Don't forget to dress up your legs this party season, says MAXINE GORDON

IF there is one accessory to wear with that Little Black Dress this festive season then it has to be a pair of fishnets. Yes, the tights with a whole lotta holes are getting in shape for a huge revival. And while it is a sexy look, it's a sophisticated one too...and one suitable for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

If you don't believe me, then take the word of Jacky Pollard, hosiery buyer for the past six years at Fenwick department store in York.

Jacky has taken to wearing fishnets herself and says other middle-aged women are doing likewise.

"The age group for them is very wide," she says. "And you've got to remember that people in their 50s and 60s are not old any more, they are more fashion conscious. I encourage some of the customers in the store by telling them that I wear them!"

Fishnets this season also come in knee-high and ankle-high varieties: perfect for wearing under trousers.

In fact, Jacky wears hers under trousers - so you can just see a hint of the distinctive net around her ankle.

The less adventurous can also plump for the 'micro fishnet' which has smaller holes.

"There is a fishnet out there for every lady," insists Jacky.

Hosiery manufacturer Jonathan Aston is regarded as the fishnet king, and has been making them for years. But other leading hosiery makers such as Charnos, Aristoc, Pretty Polly and Wolford have jumped on the bandwagon this season and brought out their own versions. You can also get them in hold up and stockings forms.

"The film Moulin Rouge has had an impact on the popularity of the fishnet," says Jacky. "And the catwalks last spring showed a lot of fishnets, particularly the Stringer style which has bigger holes."

The re-emergence of the fishnet coincides with the return of patterned and coloured tights to the front of fashion.

Red is a popular colour this season and is being used in fishnets and patterned tights to bring a welcome splash of colour to the winter wardrobe.

Tartan and checks are another big style story: either in monochrome or colour. Jonathan Aston's Braemar Print, featuring a tartan with the traditional Burberry colours of cream, red and black, is proving popular.

Lines are another design trend - and they don't have to be horizontal or vertical as Jonathan Aston's Chevy proves: it features V-shaped chevrons in alternate black and red.

Animal prints are back in business too, as best portrayed by Wolford's Kate, a giraffe-like design, guaranteed to turn heads.

A more delicate design is Wolford's Eighty-Five, featuring small black polka dots on a fine black denier.

And to think that we used to spend the dark winter months hibernating our legs away in a cocoon of black opaques! Never again, reckons Jacky.

"Opaques were very strong for many years, but the milder climate has made them peter out.

"Also women have been wearing more trousers, which has also affected the hosiery business.

"But fashions change and this autumn has seen the revival of the skirt, and of heels, and when they come back into fashion tights come back into fashion," says Jacky.

Hosiery, she adds, truly is the ultimate accessory for the well-dressed woman.

"Lots of women don't wear hosiery and don't realise how hosiery can finish off a look," says Jacky.

"They might buy a £400 suit, then wear it with a £1.99 pair of tights...which is a shame when there is some very nice hosiery out there."

A new pair of tights is also a quick way to up-date your wardrobe, she adds.

"If you buy a classic black suit or dress, then you can make it look up-to-the-minute just by buying some fashion tights," says Jacky.

Patterned and coloured tights look best with day wear, advises Jacky, teamed with a black skirt or dress and some black boots or heels. Fishnets, she adds, can be worn under any length of skirt or dress - depending on how daring you are.

Of course, how long they stay on is another matter.