Are tights the festive season outfit unlock?

An easy work around to get in the spirit without too heavy a lift

It occurred to me last year that the month of December (and I guess now November) is basically a dressing season in its own right. It’s like we go from summer to fall to the holidays to winter and in the space between summer and the anterior, there’s a wrestle between oatmeal-y knits and hunter green corduroy, and sequin tops with like, lace hem silk skirts.

I get it though. Getting dressed for the holidays feels good. Participating in the collective spirit of the moment is one way to feel closer to those around you, and one among the low common denominators that can get you into this kind of groove is the process of putting on an outfit.

But there is a pressure about the season. A sort of unspoken overwhelm that can trick you or me into thinking our closets as they stand are completely irrelevant.

With this comes the understanding that this particular brand of irrelevancy is completely temporary and yet it is so easy to get sucked into the frivolity of it all. I know this firsthand, I’m a sagittarius! and this season — my season — is one of indulgence.

Where do I think I’m going? Datura blazer, Tory Burch dress, Kalmanovich tights (keep reading for alts), old Celine brogues (these are the ones I suggest for now; so good w jeans too). Also, if sunglasses matter to you, I do think we’re re-entering a wireframe era.

Understanding the difference between the seductive thrill of an impulse and the carrying-out that may or may not follow has basically been the up, the down, the yes, the no, the why, and the “because” of my life’s work.

Where I’m at now (specifically as it relates to holiday dressing): there are ways to get in the spirit that don’t disregard your existing possessions, that encourage you to combine the whimsies and fancies you’ve collected over time to add some spunk to your funk (what?), that are in line with my recent focus on what goes on around the clothes. Currently, the target is tights.

They can be a whimsical game changer —

Tory Burch sweater, Sessei plaid shirt around waist (the Polo varietals are great too), Live the Process capri leggings (the slits make a difference!), Maria da Rosa tights (can’t find these either, but the sheer tinge makes a diff; these from Falke are sim), Chanel patent leather moccasins (not shiny, but alternative)

Or a pretty simple lift.

Co dress (it’s on sale! But you can manufacture the same look with a full black skirt and tank), Swedish Stockings leopard tights (full stock here, and on sale!), Jude red sandals (they are as good as I thought they would be! But slippery for sure with tights, not bad with thicker socks)

I love them with cozies, and otherwise small quirks that could transform a knit track suit into a proper seasonal expression —

Tory Burch thigh highs, Emme Parsons ‘Leandra’ shoes (at 40% off no less)

This is a Venstore track set; these ones look good. With this as the sweater. Here’s a good headband and you prob don’t need it, but Wayfarers r this way, Emme shoes one more time

You can wear them when the coat is part of your outfit —

You can accomplish the same thing with a trench coat (I really like the shape of this one from Tory Burch, or this from Uniqlo), and leopard kitten heels. Wearing: the infamous Aflalo leopard coat styled with a white cotton turtleneck from Splendid, The Row white mules (interesting patent leather alt from Larroude) and Hue tights

Romualda trench coat (with a Loewe chain belt styled around the collar) Tory Burch tights, Khaite heels and suede bag

Or let them dance themselves into a pair of boots.

Sea New York silk and fringe top (like this one too), Swedish Stockings glitter tights, Gabriela Hearst black riding boots (a slightly different pair is on sale here, or I’ve been wearing the hell out of these too)

Here’s a quality cropped black jacket on sale from Khaite, or another with a zip closure from Me + Em ($325). (Mine is a few years old, from a brand called Azi Land.) Once more all around: Sea New York top, Swedish Stockings glitter tights, Gabriela Hearst boots

They can be subtle yet somehow overstated at the same time:

Splendid white t-neck, Skall Studios fair isle knit (a different color scheme but tested, great hit here), Khaite tux pants, Hue white tights, Gucci sandals (another pretty good find from TRR)

And no doubt the main event (as in game changer) with something shorter.

The vibe is: corporate holiday party. Cashmere in Love red polo (here’s an alt from J. Crew), a good black mini skirt for you is here, or this scuba material one from Cos is on sale and avail in the full range of sizes, Tory Burch pumps; the tights are from Kalmanovich (one alt from Manzi here, another that is lurex here)

They can really help you let your “weird” come through,

Delarge sunglasses, Tory Burch mint satin coat (gone, but I love this one from Dries, on sale now for $790; the color on this one is heaven too), the brown interior slip is the insert the sheer grey dress from my last collab with Soeur (but this is what you’d want for now — $90 from Quince), Maria da Rosa argyle tights (can’t find them, but here is another pair) and Manolo Blahnik red ballet flats

Which I guess is the other thing about holiday dressing — the looks don’t have to feel so literal, you know? Getting in the spirit could just mean taking a risk you otherwise wouldn’t.

Margiela sequined cap (look at this one from Sleeper; also a more practical alt from Bode, relatively speaking), Polo RL silk shirt (mine is a size 4), Massimo Dutti suede elastic hem pants (these don’t elasticate but they’re good too; or there is also these), Khaite sandals and black sheer tights from CVS

Because beyond the bells and whistles and fanfare and all, there’s an interior confidence about the season — one that is eager, expansive and not at all critical. Tights are just one way to get into it.

Have a great week,

Leandra