The fall 2025 shows at New York Fashion Week officially close out tomorrow, and the street style set has been out in their finest attire all week long; lots of peacocking! In case you missed it, Vogue’s Phil Oh has been documenting the best statement outfits in and outside of the shows—capturing how VIPs are dressing for the snow and slush in style. While artful layering and great coats have been spotted aplenty, there is a more stealthy wardrobe staple that has emerged as the real fashion MVP: Let’s hear it for tights and socks.
Sure, a bright-colored tight or frilly sock may not seem like an instant outfit-maker, but this week, the accessories have elevated the street style set’s sprightly outfits from good to great. An animal-print jacket with a bright teal tight? Fun! An orange coat with argyle knee-highs? Fresh! In addition to keeping folks warm, tights and socks have also added a dash of personality and whimsy to winter looks.
And the bold approach to wearing hosiery isn’t just happening off the runways: On the catwalks themselves, New York Fashion Week labels got into the spirit, too. Sandy Liang showed polka-dotted leggings underneath frilly skirts, while Anna Sui paired striped knee socks with striped knit mini skirts. You knows it’s a real trend with legs (pun intended) when both the runways and the crowds at the shows are partaking in the look. Out is the idea that socks or tights should be purely utilized for function, in is the reality that they can infuse a look with wow factor.
So, even if you weren’t in on the NYFW action this week, consider it a styling proposal to add fun hosiery to your winter wardrobe: Why slip on classic black or tights when you can inject an outfit with a great print or bold color instead? Do it, and a street style photographer may even track you down and ask for a photo. Well, one can at least fantasize.
Below, more whimsical hosiery from New York Fashion Week.
