Skirted leggings lemming: Dare I wear them? (Do I want to?) - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Ensemble: The Skirted Leggings Look

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Skirted leggings lemming: Dare I wear them? (Do I want to?)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Many of you know about my troubles with leggings. I do wear legging jeans in winter, tucked into boots. But I've never found a pair of actual leggings that I can tolerate. They tend to slide down on me, and I also feel like I am wearing pajamas. Not enough structure to them.

Yet, I've been intrigued by this talk of the skirted legging from the start. It sounded as if it might be a great solution to my silhouette boredom in winter. I really love the mock version I concocted with the BR modal dress and tights, and I wear it quite a lot. So I was eager to experiment with the real deal.

But the EFs were too pricey for this Canadian (whose $$ has just plummeted.) Plus I got worried about reports of thinner fabric (wouldn't be warm enough for my climate) and I wasn't sure what size to order.

So when Angie showed the BlackFive leggings with faux leather panel and zip and Lisa ordered them and I saw how great they looked on her, I jumped on the bandwagon, along with Una.

Now they are here. And...well... I'm not sure. This is way, way, way out of my personal comfort zone. I show them a few ways below. I've got different footwear on in different pics as well.

The pros: thick warm fabric, as Lisa reported. They fit and I don't think they are going to fall down on me. Nice blue-grey that works with my closet. Faux leather is soft and actually feels nice!

The cons: Having just had my birthday, I am now firmly in the "upper 50s" age group. And I have never in my LIFE worn a skirt this short. Does this qualify as age-inappropriate? Gaylene has a good test, something about sophistication. But I don't know how these read on me, or how I feel. Mixed, I guess is the best answer. And not sure whether to go out on a limb. Or if this is the limb to go out on.

Also, they feel like pajamas...very unstructured. I am all for comfort....but I'm not sure I would go out of the house in these! I definitely want to hide my rear with an oversized sweater. Or wear a structured jacket up top. I do have a couple that seem to work with them.

So. What think you? Do they move my style forward, or back too far to the teeny-bopper days? Are they sophisticated enough? A great casual look or a failed experiment for me?

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Dressing

114 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

KikiG

Veteran

Totally. I'min your age range, and if I looked like you in those, I'd be ALL OVER THEM, as a cute, smart-casual, home and around town option that will take you right into spring as you can roll up the bottoms a bit and wear with a loafer or a flat when the snow melts. Don't think of the "skirt" as part of the bottom, think of it as a tunic layer that begins at the waist.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Suz, you know I am always honest. So I will say two things: one, your figure looks fab in these; and two, they are perhaps too juvenile.

I am prepared for a landslide of dissent about the juvenile comment, but given your usual style, I don't feel like these work. They are not sophisticated to my eye. You are perfectly well covered, and your legs look great, but there's no getting around the fact that the skirt is micro-mini.

If you loved them, it would be a different story. But you are waffling. I find that when I waffle, I should usually go with my gut.

catgirl

Veteran

Hey triplet! I wore these out yesterday. I got my head around it by not thinking of it as a skirt. I don't think of it as a tunic either. I guess it's more of a butt vest for me, mentally. :). It's easier for me because I wear those mini down skirts as gear. But you have to own the look. There is no question you can wear these, so the only issue is whether you want to or not.

Also, the skirt part made them feel very structured to me. Funny how different perspectives can be!

Anonymous

Well you know how I feel about them The difference between how are styling them here and how I wear them is that you are treating it like a skirt with tights attached - right? I don't treat these as a skirt at all - and absolutely wear a long sweater (cardi or tunic-ish length ) to cover my bum . The skirt piece is just a bonus little extra to me, not a skirt in itself.

That all said, who cares how old anyone is - I think you look very cute in them, but something's telling me cute isn't what you're looking for. I see them as edgy/rocker-ish rather than preppy, and style them accordingly .....but that's just me

Anonymous

Well, I do think you look really good in them Suz and I love how you styled them. I will leave you to go with your gut feeling as to whether you keep them or not.

I just want to say this though... When a tunic is worn over leggings, I kind of see the leggings (as long as they are good and thick) as pants with a long top... but psychologically when I see skirted leggings my brain thinks of it as skirt and tights with a long sweater. So I think of it as a mini skirt. I think it's because a third piece is added to the mix.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, so how does one style them edgy-rocker? What am I doing wrong? The colour of the sweaters? (I do have a black one on in the last photo, but it's too fitted for me). And I am covering my butt with the tops/ sweaters -- so how is the styling different? What am I missing?

Or maybe I just look inherently "preppy." Whatever I wear. I do think there's a lot of truth to that. Which doesn't always make me happy -- I would like my style to be more ...mmm...maybe not "edgy" since I think that is impossible for me, but ..."sharp."

Una, "butt-vest" hereby goes down in the YLF anals of greatness. It has to be our new acronym. BUTT-VEST. I am killing myself.

And yes -- that is amazing to me. The skirt part makes them feel structured to you?! I guess in relative terms, it does -- compared to a regular pair of leggings. But not compared to legging jeans (for me). So obviously "woven" = "structure" on some level to me, personally. Hmm.

Elisabeth, THANK YOU. I am glad for your honesty. I like that you call it as you see it.

And KikiG -- equally glad for yours. Not that the dispute makes my decision any easier. I guess I will have to wear them around the house for a while and see. Also see what Mr. Suz thinks.

viva

Veteran

Okay ... you look amazing in them. The skirt is very short, and that might give me pause, so I get that. Im not sure I totally get the "butt vest" idea, but if you can wrap your head around Una's logic, go for it. In any event, the leggings are clearly thick leggings and not tights, so this does not look like a skirt with tights to me.

I like them best on you with the most sophisticated / structured tops, so 10 - 13 hands down. And with those outfits, I say definitely consider keeping.

Anonymous

I can't really help you. I just wanted to weigh in and say you do look great, but it comes down to personal comfort. I don't know if I could wear them, mainly because I would be the only one in my circle wearing them and I doubt my friends would see me as fashion forward, but rather as fashion victim.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think they look great too.

FWIW, if I didn't "know" you, and you weren't torn, I'd have stopped it there. I'm with Elisabeth. These do not match your crisp and polished style. DETAILS. If they were woven, sans the zipper and a little longer - they would be a better match. So it's not the concept per se - it's this particular version of the style. Hope that makes sense.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well here's my two cents worth... (half a cent if we're talking US money - lol!):

You look fabulous in these. Your figure works well with the style. You are appropriately covered. You can definitely pull them off. You've styled them beautifully.

But...(c'mon....you knew that was coming)...I'm not sure I see these as your style. Your style to me is preppy, sophisticated and elegant. I don't see these as fitting that. And if you don't want to venture out in them, they are strictly at-home-lounge-wear. Is that what you're looking for?

I don't know Suz - I'm just not feeling these for you - sorry

Anonymous

Sorry - you're right about the sweaters covering your butt. I was thinking though of the shirt tucked in and the turtleneck in pic 13 which looks waist length. Just a vibe I was getting and not the actual look - interesting. I'm not sure I can describe what I meant, because it's just our differences in overall style here. I can't write and look back to the photos, as that's where you lose your writing, if you've ever done that here ( I finally figured out what made that happen by accident more than once) . Anyways - I treat mine as casual wear ,and wouldn't go with a blazer or your (I want this sweater!!!) INC asymmetric sweater kind of a look. The soft cottony warmth of the leggings just read casual to me, and so my tops/sweaters are loose and casual too. Yesterday I wore them with a long black lightweight wool blend fluid pullover that had a banded bottom. It's tunic length though. I've also worn them with a big black oversize cardigan and black fluid tank. I wear my tops quite a bit longer than you do .

Alassë

Veteran

FWIW, I like 4, 5, 8, 9, and 10 best. You do look great in skirted leggings, but... I'm thinking a mini-skirted leggings look is not sophisticated enough for your iteration of Urban Prince.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sterling, that's a point I hadn't considered. I guess my circle is so varied that it's not an issue. My friendship group ranges from people in their 20s to people in their 70s and they wear all kinds of things -- from rocker chic to boho to arty to preppy to non-stop gear (fitness peeps). The only kind of people I don't hang out with are people who dress in corporate garb. If I go to meet friends they could be wearing any combination of the above and would all look quite different from me, always.

I am finding these responses fascinating and helpful -- thank you so very much for your honesty! Still not decided about them, but I really like the conversation.

jackiec

Veteran

Oh, Suz, I've been wondering when you'd be able to try these on! I am 100% in the same boat as you with regard to leggings. I'm putting in the ol' college try with your Lysee leggings, and enjoying them. However, it has taken some getting use to. Also, I have a tough time with tops. Wearing a long puffer over top is saving me, so not sure how I'll style them in warmer weather - maybe not at all

You absolutely can wear these leggings with style. My favourite is, hands down, #5, followed by #11. I think #5 is best since the dark sweater runs into the skirt part, making it seem like a longer top. I'm not so fond of the tucked in looks, or where the skirt actually looks like a skirt. The skirt reads too short, for me. I agree with lisap's write-up, and would also still wear the longer tops (but gah those are also tough for me!).

It's up to you whether you'll wear these, and enjoy these. They would be a nice change for your at-home look. At least that's how they'd function for me. Seeing them on you makes me realize that they'd be way too short on me, so thanks for solving my problem (like it's all about me, right ;)....

Hmm not sure if I'm any help.

greycat6

Veteran

They look great on you! To my eye, these are casual wear and I like your styling best that lean that way. For example, I like them best with taller boots, as opposed to booties. Something about showing less leg and the lug sole or heavier 'weighted' boot makes them work slightly better to my eye.

However, if you are not feeling them, don't force it. You will end up with another closet orphan.

Sal

Veteran

Mmmm I am with Angie and Aziraphale, it is not a figure or flattery thing, more a style thing. I think you will have to work too hard to make them work for you, and that is not really what you are after.

viva

Veteran

So interesting. I love reading others' comments, which really help me figure things out.

I like them best when they are worn with items that fit your "crisp" UP style, but that may not be showcasing this item (the skirted leggings) in the best way for them. It's hard because: (1) they are a great item, (2) they look great on you, but (3) they don't easily work with your style.

Hmmmm.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I like the one with the tucked in shirt the best. I think the proportions are better. But having to wear both a shorter shirt and a longer cardi/jacket with them is a bit picayune.

I echo the hesitations of those that aren't sure this is your style. I mean, you've got a rockin' bod, you can totally pull these off, but it's kinda gear-funky, and I don't see you as a gear-funky sort of person in your WIWs. And the zipper would annoy me if they were loungewear only.

Anonymous

I'm not articulating well today. Well, any day for that matter. Edgy/rocker are not the right words at all. It's about it being less polished and perfect, and more relaxed and less styled. Does that make better sense? I think you are inherently polished and preppy , and it comes through even in this type of clothing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, my suggestion is to road test these a little at home. See how you feel about them tomorrow and the next day. It's AMAZING how much clearer our feelings can be after a few days of mulling things over.

Gaylene

Veteran

Cute, yes--and you look better in these than most younger women who will be sporting this look. BUT, I'm going with Elisabeth, in saying it reads as very young look in my books, even when styled with a longer tunic top or sweater.

These questions of "Is this too young for me?" are really tricky because they come loaded with assumptions, prejudices, and longing. Do you want to look young? Some people might find that a weird question because the idea of looking hip and youthful as the best, or even only, alternative to looking frumpy and dowdy can get programmed into our thinking. I'd like to thing that restraint isn't a negative if we choose it as opposed to having it forced on us.

I'm mulling over a couple of ideas that I'm going to try to put into a future post that were sparked by my visit to an uber young and trendy hair salon last week. The 20-something stylists were all over my greying hair, pronouncing my decision to not color as--get this, MODERN. And, just recently, I also read the same thing in a couple of comments left by some youngsters on a blog that also deemed that their middle-aged mothers were out of step and their grandmothers were "hip". Joan Dideron as the face of Celine, and the celebration of other older beauties, make me wonder how channelling our younger selves really looks to another generation--or if the restraint and elegance shown by some of these older celebrities might not be another road? Those pictures of Madonna, as good as she looked in her customary outfits, didn't excite many on this forum. So, should Madge continue to channel her younger self or would it be more interesting to have her re-invent herself once again?

Sorry if this was a bit of a high jack, but I think your question isn't really "Can I wear these skirted leggings?", but more "Do I WANT to wear these skirted leggings?" As a YLF star, you've developed a personal style that is envied by many of us on this site, so if you answer in the affirmative, you'll wear those leggings with the best of them. But, only you know why you are drawn to this look and if it is a direction in which you want to go.

Anonymous

Lisa, it's interesting how our essence always shines through no matter what.

I think Angie is right Suz. Sleep on it and test them out more.

unfrumped

Veteran

Mulling sounds like a good plan.

I'm not feelin' the love for these either.
I think it is a combination of length and skirt style. Since the "skirt" is tapered, I still see it as a form of skirt. Yes, I know tunics can be fitted and tapered,but they often are just a bit fuller and more obviously a tunic. So to me these read as a mini-skirt. Sure, there are no coverage issues as with bare legs, so it can't really be simply modesty, so then I guess that does get back to "style" issues-for you specifically. And why they can work for some people but not others.
. I think I could see the exact same construction (leggings and attached skirt) if the skirt part were still well above knee but a little longer. Like a fairly short pencil skirt, something you'd not wear with nude leg at all. I'm not sure I would see that as not your style even though it would still be leggings. Or maybe the pencil skirt shape is all wrong and you need something more like your knit dressess. Whether that means I've put you in a style box instead of being open to experimentation, I don't know.
Do you have some regular leggings and tunic, especially asymmetrical, to try on to compare to see if that makes a difference? Because I don't think it's just leggings.

catgirl

Veteran

Suz, you did say "anals of greatness" on purpose, right? Either way, best typo ever.

Fascinating comments - off to reread!
All the comments on why this isn't quite your style are making me reflect on whether and why they are a better fit style-wise for LisaP and me. I mean, I am pushing 50, and now I'm wondering if I'm just a juvenile dresser!

I love the asymmetrical hem sweater. My next wear is going to be with poncho!

Lyn D.

Veteran

Hi Suz- they look pretty good.
I find that usually when I am unsure it is a sign that the item is not quite right for my style and comfort zone though.

Mona

Veteran

I have never been a fan of leggings (skirted or not) so please take it with a grain of salt when I say that they just don't feel you. Like Diane G, I see them more like a mini skirt with tights rather than skirted leggings.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, that was my thought exactly - but of course Angie beat me to it These are too RATE for you, was my thought. You're just not sloppy and slouchy and shuffly enough, gosh darnit. Lol. Somebody did skirted cigarette trousers a season or two back. I think those would be sharper and more for your style UP style.

deb

Veteran

I will never be able to get "butt-Vest" out of my head now. Una, you are the best!

Suz, personally I do not think they fit your style. Especially when you say you are uncomfortable in them. You do look great in them and I see why Una and Lisa can pull them off. They have the hair to go with the skirt.

Marilyn

Veteran

I'm not in love with whole skirted legging thing either. I would rather see you in faux leather leggings with a long pullover or untucked blouse or plaid shirt. Somehow that reads a bit more sophisticated to me but still a bit edgy.

With that said, you look great. You are a gorgeous lady with a great body and pretty much anything is going to look good on you. Like Angie said, give it a couple days and see how you feel. You have to feel fab in them and not be self conscious about wearing them out.

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