Pairing tights with open-toed shoes used to be a fashion no-no, but the look has since evolved into a fashion statement both on and off the runway.

While there are benefits to this trend, like getting to wear your favorite open toe shoes year round, and not having to worry about a chipping pedicure, there are a few dangers in this new found fad. The wrong pairing could lead to disaster.

Never safe and worthy of disciplinary action:

nude colored hose with sandals (see above) and visible seams ugh! (see below)

One man that repeatedly gets it right and has even made socks and heels work (that’s talent!) is Eric Daman, the costume designer on Gossip Girl.

He was recently featured in a Los Angeles Times article on this exact topic. Here’s an excerpt from the piece:

Novices should start with a simple peep-toe pump and solid opaque tight. After that, a high-heel T-strap or platform sandals work best. For formal fetes, delicate stilettos look sleek with opaque tights. But avoid this season’s popular gladiator sandal and anything with a lot of straps. Monochromatic shoes are much easier than shoes with wooden heels.

And speaking of color, it seems to be the key to making this whole sandal and tights thing work. If you’re going to do it, you gotta go bold!

The one exception of course is black on black, which is always a safe bet.

Until next time,

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