I'm surprised at how controversial skirted leggings are on this forum. A lot of interesting thoughts here. I appreciate your question, Claudia, and it's nice to hear Angie's take on the difference between a skirted legging and a skirt. I do feel my skirted leggings are a lot like a skirt look, and yet I'm willing to wear the skirt w/ leggings shorter than I would a skirt with tights. So Angie's distinction makes a lot of sense to me. I will try to go about my way, wearing my skirted leggings and not feel too self-conscious about it.

I think appropriateness depends on a lot more than just age of wearer.
Figure, cut of the garment, environment....
The same short dress could look very different on a woman with a busty hourglass figure than on a woman with an athletic non-curvy build of the same age.
Lifestyle and environment play a big role.
I wouldn't wear skirted leggings at a nice restaurant in Manhattan, but the same outfit would look perfectly fine in my Colorado mountain town.
Diane von Furstenberg is in her late 60s and still wears short-ish dresses and looks great doing so IMO.

Hi Claudia - I just wanted to chime in since I'm a huge leggings/skirted leggings wearer. I'm 55, 5'3" slim and my legs are probably my best feature. For what it's worth, there is a huge difference IMHO between leggings of any type and tights (I am also avid wearer of deeply opaque black tights). Tights show off my legs to best advantage - you really see the silhouette of the leg line. Leggings do not do that. You do not see the defined shape as well - it's a dramatic shift which I actually documented in photos because it was a surprise to me. This is why leggings with tunics/skirted leggings, leggings and mini's work IMHO because they create a column of color but de-emphasize the structure. I am happy in the EF leggings but I would not wear a mini shorter than 19" at this point with an opaque tight. Like all things, if you want to sport this look in a grown up way, just pairing it with grown up pieces works for me. I wear a very dressy blazer or topper which comes almost dead on to the hem length and a dressy top. For casual either a long cardi, like Firecracker, or a long tunic sweater which ends 2-3" at least above skirt length. Again dressy boots/booties look great. In summer casual - a floaty top and slashed bootie and I've got a lot more coverage than shorts. But I would toss down the gauntlet to anyone who feels leggings are just heavy tights to do a side by side comparision - although similiar I do feel they display legs in a very different way which is why I don't think you need amazing legs to sport leggings very beautifully but it does help to have great legs if you are doing tights with a mini. Anyway, that's just my 2 cents - please feel free to disagree!!

gryffin, this is so interesting. I keep thinking that either my legs are just not "legging friendly" (to my chagrin/ sadness) OR I am not finding the right leggings. Because on me, there is no difference in how leggings look on my legs except they are thicker. I mean to say, you see the shape of the leg just the same (although it may look "bigger" because of the thickness of the fabric, depending of course on what that fabric is). In other words, my legs' shape is very clearly visible, whether I wear tights or leggings. (All too clearly, in my opinon, which is why the skirted option is so very intriguing to me -- holding out the possibility that I could actually make this work!)

Hmmm. The same is pretty much true for legging jeans, come to think of it, and I wear those in winter without any problem. BUT those have the advantage (on me) of visible seams and back pockets, so it's clearly evident that they are PANTs. plus, because the type I wear are true jeans, with zipper, etc. -- they stay up. Something that no legging I have tried yet will do. Mind you, if I am wearing tall boots I have to wear a belt in order to get legging jeans to stay in place. (Another important difference, I now see, that helps explain why I prefer legging jeans...I can wear said belt and hold them up!)

Now, to figure out why my thermal base layer (that I actually use as leggings/ tights in winter) DOES stay up adequately. Possibly because it is higher rise and comes to my actual waist -- as tights do.

ETA: Marley, I wouldn't wear skirted leggings (or anything remotely similar) to a board room or to a fancy occasion. But I'd wear them around my very casual town (that is, if I found some that fit and flattered me -- which I haven't, yet!) And I don't think they'd look "unsophisticated" (again, assuming they fit and flattered me). I think in this area they would actually pass as very sophisticated! They are a step up on what most people would be wearing, for sure. I think that if the skirt is long enough they are actually a lot less casual looking than jeans and very sleek. Of course the length of the skirt is relevant. On me, most of these skirts would probably end a few inches above my knee.

Claudia, you've got lots of interesting and passionate thoughts here. I'm sure you're enjoying reading them. (I'm glad my own thoughts made some sense).

For those concerned about the length of the skirt, remember that you needn't wear a short skirt at all. I don't intend to, if I wear this look again because short skirts are just not my thing. Here's the closest that I can show of myself in a Summer version of the look - back in 2009. Clearly it's not the same thing, but it's a similar concept with a woven skirt worn over leggings. Very covered when I sit down too.

Suz - I think this style could be described as playful - or arty - rather than sophisticated - and playful and arty is not a bad thing!

Suz, I hear you on leggings falling down. My EF ones do, actually. I probably should have gotten the smaller size, but I just thought the skirt part looked too tight on that size. I don't think it's a matter of rise alone, either. MY NYDJ ponte skinny pants slide down, too. And some tights do. Not all of these items are especially short or big on me, fit-wise. I really don't know what causes the phenomenon.
Angie, you look so tall in that outfit! Combination of high-waisted skirt and nude shoe? I can see you returning to a version of the skirted leggings with this kind of structured style and a non-mini skirt.

Sharan, that's a god point. I don't know what causes some leggings to fall down and others to stay put. And when they're too tight they create muffin top and cut off your circulation. (And you're right. I think I might wear a version of the look I posted above again in Summer - with wovens and structure. I have nothing left of that outfit accept the bag and watch, actually),

My leggings never fall down. Must be the big bum has a use.

This thread is fascinating. Especially for someone who has struggled mmightily with body image issues in general and leg size in particular. The idea of a skirted legging is hugely appealing to someone who is *constantly* on the lookout for bottoms that aren't denim. Yet the idea of showcasing my legs in any capacity always makes me squeamish in the extreme. It's nice to hear, though, that the look can be made to work when the right variables are in place. I know I personally would not be comfortable with a skirt more than 2 inches above the knee. The leggings would also have to be of a particular thickness and quality in order to make me feel confident. But if those factors were in place, I could see myself enjoying the chance to expand my style and revisit skirt lengths I haven't felt good in since my teens.

Sharon, I wish more people shared your views on body image. Most people on this forum do, but society at large has much to learn.
Your reply

Hi Claudia. I think this is one of those things that is soooo personal. I get that as we age we question the wearability of certain items, hem lengths, hair lengths etc. I just decided that for me, at 50, I'm not going to struggle too much over those questions. I think you know in your heart when something is not right at any age. If you like your legs, then just keep trying the length of "mini" that you feel best in--

I think the question should always be: Does this look good on me? Vs. Am I still young enough for this?

Suz... talking about NOT falling down. My daughter bought me a pair of these for Xmas. I have never been in this store and I actually do not have a muffin top ( yet ). But these pants are so tight in the waist they are actually DIFFICULT to get one and off. I have never seen anything like it. Even the bathroom is a chore. The jury is still out on these. I am not sure I like that seem in the front. They kind of remind me of the pants I saw my mother wear as a child and SWORE to never ever wear- like tight polyester stretchy pants. But anyway... I have worn them 4 days in a row... (sorry off topic from skirted leggings ).
I have had tights fall down so much that I have had to squeeze my legs together when walking so the crotch did not fall down past the knees.
And then you are standing talking to someone and trying to figure out if it is OK to try to grab at the waist and pull them up... and the waist is at your lower hips.
http://www.nygard.com/nygard-s.....,33A1Y7116

Sheila, I literally spit my water out, laughing at that image! You are hilarious. I have been in exactly that position with the tights...well, in my case, leggings, since the tights will usually stay up better.

Deb, I have a bottom, too. So does Denise, but stretchy skinnies fall down on her, too. I have no idea what is going on with that! The only thing I can surmise is that maybe muscular legs play a role? I honestly don't know. Then again, if Angie has also experienced it, then it must be universal. It has to be one of the caprices of the fashion gods. And in this case, they are solidly against me.

Angie, I always loved that outfit on you, which is saying a lot. Largely because of my own practical problems with leggings in general, I have a mild poison eye for this kind of thing -- but I always loved this particular combination.

Well, well, well - there is so much controversy over these that I am going to have to get myself a pair! I like Angie's description of skirted leggings vs. skirts with leggings (which is what I often wear in winter). I also like the woven skirt over leggings look above and I might try that, as I prefer longer skirts.

And oh my, so many of you with your leggings falling down! I also have this problem on occasion, but then I have this problem with all pants, which I attribute to my rectangular shape.

Now, wait a minute. Karie, aren't you a pretty pear?

Sorry, I could not resist that one.

Everyone's comments have been so interesting to read and I thank you all so much for offering up your thoughts and different perspectives. While this has proven to be a controversial topic, I found myself agreeing with aspects of each and every one of the comments as I read through them, even when opposing. So it has been interesting, enjoyable, and thought provoking! Fashion isn't just about the clothes, it is about what we see, and what we feel. Highly personal and subjective.

It is also an art and a science; along with some engineering based on the mystery of what stays up and what comes down.

Ha ha, Suz Yes, and I swore I was right, right up to the moment I got out that measuring tape

Yes, Claudia, there is engineering involved in fashion! Thank you for starting this thread, it has been very enlightening reading everyone's comments. We often comment on what we see "That looks great on you" without really going into why we would or would not wear something. It's nice to have a thread where delve into those areas too.

Such a fascinating thread. My interest in skirted leggings has been much more simple. I am not at all sure they'll look good on my short legs but
1. I need to replace my leggings and leggings are a vital part of my cozy casual night look wardrobe
2, As sweaters have got shorter recently it is harder to find ones that have the necessary coverage (specially with my long torso) - so skirted leggings will help fill in the gaps and ensure modesty!

Thanks for the compliment, Suz. For me personally, I nned to combine leggings with a woven dress or skirt. (Or I might wear woven skinnies under a woven skirt). Otherwise I feel off. Two knits are too stretchy, casual and arty for my strict style person maybe? Not sure. But I'm going with my feelings.

Chuckling @ Sheila and Deb. (And Suz's comment back to Karie). By the way, high five, Karie.

Leggings with a shorter rise have worked well in the past - like the cropped ones I'm wearing in that outfit. I have a round bottom so there is no problem filling out a pair of leggings in that area. But when the fit is slightly off, they do fall down. Why this never bothered me in the '80s - I do not know.

Good thread, Claudia. You got more than you bargained for. Fun laughs along the way too. xo

Angie, some of those leggings in the 80s were stirrup pants, right? Those ones worked for me without falling down...different look, though. But I have seen new versions of it at Zara!

It makes sense to me that knit with knit might be "too much knit" for you. I have this feeling whenever I go out. Knit with knit is just fine for me at home (it's basically dressed up loungewear, after all.) But if I am going out into the world, I almost always put on a more structured piece -- a jacket instead of a cardigan, a woven skirt or pants instead of a knit bottom -- there has to be some woven or structured element to the outfit or I can't feel like myself.

YES, Suz. But I never wore stirrup pants in the '80s. I DID wear stirrup leggings six years ago though (2009). See below:

And I soooo get you about needing a woven piece or pieces in your outfit. I feel off wearing too many knits. In fact, I don't wear jersey knit at all - unless I am in my lounging sweats or doing yoga. This is not the case with my clients who prefer to wear knits most of the time.

For those with falling tights and leggings: coincidence or synchronicity in the universe? You be the judge. I opened up Pinterest just now to see this pin on my main page. From Nasty Gal, Hold Up Suspender Leggings.

Please note that " *Model is wearing smallest size available," which turns out to be XXS, to add insult to injury.

http://www.nastygal.com/clothe.....in&so

Hilarious, Claudia. I am relieved to know I am not alone in the world with this falling down legging thing. But...uh....this would mean leggings-worn-as-PANTS!!!! Arghhhh....(runs wildly from the room...)

I decided to give the EF skirted leggings a go. I went to the mall to try them on in person after being inspired by Debbie's review http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....servations but none of the stores that carry EF had them, so I ordered the ones pictures below from Macy's and they arrived yesterday. Well, I am happy that I did! I really, really like these. My 80 year old mother was over for dinner and she loved them on me too, and believe me she'd be the first to give me a negative assesment from a conservative point of view. The skirt length is about three inches above my knee, but well below mid thigh on me in size M. It has a tapered pencil skirt, no flare. They are sleek and very flattering on. At first I was worried that they would not be thick enough, they felt light and silky when I opened the package but they are smoothing and substantial enough without being tight at all. I live in the northeast and can see at least three season wear in these. The legging length was long enough to come below my ankle bone as they stretch as you put them on. They are so comfortable it is a real pleasure to wear them. I must admit that I feel very modern and put together in these for casual wear.

Fabulous!! I am really, really tempted to try them, too. I am sure you look amazing in them. Glad to hear they work for this weather. That is what I was worried about. But it sounds as if the fabric may be similar to my BR dress -- it feels really light initially but it seems to trap the warmth.

I am still pondering these and this thread is so helpful. I am not concerned about age appropriateness or even skirt shortness but more about feeling like I'm in gear.

Also, a lighbulb moment! This is actually such an environmentally normcore look here (skirt over skinny pants in winter especially) that I am struggling to see it as modern and cool FOR ME, in my environment, rather than mainstream school-drop-off wear like yoga pants.

I don't know Una, there is a polished sleekness, a bit of shine and well designed drape, to these EF ones in the fit and fabric that maybe can only be seen in real life because they are black? Sort of like in a cashmere sweatshirt or wool, and silk jogging pants that raises the bar?

I bit the lemming bullet a few days ago and ordered in PXS and XS to compare. They have yet to arrive. If they work, I'll be over the moon. I'm always looking for non-denim options that are comfortable and stretchy to wear, and I pretty much already live in 5-pocket ponte knit pants that are essentially leggings but on my chicken legs fit more like straight legs. I'm eyeing these as a casual/loungewear/weekend option AND for comfortable travel.

I do wear leggings around the house pretty much constantly -- the type that are more like gear. I love Smart Wool leggings and polar fleece leggings and N66 leggings. Keep me warm and toasty! These rarely are worn outside the house, but mostly because they are major lint gatherers. I do not wear yoga-type or running leggings except to exercise, because I find the synthetic fibers annoy me after about an hour or two.

It's interesting about the riding-down issue. I don't have that with leggings. I do get that more with jeans! Unless the rise is high enough. I am constantly yanking my mid-rise jeans up all day long. I just don't have much in the way of a hip bone. Or rear. Tights and hose CAN ride down, but more likely they do that annoying window-shade thing where they suddenly roll down... beneath my belly.... and it's not a matter of sizing up, because if I do that then they are too big and long in the legs and sag unattractively. The only tights & hose that don't roll down on me are Commando and Oroblu.

That window shade thing! Perfect description!