The leg was a focal point on runways for fall, with embellished hose, textured tights and liquid legging.
"Legs are better than ever," says Sally Kay, president and CEO of The Hosiery Association. "And not just because there are so many styles, patterns and colors to choose from. The hosiery industry continues to keep a leg up on the latest fashion trends in tights, leggings, panty hose — and even socks."
In 2008, retail sales for the leg-wear industry amounted to a little more than $6.3 billion, according to NPD Market Research. Between July 2008 and July 2009, sales of women's socks were up 1.3 percent and sales of sheer leg wear down 4.7 percent, but the sales of tights increased by 13.5 percent.
"We didn't see many bare legs on the runway," Kay says. "What we did see were leggings that made a statement, from knits to textures to shine and shimmer. There were crystals, sequins and jewels, as well as a lot of cutouts and leather-inspired leg wear."
That's not a surprise in a slumping economy, when items such as lipstick and hosiery can make a woman feel good while not hurting her pocketbook, says Tracey Lomrantz, Slaves to Fashion blogger for Glamour.com.
"You can buy a nice pair of textured tights and turn clothes you already have into something that looks new and fresh," she says. "Tights also help transition from summer to fall into winter."
Make leg wear the centerpiece of the outfit when pairing it with a solid dress, Lomrantz says. For a bolder statement, combine faux-leather leggings with a long tunic. But make sure your derriere is covered. Some of the more aggressive styles are not for every body type, she cautions.
"You will see everything across the board, from zippers to leather and lace," says Charlotte Cameron, assistant accessories editor for Self magazine. "So, go ahead and rock this trend. It can be fun and can give your look a little bit of an edge."
Tights with a paisley print or some kind of embellishment can be fun, says Michael Carl, Allure magazine fashion editor. Or take a simple black shift dress and pair it with sequined knee socks and black pumps for a fantastic evening look, he says.
"The leg is definitely the focus for fall," says Gregg Andrews, fashion director for Nordstrom. "Women need something to warm their legs but to look fashionable at the same time." He suggests wearing leggings with short skirts, long tunic tops and shoe booties.
"There are so many choices in leg wear that it gives people an opportunity to find their leg-wear expression," says Alison Hessert, spokeswoman for HUE. "Fun leg wear is a trend that is across the board, and not just for girls 15 years old. There are so many ways to wear this trend that it fits the lifestyle of many women."
Check out the display window at The Pussycat in Squirrel Hill, where you'll find everything from lace hosiery made in Italy to a crocheted look from DKNY.
"You walk into a room wearing these, and you will definitely be making a statement," says Gail Gross, owner of The Pussycat. "One of these adds a whole new accent to an outfit. We have something for everyone, from those who want something with a print or lace to someone who just wants a black opaque or more of a subdued pattern. Or you may choose an opaque that shows some skin in between.
"Whatever your fashion personality, we have the leg wear to match."
What's hot in leg wear
Leggings: Leggings are the fashion world's latest obsession. Find them in everything from liquid leather to denim to velvet.
Colored opaques: Look for brilliant jewel tones such as sienna burnt orange, apple red and deep orchid.
Graphic patterns: Bold and graphic prints include ombre, tartan plaid and florals.
Cozy knits and textures: Sweater tights, over-the-knee socks and boot socks come in classic cables, flat ribs, tweeds and argyles. Leg warmers are chunky or flat-ribbed. Other textures include geometric openwork, intricate nets and one of fall's biggest trends: lace.
Sophisticated sheers: In addition to classic sheers, look for retro-inspired backseams and thigh-highs as well as patterned sheers and a fall must-have: tulle dot sheers.
Source: HUE.com
Caring for your leg wear
• Buy the proper size. Each manufacturer is different. if you are in between sizes, go with the larger one.
• Take care when putting them on and taking them off.
• Don't wear jewelry while handling them, and be careful of rough spots on your hands, fingernails, toenails and the inside of your shoes.
• Put them on gently and smoothly, and don't pull them up too tight.
• When washing them, pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not use hot water or bleach.
• Use a hosiery bag or a pillow case in the wash, so they don't get caught on the zippers and buttons of other clothes.
• Don't wash with colors.
• To dry, roll pantyhose in a towel — never wring them to remove moisture — and hang them to dry. Never put them in the dryer.
Source: American Hosiery Association
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