Ask Angie: What to wear for legwear

Kelly

Hi Angie

I am a new member so just learning the ropes here. I decided to add a another avenue to my life and am working part-time at a clothing store in addition to my regular job.

My hurdle has always been when I look at all of the marvelous outfits displayed in windows or magazines paired with booties, pumps, flats, etc. all are shown with bare legs. I live in Calgary, AB and bare legs in late fall or winter is not even realistic. Now what do I wear? For instance with a gray a-line flare skirt what shoulld I be wearing for leggings if I am wearing flats or booties.

Exicted to be a part of youlookfab! Thank you

11 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

Elly

Veteran

There are these things called fleece-lined tights-- footed or footless with wool socks. They are magic. Many options for color-- depends on the shoe color as well! If you preffer sheer hose, you can always layer two pair (a nude under a black or off-black, etc.

11 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

I, too, hate the bare-legged outfits! Bare legs are too casual for most business situations plus it isn't practical in cold climates.

I second Elly's fleece-lined tights suggestion. I have some in black (opaque) that I wear with boots or booties and they are great. I stick to black (either the fleece-lined or sheer). A lot of people on this site recommend micro-fishnets in nude (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/or.....ts/3149190); I got some last year but they feel a little funny (frumpy) to me, thought I like them on others. If I'm wearing a black skirt and don't want to be color-block black from the waist down, subtly-textured black tights (e.g. subtle stripes) add some interest without being crazy inappropriate (like lace). If you work in a clothing store, look at what your co-workers wear--they are likely more fashionable than average, so you might get ideas from them, too.

11 years ago

Kelly

Member

Thank you for the great advice!
I tend not to go too crazy with legwear so the more neutral look sounds great. I often think something looks great on someone but when I try it on - not so great. I'm tall, slim but have a long torso so the capri length does not always suit me.

11 years ago

Alassë

Veteran

I third fleece-lined tights. Plush Apparel has multiple colours, too.

11 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I'm in NS, so I hear ya. I just plain stopped wearing skirts and dresses for years. But in the last couple of years I've rediscovered them. I don't care for the fleece tights as I find them too opaque. But I do certainly wear tights. If I'm wearing black skirt and black boots, I sometimes wear patterned tights, to break it up a bit - usually self patterned, but I do also have a pair of black and white animal print ones for fun :). And last year I did venture into the nude hose realm again after a decade (hate the cost of them given their normal lifespan) to wear with booties, on occasion. I generally wear high winter boots to get to work, for warmth and/or snow protection, then change.

And welcome!

11 years ago

Anonymous

Hi - and welcome to YLF! I live in Manitoba, so I know exactly what you mean. I love the fleece lined leggings but not for under anything and especially not with a skirt . I find them thick enough to wear just on their own with a sweatshirt at home etc. Today, I am wearing a patterned knit pencil skirt with black opaque tights and ankle boots. I like simpler hose and don't go for patterned tights. I do like micro fishnets with certain things -but not in the dead of winter unless it's a very dressy occasion. I just stock up on wine, navy and black opagues, usually from Hue or Calvin Klein. They last a loonnnng time!

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like you're sorted already, and welcome to the forum, Kelly.

11 years ago

Kelly

Member

Hi Everyone What a fantastic site to join and excited to be a member! Thank you for the great advice and websites. Time to go shopping! Nice to know I'm not the only one challenged by bare leg -30 and ice in Calgary does not lend to wearing so many styles unless able to change footwear at work. I admire women who have mastered wearing heels anywhere and anytime. I'm not that talented

11 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

No bare legs in winter here in Ontario either!

I usually wear trousers or jeans if I am spending some time outdoors in winter but I wear skirts and dresses for work. I am not a big fan of opaque tights for my style though (although I have to admit they have a long life). I wear patterend or nude hose if all I have to do is dash from my car to the office. Sometimes when I ma in the mood I can wear nude hose with leggings on top and remove leggings once indoors. As I often need to change from winter boots into shoes anyway it is not a big deal.

Otherwise I wear dresses and skirts more heavily in spring, summer and fall and rely on trousers in winter.

11 years ago

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