Fashion from the late ’90s and early 2000s is having a serious revival right now – and one trend that’s creeping back into the spotlight is the combination of shorts and tights. It was everywhere back then, seen on celebrities, TV shows and fashion magazines. Now it’s popping up all over the place again but with a bit of a modern twist.
Where Did It All Start?
The trend first gained popularity in the late ’90s and early 2000s, when celebrities like Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung were often photographed wearing black tights under denim or leather shorts. They styled the look with slouchy boots, scarves and oversized jackets. The look exploded into mainstream fashion thanks to TV shows like Gossip Girl, where characters such as Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen wore dressy shorts and sheer tights, often paired with blazers, heels and accessories like headbands and handbags.
Shorts and tights are back, and yes, they’re kind of quirky. But let’s not pretend they’re effortless. Like most throwback trends, this one takes some trial and error. Let’s be honest – tights can slip, bunch or roll down at the worst possible moments. A handy solution to this is anti chafing shorts like those from bettertights.com/collections/anti-chafing-shorts. They’re soft, breathable and sit smoothly under everything – making your tights more comfortable and your outfit more wearable. Plus, they help keep things in place – no more adjusting your waistband every five minutes!
What Types of Tights and Shorts Work Best?
Back in the ’90s and 2000s, there were lots of different ways to wear this look. The most popular choice was classic black opaque tights. Sheer black tights were also a go-to, especially for dressier looks. Some people went bold with patterned or lace tights to add texture and detail. Coloured tights, especially in jewel tones or deep burgundy, also became popular. Denim cut-offs were a casual favourite, especially when matched with ankle high boots and oversized layers – something you’d often see on stars like Sienna Miller or in street-style photos.