The most common fashion faux pas: wearing cotton leggings as pants. The perpetrators: all girls 16 and up! I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, ladies, but these cozy pull ons are meant for yoga class or bed time only! This fashion faux pas has become so incredibly common that I have developed a small hatred for this 80’s inspired fashion that can do a lot ofgood. Don’t get me wrong, I love a cozy ensemble, but the rule that accompanies rule #1 of fashion, “Wear things that make you feel good”, is rule #2; “Dress for your body type.”
Spandex or anything form fitting, like the black cotton legging are not the most flattering styles for many body types, especially for girls with some curves. This fashion crime is most commonly seen on college campuses, like UConn. First it was the infamous Victoria’s Secret yoga pant, and now the $9.99 legging. If comfort and keeping up with the latest fashion trends are your main priority, I have the best alternative for you!
Since this retro-inspired style is so popular today, designers have introduced their own take on the legging. My absolute favorite is the LC by Lauren Conrad “Skinny Ponte Pant”. This structured black, stretch pant gives the look of wearing a simple black legging, while giving your body shape. They are also not thin and nearly see-through like the cotton legging. This legging look-alike is indeed a pant and is much more appropriate to wear with any top than leggings are. Another spandex alternative is the legging or stretch jean in a dark wash or in black or the fun faux leather pant. Find the pair that best fits your figure, and I promise you will find them just as comfortable to be in as cotton leggings.
If you are looking to wear anything but jeans, look past your drawer full of leggings and choose one of my legging alternatives. You can still get the look of a black, skinny pant without wearing the next best thing to under ware; leggings. Fashion 101: if you’re wearing leggings and your bottom (and front) regions are not covered by a dress or oversized sweater, than your committing the crime of wearing “leggings as pants”. If you refuse to give up your favorite article of clothing, pair them with a long blazer and oversized white t, or sweater. There are fashion-do’s and fashion-don’ts when it comes to mastering this 80’s inspired look!
Check out these!!
Lauren Conrad: http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1089960/lc-lauren-conrad-skinny-ponte-pants.jsp
Gap: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54987&vid=1&pid=249286002
Kardashian Kollection “Knit Ponte Legging”: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/sea…