Like a snack bar that tides you over between meals, a good pair of tights carries you between seasons. When its too cold to go bare but too warm to bulk up, turn to tights. A good pair of winter weight (thick woolen) ones make short skirts season appropriate and, when they're worn under pants, they can provide a stylish pop of color. This season, American and European runways featured reinvented versions of this winter staple. Chanel gave us lace tights, Cynthia Rowley and BCBG featured shimmer tights while Miu Miu showed tights that were studded with crystals and metal. Free People, one of my favorite contemporary clothing lines, stocks almost all these trends on their website. Check out my top six picks after the jump.(See price and purchase details of tights from first page below!)

Worn with a simple straight skirt, these tights can make a bold statement. Cuban Heel Backseam Tights, $14. Buy here.

Hands down, my absolute favorite! These Brassy Studded Tights, $88, can be worn forward or backward. Either way you'll be turning heads. Buy here.


Work with me here - I know what you are thinking. But worn the right way (with denim shorts or skirt, perhaps?) these tights won't look tacky! I promise. Torn Tights, $38. Buy here.

It really doesn't get better than lace tights. Thats exactly why they can be found in stores and on the runway nearly year round. These Rhinestone Lace Tights, $24, are by far the best priced versions I've seen though. Buy here.

I'm addicted to Lurex. The shiny material gives your look a sexy, sultry glow. Literally! Printed Lurex Fishnets, $9.95. Buy here.

I adore these, because they combine fun springtime florals with warm, fall time colors. Santa Lima Tights, $18. Buy here.

***ALL TIGHTS AND IMAGES FROM FREE PEOPLE***