Look Vintage-Chic with Seamed Stockings
Vintage pin up models and movie stars always look so chic in their seamed stockings. Whenever you have tried to wear them yourself, though, you have always ended up looking more Pretty Woman then Bettie Page. You just can't seem to figure out how such a minor detail can make you look so sexy, or why this detail looks hot on some people and tacky on others. It turns out that there are a few tricks to wearing vintage seamed stockings without looking like you are wearing your lingerie as outerwear. As long as you are able to keep a few rules in mind, you should be able to pull this look off.
Forget the Mini Skirt
Vintage stockings did not have a seam for decorative purposes; the seam held the stocking together. These stockings, called full fashioned stockings, were made from nylon in a flat piece and were stitched together at the seam at the back. Seamless stockings were not invented until 1955. Thus, if you want to look vintage chic in your seamed stockings instead of like a fetish model, you should go with a vintage length skirt. Pick a skirt that goes past your knees.
Be Subtle
These days, a lot of the seamed stockings available on the market are black fishnet. While these stockings might match a garter belt and corset, they really do not look appropriate in very many situations outside of your house. The seam at the back of the stocking is already very sexy. If you add to the sexiness with something like a fishnet or a bold color, your seamed stockings will begin to look more like a costume than a good fashion choice. If you want to wear seamed stockings out in public and you are not a regular attendee at swing dance clubs, choose nude. The seam will still be visible, but just barely.
Be Neat
Nothing looks dumber than crooked seamed stockings. If you are going to wear stockings with a seam, you had better make sure that the seam is absolutely straight and in the precise middle of the back of your legs. Otherwise, you will look slovenly. You should also just throw your stockings out immediately if they get a run, because somehow torn seamed stockings look even worse than torn plain stockings. Also, avoid cheap stockings. It may seem like the cheap ones actually hold up better, but they look bad. Cheap stockings are often too shiny or a weird color. Invest in some quality stockings.
Pick a Shape
You can wear your seamed stockings with a full skirt or a pencil skirt. They will not look right if you try to wear them with a fishtail or an A line skirt. Obviously, a fitted pencil skirt is a much sexier look. It can also look very chic, though, if it is long enough and you are wearing nice stockings. A full skirt, possibly with a crinoline underneath, will also look okay with your seamed stockings. If they are too girlish, however, they also run the risk of making you look like you are wearing a costume. Go with solid, neutral colors.
