You guys I feel compelled to address an issue that’s been flying around the Internet unchecked. The rumor that it is not OK to wear leggings as pants. This is entirely false. Leggings as pants is one of the most wonderful inventions of all time. In fact, some weeks I wear leggings as pants exclusively and I have never once apologized for it, and I never will. But ladies, with great freedom comes great responsibility. So please, some guidelines to follow so you can stop ruining it for the rest of us who are tastefully enjoying our stretchy comfort.
- Start with GOOD QUALITY LEGGINGS.
You know those people that say you should only wear yoga leggings to yoga? They are wrong. Lulu is excellent, or if you wanna go local and support small biz NeshNYC makes some awesome styles. Yes they’re expensive, but they are not see-through (the number one faux pas of legging/pants novices). DON’T buy your leggings at Target or the dollar store or any other such discount store. Spring for a quality pair and they will happily last you years without anyone seeing your thigh/cheek flesh in public. - Wear something TUNIC LENGTH on top.
There are a very small percentage of women who can actually wear leggings as full pants. If you wear something dress length you will look frumpy like you should just be wearing tights, and if you wear something shirt length (even hip) you WILL NOT look like Kate Moss. Trust me. Tunic length is the place to BE. If you are confident and fit, you can show a teeny bit of butt cheek in the back because hey you’re a sassy lady who’s wearing leggings as pants; but please, the length in front should cover your lady parts. - Choose appropriate FOOTWEAR.
Do not wear sneakers. Do not wear sneakers. Do not wear sneakers. Let me be clear, you cannot wear a running shoe, a Ked, a Converse, a Shape-up, or anything with a rubber sole. If you enter advanced leggings as pants status, you MIGHT be able to pull off some Toms. But please, consult a professional for clearance before doing so. Instead, go for a nice tall boot, calf to knee high but NOT over the knee, you are not Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. - Stick with a SOLID COLOR on bottom.
When you are buying yoga leggings avoid anything that looks too athletic. No piping, color blocking, or weird stuff—black and grey are your fail-safe’s here. You can add personality elsewhere, like by having an actual personality. - Lastly, HAVE FUN ON TOP.
You know what you like, go for it. Patterns, colors, shapes: do it all. Wear make-up and jewelry, do your hair just like usual. Horizontal stripes are a-ok here. Because the whole silhouette is so streamlined a busy or bold pattern doesn’t make you look heavier, it just adds interest that says “HEY, I’M ROCKING LEGGINGS AS PANTS AND YOU DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE BECAUSE I LOOKED SO FUCKIN’ GREAT.”
the. end.