Ask Style: How to Wear Bright Tights?

How can I make bright tights more wearable? I don't want to look like a 5-year-old!
—Laura, via the Ask Style inbox

I'm glad we can agree that kindergarten is not the ideal style inspiration.

With that settled, let's move on to the best way to rock bold tights. Believe it or not, we have it down to one easy formula, with a few extra tips from image consultant Milena Joy thrown in for good measure.

First, pick any printed dress in your closet. Floral patterns work especially well, like  this purple number from Forever 21. And then for the last step—we told you this would be easy—match your bright tights to one shade in your dress.

It's really that simple, and it's the only foolproof way to integrate your tights into the rest of your outfit without looking too matchy-matchy. You'll still get the wow factor of color-rich hosiery, but in a subtle, stylish way. 

And for the rest of your outfit? Milena Joy recommends keeping most everything else conservative; try some neutral boots and a classic trench.

If ultra-vivid stockings seem too tough to tackle, the stylist recommends deep, rich colors such as burgundy (like the models on Tibi's fall runway, above), olive or rust. The refined palette will give you a more sophisticated look.

Still convinced you're going to make some sort of fashion faux pas? Ease into the look by pairing your hose with knee-high boots, so you see just a small pop of color. It's the easy way out, but we won't judge.

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