Experimenting with Tights and Peep-Toes, originally uploaded by academichic.- Tan Cardigan – Banana Republic
- Grey Tee – Banana Republic
- Scarf – Old Navy
- Brown Cord Skirt – Old Navy
- Grey Tights – BR Outlet
- Brown Lace Tights – Gift from S.
- Brown Ribbed Tights – Talbots
- Pink Peep-Toes – Seychelles, via DSW
- Brown Peep-Toe Wedges – Steve Madden, via DSW
- Navy Peep-Toes – Off Broadway
Some things I learned along the way:
- tights with toes that match the pattern of the rest of the tights work best
- your bright toe nail polish will show through thinner tights
- any combination is worth a shot
First for the navy peep-toes – I think these rather dressy navy shoes just don’t work with the rest of this outfit, so for me, it wasn’t a fair test. I tried them with brown and grey tights and liked the way the shoes worked with both tights but not so much with the overall ensemble.
I tried these lightly ribbed brown tights with all three pairs of peep-toes and (aside from the Navy) I think these tights are the safest but also the most boring option. They looked better with the pop of pink, but I still didn’t love the brown corduroy skirt on brown corduroy-like tights. I would wear either of these, but do to a bit of experimenting, I now know there are more fun options!
Pink with brown tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
Brown with brown tights, originally uploaded by academichic.One such fun option…
I’ve had these lacey brown tights for a while now (thanks S.) but unfortunately they don’t get much wear, because I’m never quite sure how to use them. I initially thought the brown lace tights with pink peep-toes would be a ridiculous combination, but I was pleasantly surprised. I still think its a bit too busy for my tastes and don’t know that I would actually wear it, but I do wonder how it would look with a different skirt.
Pink with lace tights, originally uploaded by academichic.Like with the ribbed brown tights, I felt the brown lace tights with the brown wedges made for just too much brown, but would again give this a try with another skirt or dress.
Brown with lace tights, originally uploaded by academichic.My favorite combinations came from the grey tights. I pulled these out mostly because I thought they would make the best pairing with the navy shoes, but loved the look with both the brown wedges and the pink pumps. I like that the grey is a different color form the skirt, breaking up all that brown, and that it picks up on the grey tee and the dark grey in the scarf.
Brown with grey tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
The grey tights with brown wedges felt the most me (a mix of neutrals) but I went for the pink with grey because I love these shoes and don’t wear the nearly enough!
Which is your favorite? A.
Pink with grey tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
Oooh, I love the grey tights and pink shoes! Very cute. Love the scarf, also!
Wow, so many different combinations! The navy was really unexpected, but too out there for me. I would’ve gone with pink shoes + brown tights for the tiny bit of pizazz.
I really like the way you did it with the pink shoes. I do love the brown ones though so it was a tough call. Good experiments! It was neat to see how those changes really changed the whole look.
I normally think that open-toed shoes need textured tights, but I love the grey and pink combo! Maybe I’m OK with the flat-knit tight because the shoes have so much going on visually?
Love this, its super cute! I think the pink shoes are the right choice :o)
Actually, my favorite is the brown lace tights with the pink shoes. Both tights and shoes have straight lines and corners in their patterns, so although a little busy I think it works. And I like keeping the colors more just to the brown and pink overall given the busier patterns. Personally the grey tights are not my favorite option, but to each his/her own. :)
A very fun experiment! I’m so glad that tights and open-toed shoes are no longer a faux-pas. The combination opens up a world of transitional footwear/hosiery in transitional seasons.
actually, i think my favorite pairing is the one you photographed with the navy shoes. maybe im just “out there” but i like the contrast of the blue shoe with the pink in the scarf.
I, too, liked the grey tights with this outfit the best. As for shoes, I liked either the pink or the navy. The former picked up and intensified the pink from your scarf, the latter added an unexpected but complementary shot of colour.
Thank you, however, for modeling all of the looks. This is quickly becoming one of my favourite features here at Academichic. I actually find it more inspirational than trying on all of my things to see what works ;)
I liked the grey with the pink a lot!
Do you ladies have a wind machine? It sure looks like it in that third photo! :)
I know this is a blog about style and academia and I appreciate the helpful and informative post here. But I need to get something off my chest.
You are so darn adorable :) I think the prettiest lady on my blog list and there are some stunners.
The grey and pink was really lovely. I never would have thought to do all these combinations. The peep toes with the tights make you legs look killer. Great tutorial.
Just like most everyone else, I’m a big fan of the grey tights and pink shoes!
WOW, I ove these colours on you- one of the best colour combos I think you have shown here. Love the pink shoe version. ‘A’ grade!
I liked the grey with the pink most! But all combos are great! Trend-setter… ;)
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