I know it’s a hard one to wrap your mind around the item at first, but I’m willing to bet that you won’t look back once you’ve tried the look in the right combination. I have written many, many posts on why leggings are fab AND flattering. Perhaps you could start off by reading them?

On the other hand, if it’s just not a look that you can appreciate because you'd prefer to show off your legs, that's fine too :0)

Thanks, Angie - I'll start reading.
Marlene

Marlene -- it took me a while to get it too. But the pictures tell it better than I can, so (I have been dying to say this) -- have a squizz:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....mbles-here

Marlene, I still don't quite love the look of capri leggings on myself. They're very comfortable and make it easy to wear shorter dresses without giving the whole town a show *g*, but they do feel like they cut off my legs at a strange point.

I prefer the longer leggings and would love to try the stirrups eventually. That gives me the leg line that feels more natural to my eye.

That said, I can only wear leggings in casual settings, so I don't wear them that often anyways. But it is worth trying them out and finding the style that works for you; they saved my keister in Arizona, and they've allowed me to wear my fun casual dresses through this cool summer we've been having!

I totally understand your thoughts. I too wasn't sure I could pull it off, was afraid I would silly and/or trying to look too young. HOWEVER....unlike you my legs are not very nice and honestly I decided the leggings could in no possible way look as bad as my legs look in the summer so gave it try and have loved wearing them. I only wear black or choc. brown Spanx as they are not at all shear and have no lace or anything else at the bottom. That is where I feel I need to draw the line...someone younger looks so cute with zippers or lace or other embellishment but I don't think that is for me at this pt. in my life.

Thank you April and 50andstylish.

Marlene, read these posts and click ALL the links:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/.....-leggings/

http://youlookfab.com/2009/05/.....-leggings/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/07/.....o-spend-7/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/08/.....-leggings/

Kristen, you are long waisted so try adding a heel to your calf length leggings look. Also, pull your leggings up higher (above the calf) when you wear flats.

Marlene, you have to get ALL the variables right for leggings to look fab. Top, leggings length and heel height. Experimentation and adjustment and you won’t look back. So far, no one has. That’s how confident I am about this look.

Oooh, thanks for the tips, Angie! I will try that with my capri leggings next time.

I wasn't sure about leggings either. I've got runner's legs, which I consider to be good, but they're short like the rest of me. But I wanted to give them a try because I have two dresses that are a little on the short side. Just got my pair in the mail today and they are excellent (they're above the calf as mentioned above). My recommendation is to give them a try if you're at all curious, you could be surprised.

I have a hard time with the concept of leggings too. I like hearing people's different opinions on the topic...it forces me to evaluate my reasoning instead of just saying "I don't like them".

Part of it is the "stumpy" factor and then the work-out gear aspect of them troubles me as well. I think I like the look on teenagers and I understand women who want leg coverage but I think that I don't PREFER the look if that makes sense.

I'm my mid-40s and I love leggings! I am short (5'3"), but have found proportions of top length:legging length that works for me.

I think my legs look pretty good for someone in their mid-40s, but as I get older I am wanting to expose less skin. Leggings allow me to wear shorter dresses or tunics (mid-thigh to a few inches above the knee) without worrying about flashing everyone. They allow for easy movement; important since I have two kids and also work with kids. And they are just darn comfy!

Thank you, everyone, for the links and the thoughtful replies. After reviewing the pictures, I see that leggings add some "edge" to a look, and I think I could use them to transition from a bare-legged summer look to a more "autumn-esque" look as the season changes. I'm not 100% convinced that it's the most flattering look, but I can see how it's an updated look.
It's into the lab for the right concoction of top/heel/legging length.

From someone also middle-aged and with good (but kind of short) legs, here is my "top 10 reasons you should consider trying them" -

1) They are sooooo comfortable!

2) They give you a little added warmth on chillier spring/summer days/nights

3) They give you an extra bit of modesty

4) They enable you to extend the life of those short dresses you may still have in your closet - the ones you used to be able to wear when you were younger (even if our legs can still pull of short dresses and skirts, often our butt starts to sag so when we bend over... well, you get the idea!)

5) They act kind of like Spanx... meaning they smooth away lumps and bumps and leave a nice clean line under your clothes

6) They keep the back of your bare leg from touching public seating in the summer (like on the bus etc)

7) Our legs may still be shapely, but the skin might have seen better days. (the skin around my knees has gotten... slightly saggy). And if your skin is still great, the leggings will cover them to protect from sun and keep them that way!

8) Black opaque leggings have a slimming effect. I think my legs look even skinnier in them.

9) They are "on trend." No, you don't need to hop on every trend, but working them into an outfit or two and doing it in a way that befits our middle age, shows that we are modern not dowdy and that our style is evolving. With that said, there's so many styles out there now - if this is not your thing, just pick another style!

10) As Angie advises, treat them like accessories. As such, they add an extra layer of interest to your outfit - which is nice in the warmer months when it may be too warm for a jacket, cardigan or too many other top layers. I particularly like Angie's zipper kind - mine have silver studs - which adds interest too. But even plain ones with no detailing are adding something.