Key Takeaways
- Wearing tights with pumps is entirely possible and can even be very elegant if done well.
- You have to choose the right types of tights (color, material, patterns) and pair them with the right pumps (shape, heel height, opening).
- This combination is especially suitable for fall and winter and for outfits ranging from formal to casual chic.
The French brand The Oversized Hoodie® 🇫🇷 is famous for its Fleece Lined Tights high-end, certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and Oeko-Tex STeP. It is entirely vegan, free of toxic and chemical substances, and promotes an approach without cruelty towards animals.
These lined tights, which have also been honored with the “Confiance Textile” Quality Label, are distinguished by their incomparable softness and their excellent quality-price ratio, providing an unrivaled feeling of comfort.
The debate rages in the world of fashion: can we wear tights with pumps or not ? If some see it as a fashion faux pas, others totally embrace this combo which can turn out to be very trendy and comfortable, especially in winter.
So, tights + pumps, do or don't ? We tell you everything to achieve this look without fault of taste!
The advantages of the tights and pumps combo
Comfort and warmth
The first advantage of tights is that they keep your legs warm when temperatures drop. With a good pair of wool tights or opaque tights, you can continue to wear your favorite pumps even in winter without getting cold feet. It is therefore an excellent way to combine elegance and comfort during the cold season.
Maintenance and appearance
In addition to warming, tights also have a sheathing and sculpting effect on the legs. They smooth the skin, camouflage small imperfections and give a pretty silhouette. With pumps that elongate the leg, it's the perfect combination to have goddess legs!
Styles and winning combinations
Contrary to popular belief, tights and pumps are not confined to the strict and classic register. You can play with materials, colors and patterns to create very different looks:
- Opaque black tights with black leather pumps are the guarantee of a chic and timeless look, ideal for the office or a formal evening.
- tights color flesh or nude with open pumps in neutral shades, it's perfect for lengthen your legs without overdoing it.
- You can also go for fancy polka dot or patterned tights pumps for an original and offbeat touch.
At The Oversized Hoodie, we love playing with materials and patterns to create original and comfortable looks. My favorite combo for winter ? A polka dot Fleece Lined Tights with a pair of suede pumps and a big cozy sweater. It's chic, fun and cocooning at the same time!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also discover: Which tights to refine the legs ?
How to wear tights with pumps ?
Choice of tights
The key is to choose your tights.
- Focus on quality models, very opaque and without demarcation.
- For colors, in addition to the classics black, gray and flesh, you can dare to wear colorful tights (burgundy, green, blue navy...) to add a twist to your outfits.
- In terms of material, the tights in fine voile are perfect for mid-season, while the tights thicker (30 to 40 denier) will be ideal for facing the cold of winter.
| Tights Type | Material | Deniers | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veil tights | Polyamide, elastane | 5-15 denier | Summer, mid-season |
| Semi-opaque tights | Polyamide, elastane | 20-40 denier | Spring, autumn |
| Opaque tights | Microfiber, lycra | 40-80 denier | Autumn, winter |
| Warm tights | Wool, cashmere, cotton | 80-200 denier | Winter |
| Fancy tights | Polyamide, lycra | Variable | All seasons |
Choice of pumps
It's all about balance and harmony with your pumps. If you wear opaque tights, choose closed pumps, with a round or pointed toe. Open pumps go best with thin, transparent tights for a "bare legs" effect.
Avoid pumps with platforms or too thick heels which can weigh down the silhouette. Finally, play on the color contrasts between your tights and your pumps to energize your look.
| Heel Type | Height | Butt Shape | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiletto heel | 8-12 cm | Pointed, round | Uncomfortable |
| Block heel | 5-7 cm | Square, round | Comfortable |
| Coil heel | 3-5 cm | Round | Very comfortable |
| Wedge heel | Variable | Open, round | Comfortable |
| Kitten heel | 3-4 cm | Pointed | Comfortable |
Also discover: How to Wear Fishnet Tights with Style and Elegance ?
Ideal occasions to wear this combo
This combo tights + pumps is suitable for both day and evening outfits, depending on the style of your pumps and the type of tights chosen.
With opaque tights and classic pumps, you will be perfect for going to the office or a formal meeting. For a more casual look, mix fancy tights with a little black dress and open pumps.
It is also a very good option for party outfits during the fall-winter season. For example, you can wear a pretty dress with opaque tights and a pair of pumps in velvet or glitter for a glamorous and festive look without feeling cold .
The tights and pumps combo is perfect for the end of year celebrations. Last year, for New Year's Eve, my wife dared to wear a pair of glittery tights with black high-heeled pumps and a trendy little sweater dress. It was both glam and comfortable for dancing the night away!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: Which tights to wear with a white dress ?
How to avoid fashion faux-pas ?
Mismatching colors
The biggest risk with colorful tights is the fashion faux pas. Avoid at all costs combining colored tights with pumps in another too flashy color. The best thing is to opt for neutral pumps (black, nude, grey, etc.) which will easily match your colorful tights.
Avoid torn or damaged tights
Another crucial point: your tights must be impeccable! Ban tights with threads, holes or deformations. There's nothing worse than damaged tights to ruin an outfit, no matter how great your pair of pumps is. Remember to have a spare pair just in case.
Do not adapt the outfit to the season
Finally, don't forget to adapt your combo tights + pumps to the season. This look is especially worn in fall and in winter. In spring and summer, we prefer open-toed pumps without tights for a lighter effect.You can possibly wear very thin tights in a "veil" style but avoid materials that are too "winter" like wool.
Also read: What Color of Tights with a Green Dress ?
Testimonials and expert opinions
Reviews from renowned stylists
For the stylist Cristina Cordula, the combo tights + pumps is a great yes... provided you respect certain rules. She recommends avoiding tights that are too thick or too brightly colored and always matching your tights to the dominant color of your outfit.
Other pro tips: don't hesitate to play the retro chic card with vintage pumps and tights with seams.
Current trends spotted on the catwalks
The latest fashion shows fall-winter brought the combo tights + pumps back on the front of the stage. At Dior, Saint Laurent or Valentino, we saw silhouettes combining tights opaque black or colored with pumps patent or leather.
Fashionistas have also fallen for the trend of patterned tights (polka dots, diamonds, flowers, etc.) worn with minimalist pumps for a retro look.
Conclusion
As you will have understood, tights and pumps ultimately go very well together as long as you respect a few simple rules.
Don't be afraid to experiment with this very trendy combo that will allow you to continue wearing your favorite pumps even when the temperatures drop. With the right tights and the right pumps, you will be right on trend this winter!
FAQ
How to wear pumps with tights ?
To prevent your foot from slipping in your pumps, you can put on a non-slip insole or use special pads for pumps. Also make sure that your tights are not too big so as not to create creases in the shoe.
What shoes to wear with tights ?
In addition to the pumps, you can wear your tights with ankle boots, moccasins, ballerinas or even sneakers for a more casual look. The main thing is to choose shoes suitable for the season and the occasion.
How to dress with pumps ?
The pumps can be worn with a skirt or a dress as well as with a trousers or jeans. It all depends on the style of your pumps and the desired effect. With a little black dress and classic pumps, you will have a chic and timeless look. With slim jeans and fancier open pumps, your look will be more trendy and relaxed.
Why it is advisable to wear tights ?
tights are a very practical fashion accessory that allows you to continue wearing skirts and dresses even when it's cold. They protect the legs, sculpt the silhouette and add a finishing touch to a look. It's a wardrobe essential fall-winter!
Can you wear colorful tights with pumps ?
Yes, as long as you don't overdo it! Avoid combining flashy colored tights with equally flashy pumps. The best thing is to opt for tights in deep and elegant tones (plum, pine green, burgundy...) and wear them with pumps neutrals (black, beige, gray...) for a subtle and refined harmony.
What types of tights are most suitable for open pumps ?
To avoid making a mistake in taste, it is better to opt for fine and transparent tights in a "veil" style with open pumps. Opaque or semi-opaque tights will look prettier with closed pumps. And we forget the tights in wool or too thick knit which quickly look "grandma" with open shoes.
Is it OK to wear this combo to a formal event ?
It all depends on the dress code of the event and the style of your tights and pumps. For a dressy evening, go for classic elegance with fine black or nude tights and sober pumps. We avoid fantasies and pay attention to details for an impeccable look. On the other hand, for a more casual event, you can afford more original tights with patterns or colors, always with a pretty pair of pumps assorted.
How to maintain your tights for an impeccable appearance ?
To make your tights last, wash them by hand in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Avoid spinning in a machine which risks damaging them. Instead, dry them flat on a towel. Store them flat in a drawer, without compressing them, to avoid deforming them. With these small actions, your tights will stay like new for longer!
What color tights to match with different shades of pumps ?
The simplest thing is to match the color of your tights to that of your pumps for perfect harmony. But you can also play with contrasts, for example with burgundy tights and black pumps, or tights gray and nude pumps. If you wear colorful pumps, opt instead for neutral tights (black, gray, flesh) which will highlight them without overwhelming them. The main thing is to create an aesthetic and balanced combination!
References
[1] “Tights With Open Shoes”, Stylight
[2] “4 Shoes That Match With Tights”, ELLE
