Fashion Saved My Life

Photo Source: Kingdom of Style

Last year I called out Katie Holmes for jumping on the tights with sandals trend without really knowing what she was doing. But the style has evolved so far since then that fishnets, printed tights, stirrup tights and even socks are now appropriate (and adorable, and sexy, and amazing) pairings for open-toed shoes.

When done right. So here are a few tips to remember when dressing up this fall, and when you’ve decided to give your much-loved booties a break.

• When you wear tights, match. If you pair black fishnets or black printed tights with open-toed heels, make sure you’re wearing black sandals, or at least very dark (purple or gray) sandals. You’re already playing a lot with texture and design, so keep the colors understated, unless you are the fabulous Michelle from Kingdom of Style, at left.
• Wear tall, chunky heels. To keep your textured tights under control, you’ll need a stocky, substantial pair of heels. Strappy sandals that are too delicate will just make you look like an old lady. An old bag lady.
• Go mini. Unless you’re Siri or Chanel Iman, a pencil skirt, printed tights and open-toed sandals will overwhelm you. Wear super short mini skirts and dresses to show off your legs and make the look seem more streamlined.
  

  Photo Source: Style.com

• Opt for socks. Burberry Prorsum and Rochas have been showing models wearing nylon socks with sandals, and it’s not as bad as you’d think. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with letting your socks peek out from booties and oxfords, try it with a super tall pair of chunky, heftily strapped (or even studded) pair of sandals. Make absolutely sure you wear thin nylon socks (that won’t pill or bunch up) in a fun, punchy color. These are also best worn with non-frumpy, uber short hemlines. Burberry Prorsum’s S/S ’10 collection showed models in neutral socks with sandals, and the Rochas girls mixed longer hemlines and flatter shoes with their socks, but if you’re not as experimental, stick with minis.