A Tights Spot: Embellished, Edgy Stockings

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IN OLDEN DAYS (or, at least, for the past few seasons) a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something far from shocking. Snoozy black tights ruled both runways and workdays. But this fall, designers encrusted hosiery with sequins and beads, and rolled out lace and fishnet styles that'd make a can-can girl weak in the knees. "Clothes this season don't have much trendiness," says designer Cynthia Rowley, who trotted out metal-studded and lace-trimmed pairs. "Embellished tights can be the thing that's spontaneous about your outfit." The ideal mate for such ornamental legwear: fall's sky-high statement heels and punky booties. Just be prepared for all eyes to be on your chic calves. "And I worry a little bit that the studded pairs might set off the metal detector at the airport," Rowley laughs.

1) Menswear Hose: Dandify a sheath with Wolford's spat-like tights ($58, Wolford, Tysons Galleria; 703-448-5586) and Sergio Rossi booties (Hu's Shoes, 3005 M St. NW; 202-342-0202).
2) Sun, Meet Shade: Natty herringbone stockings ($12.50, Thegap.com) play off the updated Victorian vibe of Tibi's suede pumps ($352, Sassanova, 1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-471-4400).
3) World-Wise Web: Pair Calvin Klein's spidery gray fishnets with YSL's pencil-heeled crocodile stilettos ($18 and $875, Nordstrom, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Arlington; 703-415-1121).

4) Mesh Fields: Wolford's fine-weave maroon fishnets ($40, Wolford) bring a sultry-librarian feel to Loeffler Randall's cobra-print platform heels ($475, Sassanova).
5) Put Too Fine A Point On It: Party like it's 1989 in Wolford's silver-dotted tights ($135, Wolford) and Steve Madden's "Like a Virgin"-cool ankle-wrap suede pumps ($72, SteveMadden.com).
6) The Amazing Lace: Wolford's vintage-y lace tights ($55, Wolford) get party-ready with Kate Spade's satin sling-backs ($295, Shoe Hive, 115 S. Royal St., Alexandria; 703-548-7105).
7) Alphabet Coup: Turn gams into a word scramble with House of Holland tights ($15, Mytights.com) and Poetic License booties ($99, ShoeFly, 2727 N. Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-243-6490).
8) Sequins of Events: Cynthia Rowley's beaded, lacy tights ($250, Cynthiarowley.com) glitz up Lanvin's sling-backs ($900, Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-657-9343).

Photos by Marge Ely/Express