Really Loving: Leggings an Alternative to Tights

I really resisted the legging trend when it resurfaced from the 80s a couple years ago. I always thought they were for skinny teen age girls and when I saw anyone older wearing them I shuddered. I didn't think they were for me until recently. I finally relented and reluctantly purchased a pair of black leggings from H&M for my 10 hour flight to Amsterdam. And surprisingly, I loved, loved them. I paired the leggings with a long stretchy cotton tee, then added a thin oversized stripped V-neck sweater, and finally a long sweater coat. I tend to wear them on the weekends but recently wore them to work with a flowy, flowery dress and long cardigan and I stayed quite toasty. If you're like me and have turned your nose at leggings, I think you should reconsider. They are a great alternative to tights and are surprisingly flattering--when worn the right way that is.

The Look:
The key to wearing leggings the right way is to achieve the big-over-small silhouette. So when you choose a shirt to pair with your leggings, look for a roomy one. Do not expose the bottom or the gap between the mid-thigh.  Your bum shouldn't be hanging out! Choose a longer-length top which hits the mid-thigh. This elongates the torso and gives proportion.

Fabric: You should choose a good quality fabric which will keep its shape (one with more than 4% lycra). Cheap leggings have a tendency to bubble and go out of shape. Choose a thicker fabric to slim and add shape and support.

Color: Black or dark gray colors are best to achieve a slimming effect that also means choosing full length leggings, not the ankle or mid calf styles.

Styling Tips:  The thing that's great about leggings is that you can wear them just as you would wear your tights. For instance, a classic dress can be given an on-trend, edgy look by popping a pair of leggings underneath rather than plain tights. I recemmend two ways to wear dresses over leggings: (1) a close fitting dress (such as a knit dress),  or (2) a billowy bohemian style casual dress. What ever style you choose, make sure that the dress falls at or above the knee for the most flattering silhouette. But please note, leggings are not an alternative to pants.

And don't forget the shoes Dahlings. Look for three styles: flats, boots, and pumps. Other types of shoes tend not to work as well as these three styles. My personal favorite are booties or knee high boots.


Where To Buy: This trend can be found anywhere. So just buy one already.

A Word About Jeggings: As if leggings weren't enough, "Jeggings"-- a cross between leggings and jeans-- has fashion fanatics flocking to the stores in droves. I'm not falling for this one.

Check out this video for more tips on how to wear leggings, no matter what your body type.


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