skirts for work during the in between temps. If I want to go a bit dressy I will wear the microfishnet stockings but other than that, I stick with bare legs and then wait until tights aren't too heavy. I personally wouldn't be comfortable wearing sheer hose with flat or heavy footwear. I am intrigued by Ginger's response- I'm not sure I can picture tights that aren't opaque but it sounds like a good solution.

8 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Susie, that is my default approach for sure. Tights season will be here soon. Tights really aren't too hot for me in air- conditioning now at all! But it's not quite time yet.
If I were quicker at adopting, this is where higher " ankle pants" and booties might fit in. I am using my culottes this way. However, these looks are on the edge of my " environmental norm"!

8 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

The tights are Apt. 9 (from Kohl's); see the Find. They're called opaque. The medium size (2?) stretches fine on me, even for my long rise; I'm almost 5'9". But even if I were shorter, I don't think these would be totally opaque. I'll take a picture this evening.

My theory is that opacity can depend a LOT on the relative size/shape of the legs. On slender legs, regular tights don't have to stretch a whole lot; so they cover more. But finding true, totally opaque tights for non-slender legs can be a real challenge.

I feel that these particular ones are on the sheer end of the opaque spectrum, though my height might be affecting that. My lower legs aren't skinny, but they really aren't big either. Calves about 13", I think. And these aren't remotely opaque, nor nowhere near sheer like black hose. They're also a heck of a lot more comfortable to wear, and much longer-lasting.

Sock Dreams may also have some options. Their customer service is extremely good, so if this is something you want to pursue, try an email to them describing what you're looking for.
http://www.sockdreams.com/products/socks/tights/