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Fishnet stockings make a bold addition to your leisure wardrobe. Avoid wearing fishnet at work or school, though, since they verge on risqué. Stick to neutral stockings and solid colors in the rest of your wardrobe if you want a classic look. Micro-patterns are more elegant, whereas larger patterns are edgier and more casual.

Part1
Part 1 of 2:

Choosing a Color and Pattern

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  1. Choose from black or nude for the quintessential vintage look. Alternately, go with brown for something different that’s not too loud.[1] Wear solid-colored tights or leggings underneath your stockings if you want color options.
  2. Pick colored or sparkly fishnet stockings for something outside the norm. Try pulling a color from your outfit for the hue of your stockings. Wear glittery fishnets with a dress or under ripped jeans for a night out.
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  3. Opt for micro-sized fishnet if you want them to appear more subtle. Choose a small diamond pattern for an elegant look. Pick large shapes such as diamonds, circles, or ovals for an edgier style.
    • Thin mesh is dainty and easier to incorporate in your outfit.
    • Small, thin patterns work well for daywear or evening wear.
  4. Cut holes or rips in your stockings if you want an edgy, grunge style. Opt for a small-scale print to keep the look fashion-forward rather than trashy.
    • This is a great way to reuse snagged stockings.
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Part2
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Styling Your Outfit

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  1. Avoid open-toed sandals and pumps with fishnet stockings. Wear closed-toed pumps or boots for a dressy look. Choose loafers or even canvas shoes to mix in a casual feel.
    • For instance, pair tennis shoes with fishnet stockings and wear loose, high-waisted shorts.
    • Try a knee-length skirt with below-the-knee boots.[2]
  2. If you're wearing fishnets and a short skirt, pair this with loose or boxy layers to balance your vamp factor.
    • For instance, consider wearing above-the-knee boots to show a provocative few inches of stockings.
    • Try layering your outfit with tall socks over your stockings, buttoned-up tops, a long sweater or a cardigan with draping.
  3. Don’t overpower your fishnets with other patterns. Keep the rest of your look simple. Stick to a single patterned piece that isn’t too loud if you want to vary from solid colors.
    • For example, tuck a black-and-white striped shirt into solid black shorts. Wear fishnet stockings and casual shoes.
  4. Wear tights under stockings in neutrals for a classy look. Wear shorts with layered stockings to avoid showing a lot of leg. Pair cutoff shorts with large-hole fishnets over opaque tights in a vivid color.[3]
    • For example, wear nude fishnet stockings over chocolate tights. Add nude pumps and a tiered, above-the-knee, summery dress.
  5. Try cropped pants to show just a bit of your stockings. Alternately, you can roll the bottoms of your pants a bit. Wear full stockings or fishnet “socks” that stop at the ankle (or end between the ankle and mid-shin).
    • For example, try black cropped bellbottoms that show a couple inches of ankle, with black fishnets and pumps.[4]
    • This is a good way to wear fishnet stockings without feeling like you’re taking a big fashion risk.
  6. Choose long, ripped jeans with stockings underneath. Cuff your jeans to show some ankle, if desired. Alternately, try frayed denim shorts or a skirt.
    • Try pairing a denim skirt with a blazer and ankle boots or tie-up sandals
    • Try wearing worn jeans with heels and a simple blouse.[5]
    • Show the top of your fishnets by matching a highwaisted pair with a crop top and jeans.
  7. Mimic the open pattern of fishnet. Pick a dress with cutouts on the sides. Layer another piece underneath to keep the texture of the cutout without showing a lot of skin.
    • This look also works with ripped pants or a jacket, rather than a dress.
  8. Wear a classic dress, such as a red or black number with an above-the-knee hemline. Alternately, wear a metallic wrap dress. Choose a straight, beaded dress for a fancy option with vintage style.[6]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What color fishnets should I wear?
    Tannya Bernadette
    Tannya Bernadette
    Professional Stylist
    Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.
    Tannya Bernadette
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Play with the color of your fishnets! I really like nude fishnets, especially with a blush-toned skirt or dress. For black fishnets, you can create a street-style look by wearing them with high-waisted, ripped denim shorts.
  • Question
    Do fishnets go well with boxer shorts?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, that would be an atrocious combination.
  • Question
    Would the large hole fishnets work with shorts, or would it be too slutty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This is a personal preference question. I personally don't think it's a problem, but if you feel too uncomfortable or self-conscious, then it probably isn't a good idea.
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About This Article

Tannya Bernadette
Co-authored by:
Professional Stylist
This article was co-authored byTannya Bernadette.Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes. This article has been viewed 118,539 times.
39 votes - 87%
Co-authors:8
Updated:September 17, 2023
Views:118,539
Categories:Hosiery
Article SummaryX

You can wear fishnet stockings a variety of ways to achieve different styles. Try matching your fishnets with a short skirt, above-the-knee boots, and a button up shirt. Stick to solid colors for your other clothes, since adding more patterns can clash with your stockings. You can also wear your fishnets under ripped jeans. Try matching these with heels and a simple blouse for a grunge style. Alternatively, wear your fishnets under a short red or black dress. For a slightly classier look, wear tights underneath your fishnets.For more tips from our Fashion co-author, including how to rip your stockings for an even edgier look, read on!

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