There are some things you can never have enough of. Cupcakes, episodes of Friends and shoes to name a few.

This month, with temperatures still floating around the freezing point, I’ll be stocking up on tights. Thick tights, patterned tights, coloured tights, footless tights….I’ll be popping it in my shopping cart.

Tights are a great alternative to jeans and trousers, and can give the more modest of us ladies a safety net when wearing short dresses.

Not sure where to start? Here’s my guide to the best tights on Plus-Size me, and what to wear with them.

Black Tights

First off, a pair of thick black tights are a must. The comfier and more accommodating sister to the leggings, these babies will go with literally any outfit. Try them with a pair of contrasting bright heels for a real wow factor, or a pair of slouchy boots for daywear.

Suggestion: Black 4OD Opaque Tights, £5

Coloured

Until recently, I’ve shied away from coloured tights under the fear of looking like a pantomime character or, even worse, Oompa Loompa.

That fear evaporated after seeing how amazing they can look when contrasted with a solid black look. I invested in a blue pair and a purple pair, and have spent most of winter living in them.

Wear them with a pair of lace up black heels and a fitted black or monochome dress for a real statement.

Suggestions: Cobalt Opaque Tights, £5

Purple Opaque Tights, £5

Seamed

For a seductive 50s inspired treat, try a pair of backseam tights. They’re making a big comeback thanks to vamps like Dita Von Tease, and they slim legs thanks to the central seam.

Wear them with a pencil skirt and killer heels for maximum impact.

Suggestion: Black Backseam tights, £8

Patterned

For the really brave, have a look through the patterned tights on the site. Avoid wearing them with overtly busy outfits, and instead stick to using them to add a funky and contemporary twist to a classic outfit.

Suggestion: 30 Denier Black Jacquard Pattern Tights, £10