Listen, we've got nothing against black tights. They're flattering, go with everything (yes, even navy or brown outfits), and they're easy to replace if and when they rip (which, admittedly, happens a little too often). But the runways at New York Fashion Week have us rethinking this cold-weather staple: What if our tights were actually a focal point of our outfits, rather than a subtle supplement?Well, it may be time to give your black pairs a rest in favor of some louder or more colorful variations — like we've seen on the runways of Zimmermann, Alexander Wang, and Tanya Taylor. Whether they're printed with graphics, perfectly matched to the rest of your look, or making a literal statement with words, the selection ahead can add some sartorial excitement to any ensemble, regardless of how cold the windchill is outside. Before you write these tights off as childish or tacky, click through to see how some of our favorite labels are making them work. We swear, your black tights won't look nearly as appealing after you get a dose of this.
Winter dressing feels a lot more fun when your tights match your scarf.
Tanya Taylor
If you're not a huge fan of color, you don't need to go overboard. These tights have subtle floral accents that play off of the dress' embroidery.
Tanya Taylor
Pulling off this trend is all about repetition — coordinating the tights with something on top (like your shirt) can tie the look together.
Tanya Taylor
Alexander Wang's two-tone, word-driven take on sheer black tights is perfect for our inner punk.
Alexander Wang
They're just as practical as your plain black ones, but have that much more of an edge.
Alexander Wang
Let the words peek out from underneath a minidress or skirt for a fun surprise when you take a stride or sit down.
Alexander Wang
Print mixing isn't only for blouses, jackets, and pants — try a pair of floral tights in a slightly different pattern than your dress, but still in the same color palette. It's dizzying in the best way possible.
Zimmermann
Instead of sporting a simple pair with a party dress, try a graphic iteration that slightly mirrors what's happening up top.
Zimmermann
A paisley pair will say you're ready to party way better than plain black ones ever will.
Zimmermann
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
What's With All The Extra Sleeves At New York Fashion Week?
The Fashion Week Trends That WILL Show Up In Fast Fashion
Sorry Midi-Skirts, But Minis Are Coming Back Again