If you're simultaneously obsessed with the latest micro-trends and too intimidated to test them out, you've come to the right place. This is Ways to Wear, a monthly series where editor Eliza Huber offers a dose of outfit inspiration focused on current trends that feel intriguing yet overwhelming at the same time. Consider it your guide to actually wearing the coolest items of the moment, no matter how puzzling they might appear at first.
Even the chicest outfits can fall flat sometimes if they're missing a certain level of oomf. Everything about them can be perfect, from the fit to the color combinations and so on, but without that finishing touch that ties it all together, the sartorial spark will never light. And right now, the easiest and most cost-effective way to fire up your outfits is with hosiery. Yes, I said hosiery, and no, I don't mean pantyhose.
From red and burgundy tights to knee-high sheer socks, the world of hosiery is one full of possibilities. And of all the leg décor that's trending among fashion people this year, the style making the most significant impact by far is fishnets. Once considered tacky and more than a touch costumey, in recent seasons, the latticed tights have received a dressed-up makeover, with brands such as Gucci, Tory Burch, and Victoria Beckham pairing them with elegant dresses and separates, adding a touch of intrigue to every combination. They balance out any outfit, ensuring that no ensemble ever risks being called boring.
Because of their popularity on the runway as well as their affordable nature, fishnets have taken off on IG, with outfits featuring the leg coverings appearing on all of the year's best dressers, from editors to stylists to influencers. On their feeds, you'll find fishnets styled underneath skirts, dresses, trousers, and jeans, worn with boots and heels alike and even accessorized with anklets on top for added flavor. Really, as weird as it sounds, the tights we all once cringed at kind of go with everything.
Since I can only assume that many of you aren't quite convinced that wearing fishnets with *everything* is feasible, I challenged myself to do just that, styling my favorite $15 pair of micro-net tights from Calzedonia in four ways, all of which can be easily replicated with pieces that already live in your closet, including slip dresses, midi skirts, jeans, and more. Scroll down to see how I did. Hell, maybe once you see my methods for wearing the cheap and easy trend, you'll be willing to give fishnets another chance.