12 Patterned Tights That Will Really Amp Up Your Outfit

Runway inspiration (from left): Monique Lhuillier, Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui

Give your cocktail dress a sprinkling of sparkle with a rhinestone-studded pair, or sweeten up a menswear-inspired tuxedo outfit with hose strewn with teeny-tiny hearts. Both too bold for your taste? Then find a dark pair with a slight sheen.

Shop the tights (from left): DKNY, $20; dkny.com. Asos, $15; asos.com. H&M, $13; hm.com.

Runway inspiration (from left): Honor, Proenza Schouler, Saint Laurent

Experiment with a bold hue, like violet, or draw attention with a high-contrast netted pattern. But for a really tough aesthetic, intentionally rip up black fishnets and pair them with a leather mini.

Shop the tights (from left): Biba Vintage, $50; farfetch.com. Topshop, $16; topshop.com. Hue, $15; bloomingdales.com.

Runway inspiration (from left): Richard Chai, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic

Sweater tights, like a gray ribbed pair or maroon (for a hint of color) boast optimal comfort and warmth—perfect for a day of running errands. For a sporty spin, slip on a pair streaked with a racing stripe on each leg.

Shop the tights (from left): Madewell, $21; madewell.com. Gap, $20; gap.com. Banana Republic, $17; bananarepublic.com.

Runway inspiration (from left): Jill Stuart, Charlotte Ronson, Rebecca Minkoff

Fishnets are tricky because they can easily cross into too-wild territory. Do nude fishnets for a sweet take on the usual black, which can prove to be too harsh for an intimate dinner. Try textured cable-knit tights to complement a girly dress, or a flirty patterned lace pair that's both racy and romantic. 

Shop the tights (from left): American Apparel, $24; americanapparel.com. Spanx, $32; shopbop.com. Wolford, $60; net-a-porter.com.