I guess what I was getting at is that the actual word TIGHTS could have applied even if they were thigh-high rather than regular waist high. So the friends might have said "Tights", so possibly adjusting our definition of the word might be helpful especially when it comes to reconciling variations in the witness descriptions of the boots. See, as a female, the significant difference, IMO, between panty hose or stockings (which are practically synonyms) and "tights" is opacity. If they are opaque... I call 'em tights, If they are sheer... pantyhose. Generally speaking something thigh high fits into the category of "stockings" however if they were opaque I can see calling them tights b/c it would be more accurate, IMO, and would avoid possible misinterpretation. If I'd read in a description that she was wearing thigh high stockings, I would have assumed they were sheer (or even net) and that she was being intentionally a bit flirtatious in her dress for the evening. Not a good idea to convey if you are trying to garner victim sympathy to aid the immediate search efforts. (Right or wrong as that may be, I'm just saying...)
That's probably more of a discussion of hosiery anybody wants to have. It was just a thought that I entertained while pondering boots.
Yes, that's probably why they were vague about her exact outfit.