Special Occasions Hosiery Guide

Important events call for careful hosiery selection. The right choice completes your outfit; the wrong one can undermine it. Here's how to choose for any formal occasion.

Weddings

As a Guest

• Sheer nude: Safe, elegant choice
• Light shimmer: Adds subtle glamour
• Match skin tone: Disappear seamlessly
• Avoid: Black (unless evening), white (reserved for bride), patterns

As a Bridesmaid

• Coordinate with bride's preferences
• Match other bridesmaids exactly
• Buy from same lot for color consistency
• Bring backup pair to wedding

As the Bride

See our complete wedding hosiery guide.

Black Tie Events

Galas & Formal Dinners

• Sheer black: Classic with formal gowns
• Sheer nude: With light-colored dresses
• Shimmer: Adds evening elegance
• Seamed stockings: Vintage glamour

Denier Selection

• 10-15 denier: Most elegant, barely-there look
• Sheer-to-waist: Eliminates panty lines under gowns
• Quality matters: Cheap hosiery shows under lights

Job Interviews

Conservative Industries

Law, finance, corporate settings:

• Nude or light tan: Professional standard
• 15-20 denier: Polished but not heavy
• No patterns: Keep focus on you
• Reinforced toe: For closed-toe pumps

Creative Industries

Fashion, media, tech:

• More flexibility in choices
• Black opaques acceptable
• Subtle patterns may work
• Research company culture first

Interview Tips

• Wear hosiery to interview even if office is casual
• Check for runs before entering building
• Keep spare pair in bag
• Match heel height to practice walking

Proms & Formals

Teen Formal Events

• Shimmer tights: Youthful, fun
• Sheer nude: Classic elegance
• Matching colors: Can match dress
• Fun textures: Lace, subtle patterns

With Different Shoe Styles

• Strappy heels: Sheer nude or toeless
• Closed pumps: Any style works
• Sparkly shoes: Keep hosiery simple

Religious Ceremonies

Churches, Synagogues, Mosques

• Conservative styles always appropriate
• Opaque may be required in some settings
• Nude sheer for Christian churches
• Check specific requirements beforehand

Funerals & Memorials

• Black opaque: Traditional choice
• Black sheer: Also appropriate
• Navy: Acceptable alternative
• Avoid patterns, colors, shimmer
• Conservative and respectful always

Holiday Parties

Office Holiday Parties

• Slightly more festive than regular work
• Subtle shimmer acceptable
• Keep professional edge

Private Holiday Parties

• Sparkle and shimmer welcome
• Red, green, or metallic tights
• Fun patterns appropriate
• Express personal style

Award Ceremonies

If you're being honored or presenting:

• Flash photography will reveal cheap hosiery
• Invest in high-quality sheer
• Consider matte finish (less shine in photos)
• Practice sitting in your outfit

Emergency Kit

For any special event:

• Spare pair of hosiery (same style)
• Clear nail polish
• Fashion tape
• Safety pin
• Small scissors