Today we’re tackling a bridal question submitted to us from Beth! She asks,

[su_quote cite=”Beth”]”What kind of hosiery am I supposed to wear with open toed shoes? Also, do I need to wear full pantyhose or can I just wear stockings? Thanks!”[/su_quote]

Great question, Beth! This is especially important to know since it really depends on what kind of dress you’re wearing. See our answer below PLUS enter for a chance to win a pair of personalized stockings for the holidays from the luxurious women’s hosiery brand, StockinGirl! Enjoy!

There are three things to keep in mind when picking out your bridal hosiery:

1. Dress Style

The kind of hosiery you should choose relies heavily on the type of dress you have selected. What is your gown made of? What type of silhouette does it offer? For a dress that has a form fitting style, choose hosiery that offers body shaping or slimming effects. If you’re not worried about shaping or slimming, opt for a pair of thigh-highs or stockings. If your dress is a ballgown style, you can wear any kind of hose you prefer as long as it’s comfortable. (See #3.)

2. Shoes

What kind of shoes are you wearing with your gown? Depending on whether your feet are showing or not is a huge factor in what kind of hosiery you should choose.

Open-Toe Shoes

For sandals or open-toed shoes (including peep toe), opt for a sheer toe pair of nylons. This ensures no one will see the reinforced toe through your shoes.

Closed-Toe

For all closed toe shoes, opt for reinforced nylons. You won’t see the toe since it’s hidden under your shoe, and it will provide more durability.

Example: these have a reinforced toe (and something blue!)

3. Comfort

You will want to achieve clean, seamless lines with proper undergarments and hosiery, but don’t sacrifice all day comfort as a result! You’ll be wearing your gown for many, many hours and you’ll be in pain if you wear undergarments that are too tight. The rule of thumb? Hosiery should make you feel pulled together and sexy, but shouldn’t be too tight that it is uncomfortable to wear. When picking out hosiery, as yourself: will I be able to wear this all day long under my dress? If not, don’t buy it until you find something that fits you better.

Don’t Forget

The most important tip of all —> bring your hosiery to your dress fittings. It will be essential for the seamstress to see your complete look with undergarments, hosiery, and shoes, to ensure a perfect fit when doing any alterations.

We’re giving away a pair of holiday stockings (or honeymoon stockings!) with your name embroidered on them. By StockinGirl.

o Giveaway dates: 12/11/15-12/18/15 (11:59pm EST)
o Prize: Christie Custom Silver Glitter & Snowflake RHT Stockings by StockinGirl
o Free shipping included to U.S.
o Winner has 72 hours to respond to winning email or new winner will be selected
o No purchase necessary
o Prize value: $46.99 | No cash value
o Winner announced on 12/16/15 via email and on this page
o Winner must claim prize within 3 months of giveaway end date
o Past giveaway winners within 30 days not eligible to win
o Use entry form below to enter…

Good luck!

xox
-Emma