How To Wear Leggings
By Linda Arroz
Leggings are actually very easy to wear, no
matter what your age or shape.
The
hot silhouettes – the shapes, for fall are bigger on top - broader shoulder and
longer, as in tunic length, with a narrow bottom. Leggings work from day to
dinner, so have at least two pair to wear! The length and fabric are the two
most important things to look for in a legging.
One of my favorite looks is to wear black matte
leggings and black low heel ankle boots with a dress that has a full skirt.
Length: The length makes a difference to the
success of feeling comfortable and looking great in leggings, as a hemline is a
horizontal break on the leg. Note the best length for your own leg: capri
/cropped / long if you have longer legs, thin and/or shapely legs, or thin
ankles. If you have thicker legs go for ankle or just above the ankle.
Alterations: Don’t hesitate to get a slight
alteration to adjust the hem for the best length for you.
Tips to look and feel your best in this season’s
hot trend:
Thicker Legs: Wear a tunic length top or dress.
Try ankle boots especially if you have thick
ankles. Ankle boots the same color
as the legging visually elongate the leg. If you have thick ankles wear
ballerina flats or low heels with a scooped out oval toe box showing toe
cleavage, or wear low, pointed flats or low heels.
Avoid shiny material if you have thicker legs.
Cellulite: If you have cellulite, make sure the
fabric is a bit sturdier, suggestions include Danskin® leggings with
Supplex®. Danskin® makes plus
sizes too but the missy XL can fit up to a size 18W. Call a local dance wear
store to find them and go try a pair on to see what size you have. Make sure to
ask if they carry 1x etc. as they may not have in them stock but will order them. When I called a local dancewear store,
they told me the XL runs large, so I was encouraged to go over there and try
them on.
They fit me! In fact they are actually a bit
long, but I hemmed them.
This particular fiber blend – Lycra® with
Supplex® has strong but not tight with a smooth matte surface and they aren't
tight around the waist. Thinner cotton leggings don't hold their shape and they
can reveal lumps, bumps and bulges. Newport News has their Shape FX leggings
and I just ordered the high-waisted style to try it out.
Be Your Own Stylist:
A white shirt worn a bit oversized and belted
lower on the hip - or not, worn with leggings and a boyfriend jacket works for
women of all ages.
Instead of a boyfriend style jacket, choose a
longer cardigan, nothing too thick and not cable style.
Dresses:
Leggings work with dresses now; just remember
that thinner is better for this purpose, unless you are funking it up with
motorcycle boots and vintage. ;-)
Take a party dress, pair with leggings, flats or
peep toe shoes, add lots of beads or arm bangles to bring the party dress down
to a more casual style.
Washing Tip: turn the leggings inside out, use a
detergent designed for dark loads and hang to dry. These tricks will keep your
leggings black longer, as black can fade, although the Supplex® leggings don’t
really fade. Avoiding the dryer will keep the elastic fibers from breaking
down.
