Can tights be worn in summer?

All through the winter, there has been one word on the lips of fashion hunters - tights.

From the catwalk to the high street, all manner of legwear has been on show during the colder months. Patterned tights, black tights, bold day-glo colours and leggings were - and are - all must-have items for those looking to make a statement.

But as the ice begins to thaw and cold winds are replaced by a gentle spring breeze, what will become of the winter fashion craze?

According to one fashion columnist, the warm weather need not spell the end for our favourite hosiery.

Writing in the St Petersburg Times, Sharon Fink said that there will still be the right time - and the right fabric - for tights in the coming months.

"Tights do work in warmer months, especially on cooler nights and in air-conditioned spaces," she advised.

"But stay away from wools and stick with nylon, Spandex and cotton for comfort."

However, wearers should not be tempted to pair them with frilly skirts or lightweight sundresses, she added.

"[Tights] pair better with tailored clothes such as shirt dresses, sheaths, wrap dresses, A-line dresses and skirts, pencil skirts - and, for the young and lithe, denim miniskirts," she recommended.