The Great Leggings Debate
Do leggings qualify as standalone leg wear? It may sound like a strange question, but the issue is generating buzz across campuses nationwide. In an environment where both comfort and appearance are important, leggings have become a student-friendly compromise between sweatpants and denim. While many of us sport leggings on a regular basis, an increasing number of students (particularly males) are baffled by their coup d’état over conventional bottoms. “Even with a body like Kate Moss, leggings are not pants,” said student Taylor Dungjen from University of Cincinnati.
If you’re sporting basic knit leggings with a t-shirt or fleece, Dungjen’s statement is entirely correct. Leggings with short tops are about as unflattering as Mariah Carey and Cher’s getups at the Golden Globes. But fashion rules are made to be made over. Thanks to several recent upgrades in design, some leggings can now hold their own as the lower half of an ensemble. Here’s my best advice on putting leggings in their place:
Throw away your oldest pair. Odds are your first pair of leggings were a cheap buy from a midline department store. Poor quality leggings fade and thin with every wash, meaning your oldies are too translucent to fly solo.
Acknowledge that some leggings work as pants, but most do not. If your leggings are basic, they’re probably not meant to be shown off on their own. However, jeggings can be fierce with boots and sharp-shouldered blazers and high-waisted leggings work well with voluminous, delicate blouses.
Know that dresses are not the solution. Leggings worn with dresses are even more offensive than leggings worn as pants. Hemlines that fall close to leggings’ break near the ankles create a stubby silhouette. Winter dresses should only be worn with opaque or patterned tights.
Be considerate of critics. If the top paired with your leggings doesn’t pass your hips, add a cardigan or long scarf to balance the lack of length. It’ll make your faux-pas a little less painful for your anti-spandex classmates.
If leggings work for you, be mindful of these tips and upgrade your collection to include newly acceptable styles. If you still hate them, refer all who wear them incorrectly to this post.
You’re Beautiful,
Alise
“I base my fashion sense on what doesn’t itch.”
- Gilda Radner
Tags: A's List, Alise Buehrer, College fashion, fashion, fashion advice, leggings, Leggings as pants, Pants, style, trends, winter
Loading ...