Wild styles are the norm in leggings and tights

Step into the hottest fashion of the season, crazy leggings and outrageous tights.

New legwear styles range from sexy fishnets updated with lace to psychedelic colors. Other trends include patterns, denim construction and embellishments such as zippered ankles.

"I've been involved with fashion for many years, and I've never seen legwear as much fun as it is right now," said Maggie Dosch, assistant store manager at Dillard's at Hamilton Place.

"We've got leggings that look like skinny jeans," she said, noting that the colors include different shades of denim. "These leggings, when worn with long tunics and sweaters, looks good on women of all ages."

The wild legging look took off with a bang at the most recent fashion week runway shows held earlier this fall in New York.

HUE leggings, including footless styles, were worn by models in more than 30 presentations by the world's leading fashion designers, including Marc Jacobs.

"Updating last year's outfit with this year's leggings is an economical way to stretch your fashion dollars," Ms. Dosch said. "The leggings range from around $12 to $34."

It's a fashion accessory enjoyed by women of all ages, she said.

"I had a customer who said she was at Woodstock back in the 1960s. She bought a pair of leggings with peace signs for herself, her daughter and granddaughter," Ms. Dosch said. "She was having fun with the legwear, as do most customers who see these patterns for the first time."

Celeste Steine legwear is a big hit with celebrities, Ms. Dosch said.

"Celeste Steine styles are incredible," Ms. Dosch said. "She has patterns that look like pages out of a comic book, prints from the psychedelic '60's, and patterns that make your legs look like they've been tattooed. These leggings are fun to wear and can truly update a wardrobe."

More subtle prints are also available, she said.

While leggings are made of a heavier fabric, tights are lighter and more hosiery like, she said.

Dillard's shopper Yulia Lukyanova, 23, from Russia, said that though she wears tights and leggings, she's not sure print hosiery suits her style. "I can tell they're fun to wear," she said, "but I don't really think they're for me."

"It's definitely a style for women who don't mind second glances," Ms. Dosch said. "These wild ones are head turners."

The styles range from around $12 to $35 per pair.