As a ghostly pale Irish person with zero self-tanning skills, I’m always slightly relieved when bare-leg season ends and tights become a necessity. No more blinding passers-by whenever I want to wear a dress! But I know of many reluctant tights-wearers who struggle to figure out which shoes to wear that don't call their school uniform days to mind. Often, boots are the default, but I'm here to tell you there are plenty of other shoe options that look even better with tights than bare legs.
Let's face it—come winter, tights are a must. Yes, you can wear sheer tights that match your skin tone, but there's no beating a 60-denier pair when the temperature drops to single digits. They don't have to be merely a practical addition to your outfits though; as the six outfits below prove, they hold the power to tie your look together and add that air of cosy elegance we all strive for at this time of year.
Keep scrolling to see the best shoes to wear with tights, according to some of Instagram's best-dressed influencers.
THE BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH TIGHTS IN WINTER, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:
1. Loafers
Style Notes: Tights and loafers might bring you back to your GCSE days, but with some chic styling, you can transform the look from school girl to French girl. Look to Parisian influencer Léna Farouil for guidance.
Shop the look:
Choose opaque tights on extra-cold days.
The chunky sole has won me over. *Adds to basket*
So sleek! You'd never catch these in the schoolyard.
A fantastic high-street pair.
2. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots and black tights were made to be worn together. Honestly, there's no combination that earns me quite so many compliments.
Shop the look:
M&S will forever be the go-to for affordable, long-lasting tights.
These look so expensive.
These also come in dark brown, but the black feels so classic.
I just love & Other Stories boot offering this season.
3. Slingbacks
Style Notes: We are entering party season, after all, so it's worth having an elevated shoe in your arsenal. Slingback kitten heels are peak elegance, and on a practical note, they look great with tights—so you don't have to freeze on your Christmas night out.
Shop the look:
One of our editors' most-loved tights brands.
Beautiful.
This heel height is perfection.
These are so elegant.
4. Trainers
Style Notes: I never used to wear trainers with tights, but I've seen several fashion people sport the look in a way that feels fresh and effortless. Stick to a darker hue like black or brown to avoid too much contrast.
Shop the look:
Wolford always gets the basic wardrobe hosiery right.
I love the dark gum sole.
Brown suede is a key fabrication this season.
The coolest collab going.
5. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: No, we're still not over the ballet flats trend. Is it even a trend any more, or a modern wardrobe staple? Resist stashing your collection in storage for winter and find new ways to wear them, starting with this tights-and-mini-skirt formula.
Shop the look:
Once you try Swedish Stockings tights, you'll never look back.
The square toe is a nice detail.
I own these in black and wear them religiously.
The perfect black pair that will go with everything.
6. Biker Boots
Style Notes: If you're going to buy one pair of boots this season, make it a biker style. Influencers and fashion editors have wholly embraced this edgy silhouette, wearing it with everything from tights and skirts to barrel-leg jeans.
Shop the look:
Ladder-resistant with a body-shaping waistband, this might just be the perfect pair of tights.
I can already picture 10 outfits I'd wear these with.
Just the right amount of hardware, IMO.
This H&M pair look so chic.
-
Madison Beer Wore a Trendy Jeans-and-Flats Outfit to Sabrina Carpenter's ConcertEncore!
-
So Long, Classic Loafers—It Girls in Every Stylish City Are Wearing This Cool AlternativeDress like an in-the-know fashion girl.
-
I Asked My Fashion Friends What Tights They Wear in the Winter—They Sent Me TheseIt's tights season, baby.
-
The Rumors Are True: Peep-Toe Pumps Are Making a Chic Comeback in 2025Ready or not, here they come.
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday SaleGet a head start with these chic gems.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Winter Outfits—30 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Finds That Fit the BillCheap *and* cheerful.
-
J.Law! Kendall! Laura! It Girls Are in Agreement About This Luxurious Fall Shoe TrendComfort, meet style.
-
The Rich-Looking Sneaker Trend That's Set to Dominate in 2025Wealth's the word.
