Move Over, Black Tights—The Chicest People I Know Are Wearing This Expensive-Looking Shade Instead

I’ve always had a real penchant for skirts and dresses, and I refuse to let them gather dust just because the temperatures take a dip.

The trade-off, of course, is that my tights collection works overtime from October through March. For years, I defaulted to black, rotating through various opacities without giving it much thought. Dependable? Absolutely. But inspiring? Not so much. This season, however, my winter wardrobe is in for a treat, as I've discovered a subtle but impactful upgrade that’s made my trusty black pairs feel almost redundant. The chic alternative? Grey tights.

Not a dramatic departure from black, but certainly more interesting, grey tights are becoming the new-season neutral I’m reaching for the most. In thick, woollen styles, they call back to the pairs we wore at school, bringing a nostalgic, preppy energy that sharpens a look. But what I love most is how versatile they are with colour.

Just look at Maya Hawke’s pink jacket and grey tights pairing, pictured above. The tights ground the pastel hue beautifully, anchoring it without dulling its sweetness. Add in her burgundy bag, and you’ve got a three-tone colour story that's impossibly chic.

In sheerer finishes, grey tights take on a different personality altogether—polished, expensive-looking, and adding dimension to outfits in ways black tights simply can’t. Picture them with knee-high boots and a mini, or layered under buttery leather separates for a chic, considered finish.

Below, I’ve rounded up the very best pairs to shop now. Read on to discover my edit.

Shop Grey Tights:

H&M

2-Pack Fine-Knit Tights

This two-pack includes tights in two shades of grey.

Marks & Spencer

3pk 60 Denier Body Sensor™ Tights

Style with a tonal grey skirt for a low-effort, high-impact look.

Falke

Family Women Tights

These also come in nine other shades.

Swedish Stockings

Ylva Fishbone Wool Tights

In my opinion, Swedish Stockings makes some of the best tights on the market.

The thick cotton composition ensures a warm and comfortable fit.

Heist

The Eighty Opaque Tights Slate Grey

These come in five different sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.

These are such a chic alternative to traditional black tights.

Heist

The Fifteen Sheer Tights Slate Grey

These come in high and mid-waist fits, so you can opt for your preference.

Calzedonia

50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights

Style these with knee-high boots and miniskirts all winter long.

Next

Grey Plain Thermal Tights

For me, thermal tights are a non-negotiable from November to March.