Tights can be both a blessing and a curse. Dress them right and you’ll look 20 years younger and your legs will seem to go on for days.

But style them the wrong way, and they risk looking frumpy, adding unnecessary bulk and exaggerating the lumps and bumps that we’re all seeking desperately to hide.

As the weather begins to grow colder in the UK, the last thing anybody wants is to feel overly bundled up when putting together an appropriate wardrobe.

Luckily, there are some simple tips and tricks to ensure that your nylons cling like a second skin for an instant youthful upgrade to anti-age your look –  as seen on the likes of Kate Moss, Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter.

For example, wearing thick tights with white clothing or the wrong shade of nude stockings can instantly add years to an outfit unnecessarily, according to style experts.

And when done right, the perfect pair can help you be both toasty and stylish – all while achieving a slimming, tucking-in effect.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Oriona Robb, a celebrity stylist, said that even a simple mistake, such as choosing high-denier pantyhose for an ensemble, can make people look older than they are.

She said: ‘Opaque tights tend to add weight to the leg and can instantly age an outfit. Thick (stockings) will always have their place in colder climates, but stylistically, they are being used less in fashion-forward settings.

‘Right now, there is a strong emphasis on minimal silhouettes and sleeker styling, and bulky tights can work against that.

‘The move towards bare legs or very sheer tights is about elongating the line of the body and creating a fresher, more contemporary silhouette.’

Sophie McGown, a fashion expert and designer told the Daily Mail: ‘Tights, worn the right way can completely change your look, but as much as they are practical, they shouldn’t be a last-minute throw on – think of them as a styling tool.’

Oriona said people are often wearing these stockings functionally, often layered under long skirts or boots rather than as a statement piece.

But while opaque hosiery has been given the boot this season by fashion stylists, more sheer tights should also be approached with an attitude of caution.

‘They highlight every contour and texture on the leg, often exaggerating things most people would rather smooth over,’ Oriona said.

If pantyhose doesn’t match your skin tone, it may end up looking ‘too pink, too orange or too pale’, instead of seamlessly blending in as required.

Large-scale patterned stockings can also look dated, especially if they are worn with formal or tailored pieces. Oriona added: ‘They can make the outfit feel less fresh and more costume-like.’

Sophie agreed, adding that tights adorned with motifs should be the only statement piece in the ensemble.

‘The key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple, so the tights don’t clash or compete with what else you’re wearing, otherwise it could look busy or dated,’ she said.

Oriona says that making mistakes with colour-matching can also add years to your appearance.

‘Black tights with a light shoe or the wrong flesh tone in “nude” tights can instantly cut the leg line and look unflattering,’ she said.

Another simple blunder that can age an outfit is buying hosiery in the wrong size, especially when they sag around the ankles and knees.

The expert said it can create bulges which will always ‘instantly cheapen the look’, whereas not investing in your pantyhose may lead to more snagging and laddering that can make an ‘expensive clothes look tired’.

Angela Kyte, a luxury stylist, said that you should always test tights in natural lighting, if you can, before pulling off the tag and committing to them.

‘Store lighting can be deceptive,’ she said. ‘Never underestimate the importance of quality, fresh, well-cared-for tights instantly read as youthful and polished, while worn or snagged ones can age you in seconds.’

She said that tights in harsh colours can also make your overall look appear more vintage than intended.

‘Neon colours, overly bright primary shades, or hues that clash with the skin tone can look more like a throwback than a modern fashion statement,’ Angela said. ‘The key is restraint: when the rest of the look is sleek and pared back, coloured tights can be the one pop of fun that feels fresh rather than dated.’

However, the right stockings will elevate your ensemble, making it go from drab to fab within seconds of styling.

‘French chic’ sheer tights can help elongate the body, making you appear taller, therefore giving you that desired catwalk look, according to Sophie.

She said: ‘This style is timeless. Ultra-thin tights contour your legs and blur over bumps, bruises or veins while still allowing your natural skin to show through.

‘They make your legs look smooth and almost polished, like a non-surgical fashion treatment. If you suffer from varicose veins or want more coverage, patterned sheers are an excellent choice.’

She added that those who feel ‘extra brave’ could try coloured hosiery, with burgundy being one of the voguish winter shades.

Angela said that it is important to style more transparent tights with ‘contemporary shoe straps’, such as sharp pointed flats, minimal ankle boots or strappy mules.

She said: ‘Mixing textures also works wonders: a structured wool coat or leather jacket paired with delicate sheers adds balance and edge.

‘Playing with proportion is another trick: a shorter hemline or a skirt with a front slit allows sheer tights to be seen in a way that feels fresh and youthful rather than overly traditional. Accessories also matter; modern, minimal pieces stop the outfit from feeling fussy.’

Oriona said sheer hosiery tends to look good when paired with a shorter skirt. She added: ‘They have the ability to elongate and freshen up the silhouette, lending a more youthful, delicate quality to the look.’

It’s no secret that celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Kate Moss and Kendall Jenner are partial to wearing translucent stockings to help them achieve an elegant, Parisian appearance – even in winter.

Pop stars such as Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter are also known for wearing shiny pantyhose while onstage, to help smooth the legs and give them a seamless look under the spotlights.

But how are they able to achieve such a perfect, contemporary outfit almost every single time? Sophie says they will often layer two sets of different tights on top of each other.

‘For example, wearing a pair of nude sheers under fishnets can give a smoother, glossier look and add comfort too,’ she said.

‘A lot also rely on brands like Calzedonia because they’re affordable but good quality, and they offer a wide variety of styles.’

The brand, which has dubbed itself ‘the tight’s expert’, has many different styles, some of which cost upwards of £25.

Angela said that A-listers tend to be incredibly strategic with their stockings, adding: ‘Many will wear sheer nude tights paired with nude heels to create the illusion of endlessly long legs, especially under the bright lights of red carpets.

‘Seamless-toe hosiery is a favourite for anyone wearing strappy sandals or open-toe shoes, because visible seams can break the illusion of polish.

‘Some also opt for control-top tights to smooth the waist and hips, ensuring their silhouette looks flawless on camera. A lesser-known trick is double-layering ultra-sheer pantyhose to create both durability and a smoother finish without looking heavy.’