Q&A: Should I Wear Pantyhose with a Cocktail Dress?
May 17th, 2007
Q: Is it ok to wear sheer black pantyhose with an above-the-knee black cocktail dress?
A: Depending on the occasion, it may or may not be necessary to pair your cocktail dress with pantyhose.
Rule of thumb? The dressier the occasion, the more necessary it is to wear pantyhose.
But to answer your question, it is OK to wear sheer black pantyhose with an above-the-knee black cocktail dress. In fact, the head-to-toe black ensemble will visually elongate your body, making you look taller and thinner. And dark colored pantyhose does wonders in making your legs look slimmer.
With regards to shoes, just make sure that the shoes are closed-toe if you’re wearing pantyhose.
Pictured: Diana Striped Organza Halter Dress | $298 at J Crew.
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10 Comments
1. Shannon | May 20th, 2007 at 12:35 am
Well said. Finally someone with good fashion advice.
2. Trisha | May 20th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Thanks, Shannon. Glad you found this fashion advice useful!
3. Tony | July 25th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I will never understand the concept that the heels have to be closed toe when wearing pantyhose. I am speaking from a guy’s point of view, yes, but every guy I know LOVES women’s legs AND feet in pantyhose. It is a great sight to see painted toes in open strappy high heels and pantyhose covering them. This needs to make a comeback!
4. kirsten | June 24th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
It’s ok to wear just don’t wear reinforced toes with open toed shoes they make a sandal foot for a reason
5. just a guys 2 cents | June 18th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I am a guy and think it is important for women to wear pantyhose or stocking in professional settings of special occasions.
I grew up in a family of professional women who wore heels and hose everyday to work and during special occasions.
They never complained about it instead complained about those women who didn’t wear hose and give a professional apperance.
It seems our whole society is getting very sloopy in dress men and women.
I am a man and have to wear a suit and tie everyday I work in a professional setting I live in a hot climate and have no choice but to wear a suit and tie and before that i wore a uniform again as part of my job.
I had no choice in not wearing any part of my uniform no matter how hot it got!
I find it annoying that women complain about wearing pantyhose to the point the story makes it way on tv or magazines.
Just because it is not Vouge in hollywood does not mean it is acceptable in professional settings!
No offense to you ladies since we all have physical flaws but a pair of pantyhose can hide those scars and other leg problems.
So I suggest that you wear the pantyhose to your party and look thathat much more elegant
6. jen | February 8th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I have tattoos on my legs! I want to wear a sexy black dress but my tattoos make me not want to! Is it ok to wear dark pantyhose with a short black dress? Thank you…jen
7. Davis | July 29th, 2010 at 10:19 am
I think it is tacky wearing a dress with out hose. I’m a guy and miss seeing the right fashion these day’s. I love seeing a women in high heels and hose when at work or evenings out. Today there is nothing to look at any more. I miss the old day’s!! And I’m not 80 years old either!!
8. Obviously | August 19th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Bare legs look like what they are… ugly looking bare skin. Very young girls can pull it off but even that percentage is low. Let me put it this way. When you are not wearing hose… it looks as attractive as if you took off your make up. Fine, be comfortable I guess, but don’t expect guys to be interested in it. I don’t care how beautiful a girl is, she is always a little prettier with make up and hose (if wearing a skirt), otherwise wear jeans or a pantsuit. Having a nice outfit on with your bare YAMS hanging out is not an attractive look.
9. trish | March 9th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Definatly wear pantyhose with a cocktail dress it completes the look.
10. Neil | December 14th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Pantyhose at work is ok. For Cocktail parties it looks weird. It makes a woman look older or gives a feeling that she is not comfortable with her body.
I personally would feel woman without stocking with a nice cocktail dress is hot