Peep Toe Pumps: Without nylons, how do I make my legs look good? - YouLookFab Forum

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Peep Toe Pumps: Without nylons, how do I make my legs look good?

Vicki

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Veteran

My parents are coming up for the weekend and we'll be seeing "Billy Elliot The Musical" on Saturday and then going out for dinner. I want to wear these peep toe heels that I bought (I also got them in black and white), but with peep-toed shoes, hosiery isn't an option. Do I just go bare-legged and enjoy it? It is Southern California, after all, but my legs never really see sunshine and are quite pale. I'm not a tanning-application type of person either. Just wanted to check on peep toe etiquette.

Thanks.

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Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from noella

MsMary

Veteran

I go bare-legged all. the.time. and I follow Angie's advice to not sweat any leggy imperfections! If I think of it a day or two in advance, I use some Jergens self-tanner, otherwise I just flaunt the paleness!

Echo

Veteran

It is much easier for someone comfortable with their bare legs to say to go bare and you will look fine, etc. It is much harder for the self-conscious person to actually feel comfortable that way. So if you will feel comfortable with bare legs, then I am sure that you look much better than you think you do and it will be fine.

If you are NOT comfortable with bare legs, something like this - while it may LOOK goofy without shoes - is an option:
http://www.amazon.com/Berkshir.....B00008IPE0

Desmo April

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Veteran

My trick for those days that I feel my legs are just too pale--a bronzer stick.

I'm both pasty and plus size so for me, that can be a lot of white flesh. The reality is the majority of the time I just go with bare legs. I have been know to grab a bronzer stick and run a fairly thick line from above my hem to my foot and then blend it off to the edges. It looks better to me than anything less than perfect self-tanner application. I think it's the subtle shimmer that really makes it work.

Have fun, I love the Pantages!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

My advice is:
a) don't worry about it
B) if you are more comfortable, wear the hose. IMO, it's not a faux paux unless they are re-inforced in the toe or the toe seam is showing (just tuck it neatly beneath your toes.

MsMary

Veteran

I agree with Jenava. I also wear nude fishnets with open toed shoes all the time. (I know... easy for me to say! I'm super insensitive like that!)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I go without hose all the time in warm weather and my legs are white as white can be! Like MaryK, I use a self tanner (Jergens also) and it does give my legs a nice bit of colour and sheen. I also think it's much more acceptable and attractive to have white skin now as opposed to when everyone was supposed to be tanned.

fauxpas

Go fot it! I"m in So Cal as well and I've found that people just do not focus in on the color of your legs! Because they are below the waist, I think a dress or skirt sort of shades them anyway so in a great outfit and shoes (to die for---so cute!), it's really about feeling good in what you are wearing. Pale is perfect!

ManidipaM

Veteran

Dare to bare, Vicki! In fact, pale skin will be accentuated beautifully by that yellow --- much more so than a tan.

When did the colour of someone's skin become a matter of etiquette discussions, anyway?

If you're feeling awfully self-conscious though, how about some tinted moisturiser, or a light dusting of bronzing powder down the shins and around the calf? I find either option a lot less messy than tanning things to use, and there's little danger of stuff rubbing off on pale clothes and shoes.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I used to be a little bit uncomfortable with my bare, very pale and not-so-perfect legs, but once I moved into different climate where the summers were a lot hotter than I was used to, it just didn't seem worth it to fuss with hose in warm temperatures.

I don't use bronzers, tanners or anything of the kind. But what I do is make sure I've had a nice pedicure and I spend a little bit of extra time moisturizing my legs post-shower.

Given the warm climate you're in, I would go bare-legged. If it makes you feel a little bit better (and it does make me feel better) go and get a nice pedicure in the next few days. Pretty toes help! Also, start slathering on a nice thick moisturizing body lotion post-shower or bath for the next several days.

Also well worth a try? Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil - just *fabulous*, and it was mentioned in "Parisian Chic" which prompted me to give it a try. Moisturizes quite well and gives a slight sheen, without being greasy at all. This replaces moisturizing lotion - you don't need both. Just slick on some of the Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil post-shower.

I don't know if it's me (and my wishful thinking) ...but I think the days of 'tanned legs' are over. Meanwhile, even though my legs aren't perfect, I really don't think people are paying too much attention. In a way, having a nice pedicure seems to kind of shift the eye away from less than perfect calves.

Plus, with such fabulous shoes - it's not like anyone's going to be looking too closely at your legs. At least, this is my thinking, anyway

Get a pedicure - moisturize your legs with lotion or the sesame oil (found at any drugstore, grocery store and very inexpensive) and you're set.

What do you think?

The only other thing to worry about is whether the shoes in question are comfortable to wear in bare feet. This can sometimes be an issue - so it's something else to think about. Will you be doing a ton of walking? I only ask because with a new pair of shoes in bare feet and not used to doing so, you could end up with blisters and/or sore feet because of your bare skin rubbing against the new shoes. If there isn't going to be a ton of walking, then you don't need to worry about this - just thought I'd mention it because I don't want you to end up with sore feet if you decide to skip the hose entirely.

Not much help, am I? If the shoes are soft enough, and you won't be doing a lot of walking, then I'd recommend going bare-legged. Don't worry about tanners, bronzers and the like.

Looking forward to hearing what you decide and how it all goes. In the meantime, don't worry about less-than-perfect legs.

MsMary

Veteran

BTW, I use Body Glide, which is an anti-chafing stick marketed for runners, on my feet when I'm going hoseless. Keeps the blisters away!!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

That is a good point; I often find wearing bare feet in shoes at first pretty uncomfortable. Might want to think about wearing some toeless footies if you opt out of hosiery.

rae

(website)

Veteran

You're kidding, right? Your legs look great no matter what! Hoseless FTW!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

They do sell toeless stockings I think. A little thong keeps them from becoming footless tights.

I like the 3-day Jergens tanner, it gets you there quicker. I know I should feel OK with my own natural leg color, but I am self conscious of my scars. I have a huge new scar that came from falling here on the ranch. The fall ripped my brand new 1st time worn jeans a new opening. I wonder if anyone else feels self-conscious about their leg scars?

christieanne

Veteran

I embrace the pale most of the time but sometimes I will mix some instant bronzing gel (not self tanner but you could do the Jergens thing this week) with moisturizer to make my legs match my arms a little bit better. Or put on a little light shimmery lotion.

I tried that bronzing stick thing (from The Body Shop I think) and it worked fairly well.

Deborah

Veteran

Vicki I have the palest legs and I love them. I wouldn't worry at all. I think pale skin is very feminine looking and as Jenava says nude hose is ok with peep toes as long as no reinforced toe:)

lamireille

I found toeless nylons at Payless a few years ago--although the link that Echo provided will get you the same thing at a similar price.

Oh how I hate hate hate HATE wearing shoes without nylons (or socks of course), although I obediently followed the trend because I'm at that age in between caring about looking young and trendy, and doing whatever I want. I just don't get why the hoseless thing ever got started (with the exception of sandals, which have air flow); I think it's nasty to wear shoes without anything between the skin and the leather... but maybe my feet sweat more than most people's. But even if it's just me with the sweaty feet, don't shoes rub against skin? Ouch.

Sorry, I don't know where that vent came from... Anyway, one possibility, if you don't have time to go buy the bare-toes hose, would be to tuck the hose down between your big toe and the others to make an artificial toe cleavage.

Meredith1953

Veteran

As long as no seam is showing and the hose are quite sheer and look like your skintone, that option should be available with all the rest of yiur options. It depends on the vibe you ate going for. No rules!

Jjsloane

Veteran

Also a fan of Jergen's self tan lotion (in the lightest shade and well applied) or the Sally Hansen Leg spray (CVS) which adds a little shine. I have a huge spider vein area on one leg and sometimes put some concealer on it, but not for everyday, I just embrace the imperfections.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Count me as another with highly imperfect, pale legs who just lets 'em show! And I'm reaching the lovely age where spider veins are cropping up. I do use some Jergens self-tanner on my legs every few days in the summer just for a little bit of color, but then I just don't sweat it. If anyone is that offended by the sight of my legs, they can look elsewhere.

MaryK, I am totally stealing that Body Glide tip! I wear it where my bra chafes me when i run, but I never thought of using it on my feet before -- brilliant!

Patty

Veteran

You have great legs--walk proud!!

I like to just put some moisturizer or vitamin e-cream so don't look so dry but gives a nice highlight too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's a fashion statement to wear hose with peep toes, Vicki! If that makes you feel more comfy - go for it :). Fishnets are ideal, as is any other form of textured hose.

If not - don't worry about your natural and beautiful pale legs!

ALL women wear hose in Japan - and all kinds of hose too. In this photo, my friend Phoebe is wearing peep toes *and* nude hosiery with an ultra fine texture. Looks fab:

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LeahJanes

I do not enjoy tanned legs, but if I a going bare legged and my pins are more banged up than usual I mix some of my foundation with my body lotion to smooth out the imperfections a little. I have perpetually bruised shins from weightlifting but I've learned to not care for the most part!

MsMary

Veteran

BTW, today I am sporting bare legs and a gigantic bruise on my shin where I kicked myself with my tap shoe in dance class. (I am only a very modestly talented tapper!) I am wearing maroon and yellow to color coordinate...

Kim

Veteran

Think of it this way, when was the last time *you* noticed someone else's leg "imperfections"? I can't think of one time where someone elses legs made that much of an impression on me and I've seen some pretty pasty white legs living up here in Canada...LOL

Go bare legged if you like!

rute

Veteran

on the look I posted today I'm wearing peep toes with hose! You can do the same!!

Anonymous

I would not hesitate to wear pantyhose with sandalfoot toe (not reinforced seam!) in a shade to match my skintone (in my case, nude), and make sure they're sheer and fit perfectly.

I would not feel comfortable wearing those shoes with bare feet.

Marie

Wearing very sheer nude hose in my avatar pic here with black peep toes for my (second) wedding at City Hall & did not recieve a citation from the fashion police

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Outstanding tips and support from each of you! XO and thanks for giving me so many options. I think my reservations came from what Denise mentioned in that my kneecaps are a bit banged up (once from falling off my bike) and just minimal imperfections from the roads of life.

But, having said that, I am completely happy to go bare or wear fishnets as mentioned above, by tucking the seam. I hadn't seen the toeless nylons before so that may be something for me to consider. Yes, as a few of you have noted, wearing *some* shoes sans hosiery can be uncomfortable and these haven't been road tested. We will be doing some walking, for sure, as I know my brother, who loves to walk.

Phoebe's photo makes me feel better, Angie! She looks beautiful.

Love the idea of Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil as a moisturizer and the Body Glide suggestion to prevent blisters.

With all these wonderful comments, I think my legs are covered now, thanks to you!

rae

(website)

Veteran

FYI, if you are walking, test out your solution... I get MORE blisters with hose on.

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