To me, “stay-up” stockings are more like “roll-down and need to be adjusted every time you take a step” stockings. Ew. And the overspill problem you mentioned is huge on me. Shame, really, because I hate the crotches in pantyhose.
I can’t vouch for garters, though. I haven’t tried one yet. I’d like to, too.
Something I learned from a girlfriend who liked to dress sexy/slutty a lot of the time: put the stockings and garter belt on first, then the panties. That way you can take the panties off for…stuff…without having to take off the whole rig. That look, stockings with no panties, is a turn-on for many guys too. I personally like the thigh-high stockings that don’t need the belt and garters better though.
the mayflower madam had a rule that all workers would wear suspenders and stockings.
they would also use the nifty knickers over suspenders trick sleel mentioned.
there were some very interesting underwear tricks and tips to those who worked for mayflower.
I think you would look stylish, chic, smart, and elegant. Also pretty damn good.
Once, that is, you learn the technique of getting the things to stay fastened. It took me a few tries before I got the hang of it. It’s one of those skills like riding a bicycle, once you’ve got it, it doesn’t leave you.
There’s a British forum of stockings wearers who happily give advice to newbies… http://www.stockingshq.com/
Over the weekend I went into town to try and buy some - none to be found anywhere! I even went to a very upmarket lingerie shop and they told me they get those in around Christmas…which I think is a bit silly, really.
Since I don’t have a credit card (out of self protection) the plan will have to wait until I hit a larger town.
I had no idea these are so “specialist” these days.
One downside to them, last time I tried 'em: If you’re used to the sensation of pantyhose (tights?) under skirts, it can be a bit of a shock when you feel your skin rubbing directly against the skirt fabric. I know whenever I did the garter belt / stocking thing, I spent a good part of the morning thinking “OMG, I forgot my underwear” :eek: before I’d realize that no, indeed, I had not forgotten anything!
Here’s a logistical question: In photos of models wearing these things, it looks like the garters run outside of the panties. As in, if you have to go to the bathroom, what are you supposed to do to get the panties out of the way? Pull the garter belt down along with the pants? Unclip the garters? or is there some topological trick I never figured out 
. I always ran the garter straps through the panties - which felt strange but at least the undies could be gotten out of the way when necessary.
Panties go on the inside of the garter belt only for model shoots! ‘Cause it looks better photogenically! For practical real life events, like sex and going to the ladies’ room, panties go on the outside.