While you can and should experiment with patterns, exercise restraint and consider subtle hues. Speaking of hues, if you're daring enough, you can go for bold colors like mustard yellow or even green but proceed with caution. All it takes is a wrong print or accessory to throw this look off. To keep from clashing, consider pairing bright colors with dark, neutral coats. Or vice versa if your dress or skirt has an extra pop of color - grays and muted shades work best here.

And just in case you were wondering but too afraid to ask, unless it's Halloween, the tights riddled with holes need to stay in the closet. On that note, the Lady Gaga fitness-inspired look complete with leotard and belt is not for everyday wear.

Tights: How to Wear Them

If the thought of wearing tights takes you back to your elementary school days, then perhaps it may be stretching it for you to consider a bold blue or purple. But if you're open to the idea, consider tossing those nude hose and replacing them with a modern-day fashion maven must-have: black opaque tights. There are numerous benefits to this staple. For one, they'll help slim the appearance of any leg. Two, it may even help you push the envelope and venture out for a night out on the town in a skirt or dress that you may otherwise have thought too short.

If you're getting into the late winter doldrums and could use an ample dose of adventure, you can try your hand at a trend first seen this fall, during fashion week. Make year-round use of those shorts in your closet and considering pairing them with a pair of black tights. To make this trend work, consider fabrics like wool, velvet or tweed for your shorts. If you have an ample dose of confidence, you could even mix it with some cutoffs. To complete the look, you'll want to wear either a sweater or T-shirt layered with a cardigan. This is a perfect option if you're getting bored during those in-between, "transition" months.