What You Need: Patterned Tights

The most exciting thing about fall, in our opinion, is the opportunity for tights (and boots). We pored over Marshalls and Filene's Basement this summer looking for bright colors and fun patterns to supplement our tights arsenal. The sad thing about stockings is that you cannot expect them to hold up for very long, even with careful wear and washing, so you always have to be on the prowl for more! (OK, so that's not the worst thing on Earth...)

Patterned tights are all over the magazines and runways. Some have the distinct magical properties of making legs appear longer and thinner (see fishnets!) and others just add fun or color to an outfit. We rounded up our favorites $25 and under (we don't particularly like to pay more than $5, but we'll make an exception occasionally-- perhaps for Betsey ;) )
Here's a set via Polyvore featuring chiefly Tilly's (right-click the pic to open in a new window for the links!)

Patterned Tights by ThriftyStylist featuring Betsey Johnson accessories

We don't normally go in for orange (or leggings!), but how fabulous are those zebra leggings? We had to include them. We love a little bit of animal print! (Or a lot, as the case may be).

If you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, or perhaps just a bit poorer, here are options from Yandy.com, via Polyvore, under $9. Technically these are costume accessories, but when you are a bit eccentric, that's a great place to seek out unusual things!

Funky Patterned Tights by ThriftyStylist on Polyvore.com

We're most enthused about the triple-diamond-patterned ones- they'd look divine on anyone, we think, and are ridiculously sexy but still professional enough to pull off for work! And the tattoo pattern ones are pretty freakin' awesome, too. Hoisery doesn't count for the shopping embargo, because it has to be replaced, right?? (Self-justification process commence!)

Happy tights shopping :D