Stouls Top, Malene Birger Skirt, Etsy Brooch, Chanel Bag, Alaia Flats, Dior Sunglasses

Polka dots are a pattern I find myself reaching for again and again, especially when I’m getting ready to go on a trip. They bring a look together in an instant, refined, playful, and easy to style, even when paired with other colors or prints. They work across so many pieces, from more tailored silhouettes to softer, fluid shapes.

They also lend themselves to different directions. A drop-waist skirt with a bit of movement feels fresh and slightly unexpected, while a simple scarf adds just enough detail when tied at the neck or worn in the hair. Matching sets in lightweight fabrics feel polished but relaxed, and an easy mini dress is always a go-to for something effortless, especially for days that move from one plan to the next.

Discover the elegance of the Ottoman Hands pearl earrings for women collection, where artisanal craftsmanship meets the natural beauty of semi-precious stones. Each pair is handcrafted from 21ct gold-plated recycled brass and features hand-selected pearls and vibrant gemstones like emerald and labradorite. From sophisticated drop hoops to delicate huggies, these designs offer a modern take on classic pearl jewelry, perfect for wedding guests or elevating your daily ensemble.

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Complete your look with the XYLondon Handbags for Women collection, featuring a sophisticated range of structured totes, quilted shoppers, and compact crossbody bags. Whether you are looking for a spacious double-belted shoulder bag for the office or a chic mini bag with detachable charms for a weekend outing, XY London combines practical storage with on-trend textures like brown patent, khaki synthetic leather, and quilted wet-look finishes.

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Curious about how to wear stockings without ripping them? There can be a few tricks to wearing pantyhose without getting runs, so we’re updating our advice!

More reader mail to catch up on… I thought this reader Q was particularly relevant given some of yesterday’s questions in comments about when/how to wear nylons.

First, while you’ve discussed whether or not to wear stockings, I could really use some advice on HOW to wear them once one decides that they’re appropriate. I rip stockings to shreds whenever I wear them, so I would really appreciate tips on finding a durable brand, as well as how to properly care for them.

I would agree with most of the commenters in yesterday’s post that stockings/nylons/pantyhose aren’t necessary for most day-to-day activities. If you’re interviewing? Nylons for you. If you’re going to court or to a big meeting? Ditto.

(Hungry for more pantyhose advice? We’ve also done a big Guide to Pantyhose, advised what color pantyhose is the best for August interviews, how to wear pantyhose in the summer when it’s sweltering, and discussed whether fishnets are appropriate for a conservative job.)

Admin note: this post was originally written in 2009 (aww), but updated April 6, 2026 by Kat Griffin.

The Best Brands for Stockings to Wear to Work

As for which brand, we got a ton of great suggestions when we ran a poll on whether black hose or nude hose was better for an August interview (the readers overwhelmingly contradicted me, saying nude hose was the way to go for an August interview). This is one of our latest favorite brands for affordable pantyhose; you can see our whole list at the bottom of the post.

Other Tips: How to Wear Stockings to Work Without Getting Runs and Rips

In terms of other tips for wearing stockings… it sounds crazy, but a pedicure is almost more important when you’re wearing hose than when you’re barefooted because it stops your toenails from shredding the hose.

Secondly, you may want to look for various bells and whistles, such as reinforced toes (although this will limit your shoe choices if you have any shoes with a very low vamp). Also, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like control-top hose last longer than hose without; this may be because they stay put better and I’m not constantly yanking them up.

If that isn’t enough, there are gloves* that you can buy to wear while putting on your pantyhose (although, unless you carry them with you, they won’t help when you have to go to the bathroom.)

{related: best lingerie for office looks}

How to Put on Pantyhose Without Ripping Them

Otherwise, in terms of technique, I’ve found it’s best to put them on slowly — take the leg opening and gather the fabric until all you’ve got is 3-4 inches of hose to put over your toes. As you step into the hose and pull them up your leg, un-bunch the fabric as you go, trying to pull the hose tight enough as you go.

How to Care for Pantyhose

As far as caring for pantyhose, the best advice is to hand-wash them, particularly if you shell out for a very nice pair (Wolford, La Perla, etc). I am (generally) far too lazy to hand-wash anything, however, and I’ve had success with the delicate cycle of my shared industrial washer in my apartment building.

My method: get a lingerie bag or hosiery bag to put your hose in. Keep bras (or anything with hooks) out of this load if you can. Add sweaters, workout clothes, etc, and wash it on the delicate cycle, in cold, with Woolite.

Whatever you do (for the love of God!) airdry your pantyhose.

Readers, what are your tips on how to wear stockings to work? What are your best tips for how to put on pantyhose without ripping them accidentally, or getting runs in your nylons?

Picture credit: Deposit Photos / firstblood.

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

If you ever want to make yourself feel a little crazy, go to your favorite department store’s website and find the “wear to work” section. You’ll discover that the people who do the sorting for Nordstrom think a sweatpant-jean combo is work-appropriate in 2026. (Honestly, maybe they are work appropriate. Who even knows anymore?)

On the plus side, a recent browsing session led me to this beautiful midi skirt from Hobbs London. (A new brand to Nordstrom, I think!) The accent colors on the pleats give it a little extra pizzazz.

I would double check the sizing guide because I can never seem to get it right when I buy from this brand, but the skirt is so pretty, it might be worth a shot!

The skirt is $310 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes 2-14. You can also find it at Hobbs.

Sales of note for 4/3:

• Nordstrom – End of Season Sale – Spring styles up to 50% off – lots of great deals from Natori, Boss, Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss, Spanx, True & Co., Hanky Panky, Commando, Tory Burch, Theory, Zella, CeCe, Eliza J, Halogen, Vince Camuto, and more.
• Ann Taylor – 40% off + 15% off your purchase
• Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off + extra 20% off
• Bloomingdale’s – Up to 30% off qualifying purchases. Beauty 15% off “almost all products”
• Boden – 15% off new styles with code
• Brooklinen – 15% off sitewide, plus up to 50% off bundles
• Brooks Brothers – Friends & Family Event, 25% off sitewide. Lots of cute florals and stripes in the sale.
• Elie Tahari – Friends and Family, up to 25% off – try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
• Express – 30-70% off everything (Editor pants for $69!)
• J.Crew – 40% off your purchase
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything + extra 50% off clearance
• Loft – Spring bash! 50% off everything
• Macy’s – 25% off already reduced prices + 15% off beauty & fragrance
• M.M.LaFleur – New April drop! Use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
• Talbots – 30% off your purchase, plus free shipping until noon (PST I believe)

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I’ve wanted to try Chantecaille’s lipstick for a while now (I really like their foundation!) and finally pulled the trigger during the beauty sales a few weeks ago at Nordstrom. I got the Lip Chic lipstick in Wisteria.

The brand promises that it is an “exceptionally comfortable lip formula that’s easy to apply and creates an even finish that is shiny but never sticky,” and I’d agree with all of that. I’m kind of surprised to see it marked as a lipstick because in my mind it has a more lip gloss or lip balm consistency — very moisturizing. But it does have a nice color payoff, although I think it’s still a bit sheer.

I’d compare it as similar to Charlotte Tilbury’s Happikiss Lipstick Balm, which I also like, but think I prefer the Chantecaille because it’s less shiny and less sticky.

The lipstick is $45, available at Nordstrom and other retailers.

Sales of note for 4/3:

• Nordstrom – End of Season Sale – Spring styles up to 50% off – lots of great deals from Natori, Boss, Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss, Spanx, True & Co., Hanky Panky, Commando, Tory Burch, Theory, Zella, CeCe, Eliza J, Halogen, Vince Camuto, and more.
• Ann Taylor – 40% off + 15% off your purchase
• Banana Republic Factory – 50-70% off + extra 20% off
• Bloomingdale’s – Up to 30% off qualifying purchases. Beauty 15% off “almost all products”
• Boden – 15% off new styles with code
• Brooklinen – 15% off sitewide, plus up to 50% off bundles
• Brooks Brothers – Friends & Family Event, 25% off sitewide. Lots of cute florals and stripes in the sale.
• Elie Tahari – Friends and Family, up to 25% off – try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
• Express – 30-70% off everything (Editor pants for $69!)
• J.Crew – 40% off your purchase
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything + extra 50% off clearance
• Loft – Spring bash! 50% off everything
• Macy’s – 25% off already reduced prices + 15% off beauty & fragrance
• M.M.LaFleur – New April drop! Use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
• Talbots – 30% off your purchase, plus free shipping until noon (PST I believe)

Lela Rose Dress (more sizes here), Lelet Scarf, JB x Margaux The Parker Sandal

Spring hosting is one of my favorite things to plan, especially as everything starts to pick up again. I usually build it around pieces that feel just as right for getting dressed as they do for setting the table.

The dresses here lean into soft florals, airy cottons, and subtle structure—gathered waists, delicate straps, and movement through the skirt—styles that feel suited for hosting, small gatherings, and spring events. Alongside them, the table brings in green and white ceramics, woven placemats, and textured glassware that add depth and warmth.

There’s a mix of pattern throughout—florals layered with stripes, soft color paired with neutrals—carried through both the dresses and the tabletop for spring hosting, event-ready dresses, and seasonal table settings.