Cycling plusses/knicks/breeches are definitely more fashionable (and socially acceptable) than walking around in tights. But are they dorky? Judge for yourself:
I have a couple pairs of cycling knicks that I wear with long wool socks (I have both socks and knicks in various materials and thicknesses to suit different weather conditions) that I like very much. Mine have all been exceptionally cheap - $3 thrift store pants hemmed short.