Okay, I’m Convinced—Sheer Tights Look Chicest With This ‘Cheap’ ‘90s Shoe Trend

Every winter, I hit the same styling roadblock: how to make tights feel sleek rather than frumpy. Year after year, it takes me a little finessing before they start to feel fresh again. Usually, I end up defaulting to knee-high boots—but this season, I’ve been swayed by a far more unexpected pairing.

While out for the evening this week, Hailey Bieber reminded me of a shoe trend I hadn’t thought about in years. Sidestepping the black high-vamp heels that have been everywhere lately, she styled her tights with a pair of white pointed-toe pumps—a ’90s favourite that looked thoroughly modern set against the rest of her ensemble.

Paired with an otherwise all-black outfit, the bright white shoes and sheer tights gave her look a lift. They broke up the heaviness of her leather and imbued a sense of lightness that black heels just couldn’t achieve.

Now, white heels haven’t always enjoyed the best reputation—often dismissed as a little “cheap” or tricky to style—but Hailey’s look proves their chic potential lies in the contrast. When kept clean (a quick polish or cobbler visit goes a long way to rectifying any blemishes), they add a sharp, elevated edge to any outfit.