Black cocktail dress, hose or no hose?

[chiefmickeymouse]

We are attending a formal event, something I haven't done in a while and not something I particularly enjoy. I am wearing a black cocktail dress and black satin closed toe pumps. Do I wear hose? Sheer black or nude? I can't help but notice no one seems to wear them anymore. Any advice?

 

[2princesses3princes]

We go to a semi-formal event annually and very few people wear hose anymore. Basically, the ones that do wear hose, don't care that it is not fashionable and just want to stay warmer! (the event location tends to be very chilly and it is March in WI).

I say do what makes you happy!

 

[lauradis]

Black only if you wear black shoes.

Nude for any other color.

I wear hose because I like them and they are warmer.

 

[Christine]

If your legs look good and there is no awful look between your leg and the material of the shoe, go bare.

If you have bad looking skin on your legs and the whole transition from dress to leg to shoe just looks bad (hard to say without really seeing the dress and the shoes), then get a very good quality black, sheer hose. Nude or a tad darker will also be good but only if you buy a good quality hose. One that's not very noticeable.

Also, with the warmer weather now it gets a little tough to justify hose; however, be honest about how your legs look. Some people should not be without them.

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

If your legs look good and there is no awful look between your leg and the material of the shoe, go bare. If you have bad looking skin on your legs and the whole transition from dress to leg to shoe just looks bad (hard to say without really seeing the dress and the shoes), then get a very good quality black, sheer hose. Nude or a tad darker will also be good but only if you buy a good quality hose. One that's not very noticeable. Also, with the warmer weather now it gets a little tough to justify hose; however, be honest about how your legs look. Some people should not be without them.

They look ok, not great. I think I would feel more self-conscious without them. Unless I get there and no one else is wearing them! This will be mostly people quite a bit older than we are, so maybe I'll play it conservative and wear sheer black hose.

 

[Christine]

They look ok, not great. I think I would feel more self-conscious without them. Unless I get there and no one else is wearing them! This will be mostly people quite a bit older than we are, so maybe I'll play it conservative and wear sheer black hose.

Just get some nice ones. I know it's tough to plunk down $15 for a pair of hose, but for a formal occasion, it's really a good idea. It will make all the difference than putting on a cheap pair that becomes very noticeable under the dress and are uncomfortable too.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I still wear hosiery but only nude/natural color. I never wear another color. If I'm wearing open toed, sling backs, or strappy sandal high heels I don't wear them. Now I don't wear them as much here in the summer but I do still wear them.

If you feel you would be uncomfortable without the hosiery, then wear them. Just wear a natural close to your skin tone GOOD brand of hose which makes all the difference.

 

[NoSoup4U]

Not a lot of women wear hose anymore. Personally i hate them, i'd rather my legs get chilly so that i'd be comfy all night at the event. I find hose so itchy. But you should do what you want.

But if you do go with a hose, in my opinion, I dont think black hose would look good with a black dress and black heels. Its just too much black. I'd go with nude for sure.

 

[ronandannette]

They look ok, not great. I think I would feel more self-conscious without them. Unless I get there and no one else is wearing them! This will be mostly people quite a bit older than we are, so maybe I'll play it conservative and wear sheer black hose.

If it were me I'd definitely be wearing them. After 6 months of hard winter my legs aren't anywhere near presentable yet and who among us has never seen a lady with ghostly, veiny, lumpy bare legs and thought she'd look way better in a pair of sheers? Sometimes common sense needs to prevail over fashion. And if you're correct about the age of the crowd it's very likely many of the other guests will be wearing them as well. Feel good in what you're wearing and you'll look good too! Have a great time?

 

[wallawallakids]

Do you mean traditional, old fashioned type of hose. Like the sheer kind? Or tights? I am assuming you mean the hose type, right? My mother loves that kind but I am not sure they are really "in style" much any more. (I remember her buying them in CVS when I was a kid…and they came in eggs! I used to beg to keep the eggs to play with. )

I feel like tights are different though, that is why I asked. I would go with nothing or tights. But only in black with a black dress. Nude isn't really done much any more. I think most people who want the "nude" look go without anything. I would only do it if you felt you would be cold or wanted to not show as much leg.

I wear tights here in the winter to go to a formal event because I would freeze if I didn't. (Heck, I freeze when I do!) But if it is at all warm enough, I wouldn't wear tights.

Good luck. You will look beautiful no mater what you choose. I think most people do not pay attention to what others are wearing on their legs so don't be worried at all if you are wearing them and no one else is. No one will care.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Kate Middleton still wears hosiery, so I wouldn't be too concerned about looking unfashionable in them. If you would feel less self conscious with them, then I say absolutely wear them. I would go with a nude color rather than black, though.

 

[gwynne]

Kate Middleton still wears hosiery, so I wouldn't be too concerned about looking unfashionable in them. If you would feel less self conscious with them, then I say absolutely wear them. I would go with a nude color rather than black, though.

I agree about Kate. I also think she knows that generally, bare legs photograph pretty badly. Bare legs draw the eye to leg/knee "flaws" rather than to your face. I know someone who's a wedding photographer. I've seen the evidence.

For dressy or formal occasions I will always choose nicely made (not thick or heavy) nude colored hose.

 

[HM]

For a formal event, yes I'd wear hose and it would be nude.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

For a formal event (i.e., after 5 and black tie), very sheer black hose. If it's a before 5 event, then I might switch it to nude (and again, very sheer) hose.

Karen

 

[disney212]

For a formal event (i.e., after 5 and black tie), very sheer black hose. If it's a before 5 event, then I might switch it to nude (and again, very sheer) hose.

Karen

This ! I attend multiple formal events for work each year. We actually cover this with new employees.

 

[lizabu]

I hate this bare leg trend. I wear them still. I like the ones that suck everything in and smooth it out. I would go with black for a formal event.

 

[snapppyd]

Wow do I feel old! I would not go with bare legs to a formal event (I'm 57). Even with sandals I buy the toeless hose. I like they way they make your leg look smoother and hold in the thighs and tummy. (I'm not overweight, but I'm not in great shape either).

 

[wiigirl]

Black only if you wear black shoes.

Nude for any other color.

I wear hose because I like them and they are warmer.

 

[MichelleVW]

So thankful for the no panty hose trend...they are so uncomfortable!!

 

[Ginny Favers]

For awhile no-hose was the trend, but NOW, hose is back in style and perfectly fine to wear. Just wear what makes you feel best.