By As soon as the weather starts to get a bit nippy, Starbucks starts selling pumpkin spiced lattes and you actually start paying attention to the winter coats that seem to have been in the shops for months; you know it's edging into autumn.
Autumn is without a doubt, the best season - figure flattering (and instant-chic) roll-necks, ankle boots that go with everything and a never-ending array of trouser and jean styles to play with. Not to mention feeling snug-as-a-bug in your new season coat; your very own fashionable barrier to protect you against the world and catch the drips of hot chocolate that threaten to stain your new top from Zara (I may be digressing slightly...).
All in all, it's a wonderful season for fashion. And the best part of all? Opaque tights.
Seen all over the street style shots from Paris Fashion Week this September, these gems of fashionable creation go with everything you own; from cute '70s style denim skirts, to cosy jumper dresses, and even shorts (if you're having trouble letting go of summer).
No style of dress need be abandoned during the winter months, these opaque tights are the best friend you've always had. They're so popular in fact, that it was reported M&S actually ran out of the hosiery this time last year in one Central London branch, as soon as the weather took a definitive decline in temperature...
Coloured tights had a moment a few years ago, fishnets come and go, and there's a strong case for nude tights à la Kate Middleton, but nothing feels quite the same as a pair of 60 denier+ opaque tights. "But, they're nylon!", you cry, "they itch my sensitive skin!" Fear not - high street giants like H&M & Primark (to name a couple) provide fleece-lined tights that soothe irritated shins as well as keeping you incredibly toasty. So there's really no excuse.
Bare legs in winter is just wrong, unless you live in the north, in which case tights, coats or warm layers of any kind are frowned upon as being 'soft'.
Winter is the precious time when it's socially acceptable for you to slacken the rigorous leg shaving saga that often results in dry skin and ingrown hairs, because no-one will see them! I don't want to give up my warmth AND my right to seasonal hairy legs for the sake of the bare-legged look. Plus the option of thigh high boots can be a tricky look to pull off for the regular shopper (unless you're Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman).
Not to mention the fact that unless you're blessed with naturally bronzed limbs, the upkeep of the 'naturally glowy' fake tan look during the summer months can be pricey and time-consuming; making the autumn/ winter season a welcome relief for those with secret ghost legs. All-in-all, they're a weapon of disguise, designed to make us look more attractive, but with less of the upkeep involved. We can also whack out of the dresses and mini-skirts deemed 'too short' or 'office inappropriate' when worn with bare legs - paired with our favourite opaque tights, we're safe.
