So, you bought a new miniskirt and want to take it out and try it on. But it was too leggy for the unsuspecting Tuesday fall outfit. A pair of leggings will be a more visible addition to your mini dress. But street style guru Chloe King will tell you to try sheer knee-high socks (or stockings, as my grandma calls them).
King, the luxury retail pro who you’ll see in every best fashion week street style roundup online, has become the unofficial spokesman for the emerging knee-high sock trend (or, rather, legs ). The fashion darling paired sheer stockings with mini shorts and a jacket as a dresser. Although she’s tried “more masculine brogue loafers, super heels are more fun,” Kim wrote to me via email.
Last February, King wore a see-through suit at New York Fashion Week, which she paired with olive shorts and brown platform heels.
(Image source: Getty Images)
“Over the past few seasons, skirts have become shorter and shorter,” — models and celebrities on the runways have worn miniskirts, hot pants, and often no pants at all — “and add a short skirt to the miniskirt. Knee-high socks. “Also, sheer ombre colors add a new texture to the look and are a more unexpected option than tights. “Who knew nylon stockings would be popular in 2024!
Sheer knee-high socks are a curveball option, and to be precise Why Their hemlines are short and flattering. “Adding knee-high socks to a look can be confusing,” says King. “Sheer nylon adds sexiness and a touch of grandpa’s wardrobe at the same time—Prada does a great job, it’s ‘ugly cool’!” Styling decision so wrong that it’s back to being terribly wrong correct.
G&Y 9 pairs of knee-high tights
Swedish stockings mesh stockings
Falke Pure Matt 20 knee socks
Not all hems have to be mini and micro – perfectly reasonable, knee-length hems work well too.
(Image source: Getty Images)
King has mastered the art of walking the tightrope between awkward costumes and real costumes. OK one. She has a knack for knowing the finishing touch to make an outfit move, whether it’s a quirky little hat or a pair of rocking cherry earrings. Remember the street style brooch trend from last season’s New York Fashion Week? King’s giant red rose pin was the first sign of the accessory’s comeback.
Of course, this brooch is also paired with black knee-high socks.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
This is all to say: King knows a thing or two about the right way to elevate your look, and if a trendsetter suggests adding sheer knee-high socks to your arsenal, you’ll want to heed this fashion advice.
Hanes Alive Full Support Clear Knee High Shoes
Nordstrom striped sheer knee socks
Swedish stockings off-white Rosa lace knee-high socks
But she’s not the only one using knee-high tights as a clever styling trick. While sorting through the latest fashion month’s street styles, I spotted knee-high black fishnets from New York, sheer white nylon from London, gauzy stockings from Paris paired with an extraordinary pair of platform heels.
The platform heels that caught my eye were worn in sheer nylon and an oversized plaid blazer worn as a mini dress.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
Taking to the catwalk from city sidewalks, Christian Dior’s models rarely wore chic miniskirts or crisp pleated shorts without matching them with a pair of sheer black stockings. The same goes for Cecilie Bahnsen, although the Danish designer prefers to pair her signature girly puffball dresses with knee-high leggings. King also counts Simone Rocha in the mix: “While I gravitate toward classic black sheers, the thigh-high nude socks from their Spring ’25 show made me move to new tones and proportions.”
Simone Rocha launched a range of socks from the knee and above on her Spring 2025 show.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
I also love knee-high socks and my own solid black stockings that I purchased on a whim from Amazon last August for fall layering outfits. Since then, I’ve discovered that they pair well with tailored Bermuda shorts as fall workwear, and slit maxi skirts are a fun opportunity to show off sheer calf. When I’m drawn to darker, more angsty style inspiration and want to reconnect with my Tumblr roots, I break out Arctic Monkeys’ “Knee High Socks” and slip on my own cover – Sole Black boots.
Wolford satin-touch knee socks
MeMoi Floral Fantasy Sheer Knee High Socks
Hue Opaque Knee Socks 4-Pack
Another combo worth trying: Sheer knee-high socks paired with a sweet pair of Mary Janes.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
Take a cue from King, myself, or recent runway models: sheer knee-high socks are undoubtedly a fall 2024 trend and worth trying. They make an outfit feel more interesting and may be the key to unlocking a new, more interesting level of your personal style. Or, at least, they’re a good reminder to give your grandmother, the original sheer stocking muse, a call.
Peruse more sheer knee-high socks styling ideas
A guest at London Fashion Week paired white knee-high socks with a multi-check Chopova Lowena miniskirt and stylish loafers.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
Sheer socks add a playful touch to a checked shorts set.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
The sheer knock-on look was effortless but added a touch of glamor to this Paris Fashion Week guest’s preppy plaid suit.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
Here, black knee-high tights add a sexy edge to the corporate look.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
Two trends in one: Try the leather bomber jacket trend with a simple pair of clear knee socks and black sneakers.
(Image source: Launchmetrics)
