Would You Wear… Denim Leggings?
Beyonce, Paris Hilton, and Sienna Miller in denim leggings
Here’s another trend you’re either going to love or despise.. there doesn’t seem to be any middle ground on this one!
We all know leggings are a hot trend among college students. Whether they’re worn in place of sweats for their comfort factor (leggings, UGGs and a North Face anyone?), or used to supplement an already fierce sense of style (think liquid leggings with rocker accessories), one thing is clear: the legging isn’t going away anytime soon!
The newest incarnation of the ubiquitous legging is the “jegging” – a jean/legging hybrid that combines the best (and worst) of both worlds. I’m sure you’ve already seen them in stores: denim leggings are soft and stretchy like a legging but dyed to look like denim.
One one hand, these are great because they offer the comfort of a legging with the look of jeans. And they’re definitely a fun piece with trendy appeal. On the other hand, jeans are great because they’re rigid and suck you in in all the right places: denim leggings may not be as flattering. And come on, are jeans really THAT uncomfortable to begin with? Things to consider.
Personally, I’m not sure what to think of this trend. I’m a skinny jeans fan so I do like the look of these. That said, I don’t think it’s a trend that’s going to stick around for long.. so I’m not about to rush out and buy a designer pair!
What do you think? Would you wear denim leggings? Or is this a trend you’re going to skip?
Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Posted on on August 26, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Beyonce, Celebs, Denim, Denim Leggings, Leggings, Paris Hilton, Sienna Miller, Skinny Jeans, Trends, Would You Wear?
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Giselle
it just seems somewhat pointless to me. either you want tight skinny jeans, or leggings…no need to mix the two!
Kate W
No, it seems .. strange. Its like leggings for gym.
Leslie
I really like sienna miller leggings and her whole outfit
lalalanifarley
I love this trend, but you should tread carefully with this particular item. Wear them like you would wear leggings, i.e. make sure they are worn with only longer tops. I think that paired with high stacked heels and a dressy blouse it is perfect for city girls when going out at night.
Jackie
I don’t think so. I would rather just wear a pair of skinny jeans.
Min
I’m going to be a purist on this one and stick to skinnies. They’re cute if you think of them as something new in the leggings department but not if you’re trying to pass them off as jeans(it comes off as fakey-cheap). It’d be okay to wear them once but I definitely wouldn’t keep them in my wardrobe. Who wants to give up the cute ruggedness of real jeans anyway?
Chelsey Anderson
I’m not a fan of this trend. Actual jeans look and fit a lot better. Leggings have a tendency to be unflattering around the knee area (bunching up). I’ve never been a huge fan of leggings, but I have to say this is loads better than the ridiculously bright colored leggings.
Jane
Just… no.
rachelle
but…why not tight jeans instead!? sienna miller only looks cute because in that small picture it looks like hers are actually jeans! why fake wearing jeans if you already have them?
rachelle
oops i meant paris, not sienna!
wendy
NG – no good
Ann
yeah course…sometimes jeans can be stiff and stuff especially when its hot. denim leggings are versatile and can be worn with almost anything
jlynn
paris’s are so tacky.
Michelle
I definitiely would, considering that skinny jeans do not fit my leg shape, so I think this would be a lifesaver!
Mandy
i personally would never wear denim leggings but sienna miller looks absolutely FAB!!!!!!!!!! she can rock this trend like no other!
Ista
They seem like they would be more comfortable than skinny jeans. I love skinny jeans but I’m not a fan of leggings. I would try this trend, but I would stay away from the ones Beyonce and Paris have.
Mel
Oh god, I can’t say enough how much I hate this trend! I see leggings everywhere and they tend to be so unflattering and overused. Maybe if I saw leggings, whether they be plain, colored or denim, that weren’t paired with the usual college girl gear (north face, uggs), I’d be a bigger fan…but for now, I’ll pass!
hillary
i think this looks absolutely ridiculous
grace
i love this trend — i already have 2 pairs from forever21. i definitely wouldn’t spend a lot of money on them since jeans last wayyyy better than any pair of leggings ever could, but they are so comfortable i can’t completely pass them up. i agree that you have to wear them like leggings with a tunic or longer top, though, because they are still leggings and look like leggings in the crotch and butt regions which just isn’t a very flattering look! haha
Rosie
Oh, gosh no.
Either choose skinnies or leggings…not both!
Jen
I think, like with most trends, there are a few options that look great but most are sorta iffy.
Miranda
These just seem superfluous. I pretty much get the same look with the jeans in my closet right now. This seems like a bit of a waste of change.
Jennifer
Yuck! I hate them. Not only do I already have a hard time wearing skinny jeans because of my disproportionate thighs, same with wearing leggings without a skirt over top, but these will probably just make it all go downhill.
Luinae
Not for me, thanks! I was never big into denim (only bootcut) OR leggings, so combining 2 trends I don’t really like is a no, no!
Anna
Ugh I hate the denim leggings look; it’s just tacky, and has been perfected by the girls of the world who like to dress in all skin-tight clothes, and it never looks good.
Hannah
Not really into it, pick leggings or jeans not both.
Beth
maybe with a tunic top… and if they were like really dark.
MaeGal
I think the only way that it looks good is how Sienna is wearing them. But I think it would look just as good with super skinny jeans. I don’t think denim leggings are really necessary.
Though they are probably easier to get on. Haha.
<3Mae
http://maegal.blogspot.com
Zephyr
Haha, I knew you guys mostly wouldn’t like them. It’s definitely a trend that people either love or hate and it does have the potential to go very wrong…
Tara
I guess I’m one of the few that like this trend. I have two pairs and wear them like leggings- long tunics, short dresses, etc. I think that they’re cute and they fit better in my boots.. no weird bunching up like my skinny jeans do.
Lydia
cringes…. i hate leggings as pants with a passion!
Bella B.
I just can’t help but think that no matter who you are — Posh Spice, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Bilson, etc. — this look makes you seem CHEAP. Is it the “painted on” pocket? The tight seams? Who knows for sure. I may not be able to define it — I just know it when I see it.
Alice
i think denim leggings are sooo comfortable, and even if they weren’t stylish i think i would love wearing them around the house! but it’s also true that they’re only flattering for some people but if you pair them with the right things i think the result is really cute and very stylish.
Brianna Chu
i used to strongly dislike the idea of “jeggings”, but i tried on a pair from Charlotte Russe that were very comfortable and also pretty warm! i will wear them just like any other legging. not pretend that they are pants.
Erika
I really actually like the concept of this maybe with an oversized cable knit sweater and some above knee boots.
btw, i had no idea Sienna Miller’s feet were so plus sized.
Leia
I’ve been wearing them all summer! I think they look better with longer tops, rather than short tops like Britney is wearing.
Kristen
I love Sienna’s outfit, but I don’t think I’d ever try it myself.
Ashley
No. Leggings are not a replacement for pants.
Michelle Jeannine
Only cute if you have a perfect body I think…
a
Just bought myself a pair of grey ones from H&M with zippers at the ankles. Absolutely love them!
tessa
I have the feeling that unless your super super skinny that these wouldn’t be flattering at all. you’re right, jeans do suck you in and provide more support for legs. no on the leggings. :)
Leia
Wow, I’m surprised that most of your readers said ‘no’ to this trend. I live in London and every other girl has been wearing them since about April! Here’s me wearing mine (I usually wear them with longer tops, though – I don’t like the way I look in these pictures!) http://hifashionsl.blogspot.com/2009/06/leggings-are-not-pants.html
stacey
unless you are incredibly tight and toned this look is just wrong, I always see girls at uni wearing them and its just wrong, where jeans tuck you in these do not and that looks bad…..its just…no, not good
Max
OK, just NO. I mean, not for the normal people. Just for models. Jeans are jeans after all…XD
mariù
it’s prob. that jeggings will go out of fashion soon..
sienna looks good, btw..
Emily
I think denim leggings are super cute, as long as they aren’t styled as regular pants. I think there needs to be an effort made to cover the bum/impending camel toe.
la petite fashionista
LOVE this look! i don’t have a pair yet, but my sister does and they look so cute on! I think the only reason people are having an issue with them is because they know they’re leggings– they’d think it was a cute look if they just looked at the picture assuming they were skinny jeans!
nagham
i am not sure how i feel….all i know is as long as people don’t wear them as pants (leggings are an accessory meaning they can’t sub for pants so ur top needs to cover ur butt)but i think that leatherish ones are cooler
Mici
Some people, like Beyonce, look fabolous in this trend, but me? No. I’m not a fan of skinny jeans either, so this is not something I will buy, sadly. I’ll stick to my bootcut jeans, they’re comfortable and sexy as hell =)
Katie
fugly.
Instyler
Depends on who’s wearing them to pull it off.
Ab Circle Pro
I think they look sexy! Beyonce can easily set any trend with her looks
hannah
i hate it…it just looks weird and cheap
Calico
I think it looks great if used correctly :D Almost every girl I know has got a pair, and in Denmark people just love skinny jeans.
I’ve got a pair of cobalt blue ones that I just wore today. Mine aren’t quite legging-material – they’re a bit tougher than that but still look pretty much like those pictured above. Since its so clingy though, gotta be careful with the proportions : / I think super tight on bottom half and super tight on top isnt a good combo, and neither is wearing ‘long’ shoes with denim leggings, they make your feet look clownish Dx
Kyrstin
i’m one of the few that’s on the fence about this one. i do agree that they look tacky, but the super thin material can be a plus when wearing jeans under a dress or tight tunic! i don’t think i’d wear a pair, because they look really cheap, but i have a pair of very thin and stretchy skinny jeans that i get the same effect with. sienna and paris looks great, but you can’t tell if they’re wearing jeans or leggings really. beyonce looks dreadful!
Maxine
I thinking thin women can put off that look. I got curves all over I love just a black sleek legging and skinny jeans. Jeggings is a no-go on my list!
Winnie
Eh. I have never been a big fan of leggings to begin with, and I especially don’t like it when people wear them without a long tunic or something on top- I just think that doesn’t look good. Plus, you might as well just wear jeans. What’s the point of wearing leggings that look like jeans? Just seems kinda silly to me.
Bryannah
Ehm. I kind of prefer my favorite pair of skinnies; I have plenty of black leggings to choose from too. But like you said, aren’t jeans already comfortable?
I think this trend isn’t gonna be so strong in the winter but it does look good, only if you have the height, the perfect, long and slender legs AND the adrenaline to pull it off. (:
I do like Sienna Miller’s outfit though! But her legs make me want to go on a diet. :(
xooxoxo
Arielle
YUCK!!
That look is just…repulsive
Megan
They don’t look any better/worse than skinny jeans. I wouldn’t waste my money on denim leggings when I could wear skinny jeans and get – essentially – the same look.
Cara
Personally, I like the greater substance and presence of a real super-skinny jean, and the painted-on pockets and seams make me giggle! I love normal leggings, though, and I think that as long as they are good, opaque, substantial cotton, there is nothing wrong with wearing them as pants, particularly if you keep the rest of an outfit understated and have the figure for it. Obviously I am in the minority with this opinion, but I am sticking to it. If a girl has the confidence to wear just a legging, stand in awe of her rather than scorning her for transgressing some strange fashion rule. After all, no leggings as pants is not even an age-old defunct style rule, like shoe-and-bag matching. Look at the 80′s, or even old Audrey Hepburn pics, where she wears a classic black legging. And a short top. But never a jegging :)
Diana
I think they only look great if you are skinny. I do not like Beyonces look hey legs look shorter and chubbier
Marisa
Unfortunately most girls wearing them shouldn’t.
Tara from My Little Fashion Finds
I’ve seen jeggings in clothing stores and fashion magazines. I know I’m in the minority here, but I’m actually excited about this trend. I absolutlely love skinny jeans. I never really got into leggings though (I think they’re cute, just not really my style). I think wearing a pair of jeggings might be a good way to get me into regular leggings. They look comfortable too. I definitely want to try this trend out! I would pair my jeggings with a tunic top, by the way.
becca
i could never get away with this trend. for the people that could, i say go for it, but it’s not for me.
Wren
YUK!
Kelly
I really like this trend. I bought some over a year ago at F21 and wear them in place of legging, NOT in the place of jeans. That’s a little too much camel toe. But as long as you apply the basic rules of wearing leggings to these, they actually look really nice.
Kelly
Also, I don’t do the fake zippers or painted on pockets… just plain leggings like shown in the Beyonce picture. I usually wear them, though, like Sienna is. Paris just looks stupid.
miriam
Don’t think they would look good on me. And did anyone notice Sienna’s feet? They look so big ! XD
Evelina
Definitely! I first saw these when I went to Japan 3 months ago and I love them. Skinny jeans are extremely confining, and I feel that leggings let me breathe.
Caroline
I…think definitely yes. Hello! They’re so easy to pull on, they’re stretchy…Maybe they were made for lazy people like meee :D
Jane Manikin
Cool stuff, i would definitely wear them. Does anyone here know the brand of the “jegging” Paris Hilton is wearing? I would love to get one of these too!
Holly
I don’t like it because you know people will misuse it. They will try to use them as actual jeans instead of leggings. Paris is already doing it in that picture. It only looks ok because it’s a small picture and kinda far away. If you look closer at the pic, you get an idea of how unsightly and ridiculous this would be irl, especially if you wear bigger than a size 2.
Jen
I have fat thighs. and ugh! Here I am waiting for skinny jeans to go out of style…and the fabric just keeps getting thinner and more form fitting! Go away skinny jeans! We made fun of you like 5+ years ago!
felicia
i wear denim leggings, it’s so comfy, because instead of buttons they use rubber bands. and no i do not misuse it, only fools do that. unlike other leggings that are tend to make your legs look humongous, denim leggings are not.
i love sienna miller’s outfit!
Grace
Why not? I think if done correctly you can pull it off.
EllySedgwick
I love them! i agree w/ Grace done correctly can pull it off.
it is also like easier to match… cuz. is like they were jeans.. but of course.. Rule #1 use them as what they are.. LEGGINGS… never jeans! :)
Gabbie
No. Just No.
I love my skinny jeans. They are the only kind of jeans I own.
Leggings. Have a black pair. Don’t know how to wear them..
Except,when I have holes in my jeans,I put leggings under them so the leggings show through.
0.0
Juliet
I just bought a pair yesterday, and I think they look great! (: Just that I don’t really know how to wear them… I probably would wear them like sienna.
gaby
i dont really like this trend but i love how sienna millers outfit, i bought some last month back and i didnt like it, i look extremely fat… i didnt like it at all!
Ricci Ann
I’m pretty mad, me & my friend thought of this idea & the word “jeaging” 2 years ago & we think that someone stole our idea…we want to find out who thought of it & sue them!!
Shawn
I can’t believe everyone loves liquid leggings and rejected the jeggings – which have an ugly name, but imho are gorgeous on a proportional body! (of course only as leggings, and not pants.) It is easy to make them look too 80′s, but I love the look when you wear them right!
I wear jeggings on roadtrips and planes, and in the winter in place of some of my jeans when I’ve had too much turkey and stuffing (to avoid muffin top).
example of my traveling outfit: http://www.shmotter.com/outfit-3183
ditte
i wear demin leggins all the time. All my friends do to. u can get them very cheap many places!
Chantal
It really depends on the quality and look. I have 2 pairs, one a bit heavy and the other super-light. I really like them because I wore my heavy ones once and my friends didn’t even realize they weren’t real jeans! They’re super comfy, and I like them. Great for that time of the month when some of us girls can’t stand anything tight over the stomach area.
Sam
Honestly I like this look. It definitely has the potential to go wrong, but as long as you pair it with a longer top that covers your front and butt I think they’re fine. My thighs are a bit bigger than my calves and so I can’t find a pair of skinnies that tuck into my boots, so I love this look to be able to wear boots with a shirt and “jeans”
Apple
I love denim leggings. You just have to remember you are wearing leggings/tights( not jeans) while putting together your outfit…
trish
I have a pair from Chico’s that seem to combine the best of skinny jeans and leggings. They’re denim fabric, with a fly front and zipper, plus REAL front and back pockets. I wear them with long tops. If the top rides up, as happens sometimes when two fabrics interact, I add a very short half slip in between as a lining. I’m lucky enough to be 5’9″ and 128 lbs.
DAWN
Can someone kindly tell me.
I am 42 Yrs old and confused with fashion as always, as I have never really been a fashion victim, but I have always liked the leggings look.
The question I wish to pose is, I am now too old to wear leggings.
I’ll tell you why I am asking this, is I hate clothes shopping, I havent got much money for clothes and it seems (to me anyway) the cheapest way to dress differently, cheaply on different occasions and be comfortable
thanks for your heip
Dawn
Maddie
There are 3 conditions for this trend:
1) You have a good body and/or confidence
2) The jeggings are of dark wash and good quality
3) They fit you very well (no muffin top/ butt-crack, correct length, not too tight)
Kate
It’s definitely not for everyone, but I personally swear by them. I’m very thin and like a very tight look for my jeans, but no matter what your body type, super-tight jeans make movement a bit… difficult. And uncomfortable. Thus, jean leggings to the rescue! I was doubtful at first, but I’ve been completely won over- I haven’t worn my actual jeans in months.
HeatherB
I know they’re silly and really miley cyrus looking but….for me (a 6′ tall chick) it is very difficult to find super duper skinny jeans that cling to me like i wish they would, hence “jeggings” they’re tight and these trick the eye into thinking they’re jeans. Not so bad, but must pair accordingly with accented shirt and shoes!