So last week, we asked about fishnet tights – and whether they were ever appropriate for the office. It turns out that we failed to account for something that a lot of people thought was an important factor: the width of the netting. (Our apologies!) With the caveat, then, that our poll was imperfect (hey, aren’t they all?), the results were:
- 60% of you said they were never appropriate
- 24% said only if worn as trouser socks
- 13% said they were fine so long as the skirt/outfit was demure enough
- only 1% had a laissez-faire attitude about fishnets.
Commenters noted that small-weaved fishnet tights added texture and style, and as long as the fabric was the color of your skin then it was acceptable for a casual day. One commenter (Style Goddess) felt so strongly hers were appropriate she sent in some pictures (above and at right) — we must agree, they look great on her. N.B.: Even those in favor of fishnets noted that these were not the accessory to choose the day you’ve got that court appearance, press conference, or stock holders’ meeting.
The poll is still going on — please weigh in!
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Anything fishnet-ish, however mildly so, is just not worth the risk. If anyone in your professional world, male or female, is remotely likely to look at them and think “hunh, fishnets” you made a bad choice. The ones in the photos are unlikely to be ’safe for work’ in most serious offices. (Also, when you click on the pix, they do not lead to larger photos, just to a website that when you search on fishnet, nothing comes up.)
I think that they look MORE appropriate when they are of a smaller weave and match the color of your skin. The woman who sent the pictures in really does look good in them.
However, I also agree with Delta Sierra that in a more formal office, I wouldn’t risk it. I’m starting a summer job in the legal field, and would never dream of wearing them to work.
Also avoid fishnets if you don’t have amazing legs. Wearing clothes that are (for lack of a better expression) out of your league will make your coworkers wonder if you’re the delusional woman who thinks she’s way sexier than she is. (See: Alex from Real Housewives NYC)
Patterned (or fringed?) shoes, patterned stockings, patterned skirt. It’s a cute outfit, but way too busy and attention-seeking for a professional to wear to the office.
I have worn fishnets in a professional setting – successfully, I believe – but only under the following circumstances:
1. black fishnets over black sheer pantyhose (bear with me). It tones down the Lili St Cyr-nish of the fishnets, yet still allows the texture to be a focal point.
2. fall/winter only
3. dress is absolutely 1000% plain with no other decorations except perhaps a brooch and/or earrings.