Bare legs at a formal event, open-toed shoes, and other stocking quandaries.

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For generations, panty hose have been the rule. Mothers wouldn't dare leave the house without them, and when it came to sex appeal, they were essential (think of the classic image of Mrs. Robinson’s sexy, stocking-clad leg). But these days, hose seem to be fading away, becoming trickier to navigate and not nearly as vital to looking pulled together. To help you figure out just how to wear your hose (if at all!), we've answered your biggest stocking questions

Are hose with open-toed shoes ever okay?
No. Never. Not even if you're an 80-year-old grandma. Hose with open-toed shoes look sloppy and un-chic; and that little seam inching its way around the edge of your toes is a dead giveaway that you're wearing hose, no matter how deftly you try to tuck in underneath. In situations where the issue of hose with open-toed shoes comes up -- namely, formal events in cool weather -- it's perfectly fashionable to go without. And if you're wearing hose for the support? Try a pair of support hose without feet, like Footless Spanx ($20), which give you the hold and control on top, but can be adjusted so they don't peek out below.

Should I match my hose to my shoes or to my clothes?
Match your hose to your shoes. For most women, looking leaner and taller is top priority. By picking hose and shoes in a similar color, you give the illusion of one long line, from skirt hem to toes. Breaking up that line with different colored shoes and hose actually makes legs look shorter and stockier. For the ultimate in length and leanness, match your skirt, hose, and shoes.

Are hose always mandatory at a formal event?

Not these days. It used to hold that at a formal event, such as a wedding, dinner party, or other dress-up occasion, hose were considered good taste and mannerly. But today, hose are considered optional, and work only if they go with the rest of your outfit.

When are hose a good idea?

There are some occasions where you may want to wear your hose. They include a job interview at all but the most creative companies, a funeral, a formal tea, and a serious religious event or holiday. In these cases, choose either a whisper-weight nude stocking (brands such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan make great sheer hose that match a host of skin tones), or abide by the rule of matching your hose to your shoes. Or skirt the issue altogether, and wear trousers.

Can hose help make my legs look slimmer?

Yes! Sticking to the rule of matching your hose to your shoes will help elongate and slim your legs. If you are looking to dress thin, avoid bulk-building bright or patterned hose, and stay in the darker family of browns, blacks, charcoals, and wines.

Can hose help make my legs look more shapely?

Absolutely. To give legs the look of more curve and substance, try out today's patterned, textured tights. These styles actually are thicker than most standard tights and their textures are bold, both of which give shape to the leg.

Are there any hose that are off-limits, all the time, for everyone?

Sadly, yes. White hose are for nurses only -- and even then, a nice pair of sheer stockings will look much better. Holiday-themed hose should be banned, too; they can't possibly flatter the leg, and look garish and gaudy to boot. One-shade-fits-all, "sunkissed nude" hose should also remain in their drugstore display racks; this oddly brownish-orange color doesn't look natural on anyone. Better to invest in a great pair of sheer hose that are barely perceptible on your leg.