Leggings are Not Dated

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Leggings are Not Dated

— by Angie

on June 19, 2012

Are leggings dated? The question has come up a lot with my clients recently, and the answer is absolutely not. I don’t mean the jegging styles that look like jeans, but the leggings styles that look more like hosiery. Unconstructed, lightweight, pull-on and best not worn as pants.

Leggings are available in colours, patterns and all sorts of textures like lace, crochet, colour block and fishnets this season. So if you feel like an update — go for it.

I am a classic leggings gal and stick to black because they feel best for my style. I still wear my cropped lengths and stirrup styles frequently. They are the perfect insulating layer under shorter dresses and skirts for a cool Seattle. I pair them with with ballet flats, flat oxfords or low heeled pumps. I also have my eye on a pair of black lace leggings because I’m into lace lately, and do enjoy their ’80s vibe.

Do you still wear leggings? If so, how are you wearing them?

Bottoms

61 comments · Add a comment

Tanya

Veteran

I haven’t been wearing mine lately, but that is more due to circumstances than a conscious decision. That that is really hot again, I plan to start wearing them again with shorter dresses and longer tunics.

June 19, 2012 at 3:27 pm

Aziraphale

Veteran

I still wear them. I have several pairs of black ones and a navy blue pair. I only wear them with short dresses or tunics, and I usually pair them with tall boots in cool weather or sandals in warm weather.

June 19, 2012 at 3:28 pm

Keix

Veteran

I love leggings! I do have a question for you, though, Angie–

How do you feel about thick, completely opaque leggings worn as pants? I recently acquired a pair of sweater-knit leggings with a yoga-style foldover waist. It’s bulky enough to make lengthy layers somewhat difficult, and the fit is a little loose so I can’t just roll the extra waist material over my ribcage (it falls down). I don’t think they are any more butt-hugging than yoga pants or jeggings, both of which I do wear… but mentally I can’t get over my leggings-as-pants block.

June 19, 2012 at 3:31 pm

Jamie

Veteran

I’ve never worn them, but I have 2 dresses that would be perfect with them. So, when the weather cools down, I’m anxious to try them. I prefer black, but what if one of my dresses has navy in it (no black at all)? Would black work?

June 19, 2012 at 3:33 pm

Alecia

Veteran

I’m glad to read this. I was wondering about it lately. I just got a long tunic (some people would probably wear it as a dress) that I wore the other day with leggings. I quite enjoyed how easy that outfit was. I mean to wear it again and post a picture. I’ve also been thinking that leggings with tunics could easily be a stylish “around the house” outfit. That’s one of the capsules I’m trying to fill.

June 19, 2012 at 3:44 pm

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Is now when I confess I don’t own a single pair of leggings? Should I?

June 19, 2012 at 3:49 pm

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have never worn (non denim) leggings and don’t really like the look of them (they look like undergarments to me), but I did recently thrift a $1 pair of brown Zara leggings with leather inserts like a riding pant. They are very thick… so I might experiment with them tucked into boots when it’s cooler.

Regardless of whether they are for me, I agree that they are not dated.

June 19, 2012 at 3:57 pm

Debbie

Veteran

I still wear them under dresses. I was just thinking today that I need a crop pair for a dress that makes me uncomfortable on its on.

June 19, 2012 at 4:05 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rae, that’s true. Leggings *can* look like modern day bloomers and that’s one of the reasons I love the look with dresses and skirts! Plus, they keep you warm and add an fun/relaxed/arty vice to an outfit.

Shannon, I vote yes.

Alecia, legging and a tunic make for great lounging attire.

Jamie, I love navy paired with black. Go for it.

KL, they sound tricky. Perhaps keep them as lounge wear?

June 19, 2012 at 4:09 pm

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Any recommendations as to brand Angie?

June 19, 2012 at 4:12 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote Hue.

June 19, 2012 at 4:14 pm

Deborah

Veteran

Good to hear leggings are still current because they are a staple in my wardrobe. I wear them in the warmer months under dresses and skirts and in the colder months tucked into boots with tunics. Mine are all black but varying textures, velvet, ruched, plain, cutouts at the ankle. I have one pair of grey animal print that the lovely Anna sent me and I am planning to put these into play this winter. Oh, and I NEVER wear them as pants:).

June 19, 2012 at 4:28 pm

Aida

Veteran

I still plan to wear my leggings, though I never really wore them a lot to begin with (they are a bit more arty than my style usually veers). I did pick up some cool ponte riding seamed leggings intended for fall which I am excited for, and I suppose as luck would have it the weather is cool enough to start wearing them now so I have I find that I don’t reach for my non-black leggings any more (charcoal, white, brown) so I think I may pass those along and look for a fun colorblocked pair and possibly a lace pair. I would also really love to pick up a black, below-the-knee zippered pair! Every time I see Kari in hers I just ooh and ahh over them.

June 19, 2012 at 4:29 pm

Chrizzle

Active Member

So happy to read this, Angie! Until a couple of years ago, I rarely wore leggings, but I wear them all the time now that my lower legs are badly blemished and the skin is so sensitive that I can only rarely shave. Opaque tights or patterned hose work to cover my legs too, but they’re not always appropriate for the season or for more casual outfits. Leggings are almost always comfortable in Seattle’s mild climate, and they allow me to wear shorter skirts and dresses (by which I mean anything above maxi-length) that would otherwise only get worn in the winter when I can wear thick tights. See my recent WIW post with a favorite outfit: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-leggings

My sister has been encouraging me to bare my legs and just not care what people think, but I’m not there yet – still too self-conscious, and still too much in mourning for the normal, unblemished (if not fabulous) legs I took for granted for my first 40 years of life. Until then, I’ll wear leggings and try to make them look like a style statement and not like a cover-up for my insecurities!

June 19, 2012 at 4:30 pm

Zuzu

(website)

Umm..yes they are a major staple of my winter wardrobe!! I mainly wear black ones under winter skirts and dresses/tunics with either ballet flats or knee high boots. I think winter skirts/dresses worn with knee boots so you can just see a small strip of leg looks great, but nothing beats leggings for warmth and practicality.

June 19, 2012 at 4:52 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Deborah, you rock your black leggings.

Aida, I’m exited to see your new ponte knit riding leggings.

Chrizzle, I loved that outfit on you.

June 19, 2012 at 5:02 pm

rae

(website)

Veteran

Now it all makes sense – although I love art, my style is not arty at all. And it makes sense that I would finally be attracted to a pair that veered equestrian in style.

June 19, 2012 at 5:17 pm

Classically Casual

Veteran

I haven’t done leggings as I always think of Vera Wang for some reason, but may take the plunge now that I have some new black boots.

Zuzu, I scrolled through the gorgeous pics in your blog, & you look wonderful in all your legging outfits.

June 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love-love-love leggings worn with a top that covers your bum. I don’t like it when they are worn as pants.

June 19, 2012 at 6:05 pm

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I love Hue wide waistband leggings – super comfy. I got mine in The Bay on sale. They were a life savers on the flight to and from Paris!
Angie, I still wear mine ankle length and I also bought 2 pairs of cropped – in black and charcoal. I hope I can wear charcoal leggings where black would be too harsh.

June 19, 2012 at 6:08 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course you can wear charcoal leggings, Sveta

June 19, 2012 at 6:10 pm

merwoman

Veteran

hmmm…Shannon you are not alone. I don’t own any leggings, nor have I worn any.May have to give it a whirl when the cooler weather sets in. I think what’s held me back is the proper footwear/boots to wear with the leggings.

June 19, 2012 at 6:32 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I had been wondering about this since I feel like I see them less. Except as pants. I see that every day I’m afraid.

June 19, 2012 at 6:37 pm

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Hue it is! That’s the brand I wear in a leotard tight so know the comfort.

June 19, 2012 at 7:20 pm

Gail

Wow! I’ve associated leggings with gals under 30 (and mostly under 25). I’ll have to consider one of these looks for myself (hanging on to 39).

June 19, 2012 at 7:36 pm

ironkurtin

Veteran

Yes. They are ideal travelwear under a shirtdress or tunic with boots, especially if you need to sleep on a plane etc. I like the ones from American Apparel that you buy in packs of three. I bought mine ages ago, but still have them for the odd trip.

June 19, 2012 at 7:57 pm

Antje

Veteran

Funny timing. I was just thinking I should find my leggings so I can wear them under a dress on the plane later this week, for warmth. In general, though, I haven’t worn mine in a very long time – but I’ve never been super into leggings. I have one pair I’ve had for years, black cotton, very simple, cropped. I once bought a heavier pair in a rib knit with zippers, but didn’t really figure out how to incorporate them into my wardrobe and ended up returning them. I have nothing against leggings, they just aren’t playing a big role in my own wardrobe.

June 19, 2012 at 8:22 pm

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, you’re not alone. I wore them in the 90s, but never really got into it this time around. Part of that is that I seem to not be able to find any leggings long enough to actually be full-length on me, and I’m not /that/ tall. They just require so many other things to be right – proportion, color (throwing black cropped leggings under any top or dress at all seems to be a uniform around here, even if the rest of the outfit doesn’t coordinate with black at all), the right kind of shoes…

June 19, 2012 at 8:26 pm

Sheila

Veteran

Yes, yes, yes! Angie, this blog post absolutely made my day! I could not have survived these past few months in Seattle without leggings. I have worn them under dresses and tunics, and sometimes inside looser pants, kind of like silk or Uniqlo underwear. I like Hue but Kohl’s also has some nice quality leggings. One more “yes!” from me before I go…maybe the impending arrival of Summer this week will let me give my leggings a well-deserved rest!

June 19, 2012 at 8:45 pm

ManidipaM

Veteran

A staple for me, so I’m glad they aren’t disappearing too soon.

Of course, for me it is a cultural advantage that the woven leggings we traditionally wear with tunics in India translate very well into jersey, and it is very popular in the mainstream too now. For this purpose I have or have had several different colours — browns (dark umber as well as burnt sienna), different shades of grey, different shades of teal, the odd citron, muted purples, muted red and maroon, even an eyesearing orange-red. I have just the one black pair, and most often I end up with white or off-white as the staple, though right now it is light grey!

Also, like IK, I love travelling in these — so comfy with a tunic, whether knit or woven, on top. I always wear leggings for a longer (over 2 hours) plane ride now, with a short smock dress or shirtdress, or one of those tunics. Nothing is as comfortable on a bloating belly and swelling legs.

What I’m not personally likely to do is the oversized sweater/T-shirt look, a la Flashdance, shown here. This 80s silhouette is not so alluring on my brick-shaped bod!

June 19, 2012 at 9:03 pm

(website)

Veteran

Late to this, but yes I recently wore my Hue cargo taupe leggings with a blouson tunic dress and ankle boots. Not so sure on the leggings with ballet flats or other footwear that shows skin at the ankle anymore. Maybe that’s just my own personal deal.

June 19, 2012 at 9:08 pm

fashionista

Veteran

One is skinny jeans and the other is leggings (black) that I can’t live without. Leggings are more comfortable than jeans in actual unless they are worn as pants. Leggings need to be worn with tunics or long tees that hide your butt or they would look ugh.. ugly……..
I don’t think they are dated. They are still in fashion when worn in the correct way like the two pictures. They give a sleek look and unlike jeans do not tend to wrinkle. Also when worn tucked in boots they look really fashionable and sleek.

June 19, 2012 at 9:20 pm

Scarlet

Veteran

I hated leggings when they came out I have been wearing a black pair with short dresses for the last year or so and now I have bought a cropped pair as well that I will wear the same way. The practicality won me over and my eye has adjusted. Footwear is usually boots or ballet flats. A lot of young women around here wear on oversized summer shirt with leggings and flat sandals. I think the success of this look is variable, but I haven’t figured out the secret. I usually pair tunics with ponte knits or jeggings.

June 19, 2012 at 9:41 pm

Mac

Veteran

Thank heavens they’re still deemed okay to wear. Leggings are gift for those of us who are no longer in our 20s and are tall… all those dresses that are cut to be a few inches above-the-knee for average height women can feel too skimpy at my age and height. Leggings have GREATLY increased the number of frocks I’m able to “pull off…” hoorah!

June 19, 2012 at 9:48 pm

Diana

Veteran

I like my black clamdigger length ones under short skirts and dresses. I also do wear longer leggings but I prefer them worn like tights with boots in the winter and I do not like them with barer shoes because I think my legs are too curvy for the look. I dislike the leggings-as-pants look so much that I rarely wear them with tunics, even long ones. Only skirts and dresses for me.

June 19, 2012 at 9:56 pm

christieanne

Veteran

I have decided that tunics are not for me – they seem to draw attention to the things I don’t want to focus on – bottom and belly – that whole area around the hips. I do have some nice thick leggings that are waiting again for cool weather but since I don’t do much with the tunic (the whole kirta idea was a failure due to the hip thing) I am not sure they will get much use other than as loungewear at home.

June 19, 2012 at 11:39 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Absolutely! I never stopped wearing them. In fact, with all the short dresses and skirts out there (yes even in a midi season), it’s the only way for me to actually wear most of my frocks. I love the look with ballet flats, pumps, wedges and flat oxfords.

June 20, 2012 at 3:08 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

I was just saying (at DC meetup) how I like the look on others, but have never pulled it off on myself except as an alternative to tights with boots in the winter. Maybe my tops are the wrong length? Is there a sweet spot? I think mine are too long or too short. Maybe I associate it too much with what my 3 year old wears (leggings or bike shorts with dresses or tunic tops) I am glad to know it’s still a viable option since I do have a small collection of them (although generally wear them as pjs more than anything)

June 20, 2012 at 5:16 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I wear leggings frequently in cooler months. In fact, now in the summer I feel a little bare wearing dresses without leggings. Love them in black or close to black. Love patterns and textures and am looking for one with zippers or studs at the bottom lately.

June 20, 2012 at 5:18 am

harmonica

Veteran

I think I have only two pair of leggings, but they don’t come out often. I don’t know why, because I love the relaxed feeling and as an insulating layer. Hose is kind of more streamlined and I find it difficult to find the right top to leggings. Maybe it is like Jjsloane says about finding the right length?

June 20, 2012 at 5:52 am

cheryl

Veteran

I have a handful of leggings but haven’t been wearing them much. I don’t have much in the way of summer weight tunic length tops so mine get worn more in the colder season with my longer sweaters.

June 20, 2012 at 6:23 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes, Inge and Mac! Leggings come in very handy for taller ladies. Makes many of the shorter hemlines more wearable.

Jjsloane, it’s interesting hearing about your child-like association with leggings and it makes sense.

Leggings do make a comfortable traveling outfit, although I have never worn leggings on a plane.

June 20, 2012 at 6:53 am

Joy

Veteran

I seem to wear them more in the winter. For summer I don’t have tops long enough but maybe I need to look for some.

June 20, 2012 at 7:13 am

Meredith

Active Member

Thank goodness leggings aren’t dated! I love wearing them under dresses!!!

June 20, 2012 at 8:03 am

clearlyclaire

I love leggings on other people but I’ve not hopped on the bandwagon for a few reasons. Like Rae, I don’t resonate with an arty style. Also, I don’t like tunics/short dresses on me. Living in Phoenix, I certainly don’t need to collect a lot of short dresses that *require* leggings to be modest; it would be too hot most of the year to layer up. The other issue is a body-type-proportion thing. I have a long torso and thinner than average thighs. A classic black legging (which would be my preference) makes my thighs look even skinnier than they already are, and not in an attractive way, while a tunic or short dress seems to throw my proportions off. In the end, I don’t like the look enough to be motivated to make it work for me.

June 20, 2012 at 8:06 am

dany

I’m wearing black mid calf leggings today with a cha cha vente draped bubble hem gray tunic that goes almost to my knees and these sandals, the Archer by Dolce Vita in black and gold

http://www.amazon.com/Dolce-Vi.....B005UVQPKS

June 20, 2012 at 8:16 am

Ginny

Veteran

yay, I love leggings I was new to them in the fall and winter and wore them ALOT, I am not wearing them so much since summer has arrived, here in Texas we are already hitting 90 plus temps. I did wear a leggings outfit on a plane trip with hubby and it was a perfect outfit for a chilly plane ride, it was like travelling in my PJs but I felt put together!!

June 20, 2012 at 9:00 am

Active Member

I’ve never really gotten into leggings the second time around – probably because I wore them in the 80’s. I do like them in the winter tucked into boots with a skirt or dress, but then they might as well be tights as you can’t tell they’re leggings. I keep thinking I should give them another try, but truthfully I rarely see anyone in my area wearing them anymore.

June 20, 2012 at 9:15 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It’s been fun to hear all about your leggings outfits.

Wearing leggings with boots is something that I do not do. I really like them with a Summer shoe.

June 20, 2012 at 9:23 am

Sheila

Veteran

Just getting back with the brand of leggings I have from Kohl’s…they are the Simply Vera Wang capris.

June 20, 2012 at 10:03 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

It is almost three years since I last wore leggings, whilst practical I never felt myself when wearing them, having said that I do not find the look dated.

June 20, 2012 at 12:23 pm

krishnidoux

Veteran

Leggings are a wonderful way to stay warm – especially if working in an air-conditioned office! Or driving a mo-ped.

I wear the shorter lengths in the summer, under longer dresses. Or with tunics and ballet flats. Old formula, I know, but it still rocks for me.

June 20, 2012 at 12:39 pm

Lisa

Veteran

I don’t wear leggings right now. But if I did I would sport them with a long, loose top or a dress that’s a little too short to go sans leggings or hose.

June 20, 2012 at 12:45 pm

Aida

Veteran

Angie, I have only worn them once but I did post a photo of the outfit (you pinned it actually, seen here: http://pinterest.com/pin/18577417183380178/). The seaming is nifty! By Trouve I think, from this past fall?

And your last comment, “Wearing leggings with boots is something that I do not do. I really like them with a Summer shoe.” TOTALLY just clicked in my head. I almost never wear leggings in cool weather, and now I finally understand why!! I MUCH prefer them with dainty shoes for myself.

June 20, 2012 at 3:07 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes, Aida! I loved that outfit. For me, leggings are a Summer thing too. No boots or booties with leggings.

June 20, 2012 at 4:09 pm

Lydia

I like wearing legs with shorter dresses, and longer / tunic style tops. Sometimes, if my top is not long enough over the legging to cover my bum, I wear a mini skirt. I have two shorter minis for when the shirt/ tunic does not clear my personal comfort zone.

I have worn leggings with a tunic on a plane, and love this, as even the stretchiest jeans, pants, trousers, just feel do not accomodate the swelling during 12 – 14 hour flights! My only problem with this look on the plane, is that I usually wear my heaviest pair of walking shoes – though they are slick and streamlined and lightweight (no laces, sporty, but not atheletic), I find leggings look better with flats and no socks (or sock liners), and my feet get cold on the plane! On the other hand, travelling is about compromising my look…. just a tad!

June 20, 2012 at 5:24 pm

rute

Veteran

Never did! It’s not accepted for work and as here it’s always so hot I prefer dresses with bare legs for the weekend but I still see a lot of leggings!

June 21, 2012 at 3:09 am

Cindy

I find it hard to match shoes to leggings without compromising comfort footwear in terms of ‘black sneakers’ especially for travelling. I cannot walk for long without good support shoes. Do you think it looks ‘ugly’ to pair full length black matt leggings with tunic or short dresses and black sneakers from Cole Haan or Coach? Appreciate some feedback on footwear. Thanks.

June 21, 2012 at 4:51 am

Active Member

Other Cindy :), on my last flight I saw someone wearing leggings and a ballet-style athletic shoe, and also someone with Mary Jane style athletic shoes. Both looked very cute with the leggings. It’s a travel outfit I would like to try, though my feet always get cold on planes. However, stashing a pair of slipper socks in my carry on would be a good solution to that problem.

June 21, 2012 at 9:30 am

Sonja

I usually don’t mind if things are considered to be “dated” or not, but I don’t really wear leggins – I’m curvy and I think that they are not a good look for me, although I did wear them in the eighties and nineties … I now own two or three that I use for layering under skirts in winter or occasionally or pilates – that’s about it. But I think that there are women who can pull them off beautifully – regardless of their age or of what’s “in” right now. This morning I’ve seen a young woman with a slim rectangle figure wearing grey kneelong leggins – they were nearly transparent – and a loose, black dress with a tanktop-style upper part. It was such a simple, minimalistic look, but it was stunning on her – a bit nineties, a tiny bit gothic, yet very sleek and elegant. So if you look good in these – go for them!
(Although I second the “Leggins are not pants”-comments!)

June 22, 2012 at 9:40 am

Cindy

Other Cindy, thanks for the tips. Will try that.

June 23, 2012 at 6:43 am

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