What tights with a LBD?

[InspectorPinot]

I'm going to my dh's Christmas party where the dress code is a kind of dress-to-impress/party glam type thing. I've got a LBD which is fairly short and I definitely need to wear tights or hold-ups with it as my legs, whilst long and slim, are really pale and prone to looking bruised and/or veiny (nice!). I think opaques or footless would look too casual so I'm thinking of black in a mid-range sheerness - is that a no-no or OK? I'm anxious to avoid looking like a granny but I don't know what else would work...

I wrestle with tight dilemma on regular basis so will watch with interest.

I also have issue of what to wear with formal black dresses at work.
Is black or patterned too partyish/tarty?

Is opaque ok?

Coloured too Cyndi Lauper?

Skin coloured too American tan?

Gah!

with a short dress if you have lovely slim legs I'd go for coloured tights, something like a dark turquoise or purple (and depending of course on the colour of your shoes)

lol @ Cyndi Lauper

Glad it's not just me!

And skin coloured on me would have to be just about blue - "natural" gives me normal coloured legs that stand out from the rest of my pasty English Rose skin!

I'm not sure I can carry off a bright colour - I'm not a flamboyant dresser so I'm looking more to blend in. Would a non-opaque black be OK though?

what colour are your shoes/accessories?

black-black-black's not very festive

I'd wear a light tan/barely there pair. So it looks as if I'm not wearing tights but just have nice tanned legs.

I'm wearing quite blingy jewellery - a big chunky statement necklace and a silver cuff. Not sure about shoes - I've got some patent grey heels?

For work with black dresses I really like these at the moment: grey tights. They're semi-opaque in a cottony way, and not at all bulky or woolly. Maybe too dismal for a party but thought I'd put them out there as neither bright nor black.

I think I'd prefer flesh-coloured to non-opaque black but you should choose what you'll be comfortable in

Yes Wild, that's an option I will consider henceforth.

Coloured, or black with spangles on. Or coloured with black lacy/patterned over the top so not so 'look at me' bright.

I would play it safe and go with opaque black, to be honest. Too thin and you do the granny thing. Not convinced grey would be smart enough. And I wouldn't risk coloured - not with dress-to-impress. But that is just me - coloured tights as smart always make me think of my slightly odd SIL!!

I like these

Yes but pattenr can veer from strumpet to 'wacky' in the wink of an eye.

Tights are difficult - I feel your pain

Definitely not sheer black - too 50 year old secretary flashing her stocking tops and trying to nab Roger in accounts

I think good quality black opaques or black with a subtle pattern - lots of nice lacy ones around at the moment.

I've got nice charcoal grey falke ones which would look good with grey patent heels.

I do think black opaques look very on-trend at the moment especially with how you're styling your dress. I seem to wear mine lots with black suede shoeboots for maximum leg-lengthening purposes.

How about nude fishnets? I adore them, they work in nearly every situation, and are party approptiate too

Oh God yes Tracey.
There was a horrendous article in one of those crappy magazines (hairdresser's I hasten to add) called 'I'm a 62 year old nympho and bed young guys' anbd then a picture of a middle aged woman in a basque with weird knobbly knees and clunky platfroms in black tights (with toe seam on show).

It suddenly crossed my mind that if I was not careful i could channel this look (althopguh i am not a 62 year old teenage boy chaser. No sirrreee. Not yeet, anyway.)

Nude fishnets beh?
Blimey.

Have a look on Stockings HQ - lots of interesting designs on there.

I posted on this same topic last week...bought an LBD in Coast and was advised by the staff there that patterned tights were popular. They had black sheer polka dot tights on all their mannequins. I opted for some really nice micro fishnets from John Lewis - they looked great with the dress - not trashy but certainly more glamorous than opaques, which I think look great for a more casual look.

got to be lace

nothing else will do

Polka dots or lace sound good.

LOL Roger

You'd better do up the top button on that satin blouse as well, Butterbur.