How to style knee high socks in 2024, and the best ones to shop now | HELLO! (2024)

It’s become very common knowledge that the unsung style hero for 2024 is ornamental hosiery.

Whether it's Sydney Sweeney’s thigh-high lace white tights, Nicola Peltz’s sheer stockings and white mini dress combo or Camille Charriere fashion week fishnets, hosiery in all forms seems to be everywhere and there’s a new variation on the block which is already loved by the likes of Kristen Stewart, Zendaya and Julia Fox.

Knee-high tights and socks have been around for decades, commonly linked to school uniforms, chic Upper East Side grandmas and nerdy college kids. If there's one thing we know for certain it's that the knee-high tight doesn't discriminate in any way shape or form.

Knee-high tights have been on our radar for a few months now, initially sparked by Zendaya's ultra-glam Schiaparelli Haute couture week look where she donned a pair of fishnet under-the-knee options from Wolford.

Since then our eyes have been on the lookout for more notable names adopting the sock style, our prayers recently answered by none other than Kristen Stewart (whose stylist needs a pay rise) and Julia Fox, who both sported a pair while out and about earlier this week.

MORE: Tights trends for 2024 and how the It girls are styling them

RELATED:12 luxury hosiery brands to shop for quality tights and socks

After a quick trawl through a few ‘it’ girls Instas, it became apparent that styling knee-highs for 2024 is actually easier than you might think, just take a look for yourself..

Are knee-high socks still in style?

Knee-high socks have cycled in and out of fashion throughout history, but they saw a significant resurgence in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. This trend was largely influenced by the mod looks of the era, where knee-highs were often paired with mini skirts and Mary Jane shoes, embodying a youthful, playful aesthetic.

"The style dipped in popularity in subsequent decades but made a comeback in the 1990s and early 2000s, partly driven by the schoolgirl look popularised by pop culture and celebrities," explainsHello! Fashion's Editor Natalie Salmon, "Since then, knee-high socks have remained a staple in fashion, often reemerging in transitional seasons as a stylish way to add warmth and a layer of interest to outfits."

MORE: Hailey Bieber is a modern power-dressing muse in sheer tights look

RELATED:Sydney Sweeney's no trousers and knee-high tights look is truly iconic

How to Style Knee High Socks in 2024...

With A Cool-Girl Co-ord

Rosie perfectly nailed the styling of knee-high socks by choosing a sleek, skirt suit from Alo that complemented the dark, sheer socks. The socks add a touch of sophistication and contrast effectively with her heeled pumps Prada pumps creating a chic, modern look.

With Chunky Boots

Possibly my favourite way to wear knee-highs is with a chunky boot. This look from Bella Hadid is giving goth-chic in all the right ways, the socks adding a girly touch to her all-black ensemble.

With Heels in the Same Colour

Albeit this look of Gigi’s is taken from Jacquemus’ recent “Le Chouchou" fashion show, the fact still stands that lace knee-highs and heels is having a major moment.

With Trainers

Trainers and knee-highs potentiallyshouldn’t work together, but Kristen Stewart has proved us wrong. The actress paired her sheer black pair with white trainers, a black skirt and a graphic baby tee nailing the casual but cute aesthetic.

With Ballet Flats

Earlier this week our favourite 'weird-girl' Julia Fox donned a nude pair with pink ballet flats, a striped turtleneck sweater and secretary-core glasses, effortlessly exuding Y2K style.

With A LBD

Instagram’s chicest style mogul Sarah Lysander donned the cutest LBD and sheer black knee-high combo to PFW earlier this month. Typically a LBD on its own is statement enough however the addition of sheer socks elevates the look into a whole new stylistic sphere.

The Best Knee-High Tights & Socks To Shop Now:

How we chose the pieces:

Aesthetic:After scouring the internet’s top fashion boutiques, we’ve handpicked knee-high socks and tights that exude a luxurious vibe. Despite their reasonable price tags, these selections could easily pass for high-end designer goods.

Quality: I looked for exceptional cuts, intricate patterns, and exquisite details that set them apart.

Why you should trust me:

I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Features Writer. With a love for all things fashion (the quirkier the better), I can usually be found playing dress-up in my own wardrobe, watchingGilmore Girls for the 8th time or finding new outfit inspo and DIY musts on TikTok, nothing in my closet is safe from a safety-pin bow embellishment. I have been in the styling world for almost 5 years now, specialising in editorial features, luxury campaigns and music videos. As for the world of magazines, I have worked for various digital and print publications around the world, focusing on fashion. Basically, fashion is my bread and butter.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit ourFAQ page.