Goose bumps be gone! This fall and winter the nude leg is no more — girls, the hosiery designers have your rear covered with terrific tights and luxurious leggings. You can update your wardrobe with new legwear and all the advantages of slimming shapewear.

Here's how to improve your bottom line this season:

— Patterned tights are hot: Luxe textures and patterns add interest to the legs and an edge to any plain outfit. Look for small patterns for a more slimming effect on the legs, such as a classic chevron pattern to more eye-catching styles in open lacy or fishnet weaves. Try as a great accessory to dress up a traditional, black skirt suit. Check out Assets at Target (target.com).

— Colored tights: A favorite from "Gossip Girl." Bold colors go beyond basic black this cool season; they bring out the fashion-forward trendsetter in all of us. For a big jolt of personality, show off legs in rich reds, cobalt blues or purples. For more of a toned-down result, try tights in shades of charcoal, wine and dark blue. Visit www.welovecolors.com for more choices.

— Footless tights: Straight off the runways and onto the sidewalks, celebrities like Kate Hudson and Rihanna have been seen sporting these "under-the-heel" looks that can easily be tucked into shoes or boots. You may even adjust the leg band, placing anywhere between the ankle and the knee. "Stirrup" pants are also turning up among the fashion crowd complete with polka dots and rosettes a la hip designer Betsey Johnson. Go to www.nordstrom.com to see the different kinds of tights.

— Knit legwear: Can you think of anything cozier? Pull on a pair of sweater knit leggings under denim skirts or casual dresses. Now, you have an extra layer of warmth for cooler days and nights. Ditto for dance legwarmers. Or go for a pair of schoolgirl inspired thigh-high socks in a leg-hugging cable knit. Visit www.hue.com to see the styles.

— High-waist tights: Cover up those lumps and bumps with a pair of figure-firming tights in order to smooth hips, thighs, stomach and rear. Layered under belted jackets, pencil skirts and dresses, the end result is an hourglass shape. No muffin-tops allowed. Pick up a pair of Spanx "Tight-End" tights in black, brown or a variety of patterns. Check out www.spanx.com for more information.

— The sheer stuff: For festive holiday occasions, sheer hosiery is sexy in sultry grays or blacks. Check out Victoria's Secret (www.victoriassecret.com) "Tease Me" thigh-high stockings complete with back seam. What a way to warm up the holidays!

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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