From Knitting Lingerie Style:



The structure of a stocking consists of a toe, a foot , a heel, and a shaft (or leg).  The shaft is not usually shaped in shorter socks, but to achieve a good fit for stockings or tall socks, some shaping is required.  I’ve done this Basic Stocking with a series of increases that follow the contour of the leg.



I am quite partial to the peasant-style heel and toe, in which both are worked exactly the same in a  modified short-row configuration.  I like the smoother, tailored result.  I’ve finished this stocking with ribbing at the top as well as eyelets with a ribbon tie, but for even more stay-up power (and this is true with any of the stockings in this chapter), elastic thread may be woven invisibly on the inside of the ribbing.  Luxurious cashmere yarn, a lovely leaf-lace border, and rich velvet ribbon make these romantic stockings anything but basic.