Hungry for Hosiery

I've never understood the fashionistas who insist on bare legs in winter. I'm only too happy to get the tights out when the weather turns cooler. And many of you agree with me. Hosiery sales are booming and according to Global Industry Analysts, the global market for hosiery will reach $31.6 billion by 2024.
I was thrilled to be contacted by UK Tights, the world's largest hosiery store, with tights, stockings, hold-ups and socks in every size and shade. Textured and patterned tights are terrific for adding interest to outfits, and I love the surprise of a lurex ankle sock under a corporate suit.

Some of the drivers for the growth in hosiery sales include innovations in product functionality and aesthetics; demand among older and plus-size consumers; growing demand for footless opaque tights and leggings, and consumers wanting stylish yet comfortable hosiery.

These 100 denier Giulia Fiesta tights in spruce, with a timeless diamond pattern, go perfectly with the top that I'm wearing under my green and yellow dress, pulling the outfit together. The cute bag from Aspinal London was a Christmas present, as was the silver bag further down from Anthropologie.

Next on my wish list was shaping tights. These high-waist bikini 20 shaping tights are by FiOre and designed to make waists and stomach look slimmer. I was intrigued to see they come up high, under the bustline, effectively dealing with the dreaded muffin top.

I wore them under a tight black skirt and white ankle boots (a sale purchase from Russell and Bromley) with lashings of pearls. The tights really do work: the shaping part is a bit of a wriggle to pull up, which it needs to be, and the elastic at the top is comfortable but more importantly, stays up all day  (how many of us have worn shaping products which work their way down as the day/evening goes on?). And as tights, they are superb quality 20 denier. 

I had to try a pair of lurex ankle socks. These 20 denier socks in silver are from Tito. Normally I wear socks like this under trousers but I thought I'd risk trying them with a skirt and metallic brogues. As it happens the skirt is long enough to make it look as if they're tights, but a gust of wind would expose my secret and I would find it amusing. They would look superb with high heels and a skirt on younger legs.

I'm wearing an ebay purchase, a silver pleated skirt, and a cashmere jumper from The-Bias Cut, last winter's, but check out the gorgeous new range from owner Jacynth. I am in the queue!

I was gifted with tights and ankle socks by UK Tights. 

For More Mutton

I'll be back on Wednesday with the #WowOnWednesday link up of fashion and beauty posts. 

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