How to Wear Fishnets Elegantly

Co-authored by Susan Kim

Last Updated: July 29, 2024

You can easily wear fishnets to create casual and dressy outfits that are elegant and sophisticated. Choose a pair with a fine mesh weave and pair them with neutral-colored clothing. Throw on a pair of close-toed shoes, and you’ll be set for your errands, your dinner date, or your workplace. With some attention to detail, your fishnets can look classy and polished.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Your Fishnets

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Go with a fine mesh weave fishnet pattern. Fine-patterned fishnets look elegant and classy rather than racy and flirty. Choose these if you want to create polished, professional outfits with fishnets. Look for a pattern of fishnet with a very small weave at most clothing and department stores.^{[1]
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- The smaller the pattern, the easier it is to suggest sophistication.
There are all sorts of fishnet patterns to choose from! Go with an oval or circular shape for a subtle, classy style, or go for a diamond or abstract pattern for a touch of style and glam. With whatever pattern you choose, you can easily create elegant looks.^{[2]
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Select black, brown, or nude fishnets to wear with daytime outfits. Neutral-colored fishnets look best if you are wearing them to work, while running errands, or out to brunch. Pair your tights with other neutral-colored garments, such as denim, khaki, black, or navy.^{[3]
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- For example, style brown fishnets with a brown skirt and a cream-colored blouse for a work-appropriate option.
- Wear nude fishnets with a black A-line skirt for an elegant accent.
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Choose colored fishnets for a flirty nighttime touch. If you want to add a pop of color to your evening style, try blue, pink, or purple fishnets. This is a great idea if you are going out on a date, to a concert, or out to a club.^{[4]
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- To keep your outfit elegant, style your colored fishnets with neutral tops and bottoms. This way, you look mature and classy. If you wear colored tights during the day, it can look juvenile.

Part 2

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Creating Outfits with Your Fishnets

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Pair your fishnets with solid-colored tops to keep your look balanced. When styling fishnets elegantly, you don’t want to over-do your outfit. Instead of choosing outfits with loud patterns or graphics, choose simple garments. This way, the pattern of your fishnets can stand out.^{[5]
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- For example, choose a solid grey shirt or blouse to wear with shorts or a skirt.
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Choose skirts, dresses, and shorts that are at least knee-length. When styling your fishnets, avoid picking bottoms that come above the knee, like mini-skirts or very short shorts. That way, you’ll look classy rather than flirty.^{[6]
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- For example, wear your fishnets with a knee-length skirt and a ruffled blouse for a classy, work-appropriate option.
- Wear your fishnets with a skirt and tank top for a summertime style.
EXPERT TIP

"For a polished, professional look, wear your fishnets with a knee-length or long-sleeved dress."

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
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Wear fishnets underneath ripped, distressed denim for an edgy look. If you want a rocker-chic style, put your fishnets on, and then slip a pair of distressed jeans over top. This multi-dimensional style looks great when going to a concert or a bar.^{[7]
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- You can pair this with a plain black T-shirt, for instance.
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Choose black outfits for a stylish, monochrome look. When selecting neutral-colored outfits, you can choose all of the same tones for a stylish look. This is a good idea when styling fishnets elegantly because there will not be competing colors and textures.^{[8]
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- For instance, choose a black button-down, black skirt, and black shoes.
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Try wearing solid-colored tights underneath for a two-toned look. First, put on a pair of opaque tights. Then, put your fishnets on overtop. Use either colored or neutral fishnets to create a multidimensional look.^{[9]
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- For instance, wear white tights underneath red fishnets for a fun night-out look.
- You can wear nude tights underneath of black fishnets for a subtle, sophisticated style.
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Try fishnet socks with pants for a touch of glamor. In addition to wearing fishnets with skirts or dresses, you can also wear them with pants. This is a great idea if you want to add a feminine touch to an outfit for the office. Choose trousers for a professional option or go with jeans for a casual style.^{[10]
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- For example, wear fishnet socks underneath tapered jeans for a subtle, flirty touch. Wear this on date nights or out to dinner with friends.
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Go with close-toed shoes for a put-together look. Choose sneakers for casual looks, boots for edgy styles, or heels for a touch of glam. Pairing your tights with close-toed shoes keeps your look polished and professional.^{[11]
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- For example, put on a pair of black pumps with black fishnets and a little black dress for an elegant evening style.
- You can also wear your fishnets with canvas shoes, flats, or Oxfords.
EXPERT TIP

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist

Pairing fishnets with the appropriate shoes is really important. Stylist Susan Kim says: "If you wear fishnets with 5-inch stiletto heels, you're going to give a certain look. Instead, try wearing your them with lower, flat shoes. For a more casual look, try pairing them with combat boots."

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Can fishnet stockings be worn with sandal heels?

Community Answer

They can, but closed-toed shoes look better. If the sandal-heels are closed-toed, then go for it!

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Are fishnets professional?

Josh1997

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Some may say they aren't, but I think they are. Many businesswomen and secretaries wear them all the time. You can make them professional by not wearing a skirt that's too revealing and wearing black fishnet stockings with small holes and black heels.

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Can I wear fishnet tights with jeans, and if so, how?

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If you wear a crop top with jeans then you could wear fishnets underneath. The top part will show. You might have to pull them up. Or you could wear ripped jeans with fishnets underneath. Both look really nice.

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Tips

If your fishnets rip, that’s okay! Run with it and rip or cut a few other holes. Then, pair this with your distressed denim for a grunge look.

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You can also wear a pair of pantyhose underneath your fishnets if you want another layer of coverage.

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