Edmonton Journal

Leggings, socks extend your wardrobe

Extend your summer pieces with tights and knee socks

- SANDY JOE KARPETZ

Don’t be fooled by the gold colours of our beautiful autumn. The days of bare legs are behind us. Layering is a fall staple and a great way to extend your summer pieces well in to the colder months. With the variety of styles, fabrics, and patterns of tights and socks available now, this is a technique that can be tailored to any wardrobe.

“It’s always so heartbreak­ing to put your summer clothes away every fall,” says Susanna Pearcey, clothing designer and co-ordinator of Western Canada Fashion Week. “Throwing on a pair of tights and a cardigan with your favourite summer dress or pair of shorts allows you to get a lot more mileage out of your summer pieces.”

“It’s hard to wear dresses in the winter time,” says Rashell Campbell, stylist and assistant manager at Gravity Pope Tailored Goods. “Long johns under my pants are a big part of my life in Edmonton but with tights on, that allows me to be able to wear dresses and skirts throughout the year. It’s nice to still feel feminine even if it is -20 outside.”

Here’s hoping we won’t be dipping to such low temperatur­es right off the bat and can ease our way through the transition.

“Just like you start layering your tops as the leaves start to fall, why not layer your bottoms?” Pearcey suggests. “A bulkier sock over a thinner tight gives you added warmth as well as visual interest.”

“There’s also a big mini skirt trend this fall, so wearing them with tights or knee socks is a perfect match as the temperatur­e drops.”

Patterned nylons are a fun addition to any outfit and can be layered under thigh high, knee high, or ankle socks. However, we shouldn’t always depend on basic black.

“Gold and mustard are trending for this fall, which adds to the autumn’s vintage kitsch vibe for this season,” says Campbell. “As for patterns, I find that stripes are coming back in a big way. White, red and navy stripe socks are a must in your dresser.”

“The fun thing about this fall is that we’re seeing anything and everything in terms of prints and colours,” says Pearcey. “Novelty prints are big, neon, pastels, and metallics too. Go nuts!”

The visual balance of layering is just as important as the fibres. Style meets function with the pairing of attractive pieces with warm breathable fabrics.

“There’s nothing cosier than cashmere,” says Pearcey. “Wool is both warm, and wonderfull­y breathable.”

The availabili­ty of wool and cashmere tights have increased over the years and as a result, are now easier to find at multiple price points from Joe Fresh Style to Wolford.

“I would always stick to nylon, it’s comfortabl­e, it’s durable, and it’s easy to wear socks with,” says Campbell. “As for socks this fall, I would stick to cotton and wool. Wool socks save my life when it gets chilly outside.”

This approach to dressing does not limit your shoe options either. While boots are a standard and will remain a staple during the winter months, remember that socks and sandals are perfectly acceptable as well.

 ?? PHOTOS: SANDY JOE KARPET Z ?? Rashell Campbell sports a monochrome look with a black dress and matching opaque tights.
PHOTOS: SANDY JOE KARPET Z Rashell Campbell sports a monochrome look with a black dress and matching opaque tights.
 ??  ?? Transition your favourite pair of summer shorts into fall with fun patterned tights.
Transition your favourite pair of summer shorts into fall with fun patterned tights.
 ??  ?? Knee highs paired with skirts is a polished look for fall.
Knee highs paired with skirts is a polished look for fall.
 ??  ?? Striped tights from Kate Spade with a layered knee sock from Malorie Urbanovitc­h work well under a mini skirt.
Striped tights from Kate Spade with a layered knee sock from Malorie Urbanovitc­h work well under a mini skirt.

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