Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. If you’re wearing stay-ups with a pencil skirt, from afar they look like a regular pair of pantyhose,” says Vogue.

Christopher Kane Crocodile-clip techno-crepe dress Photos: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of matchesfashion. Well, these aren’t your maiden aunt’s flesh-tone hose—stay-ups are a somewhat cheeky, unabashedly retro nod to a heavily fetishized conceptualization of female sexuality. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights.But once you cross your legs and the skirt rides up, there is a bit of lace from the top of the stay-up that will be visible.

Kiki de Montparnasse Le reve lace and silk-satin soft-cup bra Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of net-a-porter. What you need are stay-ups: thigh-high hosiery that is held up by faith in gravity, plenty of elastic, and—in the olden days—a garter belt. Thanks to my lovely Kat for indulging me on this one, we may have more fun watching than anyone else. Ditch the cleavage and the spangled mini; we’re here to talk about real allure, the type that comes not without a little effort. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast.Take your cue from the human embodiment of “come hither,” Sophia Loren, who was always one for all things thigh-high. They’re very naughty nurse, they’re very naughty librarian, they’re very naughty anything, really, and for that, they’re totally fun. The world is your oyster: A charming frock for day easily disguises what you’ve got going on, while va-va-voom is yours with just a sleek jacket and heels.