How to Wear Leggings

It's been a long, long while since I've talked about leggings.  Of all the fashion trends I've seen come and go over the years, leggings/jeggings seem to be one of the most difficult for people to wear correctly.  I have a pretty strict policy on them which is-- if you can't wear them properly just don't wear them.  I thought it was only fair that if I were to take such a firm stance to then write a post on how to wear them correctly.  Four years ago, I felt like I covered it all, but it's been a while and now I think it's time to revisit that topic.  So, what is the proper way to wear a legging?  Well, first and foremost, if it came from LulaRoe and/or has some tacky, god-awful (usually food or animal) print on it and it's too late to return it—just burn it.  Don't wear it and don't give it away, you will not be doing anyone a favor that way.  And then go for a better brand like FemmeLuxe.   

The second thing to note is that leggings are not trousers and jeggings are not jeans.  The thicker fabric of jeans and trousers leaves a little more to the imagination than leggings and jeggings do and wearing them means You Must wear a top that has your bummy and your tummy covered at all times.  Typically when wearing something form fitting on one half of your body, the other half should have something looser and more flowy to bring balance to the outfit.  I usually go for a tunic top or occasionally with a peplum top and a blazer if I need to dress things up a little. 

A few years ago the fashion trend was to wear jeggings with a wool pea coat and knee high leather boots.  Living in the land of perpetual winter and gloom, I wore it year round for three years and then seasonally for three more with tunics, sweaters and scarves.  It was adorable and I still like it, but for the most part, I think we've moved on from that look, I definitely have, and I've put my jeggings away and haven't worn them much in the last two years.  Lately I've been missing my jeggings and decided maybe it was time for an upgrade.  My jeggings just aren't comfortable for the work that I do, but leggings are far too casual to be office appropriate.  All this is to illustrate my next tip which is to consider not only your style but also the places to which you'll be wearing your leggings.  

If you're running errands and chasing children all day or schelping across campus from class to class, a breathable cotton spandex blend is your most practical bet.  If you need something more appropriate for the office or a nice weekend brunch I recommend a faux leather legging like the Wine Faux Leather Look Leggings I'm sporting from FemmeLuxe.  One of the great thing about these leggings is that they have all the comfort of the cotton/spandex variety, but with ever so much more sophistication.  Another thing to love is the burgundy color.  Burgundy is what's known as a “pseudo-neutral” meaning that like a neutral you can pair it with just about any other color and it totally works.  That kind of versatility is exactly what you want in a legging. 

The light sheen of these leggings adds just that extra hint of visual interest and in place of the pea coat from years ago, I now prefer the polish of a sleek jacket or blazer.  I also love the leg lengthening effect of flats with a little point to the toe.  I may ditch my boots for good over this style.  It has a more professional vibe to it in the office and an overall classic for weekends especially when you add a little jewelry and a clutch.  Remember to keep your accessories in proportion to your frame.  If you're petite go for a small clutch and delicate jewelry.  If your plus size, go for a large clutch and a cuff or bead necklace to bring balance to your style.  Sounds easy, right?  It is.  It's all just a matter of --who are you? and where do you want to go today?

Shopping info:FemmeLuxe Wine Faux Leather Look Leggings - Catriona, Stripe Tunic from Old Navy, Bomber jacket from H&M, Disaster Designs Clutch, Forever 21 flats.