How to Wear Fishnet Stockings

Co-authored by Tannya Bernadette

Last Updated: September 17, 2023

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.

Part 1

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Choosing a Color and Pattern

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Choose from black or nude for the quintessential vintage look. Alternately, go with brown for something different that’s not too loud.^{[1]
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Research source} Wear solid-colored tights or leggings underneath your stockings if you want color options.
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
Select a pattern. 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.
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Experiment with rips. 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.

Part 2

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Styling Your Outfit

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1
Wear close-toed shoes. 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]
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Layer with short skirts. 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
Choose fabrics in solid colors. 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.
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Layer tights under a dress or shorts. 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]
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- For example, wear nude fishnet stockings over chocolate tights. Add nude pumps and a tiered, above-the-knee, summery dress.
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Wear slacks. 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]
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- This is a good way to wear fishnet stockings without feeling like you’re taking a big fashion risk.
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Wear fishnets with denim. 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]
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- Show the top of your fishnets by matching a highwaisted pair with a crop top and jeans.
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Wear a piece of clothing with cutouts. 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.
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
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.

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Do fishnets go well with boxer shorts?

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No, that would be an atrocious combination.

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Would the large hole fishnets work with shorts, or would it be too slutty?

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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