One of the...

best big trends of this fall and winter has been patterned tights. These can run the gamut from plaid (not recommended) to lace. While the more boldly patterned tights have their place (the ladies of Gossip Girl look fabulous in their plaid tights, for example) the more wearable option are the black patterned tights. The pattern is formed with darker areas or lines contrasting with sheer areas, usually in a geometric pattern of some kind. My friend Kel wore a pair recently that was just so fab I had to share:

Great, right? They’re like the quintessential pair of patterned tights.

Except here’s the kicker: that is not actually a pair of patterned tights. After a fruitless search for the ideal tights, Kel decided to layer a pair of fishnets over a pair of semi-sheer black tights. I can only categorize this solution as brilliant. Fishnets are surprisingly easy to find, and most ladies probably have a pair of black hose hiding in the back of a drawer. It’s a great way to try patterned tights without having to search for the perfect pair.