Fall is well on its way, and we have all done our best to carry our favorite summer pieces into this season. Aside from layering those printed dresses with sweaters or tailored jackets, the easiest way to complete this transition is to incorporate hosiery into your outfit.

Tights, leggings and knee-highs, oh my! Over the past several seasons, hosiery has emerged to become one of the most important pieces of a look. Who can forget those two-tone tights from Chanel’s Fall 2008 runway show? They stood out as the focal point of the show, while at the same time were the recurring piece that effortlessly tied the designs together.

Hosiery was a constant theme on the fall 2009 runways, as well. Marni’s collection was filled with thick printed styles of tights and knee-highs. They were layered under dresses and pants of contrasting patterns, somehow creating perfect chaos. Miu Miu’s collection steered away from the prints and stunned with embellishment. Their knit knee-highs were adorned with paillettes and sequin and paired with three-quarter length hemlines and sky-high heels.

Luckily for us, hosiery works just as well on the sidewalk as it does on the catwalk. The most classic piece is, of course, the black opaque tight. This staple can literally be paired with anything. Black tights instantly turn your breezy summer outfits into “foliage-friendly” fall looks. Pair them with loose dresses, mini hemlines and my current favorite look, under jean shorts. They work well with all styles of boots and compliment most heels. Feel free to wear them with your summer open toed shoes, yet make sure to stay away from any sandals that are too strappy.

Although every girl should own a good pair of black tights, there is no need to play it safe all the time. Add some color to your outfit, or mix things up with plaids or prints. For fall, my favorite color tights are plum, slate and ivy. DKNY has some great options that are good quality and reasonable priced. Texture is another option if you want a different look. Thicker styles such as knit and cable tights are so comfortable and perfect as the weather begins to get colder!

As I mentioned before, knee-highs were seen a lot in the fall ’09 collections. Try not to think of them as a flashback to Clueless, but rather as another layering piece. They look great when pulled up a few inches above your boots, but also work with chunky heels and knee length hemlines. Another way to spice up your black opaque tights is by layering a pair of gray or tan knee-highs over them. I’ve even seen a few girls fold the top of their socks over their boots to give them a fresh look.

Lastly are leggings, something that I know most Colgate girls are more than familiar with. Black leggings are classic and easy, but this fall, try something new. I’m loving the “sweater legging,” such as MaxMara’s cable knit style or American Apparel’s winter options. With oversized sweaters and knee-high boots, this look is stylish, but comfortable enough for a Sunday in the library. Denim leggings are becoming ever so popular and are an effortless alternative to skinny jeans. Rag & Bone has some amazing leather leggings that are Parisian chic when paired with booties and boyfriend blazers.

So I challenge you to make the effort and incorporate hosiery into your fall wardrobe. The best mindset to have is to mix-and-match. Whether it’s argyle J.Crew knee socks, black Wolford opaque tights or heathered oatmeal knit leggings, hosiery is huge and can completely transform a few pieces into a finished fall look!

Contact Emily Johnson at [email protected].