Get a handle on your hoseiry

Yesterday I was at a client's dress fitting for the Hospice Ball this Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Dearborn. My client is not an event chair, but always likes to look her very best for black-tie events. Because for her knee length cocktail dress (classic black shift w/ a very cool Zac Posen fur collar) and our shoe choice, the topic of hosiery was a BIG one.

NOTE*** Research is my secret weapon; here are pics from last year's Hospice Ball. A mix of both long and short dresses with bare legs and some hosiery wearers. Know these things when dressing for an event: location, time, vibe, co chairs, people involved, dress code and event prestige. Every element provides intel into the best look for my client based on his/her role in the event and personal style.

General guidelines to noodle while picking leg wear...

• Age - those born around 1980 often don't wear leg wear ever (that includes me.) My grandmother and mother always wear leg wear in the winter for dressy and evening events.
• Time of Day - Morning, day or evening. Depending on your age, evening dressing is a bare leg DO NOT. Sometimes I think it's weird to have bear legs during that day... hosiery makes more sense
• Shoes - Open toed, sandal, depending on your look and age, open toe/sling back doesn't always look that great with tights, nylons, or hosiery.
• Weather - is it below 50? comfort may win here and hosiery could help keep you warm.
• Event - Casual, formal, black tie? Is it more formal? Can you get away with a bit of daring i.e. gallery opening or an event with less stodgy undertones - kids charity fundraiser, birthday party at a restaurant.
• Work Wear - Are you working aka not black-tie or event related? Wear hosiery in the winter, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. Don't event think about wearing bare legs. Summer is a different animal and that event depends on your employer.

The best advice I can give is to wear what's comfortable for you and be aware of modern convention - doesn't mean you have to follow it. As with most things fashion, the world's your oyster. Prepared to stand your ground if you are the trend setter or black sheep in the crowd.

Wisdom from others:

Do I have to match my legwear with my shoes?

While matching your hose with your shoes is leg-lengthening and an easier option when you're getting dressed, don't be afraid to have some fun with color and texture. And remember, the old-school rule that you shouldn't pair brown and black no longer applies, so achieve an ultrachic look by donning rich browns with your black footwear. From iVillage

1.) White tights – NO. NO, NO! Unless you are three years old and gearing up for Easter Sunday, you should never, EVER wear white tights.

Forget the days of drab, nude pantyhose, ladies. First of all, you are not 80. Second of all, there are so many more FLATTERING and stylish patterns and colors to choose from! Unless you feel that you need to wear them in the workplace (we don’t want you feeling under-dressed- literally!), leave them at home. From Fashion Friday