Fashion Tip

I have a tip for you. A fun way to perk up any outfit that's easy and cheap. It attracts attention, garners compliments and starts conversations. What's better than that?!

The tip is -- wear seamed stockings! Revive a vintage staple in a modern outfit. You don't need to wear vintage clothes, although that's enjoyable; just add a pair of seamed stockings to your normal wardrobe. They will stand out and get major applause from everyone who notices. Here's one of my pairs, under a dress given to me by a friend. (The full dress is shown below.)

Seamed stockings are historically interesting. The first stockings were made of non-stretch material (originally silk) with a seam where the material is sewn together. They were called "fully fashioned stockings." There are a very small number of manufacturers making stockings in the original style today, but many modern reproductions are made using stretchy materials. The modern versions add seams as decoration, not as the integral sewing junction of real fully fashioned stockings.

One big plus of seamed stockings is that they draw attention to and flatter your legs. Here's how good my gams look in them...

I read a cool two-part article on nylons at Smithsonian.com and learned that nylons were invented in 1935. They were immediately and hugely popular, so much so that there were actual riots when shoppers struggled to buy the limited pairs available.

During World War II, the material used to make them was diverted to the war effort and there was a corresponding shortage of stockings. Being resourceful, women turned to pseudo-nylons and had stockings painted onto their legs. Don't believe me? Check this out...

While these delights may not be in many retail stores, they're easy to find online. I've bought some from a store is called What Katie Did. You'll find other suppliers with a quick search.

Would you ever try these? Why not?