This fall, the trend that is walking off the runway with the most acclaim is the well-dressed leg. That's right. Designers are using legwear to help their clothing make a major statement by serving up textured, opaque, patterned and lustrous hosiery in an assortment of hues ranging from bold, bright colors to classic neutrals.
After many seasons of reliable, predictable black opaques and sheer, simple nudes, the move is on for enough variety to "get noticed."As an accessory, legwear has exploded.
In other words, what is worn on the leg is now equally important to what is worn on the rest of the body. The variety is amazing, with patterns including plaids, nets, checks and pinstripes, and textures including sheers, tights and socks.
According to Joan Stonitsch, president, Hanes Hosiery, "Leg-wear is a major force in fashion this season. Women are not only turning to basic sheers and opaques as wardrobe staples but are using the textured and colored styles as true fashion accessories."
There are all kinds of varied styles of hosiery, tights and socks that are appropriate for office life, casual days and evenings out.
Hanes' Silk Reflections tights and socks for 1996 are offering richer, silkier styles in three color and pattern combinations - Jeweled Inspirations, tights with damask and brocade patterns designed to exude a modern femininity. The tight styles are the "Vertical Diamond" and "Baroque Scroll," while sock styles are "Baroque Floral," the "Brocade" and the "Damask Stripe."
Hanes' City Classics are intended to be sophisticated textures and patterns that peculiarly fit the work scene downtown. Tights and socks are decidedly understated with stripes and ribs in "Lustre Tweed tight," "Diamond Panel" tight and the "Fine Rib" sock.
For the wardrobe staples that never go out of style, a woman may go to Autumn Basics, featuring classic looks such as "Lustre Opaque Control Top" tight, the "Satin Rib Cuff" sock and the "Satin Basketweave" sock.
For what Hanes calls "sheer sophistication," the stylish woman should seek a sumptuous color palette of Claret, (the season's hottest color), Loden, Charcoal, Deep Green and Warm Brown. Sheer textures are available in "Sheer Herringbone," and "Sheer Hounds-tooth," both tailored-inspired patterns with a feminine flair.
For the holidays, Hanes recommends dressing up in a big way with tights and socks that feature oversized graphic designs, like the "Abstract Checkerboard" sock, the "Diamond Plaid" sock and the "Pointelle" tight. Colors include Gold, Silver, Winter Tan, Stone, Warm Brown and Charcoal.
So if women don't mind having their legs stand out and complement their clothing in unusual and sometimes flamboyant ways, they have enormous choices available. Certainly, men won't mind.