How to Wear Leggings
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.
Tips on How to Wear Leggings
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.
Outfit Inspiration
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.
What do you think?
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!
Posted on on September 22, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Denim Leggings, How To, Leggings, Outfits, Tips
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Michelle
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.
Julie
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.
Sam
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.
Grace
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.
Annessa
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.
Sienna
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!
Chelsey
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!
http://fashionnotvictim.blogspot.com/
I couln’t agree more! i am a legging freak my self. And is there really something more versatile? Great outfits!
Ashley
i personally love leggings under a pair of denim cutoffs and a racerback tank
Elizabeth
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.
Lalalina
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!
Lalalina
And I love love love that topshop tank, too bad it is big bucks on my budget
Zephyr - CF Editor
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!
Callie
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.
Sarah
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??
Annie
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.
Luinae
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.
Rachel
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.
Leira
Nice post. I especially like the second outfit.
Sara
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..
Brittney
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.
Jess
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/
Lady In Evening Dress
I love legging. The look you have displayed all are very nice. Gr8 post . thanks
Dubai Stylista
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.
Maria
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. :)
Reneé
Heyy nice post :)
I love leggings so much they’re the most comfy things wich can be wore in winter !
Milana
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!
myvogue
I don’t agree that leggings should be paired mainly with flats. To me the best club outfit is leggings + sexy tunic + high heels.
Candi @ Lipgloss & Lingerie
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…
kym
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 :)
Sarah
I AGREE! LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. EVER. Especially on those with way too much jiggle to be showing that off.
Candi @ Lipgloss & Lingerie
Exactly! I think of them as an accessory… not pants substitute.
Ally
Loving these outfits you put together!
Tamsin
I really like your taste. Sometimes I find other peoples outfit combinations uninspiring but these are really good. Keep it up!
Min
Great article, Liza! And I completely love all of the outfits you put together – you have a really fun sense of style.
Alyssa
Awww you don’t like Vera Bradley?
Liza - University of Minnesota
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.
Helen
Great outfits! Great tips! Great article! Thanks for writing such a great piece!
Gabbie
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…