The Look

By Suzanne D'Amato

"Darn it. Why didn't I buy the pair with reinforced toe?" (By Dan Kenyon -- Getty Images)

Recently a reader asked me if I thought pantyhose were coming back in style, making the observation that women no longer seem to wear this once-essential item.

Hosiery's day at the fashion forefront may have passed, but it still has a place in many Washington wardrobes, and for good reason: Worn well, it's both conservative and chic.

That said, navigating your average pantyhose department is no simple task. Sizing can vary dramatically from one manufacturer to the next, and trying to discern the difference between styles is nothing short of maddening. I recently spent almost half an hour puzzling over the Calvin Klein display at one department store: matte sheer, ultra sheer, matte ultra sheer, active sheer, infinite sheer and ultimate sheer. Huh?

Still, there are some things to look for when buying basic hosiery to wear everyday. I'd recommend a sheer-to-waist style with a reinforced (not sandalfoot) toe to help stave off runs. Steer clear of control top unless it's an occasion when you really want to look trimmer: The discomfort they can cause just isn't worth it on a daily basis.

The most important thing -- and, of course, the trickiest -- is to find a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. I wish I had more to suggest in this regard, but trial and error seems to be the only way to make a good match. (Happily, many stores allow returns, even on opened packages.) When possible, examine any samples on display, as color-coded packaging is often inaccurate (as are names: one brand's nude turned out to be George Hamilton orange). Patterned hose can be very stylish, though keep in mind that the larger the pattern is, the bigger your legs will appear. Classic black is a nearly foolproof option. As for cream, grey, navy? More often than not, they look passe.

Beyond a certain price point (I'd say about $10 per pair), the law of diminishing returns goes into effect. Eventually every pair snags, and all of the clear nail polish in the world won't save yours, whether it's L'eggs or Wolford. Better then not to spend too much: Two winners in the luxe-for-less category are Victoria's Secret and Hanes. I particularly like Hanes's Silk Reflections Beyond Bare, which, at about $8.50 per pair, is surprisingly soft, with a better color selection than many higher-end brands. And come spring, check out toeless hose such as those by Hue, a genius way to give your legs (but not your toes) a little coverage during sandal season.

Have a style question? E-mail Suzanne D'Amato, Sunday Source's deputy editor and a former fashion writer at Vogue, at styleq@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and phone number.