The preppy accessory that will make tights a thing of the past in 2025

Few know it yet, but autumn 2025 marks an unexpected shift in women’s wardrobes. After analyzing the latest collections and presentations in Paris, one piece is already emerging as the natural competitor to tights: second-skin boots. Their meteoric rise confirms an aesthetic and practical change linked to the return of preppy style revisited. This field survey reveals why they are seducing designers and redefining the sexy yet refined silhouette.

The return of preppy style

Since the American campuses of the 1950s, preppy style has shaped several generations with its plaid blazers and pleated skirts. In 2025, Paris re-adopts this classic but modernized aesthetic, confirmed by the collections seen during Fashion Week. Prince of Wales blazers, priced between 150 and 250 euros, structure sophisticated looks combined with contemporary accessories.

In contrast to previous cycles, the designers emphasize the thick fabrics used for pleated miniskirts. The silhouette can do without tights, with textured fabrics offering natural warmth. This choice enhances academic chic with an obvious touch of sensuality.

Second-skin boots: the warm alternative to tights

Sales figures confirm the trend: growth is up 25% for second-skin boots compared to 2024. They cover the leg like tights, but create an assertive look in leather or technical materials. Harper’s Bazaar emphasizes their ability to sublimate legs while protecting from the cold.

During our last visit to Parisian boutiques such as Le Bon Marché, these models dominated the displays. Paired with a structured mini-skirt or a modernized trench coat, they reinvent the winter sartorial ritual without sacrificing sensuality. The comfort of walking and the technicality of the materials add a practical edge.

A sexy yet refined silhouette

Preppy codes in 2025 impose contrasts: structured oversized blazer and neutral shoulder bag on one side, tight-fitting soft leather boots on the other. The leg is no longer artificially veiled, but enhanced by the accessory itself. This aesthetic shift lends confidence and positions the piece as a sign of power.

The result: the Parisian woman asserts a quiet strength by making this look her own. Sophie Hersan (Vestiaire Collective) describes it as a blend of refined elegance and gentle authority. The phenomenon illustrates the maturity of a style that combines respect for tradition and innovation in materials.
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The silhouette that emerges is that of a strong, feminine woman, who makes a statement, but without provoking” – Sophie Hersan, Fashion Director, Vestiaire Collective

This evolution is based on inspiration from cult series such as “Gossip Girl”, whose stylistic comeback feeds designer choices. But where the 2000s saw a proliferation of colorful tights and school uniforms, 2025 favors sensuality supported by cleverly chosen accessories.

The role of the media and influencers

Fashion media such as Gala and Harper’s Bazaar support this shift, highlighting long boots as a distinctive element of the season. They confirm a trend already acclaimed on YouTube by fashion influencers, who praise this “retro prep revisited”.

Parisian critics also note the importance of noble accessories: faux fur, natural or reconstituted leather, and structured bags. These details transform a classic school silhouette into a sexy, modern statement.

“The Prince of Wales blazer and pleated miniskirt are essential pieces of preppy style this season” – John Lewis, retail mode UK

Why pantyhose are outdated

Tights, long seen as a winter essential, suffer from a tarnished image in the face of today’s sophisticated accessories. Second-skin boots are replacing their thermal function while introducing a dynamic aesthetic dimension. Paris, the central location for this shift, is already influencing London and Milan in this stylistic mutation.

Our investigation confirms that the superior comfort, durability of materials and versatility of combinations (trench coat, blazer, mini skirt) ensure this accessory a lasting role. Although some designers continue to offer elaborate tights, they are no longer the star of the catwalk. Urban consumers are now looking for warmth and visual distinction in a single piece.

Professionals admit that a luxury accessory massively adopted by the general public always tends to stabilize over several seasons. In this respect, second-skin boots seem to be a particularly solid bet.

This shift does not signal the total disappearance of pantyhose, but it does signal the rise in popularity of a more sensual, modern alternative. Fashion houses are already investing in chromatic variations and textured materials to amplify this evolution, which is set to last until 2027.

Conclusion on the Autumn 2025 trend

According to cross-sources, the revisited preppy aesthetic dominates autumn-winter, with refined, easy-to-adapt lines. Second-skin boots are becoming the central accessory, more flattering and practical than tights. They are as much a choice of style as a lasting investment.

Since September 2025, their increased presence in Parisian shop windows illustrates a lasting transformation in usage. This trend appeals to women seeking comfort, warmth and assertive elegance. It validates the idea that fall fashion can be sexy, chic and practical without compromise.

Paris has once again established itself as a trend laboratory, exporting its stylistic influence to the international fashion capitals. Actresses and influencers are confirming their adoption of this star accessory, which is set to make its mark this season.

Projections show that shoe and ready-to-wear brands will be capitalizing on this craze by the end of September. Preppy chic reformulated in 2025 thus opens a cycle in which tradition and sensuality find a renewed balance.