Legs Eleven

With skirt lengths rising to thigh-skimming heights this winter here’s eleven of the hottest ways to show off your lovely legs!

Boots
1) Yeti-style: Proving that Chanel can do the Arctic better than Big Foot, Karl Lagerfeld offered fur in abundance including ankle, knee and thigh high boots! D&G took a similar line in snow-faring luxury with furry knee-highs adding opulence to ski-inspired knitwear whilst Zac Posen took his furs to the disco, bleaching cute little ankle biters with shades of fluro pink.

A word of warning, fur maybe a hot look this season but it’s not a practical fabric for footwear (step in a puddle and it gets soggy and matted; can anyone smell wet dog?), fur trimmings a la Ralph Lauren may be the best way to go and for buyers on a budget, sheep skin is a good option.

This style is super thick and the effect can be unflattering on the width of our calves. Skirt lengths should be micro-mini to keep legs in proportion.

2) Thigh-high: The ultimate in sex appeal, this season over-the-knee boots are casting off their street-walker connotations in favour of lavish luxury. They were given an equestrian flavour at Dior in shades of chestnut brown and black beauty, and at Burberry Prorsum opulent snakeskin softened the weight of military-style tailoring.

Remember to keep heels perilously high. Flat thigh-highs and the ‘swashbuckler’ look may have been hot when Pirates of the Caribbean was first released but we’re on the fourth film now and the look is a little tired.

Tights
3) Lacy: Pull winter’s lace trend into leg wear. If you’re not sure about a see-through lacy skirt or blouse then hosiery is a more subtle option. Bottega Veneta opted for traditional fishnet lattice work whilst at Gucci fine lace patterns furthered the glamour of sequined skirts.

Paul and Joe’s crocheted styles are a good look for day wear, layered under knitted socks and slouchy boots they are relaxed and casual yet still girlishly pretty (not to mention super warm and cosy!).

4) Patterned: What better way to sum up the mood of your outfit than through the pattern of your tights? Lowe epitomised lady-like chic with silky black stockings, sheer save for a sprinkling of textural polka dots. At Vivienne Westwood psychedelic patterns captured her ‘after party at the costume ball’ tone. Meanwhile Rick Owens ran monochrome triangles down his models’ legs, the geometric patterns reflecting his futuristic feeling.

5) Opaque: Block colour is just as strong. Knitted tights with thick ribbing were seen on catwalks from Prada (with a contrasting knit plait running down the front) to DKNY. In school girl grey they offer a subversive sex appeal and breathe youth into any outfit.

A change from standard black denier, white tights are creating a strong statement. Chanel doubled the impact pairing them with white calf-length boots whilst the likes of Sonia Rykiel and BCBG Max Azria played up the contrast.

Socks
6) Over the Knee: Socks are a big look this winter and there’s a length to fit all tastes. At Dior, John Galliano mirrored his thigh-high boots with over-the-knee socks, adding frilly tops for a garter-like look. Alternatively, Sportmax channelled the preppy look (see opaque tights above), slouching knitted socks below wool and tweed tailoring.

7) Knee High: Perhaps the easiest length to carry off, the knee-high look proved versatile across catwalks. Vivienne Westwood patterned hers whilst at Marni the look was sheer. Prada kept them chunky with thick roll-down tops while Dolce and Gabbana went for fine and slouchy.

8) Calf: Perhaps the most difficult to pull off (and the most difficult to keep up!), calf-length is an option for the bravehearted. Dolce and Gabbana and Marc by Marc Jacobs used fine knits to compliment their lady-like chic whilst DKNY slouching socks played to the school girl look.

9) Ankle: Marc Jacobs favoured longer length skirts so with hems grazing the calf he opted for girlish ankle socks. Complete the look with delicate, dancer-like pumps.

Pants
10) If you have to go for pants make them the sequined, cropped style Isabel Marant sent down her catwalk. Team with a slouchy knitted jumper and flats for the ultimate in winter cool.

Bare
11) If you can brave the cold, go bare legged. Lanvin’s warrior women had strong shoulders but short hemlines, flashing the flesh of their greatest weapons. Legs were long and Twiggy-like at Mui Mui as micro minis channelled the look of a 1960s youth whilst Balmain’s rock chick muse is just far too cool for hosiery.

Keep legs looking sleek and smooth to really work this look (goosebumps look too much like you’re suffering for your fashion). The style is clean and fresh; cool glamour so don’t confuse the message: if skirts are short keep necklines high and simple – your lovely legs will be making all the statement you’ll need!