How to pair tights and shoes correctly

The universal rule is simple: the “heavier” the shoe, the denser and more matte the tights; the more refined the shoe, the thinner and cleaner the colour of the tights should be. From there, the details come into play - skirt length, skin tone, season and dress code.

Why the “tights + shoes” combination often ruins an outfit

The issue is rarely about fashion and more about logic. A high-contrast toe shortens the leg, a shiny finish looks out of place in daytime outfits, and very dark tights paired with light shoes can feel visually disconnected. The good news is that this is easy to fix - not by buying more, but by choosing better combinations.

Core rules that actually work

1) Match temperature and the “weight” of the outfit
- Loafers, derbies, ankle boots and chunky boots look best with matte tights that visually anchor the shoe.

- Court shoes, ballet flats, mules and sandals call for a lighter solution - close to the skin tone or with a clean, sheer effect (when appropriate for the season and dress code).

2) Colour: lengthen the leg, don’t cut it off
- The safest way to visually elongate the silhouette is to match the tights to the colour of the shoes, or as close to it as possible.

- With light-coloured shoes, a sharp dark contrast creates a strong visual break and shortens the leg - opt instead for softer, neutral shades.

- With bright or statement shoes, keep the tights understated and let there be just one focal point.

3) Matte or with a sheen
- For city wear and the office, matte finishes usually win: they look more modern and are easier to style.

- A subtle sheen works in the evening, but only when it supports the overall dressy feel - the fabric of the dress, jewellery and makeup.

Scenarios: reliable combinations without second-guessing

Office and business meetings
Closed shoes (court shoes / loafers / ankle boots) paired with tights in a calm shade and no noticeable shine. With a strict dress code, avoid bold patterns - they draw attention to the legs and clash with clean, business-focused lines.

Everyday city wear
Trainers and tights can work if the outfit follows a clear sporty-casual logic: dense matte tights and a structured lower half (a simply cut skirt or dress, or shorts in a heavier fabric). The key is that shoes and tights support the same style rather than competing with each other.

Evenings and events
If you’re wearing heels and the outfit is more dressed up, you can allow a more expressive touch - but keep the balance. Choose either an interesting texture in the tights or statement shoes, not both. Two “loud” elements at once often feel overwhelming.

Build the outfit starting with the shoes: define the “weight” of the pair and the setting (office / city / evening), then choose tights based on three criteria - closeness of shade, level of mattness and appropriateness of texture. When in doubt, go for a neutral option and a single accent in the look. And when it’s time to refresh your wardrobe basics, follow the Anabel Arto principle: comfort and a precise fit are the foundation of confident style, without unnecessary effort.