Welcome to Reality Check: a new regular franchise from the ELLE fashion editors that asks: how well do the season's biggest trends really work in the wild? This week, we're figuring out how to actually wear red tights and socks.
The trend for finishing off your outfit with a touch of red has being a staple for months now. From a red dress, to red hair (fans of interior design will have heard of the 'unexpected red theory' in styling your home too), we've all gone crazy for little touches of the bold and fiery hue in our ensembles.
And this has extended to red hosiery. Yes, red socks and, gulp, red tights. Don't believe us? Check out Kylie Jenner's instagram, Dakota Johnson's recent visit to The Graham Norton Show during her Madame Web press tour and, our favourite, Proenza Schouler's SS24 runway.
Lyst has even reported a 100% increase in searches for 'red tights' and a 233% increase for 'red socks' from the past six months, meaning this divisive styling trick isn't simply Instagram catnip or catwalk inspiration, it's translating into our wardrobes right now.
Shop Red Tights Now
Falke Pure Matt 50 DEN Women Tights
Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights
Wolford Mugler A Tights
If you're a daring maximalist, then no doubt you've already tried your hand at garnet gams, but for the minimalists among us, making your pins crimson might take more persuading. Our top tip has to be looking to that Schouler show for inspiration. By pairing your tights with midi skirts or suit trousers you can show off just just a hint of carmine ankles, softening the look. Interestingly, colour-drenching in all red can have a similar effect, making the tights stand out a little less. Similarly, playing with denier (the opacity of the tight) can lend different feeling to your ensemble; higher denier tights read as more youthful while sheer tights slightly sexier.
ELLE Denmark's Contributing Editor, Sidsel Alling, pairs her semi-sheer red tights with mini dresses, but recommends pairing them with, 'black or dark brown, to feel less child like'.
However, if it all feels just a bit too much for you, she recommends opting for red socks instead: 'Red socks with loafers look great. I like to match a bold colour with a masculine styling, like suit pants, loafers or a big blazer, to feel more "together" since I’m normally not into colourful clothing.'
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Uniqlo Colour Socks
Cos Pointelle Silk-Blend Ankle Socks
Falke Cotton Touch Women Socks
Alexa Chung agrees, opting to sit front row at Tory Burch's AW24 show in a ladylike ensemble consisting of herringbone coat, patent leather handbag, black pumps and red socks.
Adding a boyish charm to even the sleekest look, red ankle socks are certainly a less marmite way to introduce red to your feet.
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