Thigh high socks are our latest obsession. Why? Well firstly, they are majorly flattering as they elongate the leg, secondly, they can spice up your existing wardrobe, and lastly, they say to the world “I’m not afraid to branch out from pants and tights when I want to keep my legs warm”.
They are for the risk taker who cares about how they look, people wanting to rejuvenate their wardrobe and those who may have forgotten to shave their legs and discovered they’d run out of pants.
It seems modern fashionistas are not the only ones who have a penchant for thigh high socks, and to be honest, they are nothing new. Did you know that back in the 15th century, thigh high hosiery was worn exclusively by European noblemen? Now they were a kinky bunch.
While I’m keen to share with you just how many outfits you can pull off with this look, we need to cover off the most fundamental tippity-top tip; how to keep thigh high socks up.
Ladies, and gentlemen of the 15th century, I know you can relate to this. You purchase your socks, plan your outfit, put it on and strut out the door looking a million bucks. But wait! These things are slipping. Slipping down before your very eyes which, aside from not being the look you were after, is also super annoying! You’re frustrated so you keep pulling and tugging at them every few minutes, cursing them and yourself until you walk back through your front door and your thigh highs look like this…
We can’t have that, can we?
So we asked our friends, shop assistants, Japanese school girls and even my grandma. Here’s what came back. How to make thigh high socks stay up.
1. Baby Powder
Apart from gravity, the next biggest reason our stockings roll-down is because of sweating.
If you’re a sweaty person or someone who has oily skin, your thigh high socks won’t stay up for long. And even if you’re not in that category, we all have sweat and oil glands. By the afternoon, a few hours of secretion pumping pores will have led to socks that have lost their grip.
So don’t lose your grip. Grab some baby powder!
Just like you’d use dry shampoo on an oily scalp, a light dusting of baby powder on your legs will help absorb any moisture.
But this is not the only trick to keeping those thigh high socks where they need to be.
2. Hollywood Fashion Tape
Ah the Hollywood Fashion Tape, or what I call “glorified double-sided tape”. You can buy it online, in pharmacies, David Jones, Myer and even at Woolworths.
Hollywood Fashion Tape comes in small strips inside a handy pink tin can. It claims to make any fabric stick to your skin and stay put. You can use this in an assortment of ways. Keep your strapless tops in place, create a fake hem, smooth a lapel or get rid of button gaps on a woollen cardigan.
The downside? They can be pricey for just pieces of sticky tape.
3. Stick-it
Another alternative to keeping thigh high socks up is Stick-It. It’s a roll on latex adhesive, similar to eyelash glue but in a bigger bottle. Basically, you swipe this glue on your legs, then wear your thigh high socks. Leave to dry for a few minutes and ta-da! Socks will stay in place for hours! And you don’t need to worry about sticking to your bedsheets or the chair the following day, this stuff comes off with warm soapy water or a wet wipe.
The cons? It’s not readily available everywhere, might be difficult to find unless you purchase online. Try dance retailers such as www.dancestore.com.au
4. Double-Sided Scotch Tape
Last but not the least, my grandma’s old secret. Double-sided tape. This is exactly how the Hollywood Tape works except it’s in tacky yellow packaging and in a roll-form versus the ready-made cut-out strips. I find that this sticks on better and stays longer too. Not only that, you can get double sided tape ANYWHERE!
OK, so now you can relax while we show you 10 stylish ways to wear over the knee socks.
It is worth mentioning there is one golden rule to wearing over the knee socks. You don’t need to be the fashion editor of marie claire to know that the number one key to pulling off this look is a short hem. After all, you want to demonstrate these are thigh high socks and so much more than simple tights, and the only way to do that is to show some skin.
Thigh High Socks Outfit Hall of Fame
These girls show us how to wear thing high socks to create a multitude of different looks.
1. Black thigh highs
Why it works.
The ultimate sophisticated thigh high look. Rhianna does this so very well and finishes the look off by showing red toe fabric through her peep toes. We also love how it’s all matchy-matchy with her lippy.
Where to buy.
It’ll be tough to source black thigh high socks with red toes, but you could always pop on a pair of red footlets. Look for a pair that has a slight satin effect. You can purchase them online here.
2. Spicing it up
Why it works.
A total melange of conservatism and rebellion that = sexy. Blake Lively teems up a traditional overcoat and plaid jumper with leather shorts. Short leather shorts – but not too short. Sheer tights and over the knee socks make this look the coolest one of the bunch
Where to buy.
Easy to score, basic black over the knees can be found Here.
3. Thigh high socks peeping out of ankle high boots
Why it works.
Lindsay Lohan glows in this combo, pairing black ankle-high boots and thigh high stockings with a flowing white jacket.
Where to buy.
You can find lots of similar styles at ASOS, www.asos.com
4. Delicate and feminine
Why it works.
These gorgeous white thigh highs with lace ribbon deliver the ultimate feminine look while still keeping it classy. Paired with soft chiffon and knit, it makes it a playful Lolita inspired outfit.
Where to buy?
5. Every day BOHO inspired
Why it works.
A great day time look. Pair navy woollen thigh highs with boho prints and a chunky knit to give your look an instant lift.
You can buy this look here.
6. Wool thigh highs with short shorts
Why it works.
Over the knee socks are not only for autumn or winter. We can also sport them during summer. Simply pair them with short denim shorts and a plaid shirt, (or a bright tee shirt for extra summer time feels).
You can also buy them here.
7. Oversized knit with over knee socks
Why it works.
Oh so cosy. This looks works on both comfort and style levels. The contrast of the grey knit dress, long olive socks and tan shoes makes for a neutral colour winner!
You can buy this look here.
8. Twinning
Why it works.
Slightly shorter than thigh-high but no matter, step out with your bestie and you’re covered. Not only are these gals friends, their socks are friends too. OOTD on Insta for sure. Uber cool and very New York. The mixture of leather boots, white platforms, leopard print and a beanie on top just rocks.
You can Purchase them here.
9. Every colour of the rainbow!
Why it works.
Because they are worn with denim shorts that’s why. Don’t even think of teaming these striped numbers with anything else. The metallic shoes given that space age edge and suddenly we’re thinking about Mork and Mindy.
You can buy these here.
10. Plus size thigh high
Why it works.
Plus-sized ladies can wear cotton knee-high socks with spandex for extra stretch and support or simply go for knee-high boots. This look is terrific as it juxtaposes the length and colour of a coat with a shorter black dress.
Buy this look here.
