If you spent any time watching TV or scrolling through movie posters in the late 90s and early 2000s, you couldn't escape Jennifer Love Hewitt. She was the "it girl." She had this specific, accessible glamour that felt both high-fashion and like something you’d actually see at the local mall. Honestly, a huge part of that aesthetic—though people didn't talk about it as much back then—was her consistent use of hosiery to anchor her most famous outfits.
Lately, there's been a massive resurgence in what stylists call "alt-Catholicism" and "vintage 90s grunge." Because of that, people are looking back at Jennifer Love Hewitt stockings and tights as the blueprint for how to style a mini skirt without looking like you're trying too hard. It wasn’t just about the clothes. It was about the silhouette.
The Heartbreakers Era and the Power of Hosiery
When Heartbreakers hit theaters in 2001, it basically became a masterclass in "con-artist chic." Jennifer played Page Conners, a character who used her wardrobe as a weapon. If you rewatch that movie today, you’ll notice that she is almost never without a pair of sheer black stockings or intricate hosiery.
There’s a specific scene—one that has basically lived rent-free in the heads of fashion bloggers for decades—where she wears a lace full-body catsuit. It’s bold. It’s dramatic. It's the kind of thing that defined her "slay style" during that period. Costume designer Ann Roth knew exactly what she was doing. By pairing these shorter, tighter outfits with dark stockings, they managed to make the character look sophisticated rather than just "dressed up for a night out."
It’s a vibe.
Jennifer’s style in Heartbreakers wasn’t just about being sexy. It was about control. The stockings added a layer of "finished" polish that matched the character's calculated personality. You’ve probably seen the stills on Pinterest or TikTok recently; the 2000s aesthetic is back in a big way, and Page Conners is the queen of it.
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Why the Look Is Trending Again in 2026
Fashion is cyclical. We know this. But the reason Jennifer Love Hewitt stockings are a search term people are actually typing into Google right now is deeper than just nostalgia. We’re seeing a shift away from the "bare leg" look that dominated the 2010s.
The 90s Gothic Influence
Early in her career, specifically during the Party of Five and I Know What You Did Last Summer years, Jennifer often leaned into a "gothic lite" aesthetic. Think back to the 1995 premiere of Three Wishes. She showed up in a black slip dress, a crucifix necklace, and—wait for it—hiking boots.
While she didn't always wear stockings with the boots, she frequently used opaque black tights to bridge the gap between "cute" and "edgy." It’s that Soft Gamine energy that Kibbe fashion experts love to analyze. She has these sharp, delicate features that work perfectly with the broken lines created by hosiery and mini skirts.
The Client List and Lingerie Design
Then you have The Client List. This was a turning point. Jennifer wasn't just wearing the clothes; she was picking them. In interviews, she’s been very open about how she worked with the costume department to hand-pick every piece of lingerie and hosiery.
"We pick out what works best based on what I think that client would want me to wear or what I think works best for the particular scene," she told Broadway World during the show’s run.
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She even mentioned that the male co-stars had to wear "flesh-colored body stockings" under their towels to keep things professional on set. It's a funny behind-the-scenes detail that shows how much "stockings" of all kinds are just a standard tool of the trade in Hollywood.
The Garfield "Pantyhose" Scene
You can't talk about this topic without mentioning the 2004 Garfield movie. Yeah, the one with the CGI cat. There is a very specific scene where her character, Dr. Liz Wilson, is getting ready, and it features a close-up of her putting on pantyhose.
For some reason, this single scene has become a bit of an internet legend. It’s one of those "blink and you miss it" moments that has been clipped and shared thousands of times. It’s a perfect example of how Jennifer Love Hewitt became the face of a very specific kind of classic, feminine grooming and style. It wasn't scandalous; it was just... part of the ritual of getting dressed in the early 2000s.
How to Get the Look (Without Looking Like a Costume)
If you're trying to channel this JLH energy today, you don't have to go full 2001. You can be subtle. The key is in the texture.
- Sheer Black with a Twist: Instead of plain nylons, look for stockings with a small pattern or a back seam. It adds that Heartbreakers mystery without being "too much."
- The Mini Skirt Rule: Jennifer’s best looks usually involved a high-waisted mini. Pairing this with dark hosiery creates a long, continuous line that makes you look taller.
- Mix the Grunge: Take a page from her 1997 premiere book. Wear a "naked dress" or a slip dress, but ground it with dark tights and a heavier shoe.
Honestly, the "Jennifer Love Hewitt stockings" look is really just about confidence. She always looked comfortable in what she was wearing, even when it was a beaded handmade top or a complex pair of fishnets.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to integrate this into your own wardrobe, start small.
First, invest in a pair of high-quality denier-15 or denier-20 sheer black stockings. These are the most versatile for that "red carpet polish" look she excelled at.
Second, look for a 90s-style slip dress. You can find these at almost any thrift store or modern retailers like Reformation.
Third, pay attention to the shoes. Jennifer often paired her hosiery with platform heels or pointed-toe boots. Avoid flat sneakers with this look; it breaks the silhouette she worked so hard to create.
Ultimately, Love Hewitt's style was about celebrating her curves while maintaining a certain level of "Old Hollywood" mystery. By using hosiery as a structural element of her outfits, she managed to stay a style icon for over three decades. Whether she’s on the red carpet for the 2025 I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel or just posting on Instagram, that classic aesthetic remains untouched.
Stick to the classics. They usually stick around for a reason.