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Categories: Fashion Tips
Tags: Denim Leggings, How To, Leggings, Outfits, Tips
Leggings have been a college wardrobe staple for years now. You’ve probably worn them under dresses, tucked into boots, and with cute tunic tops. Undoubtedly, you’ve seen them all over campus.
Alternatively, maybe you haven’t tried leggings because you think they won’t flatter your body type. Or maybe you don’t want to be one of those girls with leggings tucked into Ugg boots with a North Face fleece jacket and a Vera Bradley bag. That’s totally understandable, of course!
Whether you’re looking for new ways to wear leggings you already own, or just don’t know if leggings are right for you, read on! Here are my top tips to help anyone rock the leggings look, as well as a few outfit ideas to get your inspiration going.
Start with basics, expand for variety.
Leggings come in every color under the sun, feature different prints, washes, and finishes, and can be worn in all different ways. (Proof: see our list of legging trends for fall!) If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend a solid, opaque pair in a neutral color like black or brown. Sheer, footless tight styles are also great to experiment with, especially under shirt dresses.
Try different lengths.
Leggings come in all lengths, from capri to ankle. Ankle length leggings are definitely the hottest style right now, but play around with proportions and decide which length looks best on you. Leggings that hit mid-calf might look adorable on a tall, skinny girl, but might make a shorter leg look wide.
Consider your shape.
If you’re curvy or just worried leggings might not be flattering to your body type, you may want to stick to slimming black and dark brown. Of course, you can still have fun with solid-colored leggings with fun details as well. If you’re still feeling self-conscious, try your leggings with a minidress or a top that hits just below mid-thigh. That way, the largest part of the leg is covered! If all else fails, I firmly believe that self confidence is really all you need to pull off even the craziest outfit, so if you feel good, you’ll rock your leggings.
Invest in key pieces for pairing.
You need to wear leggings with something! Plan to invest in flowy dresses, tunic tops, and shorter skirts – they pair perfectly with leggings. Some girls love the look of sheer leggings under shorts as well. If you’re planning to wear a shirt with your leggings, it should be long and have some volume to balance out the tightness of your bottoms. Dolman sleeve tops, for example, are perfect with leggings.
When it comes to heel height, less is more.
The combination of sky high stilettos and tight leggings can go from zero to 80′s in 60 seconds flat. This can sometimes work if that’s your desired look, but can also go very wrong. Fortunately, leggings provide the perfect opportunity for you to bust out your favorite flats–ballet style, boat shoes, moccasins, low-heeled boots, and even oxfords all look totally chic with leggings.
Remember: Leggings aren’t pants.
I know they’re comfortable and cute, but traditional leggings are not pants and should not be worn as such! (With the possible exception of jeggings, of course.) Leggings as pants = overexposure. If you’re going to wear leggings, make sure you’re wearing a top, skirt, or dress that covers your butt and your front! You should also avoid wearing anything that’s too tight over your leggings for the most flattering look.
The beginner: The beginner is wary of leggings, may be self-conscious about her body, or just hasn’t worn this style much. Because of this, leggings are not the focus of this outfit. Her neutral leggings are covered up not only with her banded tunic tank, but also with her long black cardigan. Her leggings are long, and puddle at the ankle, showcasing her adorable Minnetonka Moccasins.
Product Information: Leggings with riding pant detail – Piperlime, Banded tank top – Buckle, Cardigan – American Apparel, Minnetonka Moccasins – Zappos, Star stud earrings and bamboo bangles – Charlotte Russe.
The intermediate: The intermediate knows how to wear leggings already, but wants to take her style up a notch. This look illustrates a sophisticated way to wear a totally comfortable outfit. It would be great for a night out or a day of shopping with the girls – the choice is yours! Just grab some big sunglasses and you’re good to go.
Product Information: Bandage Strapping Tunic Vest – TopShop, Calf-length Leggings – Charlotte Russe, Silver flats – Aerie by American Eagle, Jeweled bib necklace – Fred Flare, Feathered headband – ModCloth.
The expert: The expert is a legging lover. She’s an advanced fashionista who’s not afraid to take risks. In this outfit, leggings are the center of attention! I kept it pretty tame with a black mini dress and brown jacket and boots, but the leggings still steal the show. For additional expert inspiration, check out a few of Vanessa Abrams’ outfits on past seasons of Gossip Girl. You can often find her in liquid leggings, a frayed denim mini, and hot pink Doc Martens.
Product Information: Wild Rose Leggings – TopShop, Short black tank dress – Saks Fifth Avenue, Motorcycle jacket – Charlotte Russe, Coin chandelier earrings – Charlotte Russe, Boots – Piperlime.
Now I want to know – how do you girls wear your leggings? Do you have any tips for wearing or buying leggings? Let everyone know with your comments!
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77 Responses
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I totally agree that mid-calf leggings are not as flattering as ankle length ones. They kind of highlight the biggest part of your calf and make the legs look shorter. However I still think that heels and leggings can go great together.
i love love love all 3 outfits, so fun. I’m especially enfatuated with the buckle top in the first outfit.
my only question, how would leggings and boat shoes work? I just can’t imagine that looks good.
I love leggings. They are a lifesaver in the winter. They are warm, look great tucked into boots, and they are cheap! I’ve never paid over $10 for a pair of leggings. I agree that mid-calf leggings are not flattering. I don’t think anyone should wear them. To me, it completely defeats the purpose of leggings. Leggings, at least how I see them, are a warm way to show off your legs in the winter. Why leave part of your leg exposed when it’s cold? I prefer leggings tucked into boots only. If I’m wearing flats, I’d rather wear tights. I don’t like to show any part of my foot with leggings. I also think leggings look best with skirts and tights. I like that this post addressed the fact that leggings are not pants! I can see the appeal of combining tunics with leggings, but as a tall girl with a long torso, it’s practically impossible to get the proportions right. I love the last outfit shown. I might have to go find a pair of pretty floral leggings. Great post.
I love leggings…Leggings are my favorite thing to wear other than my favorite pair of jeans. :) They give you tons of opportunities to mix and match.
Great article! I love the outfits, and I’m glad you made the point LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. Thank youuu! Finally someone who understands that I don’t want to see your camel toe!! If only more people would read this.
Love the article! I am a huge fan of leggings. Your first two outfits are great…not sure if I am ready for the expert stage yet!
I really wish EVERYONE would realize leggings are not pants! My goodness it’s amazing to see how many people wear them as such. Major fashion faux-pas. Great article, very much needed!
I couln’t agree more! i am a legging freak my self. And is there really something more versatile? Great outfits!
i personally love leggings under a pair of denim cutoffs and a racerback tank
Fantastic post! Leggings are one of my favorite layering pieces.
In the beginning picture — those leggings from Piperlime…what are they called? I can’t seem to find them on the Piperlime page but maybe I’m just looking in the wrong area. I’d LOVE to have them.
Love the post! And like a few other posters have said THANK YOU for stating that leggings aren’t pants:) I like leggings myself but I am on the short side so they are not the most flattering thing on my body. I have yet to try the ankle length ones, maybe I will have more luck there!
And I love love love that topshop tank, too bad it is big bucks on my budget
Elizabeth – Sorry, my mistake! Those aren’t from Piperlime. I added in the product info and put the wrong place. They’re actually LNA and they’re on sale at Bluefly right now! Here’s the link. Sorry about that!
Love it! And THANK YOU once again for addressing the leggings-as-pants issue!
The only thing is, I’m not sure where to find tunics or tunic-tanks, like in outfit #1, or even how to recognize it as a tunic, not a shirt.
love this article and love leggings! Brown and black leggings are no problem for me. But last Halloween I bought a pair of shiny silver leggings for a tin man costume and now am wondering if there’s any way to wear them fashionably, not just as a costume. Any advice for not looking over-the-top in metallic leggings??
Callie, a tunic is a shirt, that is long enough to cover your butt ;) It may be more fitted, like a minidress, but casual tunics are very much like shirts, just not that baggy (however, a slouchy boyfriend tee can be worn as a tunic too, if pulled of correctly).
I love the last outfit, I’ve never thought about pulling off flowery leggins, I used to think they a little bit tacky, but this exact pair looks awesome.
I don’t wear leggings and won’t ever. I think they are not a fashion trend for me- I loathe them! I prefer opaque tights for a more figure flattering look with dresses and skirts or nicely cut trousers.
I just don’t think they fit my style.
I LOVE that you mentioned that leggings arent pants haha that is one of my major pet peeves! I’m not the biggeset fan of printed leggings, i usually stick to different styles of black leggings. I love the last outfit but i’d probably wear black liquid leggings with a different color shirt.
Nice post. I especially like the second outfit.
I love this post! I’d love to see more outfits for leggings, though. I’m a beginner leggings person and don’t really know what to do..
I am not a fan of leggings at all, but I think the points in this article work with tights (something I am a moderate fan of) as well.
I love leggings and thank you for saying leggings are not pants issue. I have seen many girls thinking its all kute to wear a tight tight top and leggings, its not cute.
BTW I love the outfits and I love the silver flats/
I love legging. The look you have displayed all are very nice. Gr8 post . thanks
Great post!! I love my pair and have been looking out for new ways of wearing it. The 3rd outfit is so incredibly street style chic! Love it.
I hate leggings but I’m rethinking about it after I read your post! My body is curvy, so I don’t think leggings flatter my body shape at all, but the weird thing is, I love stockings (dark and bright colored). I suppose they don’t differ that much, but I love the way stocking cover my legs way to the feet and give them a gorgeous look over high heels. After this post, I’m thinking about trying out the leggings again, the outfit inspirations you put out definitely help! I love the intermediate one. :)
Heyy nice post :)
I love leggings so much they’re the most comfy things wich can be wore in winter !
I personally love leggings and agree with you on how to wear them! Check out my post on how to wear leggings and jeggings on my blog!
I don’t agree that leggings should be paired mainly with flats. To me the best club outfit is leggings + sexy tunic + high heels.
I don’t know why, but I’ve never really been a fan of leggings and a shirt alone… I feel like it looks like you forgot to finish getting dressed… :S I only wear them with dresses or skirts…
I’m short and I love my mid-calf leggings. They are great for the spring summer and fall. They also look great and don’t make your legs look shorter or wider. You just have to know how to wear them :)
I AGREE! LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. EVER. Especially on those with way too much jiggle to be showing that off.
Exactly! I think of them as an accessory… not pants substitute.
Loving these outfits you put together!
I really like your taste. Sometimes I find other peoples outfit combinations uninspiring but these are really good. Keep it up!
Great article, Liza! And I completely love all of the outfits you put together – you have a really fun sense of style.
Awww you don’t like Vera Bradley?
I’m so glad you guys are liking this article! I love putting together these outfits, so it means a lot to me that you guys think they’re cute!
Alyssa–I LOVE Vera Bradley! In fact, I love the whole Vera Bradley, Ugg boots, and leggings look (SO cozy!), but it’s a very stereotypical college girl outfit that I try not to wear too much.
Great outfits! Great tips! Great article! Thanks for writing such a great piece!
Thanks for the artical.
I have a pair of black leggings,but still not sure how to wear them. I think flats look weird and hightop Converse. Ehhh…
Ladies, THEY ARE TOO PANTS!! And yes, us guys DO wanna see your camel toe! Don’t wear a long top that covers your bum. We wanna see it too! Seriously, why be a tease… ?
The picture of the girl on the right is me.
That is so wierd. By the way, you should’ve asked if you could use the photo first, as that’s how the photo is licensed. But don’t worry now (:
Ella – Wow, that’s so cool! You have great style. I’m confused though about having to ask to use it – the picture was found via flickr and it’s licensed under this creative commons license, which states that it only requires a link back to the site, not permission from the owner to use it. Where does it say that we have to ask to use it? Just wondering to avoid any problems in the future! Great pic though!
Oops, I’m really sorry, I was looking at the wrong picture which is under a different license. Sorry.
I ADORE leggings. I was born and raised and California so I was a jeans, jeans, jeans girl, all the time. Jean pants, jean shorts, jean skirts. However, I moved to Hamburg, in Germany, this year, and discovered leggings! They’re basically all I wear now! My tips:
-Wear baggy sweaters over your blouse and leggings. Think American Eagle or logo sweaters. This looks chick but also cute enough for school or just hanging out.
-Wear long socks or leg warmers under your shoes with just the top showing. This is great for when it’s cold, because it adds an extra dimension to your outfit while keeping you warm.
-If you’ve got a super cute blouse, but it’s too short for leggings, wear shorts over the leggings. Or, wear the shirt under a (buttoned) cardigan or vest with a low neckline. The cardigan will cover up your butt while still showing off your top.
-Wear tights, too! When I go to a party or club but its super cold, I wear long black tights under my dress and wear whatever shoes I want, instead of just going in boots.
-Black is always classic. It’s really fun to wear a black top, jacket, and shoes and then bright, crazy colored leggings. It brings them out and makes a statement in a good way. Also, black leggings go with anything.
-When its cold, layer your leggings. At first I didn’t know how people kept walking around with skimpy leggings in the freezing (I mean freezing–coming from California sun to German what? sun? has been pretty hard) cold! But then a friend told me to just pile on two or even three leggings to stay warm and still look good.
There you go!
i love leggings but my only concern in wearing them is because i have chicken legs i am 5’8 at about 137 to 142 do you think that an outfit like the first one would look good in a body type like mine?
i absolutly love leggings. i have a drawer full and they are all i wear. i find jeans unflattering for me for i have hips and do not lik to put them on center stage. but with leggings there is no uncomfy muffintop or low riding show. even in 30 below snow storms leggings are mi go to.. i would love too see more casual outfits that involve boyfriend clothes too!. your article is delicious! i love
Almost TOTALLY AGREE!! My only points of difference is that heels are VERY chic with leggings, and they make the legs look longer, which many of us need. Flats are for casual use. Also, leggings are chic, but very much affected by the shoes and top–they can be casual, chic, or trashy. I love them with classy shoes and various types of boots (classy to warm and fuzzy). I also very much agree that most of us should have a top from mid-thigh to the butt, though I have seen some hard bodies that can show off their butt, but even then it is an edgy look. Below mid-thigh starts to look dowdy. I like the look of thick opaque leggings much better than tights, and they are great for being fashionable in cold weather.
Hi Liza, thank you for this interesting article :-) I really like Leggings – its the perfect outfit for the the disco or just for shopping tours and i like to wear Leggings with high-heels and tunica vests like in your artikel. The blue Leggings are very looking nice :-) Lena
Hi Liza, thank you for this interesting article :-) I really like Leggings – its the perfect outfit for the the disco or just for shopping tours and i like to wear Leggings with high-heels and tunica vests like in your artikel. The blue Leggings are very looking nice :-) Lena
this is proberly the best artical i have read upon for how to wear leggings but now i know a really simple but good oulfit that has benn in my wardrobe for monthes but i was just wondering can fat people wear leggings
I love leggings!! I only wear leggings with long tunic tops though, with skirts they look ridiculous! In winter I love love love grey cable knit tights under skirts, then boots on top. Keeps me nice and warm!
so true that leggings are not pants, what would you wear with wet look leggings?
I know! It’s just soooo gross when someone wears leggings with a short top!!!! I mean, are they wanting to look like an IDIOT, or what?
If you live in Asia, Uniqlo has some awesome leggings for not too high a price.
:D :D
Will a pair of leggings look good under this dress? http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4027981&cp=4078202.4241219
I’m new to the whole legging fashion look, so I’m not quite sure. Thanks!
Okay. So. I’m new to leggings. and I’ve always kinda been told that I should wear leggings because all I am is leg (5’10, 36inseam) and that I shouldn’t wear them because they hit me mid-calf- which is basically… not good right? But I bought an uberrrrr cute dress from Forever 21 yesterday, but it hardly covers my bum because its not made for my long torso. how can i pull off the leggings without me looking like i have toothpick legs etc? helppp pleaseeeeee? (:
Laura- Buy a pair of white shorts perferrably denim, and cut it off into short shorts but leave enough that you can see it under the dress. So cute and makes you look even better!
Love the article
It’s time that we ALL wear leggings. Get over the fashionista and body image constraints and just wear them. You know you want to, you know they’ll be more comfortable than the constrictive clothes you wear now. Go for it. Enjoy leggings and wear them. Choose a well made pair – not with cotton fibers that bag out over time but a high tech fiber that retains its shape. Go for the comfort and support. Leggings that go to the ankle have a greater positive visual aesthetic than capri style that chop the leg. Plus the full length leggings support you from your ankle to your waist and give you an energetic lift.
i love leggings.. its always in, especially when you learn how to experiment different kinds of what you can pair with it.
jeggings are also in! they’re combination of jeans and leggings.. more comfortable to start with..
if you are tall and skinny like me..opt out of black leggings…go gray instead. Also mid calf with ballet flats help plump up my legs…jeggings in light blue wash looked great too…
Thank you so much i am only allowed to wear skirts and get cold in the winter this tells me how to wear leggings with my skirt. Do you know any stores that sell cute denim skirts that would go good with leggings.
My School has a strict dress code and you have to wear leggings under ripped jeans. So my favorite way to wear leggings is under skinny jeans with my uggs and Tennessee Vols shirt. It’s cute and comfy and it keeps you warm in the winter/
Love, Love, Love how you’ve put together Fashion Legging looks!!! I am a big leggings/tights fan and feel that they can be a timeless piece to any wardrobe, slim or heavy set-they are every girls best friend! As a Designer of (I think) some pretty phenomenal fashion leggings, I would make one addition to your looks, I’d like to see you show that, not only can leggings be worn with tunics, but also with dresses, shorts, mini-skirts and regular length skirts! I feel leggings are timeless because they can be the single piece that adds the “print, the pattern, the color, the sexiness, the rock star/biker effect” to an otherwise solid colored looks. You can also couple them with other prints to create a “tribal, 50′s, 60′s, 70′s or 80′s look. Leggings can even make an otherwise boring outfit standout!
Petite women should take care when wearing leggings with a roomy top. Make sure your top is proportioned for shorter women so that it doesn’t fall past your mid-thighs – otherwise, it can look like you’re wearing a dress with leggings underneath. Also, your ensemble should be as monochromatic as possible for an elongating look. Tall women should also select their tops with care. You want to wear a shirt that comes down far enough so that your rear isn’t exposed.
I have a band concert soon, and I am going to wear a dress shirt that has a long frill at the bottom that covers my butt and looks a little like a skirt. I was planning to wear ankle-long leggings with it, but I don’t know if that would be appropriate for a concert.
I wear leggings as much as I can. I dance, and I like wearing dancer-y clothes around to class and stuff too because it’s the most comfortable, movable kind of clothing. I struggle with the butt-covering though, since I have a pear-shaped body and a big butt. Tighter shirts tend to ride up, and I’m forever having to pull them back down, and baggier shirts just make my butt look bigger, usually. I can normally save myself with a long cardigan though.
Maybe I should start wearing those tight mini-dresses from American Apparel as shirts…I bet that would work.
I love to wear leggings with huge cozy sweaters and some cute boots. It’s so comfy but it looks cute in my opinion.
My good friend is curvy, and usually doesn’t pay much attention to fashion as I do, but I had to speak up when she came to class rocking these amazing gray leggings with a lace print on them. Not lace, but a lace print. I thought they were just the most genius things ever. So I thought they’d be perfect for the girl who is curvy or doesn’t wear leggings much and wants to try the lace legwear trend. I don’t know where she got them(unfortunately) but I thought it was a great idea! :)
Wow !!! This has helped me sooooo much !!! Thnx a lot XD xxxx
Ella- OMG ur soooo pretty !!! U hv such great style, i love ur top, where did u get it ???
Laura- im tall like u, i find tht leggings look great when they reach ur ankles and u wear with a dress which is elasticated around the waist !!!! I lurve this post, keep it up !!!
Right never worn leggins as I’m short and past 35 but I have to wear a black tutu for a hen night omg! lol Was wondering whether to wear black shorts over the leggins but what shoes or boots help pls. Oh I am size 10 though.
I’m just getting into the leggings trend and this helped give me some hot outfit ideas. I’ll definitely try out some floral leggings sometime soon. :)
I m a men i m practice classic dance i love leggings may i take leggings girls with tigh hight boots
I have only worn leggings for the past three years :) they are the most amazing things that have ever been invented! I prefer wearing lulu lemon leggings though, because most of the other leggings on the market are very see through. If you have aritzia or garage leggings, bend over in front of the mirror and you’ll see what I mean. Lulu lemon leggings are expensive! but your underwear doesnt show through them when you bend over to pick things up.
I would normally wear a baggy sweat shirt or sweater, with some uggs with my hair tied up. This is like a normal lazy day !
Or for a party look, wear one of the knitted sweaters with the black tights and some boots or flats !
I love to wear leggins! But can I wear them with my sweat shirt and ugg boots…I have tried it before and it look good! But I need the opinion of someone else…
Leggings are supposed to be comfy and they are. Just get ones that fit right! I love cropped ones.