Trendy Tights

Tights are always a must in winter. Who wants to freeze or—even worse—give up wearing tights and skirts for an entire season? This year, though, tights are more than just a way to keep warm—they're also an opportunity to make a serious fashion statement. Fun patterns and prints are all over the place, and we've gathered our favorites in this gallery. Above are a fun polka dot pair from Tofebruary that's perfect for winter times.

To buy: Tofebruary, $11

If you don't want a style that's too trendy but still are looking for something special in your tights, try a pair with a seam down the back. The classy look will elongate your legs. This pair, from Hanes Silk Reflections, is also sheer, which is another of the season's trends. Opaque tights are still in style, but sheer ones are definitely making a comeback.

To buy: Kohl's, $10

Animal print is everywhere this season—so why not wear it on your legs? Colored tights, like these ones, are especially fun. The purple tights, by Kate Spade, make a seriously funky statement, while the burgundy snake print ones are a little more understated.

To buy: Zappos, $25; Topshop, $24

Bold hues are always a fun way to brighten up an otherwise basic outfit. American Apparel is the obvious place to go for this look—the clothier has over 40 different opaque colors, as well as sheer, bamboo and shiny options.

To buy: American Apparel, $16

Dots, spots, squares and bows all are a fun way to play up sheer tights. And yes, you can wear these styles without looking childish. Smaller spots are more sophisticated than large ones, and shapes other than circles (like these ovals) also add class.

To buy: Loft, $15

Classic fishnets for work? Probably not. But with a little extra flair, these options may do the trick. On the left, from Hue, is a lace pattern that just gives the look of fishnets, since it's printed on an opaque off-white tight. The other two options, both by Via Spiga, have floral and geometric patterns, which make them feel less like fishnets and more like fun prints.

To buy: Piperlime, $20; Lord & Taylor, $11; Lord & Taylor, $15

For a funkier look, try tights with a geometric pattern. Some are totally opaque, while others, like these, have black or another color printed on a nude tight. If you want to be right on-trend, go for an Aztec print.

To buy: Revolve, $25

It may seem counterintuitive (and like something you'd think your daughter was crazy for doing), but it actually does make sense to pay for holes … at least when we're talking tights. Distressing tights is not a DIY project, because your attempts will almost certainly continue to run. A properly made pair, though, will keep its design without falling apart. Wear under shorts for a casual weekend look.

To buy: Topshop, $20

For a more classic (and warmer) look, try these cable-knit tights. They're much thicker than normal hose, so are great for colder climates. Thick tights can look a bit matronly, but finding a pair like these with texture will avert that issue.

To buy: Sperry Top-Sider, $16

For a fancy occasion, glitter tights are a fun option. You can get ones with an all-over sparkly print, or a pair like these, with patches of shimmer. The spots on this sheer pair are a bit stud-like, which adds a trendy punk-rock feel.

To buy: Topshop, $20

These houndstooth tights will fit flawlessly in a classic, preppy wardrobe. If that's not quite you, though, still consider investing in a pair—houndstooth is so trendy this season that anyone can get away with it.

To buy: Lori's, $23

Sometimes, you just want a pair of scalloped blue tights. If that's the case, you're in luck—all sorts of fun, girly prints and patterns are available this season. Keep your look sophisticated by pairing with a pencil skirt and blouse.

To buy: Kate Spade, $30