THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 15, 1994 TAG: 9409150059
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CAMMY SESSA, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
PUTTING YOUR best foot forward for fall means covering your legs with everything from baby doll anklets to ``can-can'' stockings.
What goes on the feet and legs can make the difference between high fashion and low chic because hosiery lengths are as important as skirt lengths.
The current craze is the thigh-high stocking that fashion proportions with itsy-bitsy micro-minis. The thigh-high is an ungainly design that stops just over the knee exposing a 2-to-4-inch section of bare thigh from hemline to stocking top. It looks a little naughty. That's because the thigh-highs resemble the stockings once worn by can-can dancers in Paris' Moulin-Rouge and immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec.
The French painter's inspiration had to be in the collective unconscious of European and American designers last season because thigh-highs were all over the runways from the Gianni Versace collection in Italy to Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, Byron Lars showings in New York.
The thigh-high is the newest length in the ever-expanding hosiery business. To wear thigh-highs takes courage, but they are the hottest new look for stylish MTV addicts.
As with any new trend, however, the thigh-highs have several disadvantages. First, to wear them, legs have to be absolutely perfect or well, skinny. If you have thunder-thighs, short legs or valleys of cellulite, forget them. Stick to tights; they're much more flattering.
Another glitch is gravity. Never mind that the thigh-high tops are elastic, they are going to feel like they're falling down, and you're going to tug at them all day long. It's like having a bra strap that won't stay up. Nothing is more annoying.
Fortunately, thigh-highs aren't the only new leg coverings. Tights are still in vogue and an important part of needed leggy fashion. They are also the preferred choice for the thigh shy.
Tights, in fact, have never been more versatile. They come in a variety of textures and patterns from silky smooth stretch tights to ribbed sweater weaves and dressy brocades.
A gutsy look is to wear a pair of sweater-ribbed tights under heavy-duty thigh-highs and combine them both with a hefty pair of Dr. Martens shoes.
Which brings us to the realization that any pair of socks or stockings needs the proper accompaniment. For instance, the best footwear when wearing knee-highs with minis or shorts are high-top sneakers or heavy-duty hiking boots. And yes, knee-highs are still a viable option for the young fashionable.
If there's a need to wear high heels, instead of stockings, go the limit and wear ankle socks. It's the new baby doll look for the '90s.
Cozy men's socks also are another choice, but they need to be teamed with heavy-bottom sandals such as Birkenstocks or heavy duty boots.
Those cuddly socks also are needed when heading off to college for comfortable dorm living. Remember you can't get to sleep if your feet are cold. Socks are better than a sleeping pill. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
You can wear a pair of sweater-ribbed tights under heavy-duty
thigh-highs and combine them both with Dr. Martens boots.
Thigh-high stockings are popular with micro-minis, but you have to
have the right kind of legs.
Ankle socks are making a comeback, giving the new baby doll look for
the '90s.
by CNB