One of my most popular posts is How to Wear Tights, so it doesn’t come as a huge surprise that I recieve multiple emails asking, “How should I wear leggings?”

Leggings can go wrong really quickly. You know what I’m talking about. One misstep, and you’re channeling Olivia Newton John. Not cool.

It’s a fine line between stylish and tacky, but how can we be sure to stay on the right side of that line?

Think of leggings as an accessory. Don’t build your look around them — you should add leggings to you look. Leggings should match something in your outfit - if there’s a lot of brown, wear brown leggings.

A few tips to keep in mind from the get-go:

• Leggings are not stirrup pants — that look is not back and should not be back.
• Leggings do not have feet — don’t mistake opaque tights for leggings.

Leggings in the workplace

First tip is to access you work environment. Leggings are most appropriate for a job in a creative field. Black is often the safest choice – work is not a time to experiment or be trendy. Think of them as a black trouser.

Examples:

Girls night out – or date night

Pair a mini dress, long tank or blouse with pumps or boots and add something shiny (shirt, purse, shoes)! Add jackets or vests to complete the look.

Examples:

Out and about or weekend casual

Pair a long blouse or tunic with jeggings or corduroys and flats or boots and a sweater or jacket. Add a scarf for additional interest.

Examples:

Final tips to keep in mind:

When you wear a shirt over leggings, your shirt shouldn’t fall past the middle of your thigh.  Any lower will throw off your proportions.

The key to wearing leggings in style is to get the big-over-small silhouette.  So when you choose a shirt to pair with your leggings, look for a roomy shirt that’s anything but skintight.  Skintight top + skintight leggings = Not very flattering.

When choosing a color for your leggings, try echoing another color already existing in your outfit.  That is, if you already have grey in your outfit, a grey pair of leggings could be a great choice.  But if you don’t already have red in your outfit, don’t try to slip on a pair of red leggings.  It will either be fabulous or frightening… now may not be the time to experiment.

Hope this was helpful! Do you wear leggings? What is your favorite way to don the accessory?