How to Rock Leggings

Gloria Bigelow rocks leggings with a shaped button-up tunic.

A fashion staple of the '80s era, leggings have made their way back in a variety of solid colors and prints, made of almost any fabric that can be found to stretch. Besides the standard solid black leggings, zippers, buttons, studs and crystals can be found on the cuffs. Leggings can be sheer or opaque, smooth like tights or textured like cable-knit. Some leggings, called "jeggings," are made of super-stretchy denim. The elastic waistband of leggings is perfect for creating that smooth silhouette under the right tops.

Instructions

1. Select longer shirts. The intended length of a shirt to be worn with leggings is mid-thigh. Anything shorter takes away from the lengthening and slimming qualities intended by leggings. Tunic shirts, both fitted and blousy, work with leggings and camouflage tush, stomach and hips.

2. Work the look in a fashionable way by wearing a pair of complementary leggings under a short bubble or a baby doll style dress.

3. Wear a pair of looser-fitting shorts, like a boyfriend-style cut, with a pair of leggings and a regular top, such as a T-shirt or trendy tank. Toss a cropped cardigan on top to finish the look.

4. Make use of a long cardigan that hits at your hip or thigh on top of your long shirts. This is a three-piece look for leggings and a simple way to look put together and comfortable.

5. Accessorize with belts, long necklaces and scarves, but not all at once. Coco Chanel said it best, "When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on." Keeping it minimal is never out of style. Black leggings with a cream tunic top paired with a long, dark gray cardigan and a black scarf around the neck is a look that can go from casual to a nice dinner.

6. Pick your shoes and go. Leggings are versatile when it comes to footwear. Ballet flats, loafers, pumps, strappy sandals or any height of boots are yours to choose from. The shoes can make an outfit like this, so if you want to show off a colorful pair, keep the rest of the outfit understated. Boots work well in fall and winter with leggings, a short dress and an open-front sweater.

References

• "The Rules of Wearing Leggings"; O, The Oprah Magazine; Adam Glassman; November 2009

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish