Textured, printed, opaque, sheer and footless tights and leggings, fishnet stockings, and panty-hose... you've got tons of options when it comes to hosiery, but all that lingerie jargon - hold ups, control-top, knee-high - can get a little confusing.

Hosiery can be lumped into three basic categories: tights (opaque or sheer, footed or footless), sheer or fishnet stockings (hold-ups or with garter belts), and leggings or footless tights.

The latest leg wear trends support keeping tights and hosiery fresh and fun, so if you've got the personality to go with it, go ahead and get funky.

Footed Tights

Sheer & Opaque Tights

Before shopping for tights, familiarize yourself with the term, "denier." This refers to the sheerness of the tight. The lower the denier, the sheerer the hosiery will be on your leg. A high denier is of course more opaque, and will result in a thicker tight with more saturated color.

Denier less than 10 is barely there. Such tights are perfect for warmer weather or at formal occasions. Tights with a denier between 10 and 20 are the most popular sheer hosiery because they are practical, durable, and still leave your legs looking only lightly covered. Denier between 25 and 35 is semi-opaque and above 40 is totally opaque.

Colored Tights

With not a glimpse of your skin visible through the tights, 40-plus denier is perfect for colder weather and bright, vibrant colors like red, burnt orange, purple, burgundy,  hot pink, ballet pink, turquoise, textured nude black, brown and striped. But I don't just wear those blasts of color with anything. It's quite simple, really. If you're wearing color, keep your legs neutral with black, gray, or brown.  If you're wearing neutral tones and feel like having a bit of extra fun, go ahead and jazz up your stems with an eye-popping pair of tights.

When deciding what color you're going to tint your lower half, anything goes... almost. Pick deeply saturated shades in season-appropriate colors. Deep burgundies, reds, purples, browns, grays and black are your top picks for the colder months, and eye-popping, vibrant tints such as turquoise and magenta fun warmer weather choices. Always avoid lighter tones like peach, beige or pale yellow, unless you're layering with a fishnet over top.

Textured Tights

If you're not a fan of intense color, or if you just want to change it up, slip on a pair of sheer tights in neutral tones or patterned textures to beautify your legs. Keep denier in mind and splurge for a top-quality pair that won't snag before you've even put them on.

Sexy Stockings

Stockings look best in sheer neutral tones, opaque black, and, of course, fishnets.

Garter Belts

If you want to spice things up, pick up a pair of sexy stockings and an understated garter belt instead of full hosiery. With luxurious lace tops, sexy back seams and undeniably irresistible straps, stockings are easily the hottest undergarment you'll ever put on. Avoid unintentional peepshows by making sure that your hemline is long enough to prevent flashing innocent colleagues or other bystanders whilst crossing your legs. You don’t want to look like a hussy, so reserve such racy peeks for that special someone.

Thigh-High Hold Up Stockings

If you can't be bothered with a garter belt, thigh-high hold ups are your best bet. The elasticized top, combined with a silicone band, keeps this stocking snuggly in place mid-thigh. Avoid common recommendations to slather your legs with moisturizer - the added product will only make the top slip annoyingly all day long. If you're wearing hold ups for a formal occasion, do a test run first to make sure you've got the right fit.

Fishnet Stockings

Fishnet stockings, tights, and textured hosiery are an updated, more fashionable replacement old fashioned nylons or pantyhose. Check out Fishnet Stockings for advice on the size of the mesh, the shade of the stocking, and the footwear and clothing best paired with your choice hosiery.

Tights Leggings & Footless Tights

Cropped or footless tights are a fantastic option for casual looks, and are best worn under a mid-thigh skirt paired with a pair of flats or pumps in warmer months. Cropped tights and leggings are most flattering on ladies with longer legs, as cutting the leg at this place can have the visual effect of shortening the leg, so if you desperately want to lengthen your legs, stick with footed tights.

Getting Creative with Tights

Don't be afraid to layer! Fishnets topped over opaque, colored tights can result in a leg wear look as unique as you are. A look as intense as this one is best presented with a skirt and boot so only a few inches of your colored creation is visible. Less is indeed more.

Discard Damaged Hosiery

No matter what hosiery you stock up on, your tights, stockings or leggings have ripped, snagged or run, they only belong in one place – the trash bin.