Warm legs without giving up skirts: that is the promise of fleece lined tights, and it is why they are winter’s quiet hero. On the coldest mornings, when bare legs are out of the question and trousers feel boring, fleece lined tights let you wear the skirts and dresses you love, with legs that feel like they are wrapped in a blanket. If you have been searching for fleece lined tights outfit ideas for women winter, you are in the right place, because this guide shares 19 warm, wearable looks, with skirts, dresses, shorts and boots, plus what fleece lined tights are, sheer-look versus opaque, sizing and fit tips so they do not sag, and care so they last the season.
I first tried fleece lined tights on a freezing day when I wanted to wear a pleated midi skirt to lunch. I expected them to feel bulky, or to look like leggings, but they did not. They looked like ordinary black tights, and my legs felt warm all afternoon. In this guide you will find 19 fleece lined tights outfit ideas for women this winter, with a fit tip in every look, and practical advice for colours, shoes and care. Pick a favourite, save the pin at the end, and keep your skirts in rotation all winter long.
What Are Fleece Lined Tights?
Fleece lined tights are tights with a soft, fleecy layer on the inside and a smooth, tight-like finish on the outside. They look like ordinary tights, but they feel like thermal leggings, because the fleece traps warm air against your skin. Some are sheer-look, which means they look like sheer black tights from the outside but feel fleecy inside, while others are opaque, with a solid black finish. Both are far warmer than ordinary tights, and both let you wear skirts and dresses in weather that would normally send you straight to trousers. That is why fleece lined tights outfit ideas for women winter are so popular: they solve a real winter problem, simply and cheaply.
They also photograph just like ordinary tights, which matters if you love saving outfit ideas. A black fleece lined tight with a pleated skirt, a burgundy tight with a black dress, a brown tight with a camel coat: these are the combinations that look calm and polished in photos and in real life. Choose tights that fit well at the waist and the ankle, with a smooth finish and no sagging, and you will reach for them again and again. A good pair of fleece lined tights is the kind of piece you buy once a season and wear for months, and this winter is the perfect time to try them.
Sheer-Look vs Opaque Fleece Lined Tights
Sheer-look fleece lined tights have a thin, skin-like outer layer over a fleecy inner layer, so they look like sheer black tights but feel warm. They are perfect if you want the look of bare legs without the cold, and they work beautifully with dresses, skirts and heels for evenings and for work. Opaque fleece lined tights have a solid, matte finish, and they are warmer and more forgiving, which makes them perfect for very cold days, for weekends and for casual outfits. If you are buying your first pair, start with opaque black, because it goes with everything, and add sheer-look black as a second pair for smarter occasions.
How to Choose the Right Denier and Fit
Denier is the thickness of the tights, and it matters with fleece lined tights. A higher denier means a thicker, warmer tight, so look for 200 denier or more for the coldest days, and a lighter denier for milder weather. Fit matters even more: choose your usual size, or size up if you are between sizes, because tights that are too small will sag and tights that are too big will bag at the ankle. Check the waistband is comfortable and does not dig in, and that the toes are not too tight. A well-fitted pair of fleece lined tights should feel like a second skin, warm and smooth, with no sagging at the knee or ankle.
Fleece Lined Tights With Skirts (Looks 1-5)
Look 1: Fleece tights and a pleated midi skirt. This is the outfit I reach for most with fleece lined tights, and it never lets me down. Pair black fleece lined tights with a camel pleated midi skirt, a cream knit, knee-high boots and a long coat. Fit tip: choose tights in your usual size, so they do not sag at the knee, and the pleats will move beautifully when you walk.
Look 2: Fleece tights and a denim midi skirt. A dark denim midi skirt with black fleece lined tights, a navy knit and ankle boots is casual, comfortable and very wearable. Fit tip: pull the tights up well at the waist before you put the skirt on, so they stay smooth all day, and add a crossbody bag for a day out.
Look 3: Fleece tights and a leather midi skirt. A black leather midi skirt with black fleece lined tights, a cream cable knit and heeled boots is smart, a little bit edgy and very winter-appropriate. Fit tip: opaque tights work best with leather, because the matte finish balances the shine, and the fleece keeps your legs warm under the leather.
Look 4: Fleece tights and a plaid mini skirt. A plaid mini skirt with black fleece lined tights, a cream knit and knee boots is a classic cold-weather look. Fit tip: choose a high denier tight for a mini skirt, because it looks smoother and warmer, and keep the knit long enough to cover the top of the skirt.
Look 5: Fleece tights and a satin midi skirt. A champagne satin midi skirt with black fleece lined tights, a cream knit and heeled boots is elegant, a little bit dressy and perfect for a winter lunch or a party. Fit tip: sheer-look tights work beautifully here, because they look like sheer tights but feel warm, and the satin shines against the matte tights.
Fleece Lined Tights With Dresses (Looks 6-9)
Look 6: Fleece tights and a floral midi dress. A burgundy floral midi dress with black fleece lined tights, a cream knit over the top and ankle boots is romantic, warm and a little bit bohemian. Fit tip: size up if you are between sizes, so the tights do not pull at the waist when you sit, and add a long coat for a cold day.
Look 7: Fleece tights and a knit dress. A grey knit midi dress with black fleece lined tights, heeled boots and a long coat is the warmest dress outfit of winter. Fit tip: the fleece inside the tights adds warmth without bulk, so the dress will sit smoothly over them, and the whole outfit feels like a hug.
Look 8: Fleece tights and a slip dress with a sweater. A black slip dress with a cream knit over the top, black fleece lined tights and knee boots is one of the prettiest winter layers. Fit tip: choose tights with a comfortable waistband that does not dig in, because you will be sitting and standing all day, and the sweater will hide the waistband anyway.
Look 9: Fleece tights and a shirt dress. A navy shirt dress with black fleece lined tights, loafers and a long wool coat is smart, fresh and a little bit preppy. Fit tip: opaque tights look best with a shirt dress for work, because they look neat and professional, and they keep your legs warm on the commute.
Fleece Lined Tights With Shorts (Looks 10-12)
Look 10: Fleece tights and tailored shorts. Tailored black shorts with black fleece lined tights, a cream knit and knee boots are a smart, a little bit daring winter look. Fit tip: choose shorts that end just above the knee, so the tights show in a clean line, and add a long coat to keep your legs warm on the way out.
Look 11: Fleece tights and denim shorts. Dark denim shorts with black fleece lined tights, an oversized knit and ankle boots are casual, cool and very wearable. Fit tip: pull the tights up well at the ankle before you put your boots on, so they do not bag, and keep the knit long enough to cover the top of the shorts.
Look 12: Fleece tights and leather shorts. Black leather shorts with black fleece lined tights, a chunky knit and heeled boots are edgy, a little bit glamorous and perfect for a night out. Fit tip: opaque tights work best with leather shorts, because the matte finish balances the shine, and the fleece keeps you warm after dark.
Fleece Lined Tights With Boots (Looks 13-15)
Look 13: Fleece tights and knee-high boots. Knee-high boots with black fleece lined tights and a pleated midi skirt are a perfect winter pair. Fit tip: the boots hide the top of the tights, so you do not need to worry about the waistband, and the fleece keeps your legs warm from knee to ankle. Add a long coat and a simple bag.
Look 14: Fleece tights and ankle boots. Ankle boots with black fleece lined tights, a denim skirt and a cream knit are the easiest winter pairing of all. Fit tip: choose ankle boots with a little heel, so the tights look longer and your legs look slimmer, and pull the tights smooth at the ankle before you zip the boots.
Look 15: Fleece tights and heeled boots for evening. Heeled boots with sheer-look fleece lined tights and a satin midi skirt are elegant, a little bit dressy and perfect for a winter evening. Fit tip: sheer-look tights look like sheer tights but feel warm, so you can wear heels without cold feet, and the heel adds polish to the whole outfit.
Fleece Lined Tights With Coats (Looks 16-17)
Look 16: Fleece tights and a long wool coat. A long camel wool coat over a knit dress, black fleece lined tights and knee boots is calm, expensive-looking and very warm. Fit tip: the long coat covers your legs to the knee, so the tights only need to keep your calves warm, and a long coat with fleece tights is the warmest dress outfit of winter.
Look 17: Fleece tights and a long puffer coat. A long black puffer over a midi skirt, black fleece lined tights and snow boots is practical, warm and surprisingly chic. Fit tip: the puffer keeps out the wind, the fleece tights keep your legs warm, and the combination is perfect for a snowy walk, a school run or a trip to the shops.
Two More Warm-Legs Looks to Try (Looks 18-19)
Look 18: Fleece tights and a corduroy skirt. A tan corduroy midi skirt with brown fleece lined tights, a cream knit and ankle boots is warm, soft and a little bit retro. Fit tip: brown tights are a lovely alternative to black, because they blend with the corduroy and look softer, and the fleece keeps you warm on a cold day.
Look 19: Fleece tights and a velvet dress. A burgundy velvet dress with burgundy fleece lined tights, heeled boots and a long coat is festive, rich and very winter. Fit tip: matching the tights to the dress in burgundy looks elegant and lengthening, and the fleece means you can wear velvet without freezing.
Colours: Black, Brown and Burgundy Tights
Black is the classic fleece lined tight colour, and it goes with almost everything in a winter wardrobe. It is slimming, practical and wonderfully forgiving, especially with a black skirt or dress. Brown is warmer and softer, perfect with camel, tan and cream outfits, and it looks less stark than black. Burgundy is festive and rich, and it looks beautiful with black, navy and grey. If you are buying your first pair, start with black, because you will wear it most, and add brown or burgundy as a second pair if you love the style.
Sizing and Fit Tips So They Do Not Sag
The secret to tights that do not sag is to buy the right size and to put them on properly. Choose your usual size, or size up if you are between sizes, and pull the tights up well at the waist and the ankle before you get dressed. Smooth out any wrinkles at the knee, and check the waistband sits flat. If your tights still sag, try a different brand, because the fit varies a lot, or try a pair with a wider waistband. And if you are tall, look for tall sizes, because ordinary tights will be too short and will pull down all day.
How to Care for Fleece Lined Tights So They Last
Fleece lined tights deserve a little care, because a good pair can last the whole season. Wash them in cold water, on a gentle cycle, inside a laundry bag, and hang them to dry, away from direct heat. Never use the tumble dryer, because it damages the fleece and the elastic, and never use fabric softener, because it clogs the fibres. Keep your nails short when you put them on, and carry a spare pair in your bag on a long day, just in case. Treated kindly, a pair of fleece lined tights will keep you warm for months.
Fleece Lined Tights for Work
For work, choose opaque black fleece lined tights, a midi skirt or dress, a fine knit or blouse, and heeled boots. The opaque finish looks neat and professional, the fleece keeps you warm on the commute, and the whole outfit looks polished. Add a blazer and a structured bag, and you are ready for a meeting or a long working day. Avoid very sheer tights at work on the coldest days, because they will not keep you warm, and choose a high denier for the best look.
Fleece Lined Tights for Weekends and Evenings
At the weekend, let your fleece lined tights relax. Wear opaque black tights with a denim skirt, a chunky knit and ankle boots for a walk, or with shorts and knee boots for a day out. In the evening, sheer-look tights with a satin dress, heeled boots and a little gold jewellery look elegant and a little bit dressy. Change the dress and the shoes, and the tights go from cosy day to chic evening without any effort at all.
Shoes That Work With Fleece Lined Tights
Ankle boots are the safest choice with fleece lined tights, because they balance the softness of the tights with a little structure. Knee-high boots work beautifully with skirts and dresses, heeled boots add polish for the office or an evening out, and loafers make the look feel smart. On snowy days, choose waterproof boots with a good grip and let the tights be the warm part. Match your bag to your boots for a calm, finished look, and keep your socks thin under the boots so the tights do not bunch.
5 Mistakes to Avoid With Fleece Lined Tights
1. Buying the wrong size. Tights that are too small will sag, and tights that are too big will bag, so check the size chart. 2. Wearing them with open-toe shoes. Fleece lined tights are for closed shoes and boots, not sandals. 3. Choosing a low denier for a very cold day. A thin tight will not keep you warm, so choose a high denier when it is freezing. 4. Forgetting to smooth them out. Wrinkles at the knee look untidy, so smooth the tights before you get dressed. 5. Putting them in the tumble dryer. Heat damages the fleece and the elastic, so hang them to dry.
Fleece Lined Tights on a Budget
You do not need to spend a fortune on fleece lined tights. A good pair costs less than a new sweater, and it will keep you warm for a whole season, so it is one of the best value buys of winter. Buy two pairs in black, one opaque and one sheer-look, and you will have warm legs for work, weekends and evenings. Look for multi-packs, end-of-season sales and good reviews, and avoid the cheapest pairs, because they sag and pill quickly. Spend a little more, and your tights will last far longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fleece lined tights warm enough for winter? Yes, very warm. The fleece inside traps warm air against your skin, and a high denier pair feels like thermal leggings, even on a freezing day. They are far warmer than ordinary tights, and they let you wear skirts and dresses all winter long.
Can I wear fleece lined tights to work? Yes, if you choose opaque black tights, a midi skirt or dress, a fine knit or blouse, and heeled boots. They look like ordinary black tights, so no one will know how warm you are, and they are perfectly office-appropriate.
How do I stop fleece lined tights from sagging? Buy the right size, or size up if you are between sizes, and pull the tights up well at the waist and the ankle before you get dressed. Smooth out any wrinkles at the knee, and try a pair with a wider waistband if yours still sag.
What colour fleece lined tights should I buy first? Black is the most versatile, because it goes with skirts, dresses, shorts and coats in almost every colour. Brown is a warm second choice, and burgundy is festive and rich for evenings and parties.
Our Favourite Fleece Lined Tights Outfit
If I had to choose just one of these 19 fleece lined tights outfit ideas for women winter, it would be Look 1: black fleece lined tights, a camel pleated midi skirt, a cream knit, knee-high boots and a long coat. It is warm, flattering, easy to copy and it proves that winter does not mean giving up skirts. For more warm-legs inspiration, take a look at our Faux Leather Leggings Outfit Ideas for Women Winter next, and if you want to layer without bulk, read our guide on how to layer winter outfits without looking bulky. Tell us in the comments which of these 19 looks is your favourite.
Save This Fleece Lined Tights Outfit Guide for Later
Before you go, save this guide so you can find it on the next cold morning, and save the warm-legs cheat sheet in your head: opaque black tights, a midi skirt, a cream knit and knee boots. Pin the image below to your winter outfit board, and share it with a friend who loves skirts as much as you do. If you want to write the perfect caption for your own pin, try our free Pinterest Caption & Pin Generator and create a caption in seconds. Follow Nova Fashion on Pinterest for more winter outfit ideas, and come back soon for the next cosy guide.
Save this pin on Pinterest — tap the link to save the 19 Fleece Lined Tights Outfits pin to your winter board, then use our free Pinterest Caption & Pin Generator to create your own pin caption.
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