Leggings are one of those pieces of clothing that women either love or hate. But those of you who love them will know that they are extremely versatile and add great value to an ensemble by providing a finishing touch to an outfit that appears incomplete. If worn right, leggings can beautifully bring out the fashion diva in you. The problem is that not many women are not sure about how to wear them. On the other hand, some women consider their age inappropriate to wear leggings. However, these can be worn by anyone as long as they can pull them off by putting together the right clothing items to create a gorgeous ensemble.
The Legging Stylebook
Keep these basics in mind while choosing outfits with leggings.
- Your figure is an important deciding factor when it comes to wearing leggings. If you are too curvy and not too tall, leggings may not be for you.
- Along with your figure, your height also matters. If you are on the shorter side, try to wear leggings with tops of similar colors to make you appear taller. On the other hand, taller women may take a little more liberty in experimenting with color when pairing leggings with different tops.
- While choosing the color of leggings, try to choose a shade that complements the outfit rather than blatantly contrasting it. Steer clear of fluorescent shades, no matter what your age, height or figure is.
- Tight tops with leggings look great on the runway, but pairing the two in daily life may not be a very good idea. The ideal look is to pair a large top with a small bottom to balance your figure.
Wear Leggings with Long Tops and Jackets
A lot of women are under the assumption that leggings can replace jeans and be worn as pants with any kind of top. But leggings are skin-hugging, and if worn with anything that ends above the thighs, can look downright tacky. Having said that, there are more elegant ways of wearing leggings as pants. Worn with a tunic top or a roomy kaftan blouse that ends mid-thigh, leggings can actually flatter your curves. Pair up leggings with a long knit sweater, and hold it all together with an eye-catching yet subtle belt. Long belted shirts and jackets are also ideal tops for leggings. Do remember not to let any top you wear with leggings end above the hips. Complete the entire look with a pair of ballerina shoes or gladiator sandals, and a large handbag to go with them.
Pair Leggings with a Dress
Leggings go great with different types of dresses. While some of you can opt for a dress with a straight cut if you want to wear it with leggings, others may choose a flowing dress with an empire cut will look great. Again, a belt holding together the entire outfit is an interesting addition. Take your height into consideration when wearing a belt. Belts provide breaks to a long frame, so if you are on the shorter side, you may avoid the belt and accessorize with jewelry, shoes or scarves to add a burst of color. Do not allow the length of the dress to go beyond your knees. Pair up the look with interesting boots with a small heel. Even solid colored pumps look simply gorgeous when paired with this outfit.
Wear Leggings with a Skirt
The best purpose served by leggings is that they help you flaunt your legs without having to show skin. As such, women who are uncomfortable with short skirts can find leggings to their rescue. Also, no matter how short the skirt is, the leggings will cover up for them, but don't go to extremes. Ideally, a skirt worn with leggings should end at least mid-thigh and on the longer side, a little above the knee. Anything longer or shorter will look distasteful. A denim skirt is the perfect choice for leggings, though you may try other options too.
Shoes for Leggings
Boots and leggings look simply divine. The best way to wear leggings with boots is to tuck them into the boots. Also, don't go too high on the boot length. This will leave no purpose for the leggings. Ankle length boots (and calf length boots at the maximum), with a small heel are the best way to combine boots and leggings together. Other shoes that make for great choices with leggings are peep-toe pumps. Flats are great only if you are very tall. Otherwise ensure that you wear at least a slight heeled shoe with your outfit with leggings.
Wearing certain types of clothing just because they are in style was and never is a good idea. You have to be comfortable with what you wear so that you look good in it. So to look good in leggings, you have to carry an attitude that reflects your comfort in them. Once you put together all these elements, there's no way you can't look good in leggings!
