by Sarah Peel

If jeans just won’t cut it for you as we head into the party season, why not try your hand (and legs!) at tights? Available in pretty much every colour, pattern and style you could dream of, you’re sure to find a pair you love.

If you’ve ever laddered or snagged your tights, it’s all too easy to assume that they are a high-maintenance purchase. But although they’re precious, if you treat them with care they will last you forever.

High street shops like Primark, H&M, River Island, New Look and Matalan offer a great selection at reasonable prices but for that little bit extra check out www.mytights.com. With swirls, stars and even Santas, you’re bound to find something a little bit special on there.

As you probably know by now I love a bargain and, until this week, I couldn’t justify spending over £5 on a pair of tights. I’ve always lived in the same plain black pair from Tesco but, as my love for tights has grown this winter, I figured it was worth splashing out just a little bit more, especially when £40 is considered cheap for a pair of jeans.

So, off I went to River Island and quickly emerged triumphant with a fabulous grey sparkly pair of tights for just £8.99. They’re so thick and warm and exude Christmas spirit — I just couldn’t say no. Although I would usually go for something more bright and bold, grey is always a reliable buy, plus the sparkles bring them right up to date. They’ll go with near enough every outfit this season so I’m sure to get my money’s worth.

Punk is set to be the next be thing in fashion and all the hottest celebrities are dipping their toes in at the moment with undercuts, leather jackets and a return to the colour black. Keep your eyes peeled for ripped boyfriend t-shirts worn with long layered necklaces, vintage leather jackets and a good pair of biker boots to keep your tights on trend whichever pair you choose, and don’t forget your snood for ultimate wintry glam. Love it.

Ellie: “I love tights in the winter as they help you get away with wearing all your pretty dresses even in the most perishing of temperatures. Unfortunately I’ve never been particularly adventurous with tights, though, and tend to stick with regulation black. I have been known, however, to experiment with Sarah’s hot tip, grey, and am hoping to expand my selection this Christmas to include some pretty wooly numbers. My tights were just £3 from Asda.”

Emma: “You may have gathered that my legs, useful as they are for getting around on, have never been my favourite asset. But last year, after spending winter upon winter in my regulation jeans and pointy shoes, I finally came across a pair of tights that made my legs look, well, like legs. At £6 from H&M, these 120 denier glossy black tights are virtually indestructible and hug your legs perfectly, smoothing them over without cutting off your circulation, and not a wobble or wrinkle in sight. So, thanks to the good people of H&M, this week’s photo includes a rare sighting of my knees. Don’t say we don’t give you anything.”

Now you’ve got your perfect pair of tights sorted, check out our partywear special next week for some ideas on what to wear them with…