Fashion Rules for Wearing Leggings
Leggings have become an indispensable clothing item in many women’s closets. As with any fashion staple, there is a proper and improper way to wear them.
Here are some rules that will help you to wear leggings fashionably:
Don’t mistake them for pants
Although leggings are multi-purpose pieces of attire because they blend in with most styles, they are not a substitute for pants. You should not wear your leggings to the office as formal wear. Moreover, do not confuse them with tights: never wear leggings under a dress.
Mix it up
On their own merit, leggings are incredibly versatile. For instance, you can pair them with a long button-down shirt, which can be belted around the waist and finish off this look with a pair of ankle boots.
You could also wear them with a long blazer and high boots. This look will not only ooze class, but you will be very comfortable in it as well.
Wear long tops
In most cases, when wearing leggings, make sure that your top is long enough to cover your buttocks. Of course you can break this fashion rule, but be careful. If you decide to wear leggings alone, make sure that they are as thick as jeggings for a compact look. Nobody wants to look at your rear bouncing as you walk, so be considerate when making your outfit.
Length matters
Leggings need to fall above the ankle because anything shorter will give you a stinted look that cuts you off at the shin. If you are tall enough, calf-length leggings will look flattering on your frame. On the other hand, if you are short, you must steer clear of anything above the ankle to avoid looking frumpy.
Wear prints boldly
Floral and colorful print leggings might be fun to look at, but they only flatter long and lean legs. Just like with a camera, this print trend adds at least 10 pounds. To avoid looking bigger than you are, opt for a basic color palette for the ultimate curve appeal and utility.
Wash them regularly
Leggings are not pants and should be washed after each use. Their elasticity relaxes as you wear them due to body heat and washing makes them go back to normal. Moreover, most leggings are completely or partially synthetic and do not breathe as well as they should.
Choose appropriate footwear
For a sleek and biker chic spin, you should consider wearing leather-patchwork leggings and pairing them with cool moto boots. On the other hand, if you want an elongated and seamless silhouette, you should wear over-the-knee leather boots. When choosing the right footwear, you should have fun and go with the flow.
Consider the occasion
In general, you should avoid wearing leggings to formal settings such as job interviews; they will make you look unprofessional. However, if you are just attending a social event or going to the gym, customized leggings from Move U for example, are the perfect choice.
Avoid wearing Workout Gear as daywear
Unless you are attending a yoga class, you should avoid turning your workout wear into daywear. Although comfort is important, pairing your leggings with running shoes while doing errands is a slippery fashion slope.
Wear them anyway
Although it would be prudent to follow the above fashion rules, there is always an asterisk in every fashion rule. If you can make your whole attire work around your leggings, go for it. If you have a great eye, you can make any style work but doing so would be very tricky.
Article by Zainab Sheikh
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.