Fleece Lined Tights

 

Deep winter is difficult for me. It's frustratingly cold - the kind of cold that bites. The wind seems to have a personal vendetta against your face. It is unpleasant to leave the comfort of your home. And when you do leave your home, you are wrapped up in a million layers. This time of winter is also when I feel the least creative in my wardrobe. As someone who gravitates towards skirts and dresses (mainly skirts in winter), I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle with the weather. Fashion or function? I try to stick somewhere in the middle.

I was scrolling through Pinterest, as one does, and came across this image. I think it might be from a Sezane photoshoot, but don't quote me on that. I wanted to recreate this outfit mainly because it felt so fresh and looked oh so cozy. Florals in winter? Groundbreaking. I'm wearing a very old (and well loved) skirt from Loft. My sweater, while chunkier than the cardigan, is from Target (also very old). I love how bright and fun this outfit is while still being quintessentially winter. My boots are not as cute as the models, but they are good for trekking through snow with Oswin. I have realized, though, that I do need some black ankle booties. This outfit was so fun to wear and really brightened my day. I have been wearing so many darker colors and neutrals, it was nice to break out a bit. 

Now, the tights. I broke down and bought fleece lined tights. You're probably thinking I am crazy for waiting this long. And you would be correct. I am partial to Sheertex tights because of how nearly indestructible they are. I have had some of their tights for three years, going on four years now. I used to wear sweater tights ages ago, but found them to be so bulky that I just didn't like how they looked with my clothes - my pieces seem more dainty even in winter. I had been hesitant for a few reasons: the coloring, thickness, snagging, and added bulk. I broke down because it has been so frigid and I thought why the hell not. I bought these, but there are so many out there to choose from. First things first, they arrived snagged. This was kind of disappointing, but I was able to clear it up with a sweater shaver. There is a small hole in the black that you can kind of see now, but hoping it just stays how it is. Oswin hasn't jumped on me in a way that has caused more snagging and so far we're golden. The coloring isn't terrible. In some lights, I feel like it looks pretty yellow and in others it looks very nearly like my skin. I'm not too concerned with this with these. They are definitely bulkier than my regular tights, but that is to be expected. They don't add a ton of bulk, however. I didn't feel like I was suffocating beneath the skirt or that I felt like I had added two or three more layers to my middle. Along with bulk, I was concerned about how thick they would be - both too thick and not thick enough. I think this particular pair is just right for me. It adds the warmth I need, but isn't overwhelming my frame. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing a pair of leggings or ponte pants under my skirts. Note: the feet are not fleece lined (which is great), but socks may still be needed in boots. 

If you're a skirt and dress wearer in the colder months, having a pair of these on hand is definitely a fabulous idea. I already notice I'm not near as cold and they are just rather comfortable in general. I'm looking forward to wearing these with different pieces and not feeling like I made a mistake in choosing fashion over function. To be clear, I hardly ever regret choosing fashion because I also try to make it function. It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

Sweater: Target (similar here)

Skirt: Loft (similar here)

Tights: Amazon

Shoes: Crocs (similar here)