I think we women have been duped. Some where along the way we were told wearing stockings was only something “Old Ladies” wore.That the modern female only wore stockings in the boudoir. However, it was okay to wear colorful tights in the Fall and Winter, but if you wanted to be considered young, stockings and pantyhose were taboo. Unless of course, you worked in a stuffy corporate environment.
I’ll admit, it has been quite a while since I bought a pair of pantyhose. Take that back, I bought a pair earlier in the year, but I didn’t wear them. Textured tights, knee-highs, anklets and Spanx have been in strong rotation in my wardrobe, but stockings and pantyhose have been benched.
I’m not quite sure when it happened or how it happened, but it happened, but “Stockings” are back."
Once considered a luxury item during the World Wars 1 and 2. Then in the 50s they were considered the sign of womanhood and sophistication. Only to be cast aside in the 60s and 70s. Then in the 80s they took on a new spin...textured. We saw dots, stripes, colors, bizarre prints and patterns and the rebirth of the tights. As soon as we got used to wearing them again, the trend turned to no hose at all.
At the start of the new millennium we slowly started making a return to hosiery when we became addicted to body toners and fancy knee socks. Only allowing stockings to appear in the boudoir as a tool of seduction. And like all things in fashion, the tides have turned again.
Gerbe of Paris...Voile Gerlon 15
Some fashion insiders say the sudden interest in stockings and pantyhose can be attributed to the Middleton sisters, Kate and Pippa. Or maybe it’s all the ladylike dressing that has been gracing the runways and magazine pages the past few seasons. Or maybe we finally believe it’s okay to be feminine in the workplace and still taken seriously without dressing like a man. And what better way to feel feminine than with a beautiful pair of stockings, stay-ups or silky pantyhose on under a fierce business look.
Whether we want to admit it or not, pantyhose can be awkward...if they get twisted while putting them on. But stockings and stay-ups give you a little more freedom. And when a woman knows what she has on underneath her clothes, she moves a little differently…more graceful...confident...sexy...feminine. This change in attitude translates into her daily interaction.
The new technology in hosiery isn’t what our mother’s grew up with. Today’s stockings and garters aren’t as cumbersome and restrictive. You have options. You can do a traditional garter belt. These are mostly reserved for the boudoir. Or you can do a cute panty that has the garters attached or even provide a little control some extra smoothing and shaping. And if you don’t want to go that route, try a pair of stay-ups. Most designers are offering their trendy looks as pantyhose, stay-ups or stockings. The choice is all yours.
Gerbe of Paris...Bas Jarretiere Plumetis
So what should you look for when buying stockings? Good fit. Stockings are sized according to your foot and then your weight. Personally, I go with my weight because I have a more curvy frame.
Contrary to what you may have been told, stockings and stay-ups come in a host of sizes well into the plus size range. Allowing every woman the opportunity to experience this little sexy beauty secret.
Of course, if you’re wearing something a little more clingy, then it’s pantyhose or a toner like Spanx or Donna Karan.!Stockings aren’t an everyday accessory, but it’s one to reintroduce into your wardrobe for a little added feminine touch.
Hosiery Etiquette:
- Keep a spare pair in your bag or desk
- Hand wash and line dry
- Wash after each wear
- Nude should be a perfect match so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing stockings
- Ultra Sheer looks and feels the best against your skin
Benefits to wearing stockings:
- Your legs will look toned
- Your leg color will look even
- Men love how a woman’s legs look in stockings
- Your clothes will fit better
- You’ll feel feminine
Hosiery Wardrobe:
- Stockings and Garter
- Stay-ups
- Pantyhose
- Fishnet Pantyhose
- Tights
- Body Toner
- Textured Hose
- Basic Colors:
- Nude
- Black
- Navy
- Light Grey
- Novelty...your choice
All hosiery images courtesy of Gerbe Hosiery