They predict that good-looking legwear will be anything but boring. Important looks range from textures and lively patterns to Life Savers colors and over-the-knee socks.

"In fashion, the pendulum is always swinging back and forth," says Sally Kay, president of the national Hosiery Association, based in Charlotte.

"For the past five or six years, casual wear has dominated clothing, and
women have been wearing lots of trouser socks. Now the trend is toward more feminine dressing, which requires a polished look on the leg."

In step with that is Sheila Robinson, a marketing communications manager with Invista, formerly DuPont Textiles & Interiors.

"Sexiness and elegance is driving legwear," she says from her office in Greensboro, N.C. "And with the return of the miniskirt, the leg is once again in focus."

Although you can't see it, comfort, too, plays a role in legwear's popularity. The spandex yarn Lycra gives tights and stockings shape, eliminating sag and bag at the ankles. And some styles of tights have control waistbands that smooth hips and waist yet provide a comfy fit.

There are several ways to get a leg up on fashion.

Fishnet frenzy: This open-mesh design is enjoying popularity -- again -- in part because of the success of the movie "Chicago." In this flick, long, limber gams are encased in the sexy stockings. While fishnets come in large and small weaves as well as a variety of hues, the favorite shades are black, chocolate or cream.

For many, wearing black fishnets during the day can be a bit much -- too provocative-looking. If that's thhe case, save them for evening and pair with a knee-length black dress or suit and high-heeled pumps.

Or opt for a brown shade. Atlanta publicist Caren West terms her chocolate-brown fishnets "really cool." For daytime, the owner of Wicked West wears them with boots as well as Mary Janes.

"They add texture as well as flair to an outfit," says West, who appears Thursdays on 99X radio's "The Don Miller Morning Show."

Leggy layers: The sporty layered leg adds fun and a punch of color to boots. And in winter, the layers make sense. For example, start with an over-the-knee opaque stocking (sometimes called a boot liner), add a knee-high leg warmer in another shade and finish off with an anklet in yet a third shade.

Layering can also be done with fishnets. Under black, wear red opaques or another bright for a neat effect. Or wear off-black or cream-colored opaques under black or brown fishnets to achieve a sleek, professional look.

Color coordinates: In opaques, color is huge. Designer Marc Jacobs delivered a strong message -- and fun spin -- when he sent out his models in miniskirts and bright tights, including orange and blue. Other popular shades this season: gold, red, off-white, the wine family and olive green.

"People often say to me, 'My legs aren't my best feature,' " says Kay of the Hosiery Association. "I then tell them to pair their shoes with the same color tights -- brown shoes with brown tights -- for an understated look.

"But if legs are your best feature, color can be an asset. Show them off in red or yellow tights with a subdued-color skirt and shoes."

Add classic color to your legs with Atlanta-based Spanx's Two Timin' Tights. These reversible tights are black on one side and brown on the other.

Patterns and textures: Well-dressed legs wear everything from herringbone and geometric patterns to ribbed cotton, nylon or soft wool tights. Even stockings with seams up the back, a la the 1940s, look fashionable with ladylike suits and pumps.

The more substantial stockings should be paired with sporty shoes, including loafers, tie oxfords and lug-sole slip-ons.

Just remember, patterned stockings work best with solid pieces in your wardrobe and classy pumps.