Kim Kardashian-approved item that will completely change your outfit
A see-through new trend that’s an affordable take on a Kim Kardashian-approved wardrobe staple is back in a big way.
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Sexy sheer stockings have made a return to fashion this season, with an affordable take on the usually-corporate wardrobe staple.
Moving on from traditional tights, these are printed and patterned – inspired by Chanel and Saint Laurent’s “logo” varieties – with Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber among the muses of the librarian-inspired look.
Lyst, a global trend forecaster and fashion search engine, recorded a spike in demand for sheer hosiery as the latest example of the 90s returning to fashion.
Searches for statement logo tights increased by more than 60 per cent in a month: the most-wanted styles were from Gucci, Balenciaga and Fendi, with “sheer black” the No. 1 colour preference.
Kardashian’s “solutionwear” brand Skims entered the hosiery category with a pair of semi-sheer “full control tights” with mid-thigh support, priced around $77.
They sold out in a matter of days around the range’s initial launch in February. Demand for Skims increasing 56 per cent via Lyst, and searches for the terms “sculpting” and “sheer” up 303 per cent.
From affordable styles on chain stores boohoo and Nasty Gal – where prices range from as low as $8 to around $25, including a pair of semi-sheer, high-waisted stockings with a bow graphic print – to Voodoo and Levante, stockings are an accessible way to dress up an outfit.
At the luxury end, there’s Net-a-Porter which is stocking a Saint Laurent polka-dot pair, priced at $A305 described as having a “high waist band that won’t pinch or roll”.
Stockings teamed with mini skirts or dresses was an iconic look in the 90s, seen on supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer, who wore a pair of high-shine Chanel ones on the runway in 1993.
Madeline George, boohoo and Nasty Gal country manager, described the return of stockings as “an unexpected trend”.
“Stockings are definitely an unexpected trend for 2021,” Ms George said. “From sheer styles with fun patterns to pops of colour, stockings are not only practical for this season of unpredictable weather but also fashion forward.”
Ms George said the brands were “seeing it trickle down to mainstream fashion” after stockings were seen on the runways in Paris.
“Stockings are so versatile and can be easily dressed up or dressed down,” she said, citing Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian as muses of the 2021 take on hosiery.
“Our customers have been loving the classic sheer stocking for its effortless chic style,” Ms George said.
“We suggest pairing them with a great pair of chunky combat boots and a knit for a daytime look.”
Nicole Adolphe, head of style at The Iconic, said demand for stockings had “almost doubled” since this time last year, with Saint Laurent “leading the hosiery trend”.
“Stockings and hosiery are back in a big way,” Ms Adolphe said.
“Think of Hailey Beiber as your style muse, partnering mini skirts with stockings to drive the current hosiery trend.
“This is further influenced by people wanting to wear skirts, shorts and dresses in the cooler months, without sacrificing style.”
HOW TO STYLE SHEER BLACK STOCKINGS
* Teamed with a mini skirt, knit jumper, and a pair of pumps or boots, Hailey Bieber-style.
* Under shorts, with a plain tee and a blazer.
* Styled with a dress, coat, and knee-high boots.
* Paired with a mini dress, an oversized blazer, and heels (per Shanina Shaik’s Chanel outfit).
Originally published as Kim Kardashian-approved item that will completely change your outfit