Fishnets: To Wear or Not to Wear?

Not too long ago, an article in The Daily Mail (usually a blast of a read, with the prerequisite dry British humour–yes I spelled it the way they do–thrown in) stopped me in my tracks. I had actually been planning my outfit for a luncheon event and had decided to forgo my usual black on black and go with a peachy, swingy (but knee-length) skirt with off-white and beige accents. To top it all off (or bottom it, as it were), I thought I’d bring out my two newest purchases . . . nude-colored fishnet stockings and patent leather nude-colored pumps. 

But after reading the article, which crucified Madonna for still wearing black fishnet stockings (with cheek-baring short-shorts) on stage, I thought “Hmmm . . . will I look inappropriate?” Of course, my fishnets were a bit more demure and as I mentioned, my swingy skirt was knee-lenth, not butt-high. But still . . .

Of course, as I always do when I’m not sure about something, I shared the article on Facebook. sat back . . . and waited.

I still had an hour before I needed to walk out the door. Within minutes I had my answer: as with so many things, my dear FB friends were opinionated, brilliantly eloquent, and split right down the middle.  So, I had to simply take a deep breath, and choose.

I got tons of compliments on my new shoes at the event, and quite a few women (all over 50) commented on my fishnets . . . all positive. Most said they, too, would think about wearing them as a stylish alternative to nude stockings. Many women might feel comfortable baring their legs in a business setting, but I never have. Black opaques carry me through three seasons, but once the weather starts to warm up, they no longer look chic. They look like you’re hiding. Nude fishnets for day, and black when appropriate, are truly fantastic, easy-to-wear alternatives that I strongly recommend.

The best, most flattering and durable brands I’ve discovered so far are Commando, Calvin Klein, and of course, that staple-in-every-woman’s-drawer: Spanx. All offer control top, which I’ve worn since I moved from garter belts to tights, because I simply love that more snug feeling.

What do you think? Will you wear them?

For more tips on looking, feeling and being fabulous at any age, check out my weekly series on YouTube (click here for the full playlist and please subscribe!).

And spend a few minutes watching this short video on how to find your best colors . . . . to wear with your fab new fishnets!