Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

Alexa Chung has long been my ultimate fashion reference point. She’s the kind of woman who can wear something I’d previously balked at and immediately have me on the high street hunting it down. Case in point: shorts with tights. A look I mentally filed under things best left in the 2000s – until she stepped out wearing it again and I thought, 'I need to try this.'

This time around, though, the formula has evolved. Gone is the scruffy Indie Sleaze of ripped tights and denim shorts; in its place is something far more polished. Alexa’s take – tailored shorts, sheer tights and a grown-up heel – feels deliberate rather than thrown together.

The festive season is the perfect time to try the formula. We’re all dressing a little more daringly anyway, and it’s an edgy look that’ll stand apart from the dozens (and dozens) of sequin dresses at your Christmas parties. Plus, a good pair of tights should keep your legs warm – and means you don’t have to fake-tan your pins (hooray!).

Convinced to give it a go? Here are five easy outfits to shop, whether you’re after a flirty date-night look or a disco-inspired party outfit.

If you're new to the whole sheer-tights-and-shorts game, stick to a simple formula: a cream sweater, black leather-look shorts and black tights. Tuck the front of the sweater into the shorts (lazily, so it's very French-girl chic) and pair with Chelsea boots or loafers. Keeping it monochrome removes the hassle of selecting shades and means it's an outfit formula you can repeat year on year. 

Want to mix things up from the usual go-to party dress? A pair of sequin shorts is a stylish and festive option for 2025. Pair with a puff-sleeve top to add extra glam, and keep everything else simple (plain black tights and plain black boots or heels). You'll be the belle of any ball.  

Chocolate brown is every fashion editor’s must-wear shade this winter. Keep things simple by opting for a monochrome outfit, which you can wear with brown suede loafers, or spruce up with cream or silver shoes. Don’t worry if the chocolate shade doesn’t exactly match – as long as you stick to warm browns, they’ll all complement each other anyway. 

For a date-night spin on the shorts-and-tights look, keep it dark and romantic. Black shorts paired with black lace tights feel instantly dressed up, while a wine-coloured boho blouse adds depth. Finish with simple black heels or ankle boots and let the textures do the talking. 

Pink and burgundy are both on-trend and complementary, making this shorts-and-tights look feel both fun and pulled together. The richness of the burgundy jumper balances the sweetness of the pink, providing a grown-up twist on the powdery shade. 

To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), X (@YOUMagSocial) and TikTok (@you_magazine).