How to Rock Leggings

When worn correctly, leggings are chic, slimming, and versatile. When worn incorrectly, leggings are ugly frumpy lump-huggers. Remember: leggings are not jeans---they do not go with everything and they are not for everyone. They can be tricky to wear and some people should simply avoid them altogether. Here’s how to rock leggings:

*Keep in mind your body shape: Rocking leggings means avoiding extremes. In other words, very big people and very small people should not wear them. Leggings will magnify both bulges and bones, making you appear fatter or unattractively skinnier. Even if you do have more of a moderate-sized frame, you will have to be careful in wearing leggings by choosing your tops wisely. Just because leggings look good on you does not mean you can throw on just any blouse or tee. This is why the next tip is important to remember.

*Make friends with tunics: Longish tops, such as tunics, look good with leggings because they cover your bum and conceal any bulges you have along your hips and upper thighs (i.e., saddlebags!) If you’re wearing solid-colored leggings, you might want to choose a tunic with a pattern or another source of interest, such as beads or sequins. You could also layer something over the tunic---a shorter denim jacket, for instance. Do not, however, wear a short jacket with an equally short top underneath. It will not provide adequate coverage and you’ll end up showing more than you probably want to reveal.

*Don’t bury yourself: You want to look proportionate, so make sure that the top and bottom halves of your body look more or less equal (the upper half will probably end up appearing slightly heavier, which is fine, but avoid an extreme imbalance.) Your top can be somewhat baggy, but don’t let it overwhelm your torso (stay away from big windbreakers!). If you decide to layer, layer discreetly.

*Find the right shoes: Cute flats and knee-high boots always pair nicely with leggings. For dressier events, stilettos also look great (so long as the rest of the outfit is in order of course.) Not all sandals work with leggings. Steer clear of flip-flops in cheap materials (i.e., plastic, terrycloth, etc.) and opt for a pair in dark suede instead. Running shoes are exclusively for working out and running about. Do not wear sneakers with your leggings unless you are doing either one of those things. Simply put, they are inappropriate downtown shoes.  Clunky “nanny” shoes are equally inappropriate.

Here are a few sample outfits for you to try out:

*Leggings, long-sleeved tunic, chandelier earrings, Uggs

*Leggings, long turtleneck, long layered necklaces, knee-high boots

*Leggings, extra-long tee, hoodie, low-slung belt, ballet flats

*Leggings, polo dress, leather bomber jacket, flats

*Leggings, denim shorts (worn over leggings), trapeze blouse, beaded necklace