Leggings for 50+?

Gin Martini

I'm in my 50's but fit and with long legs. I really love the ease of leggings, but am not sure how to wear them or if even if I should. My current favorite bottoms are black "jeggings" by Democracy purchased last year. Don't know what I'll do when they wear out; the fit is perfect. I figure if I can pull off the skinnies, I should be able to do the same with leggings...but somehow I'm not sure.

12 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from Gin Martini

El Cee

Veteran

I am a big fan of leggings... when not worn as pants. I wear them often with tunics and dresses in winter. Have you tried ponte knit pants as a leggings alternative? They have a similar feel and many are constructed like true pants (fly and all) and can be worn as such.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I think absolutely you can wear them. It's all in the styling. Here's a link to a blog post by Angie, with other links at the side : http://youlookfab.com/2010/05/.....still-nay/

12 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

Hi. I don't know if it makes you feel better but I am almost 54 and I love leggings and wear them all the time. I wear them with tunics, dresses, long slim buttoned cardigans usually everything with a long blazer (33" if I can get them). Often I wear the dresses and tunics with a low slung hip belt. Knee high Boots, OTKBoots, booties etc. I keep the tunics fitted with belts or oversized without. Usually combos of black, silver and gray. It's a signature but I always feel elegant, comfortable and powerful. I hope that helps!!

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I'm reminded of my trip to IKEA with my 70+ mom. My mom received one of those shocks that kind of upset her - the kind where you think a person is young and they turn around and you see they're old. But the thing is, this *old woman* was 30. Not old so much as adult. And what was interesting was there were tons of people - from 5 to 70 in leggings and my mother didn't bat an eyelash. The lady wasn't wearing leggings like everyone else; she was doing '80s Sarah Jessica Parker - a high school look from days of yore. I think that's what got my mom. My mom remembers that as a high school thing and she was expecting to see the face of a giddy sophomore, not a stern mother of two.

My two takeaways: 1) leggings are standard, like a folk costume and 2) maturity may really be the sticking point with people, not age per se. Like maybe leggings under shorts is best left to the kids...

12 years ago

carter

Veteran

I love the way leggings can be styled, but I don't wear them because I feel like they show all my lumps and bumps. I have just discovered these pants that give the look of leggings but have enough structure to show nothing but smooth lean-looking leg. I wore them both ways on my coast to coast flights last week, and they will forever be my first choice for travel. No saggy knees or bum and so very comfortable. I found them in black in the store, but I'm not finding the black online. I also sized down and feel the fit is terrific. See what you think:
http://www.chicos.com/store/br.....#038;size=

I hope this posts as a link, but I'm on my tablet, so it may not work. If not, they're called So Slimmimg by Chico's Slim Stretch Pants (not their legging version)

12 years ago

Anonymous

At over 50, it might be wiser to go with something still very slim but heavier and not as tight as a legging...and wear a top long enough to cover the rear.
Carter's post reminded me that I've liked the Chico's So Slimming jean cut version:
http://www.chicos.com/store/br.....3&prd=
I sized up a bit so that mine are a looser, scrunchier fit than those shown on the model. (I'm over 60). The SA was against it saying they would get baggie but they keep their shape.

12 years ago

Gin Martini

Active Member

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I have been wearing leggings (I found some very reasonably priced ones from Gap and Kohl's Vera Wang brand) and find that they are working fine worn with longer tops. My most adventurous look involved black leggings and black suede knee-high boots with the dress below for an Oscars party. It worked surprisingly well.

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11 years ago

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