Coleen and Christina flying the flag for black tights

While brightly coloured tights undoubtedly have their admirers this season, some of the world's most fashionable women have been opting for a more classic look.

Black has long been the colour of choice for those looking to project a more understated yet refined look - but this winter's craze for black tights would suggest they are as much in demand among trendsetters as they are among more demure ladies.

One such icon to sport the sophisticated hosiery was Wag-supreme Coleen McLoughlin. The Liverpool lass, who has become a beacon of good taste since her boyfriend Wayne Rooney became a national football hero, chose the launch of her new perfume to sport the classic accessory.

Appearing at the Perfume Shop in Gateshead, the likeable starlet greeted more than a thousand fans wearing a black lace dress and matching tights, Newcastle's Sunday Sun reports.

It's not just on this side of the Atlantic that ladies are going wild for the nocturnal hue. A heavily pregnant Christina Aguilera did not let her bump stop her from cranking up the glam-o-meter last week when she attended the launch of the Rock the Vote launch in Beverly Hills.

According to Osoyou.com, the singer of hits such as Beautiful and Genie in a Bottle turned up in a figure-hugging green dress, huge black heels and - you guessed it - black tights.