Hosiery Color Matching Guide
Choosing the right hosiery color can make or break an outfit. The right shade enhances your look while the wrong one draws attention for all the wrong reasons.
Matching Your Skin Tone
Finding Your Undertone
- Cool undertone: Veins appear blue/purple, silver jewelry flatters
- Warm undertone: Veins appear green, gold jewelry flatters
- Neutral: Mix of both, both metals work
Nude Shades by Skin Tone
| Skin Tone | Recommended Shades |
|---|
| Fair / Light | Light nude, barely there, porcelain |
| Light-Medium | Natural, nude, light beige |
| Medium / Olive | Suntan, medium beige, natural tan |
| Medium-Dark | Bronze, coffee, caramel |
| Dark / Deep | Espresso, chocolate, dark brown |
The Perfect Nude Test
Hold the pantyhose up to the inside of your wrist. The right nude will nearly disappear against your skin rather than creating a visible contrast.
Matching Your Outfit
General Rules
- Match your shoes or hemline: Creates longer leg line
- Contrast carefully: Bold contrast makes a statement
- When in doubt, go nude: Works with everything
By Outfit Color
| Outfit | Hosiery Options |
|---|
| Black | Sheer black, sheer nude, opaque black |
| Navy | Navy, sheer black, nude |
| White/Cream | Nude (not white!), ivory for bridal |
| Red | Sheer black, nude |
| Pastels | Nude, matching pastel shade |
| Brown | Brown, bronze, nude |
| Grey | Grey, sheer black, nude |
| Prints | Pull color from print, or nude |
Black Hosiery
When to Wear
- Evening events
- With black or dark outfits
- For leg-slimming effect
- Cold weather
- Statement fashion looks
Sheer vs. Opaque Black
- Sheer black (15-20D): Elegant, professional, evening
- Semi-opaque (30-40D): Casual, slightly warmer
- Opaque black (60D+): Fashion-forward, warm, bold
When to Avoid
- Very formal daytime events
- With white/cream (unless intentional contrast)
- Job interviews (nude is safer)
Nude/Skin Tone
When It's Perfect
- Professional settings
- Formal daytime events
- With any color outfit
- When you want an invisible look
- Sandals and open-toe shoes
Common Nude Mistakes
- Too light: Washes you out
- Too dark: Creates obvious tan line
- Wrong undertone: Orange vs. pink mismatch
Fashion Colors
Navy
- Professional alternative to black
- Pairs well with navy, grey, burgundy
- Sophisticated choice
Grey
- Modern and chic
- Works with grey, black, white, burgundy
- Both sheer and opaque options
Burgundy/Wine
- Perfect for fall
- Pairs with black, grey, burgundy outfits
- Statement choice
Bold Colors
- Red: High fashion, statement
- Purple: Creative, artistic
- Green: Trendy, fashion-forward
Matching Shoes
Rule of Thumb
Match hosiery to your shoes OR your skirt—not both unless they're the same color.
Shoe-Hosiery Pairings
| Shoes | Hosiery |
|---|
| Nude heels | Nude (same shade) |
| Black heels | Sheer black or nude |
| Navy heels | Navy or nude |
| Red heels | Nude or sheer black |
| Sandals | Nude with sandal toe |
| Boots | Match to outfit (hidden) |
Occasion Guide
| Occasion | Best Colors |
|---|
| Job Interview | Nude, very sheer black |
| Office Daily | Nude, sheer black |
| Wedding Guest | Nude (day), sheer black (evening) |
| Funeral | Sheer black or opaque black |
| Date Night | Sheer black, seamed stockings |
| Holiday Party | Fashion colors, metallics |
Seasonal Considerations
Spring/Summer
- Lighter deniers (10-15D)
- Nude tones
- Sandal toe styles
Fall/Winter
- Higher deniers (40-60D+)
- Black, burgundy, navy
- Textured options
Common Mistakes
- White hosiery: Almost never appropriate (looks medical)
- Visible reinforced toe: In open shoes
- Too dark nude: Creates fake tan look
- Mismatched undertones: Cool outfit with warm hosiery
- Opaque with formal day dress: Too casual