I need some advice about tights. I have, what I call elephant legs. Not a pretty sight. The area right at the knee and right above the knee area is particularly bad.

I am wanting to try a shorter dress. I have seen women wear tights with shorter dresses in the Winter. Are there tights that have shaping to make the legs look better. Something like Spanx?

I have never worn a shorter dress or tights like that so I am not familiar at all. Any advice? Maybe even some suggestions about a cute dress. Maybe share some links if you know of something that would be cute. TIA

I have a pair of Spanx leggings and they definitely help shape the legs, as well as the hips and bum. Mine are all one colour and a bit more "solid" then some of the tights online, I think they're probably a bit thicker too (good for winter) which seems to squish things in more... Kinda like these: http://www.spanx.com/product/index.j...entPage=family, but not "cable knit sweater", just solid ones (I don't see them on the website).

Anyways, here are a few more as well: http://www.spanx.com/family/index.js...12034&view=all

These are great, too -
http://www.spanx.com/product/index.j...entPage=family

I think Spanx tights are the best, by far! They're comfortable, durable, and flattering.

My legs are pretty chunky, too. I like just above the knee skirts with tights or leggings.

http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/women...DimVal=at+knee

Thank you for the links and suggestions. It seems like Spanx are well liked.

Another question. I tried on an absolutely beautiful sweater dress on Saturday. I tried to imagine tights with the dress, but it seemed like the tights would be too much. I was looking at the Spanx website, specifically at their sheer products. Do you think the sheer would have enough shaping?

I noticed that the Spanx are pretty expensive. Do they last a lot longer than any other product? I don't mind paying more money for a good product. Are there any other brands that are similar to Spanx.

All of this is very new to me. I appreciate any and all information.

I have been searching for nude tights to up the auntie on warmth but still have a sheer look and let me tell you, I don't think nude tights exist. anyone?

Diana, I find the Spanx tights VERY durable. The only pair I ever ruined with a run was a lace pair. I actually still have the footless pair I bought for my brother's wedding. In 2003. Sadly, they're too big to do much good except keep my legs warm now.

And yes, I wear tights with sweater dresses. My sweater dress is solid gray. I like black opaque tights or black/gray striped tights the best with it. FWIW, I ADORE vertical striped tights - I think they really make my legs look longer and leaner.

I just ordered these in my new size for winter - http://www.spanx.com/product/index.j...entPage=family

Honest, I don't work for Spanx, I just think they are the best tights out there, even when I was at the top of size F.

Riddy Thank you for your response. Have you ever tried their sheer products?

No, I've never tried their sheers. I'm not a fan of pantyhose - last time I wore them was a wedding about 10 years ago. As soon as it gets too warm for tights, I go bare legged.

I do wear the Power Panties, though. They're the best for preventing chub rub under skirts in the summer. They are nice and soft - not like what I remember the panty part of pantyhose feeling like.

You might consider support hose or pressure stockings. The elastic used for people with circulation problems will also work as shapewear.

Support hose and support stockings now comes in so many different colors and degrees of sheerness from opaque tights to sheer hose (as well as thigh highs and knee sock versions).

The degree of pressure (elastic) also varies, and for some I believe you actually need a doctor's prescription (though most doctors will prescribe it if you want them to, because from what I understand the added pressure is only a problem if you have some pretty specific - and unusual health issues. For most people, the extra pressure actually does good things for your leg circulation).

I saw these in Target. Have not purchased, yet. The package says "a Spanx brand". Any thoughts on these?

http://www.target.com/p/assets-by-sa...Slot=large_1_3

http://www.target.com/webapp/wcs/sto...46&term=assets

I know Assets is Spanx's lower price line. I've never tried them - they came out after I'd fallen in love with the original, so I never felt the need to try them. Sorry I can't give you any opinion on them. But at those prices, they're probably worth a try if you don't want to run out and buy a $30 pair of tights.

Happy shopping!