Opaque, sheer, matte, shiny, cropped, ankle: leggings were a runway staple in every Fall Ready-to-Wear show from Max Azria to Yves Saint Laurent.
Over the summer, they graced the spindly legs of styling celebs as diverse as Lindsay Lohan, Kate Bosworth, and even Sarah Jessica Parker.
This fall, they're popping up on us mere mortals all over the world. What's the deal with this 80s revival look? No fear - the Fashion Informer is here!
The ultimate rule that almost every legging virgin breaks is wearing leggings with a sweater and: that's it. I committed this fashion faux pas last winter, and the image still haunts me. Repeat after me: leggings are not pants, leggings are not pants, even if you have a body like Gisele, leggings are not pants.
Why? Because nobody wants to see your rear end in that much detail. Treat leggings like a pair of sheer tights, and dress accordingly. Alternatively, use the no-leggings test: stand in front of your mirror in your potentially fabulous leggings outfit, take off the leggings, and see if your outfit suddenly becomes scandalous. If it does, skinny jeans in a dark rinse are a flattering alternative for all body types.
Another key legging rule is to stick to basic black, or risk looking like you walked off the set of "Footloose."
Acceptable: black or near-black colors such as dark brown, navy, or grey; a touch of lace trim or scrunching at the bottom; or textured leggings such as vertical stripes (only if they're monotone) as seen at Missoni. If you're wearing leggings that are anything but plain black, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit very neutral.
With the variety of lengths out on the market, what works best? Pedal-pusher length leggings work only with an oversized, flowing blouse or sweater, belted at the waist for extra fashion points. Beware, as this length will highlight your calves and, accordingly, only really works with heels.
Mid-calf, or cropped leggings, are the safest bet and the most widely available. They look great under dresses, sweaters, long shirts, or your last night's hookup's button-down. With this length, a belt works best either right under the bust or on the hip.
The full length, or ankle leggings, are reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn and are my personal favorite. They're the most practical and slimming since they cover the whole leg (a great trick if you forgot to shave!) and look fabulous paired with mini skirts or dresses. This type of legging also highlights your footwear, so wear cute flats for day or platform heels for night.
The final important distinction is the difference between leggings and tights. Throughout this article, the term "leggings" has referred to both. Leggings are completely opaque, thick, and are made from some kind of cotton stretch fabric (think American Apparel). Tights are also opaque, but provide less coverage and more stretch (think Hue).
Contrast is key in making the decision between leggings and tights. If your top half is dressed in a manner that is billowy, sheer, very oversized, or almost breaking the leggings-are-not-pants rule, then opt for leggings, whereas if your top half is dressed in a manner that is fitted, opaque, or a dress or skirt, tights are the way to go. Tights are generally more flattering and forgiving than leggings, but leggings do provide warmth, so the final decision is ultimately a personal one.
So what has the Fashion Informer taught us today? Leggings can be a fun, stylish, and practical addition to your fall wardrobe as long as they do not replace your pants.
Jyll Saskin is a sophomore. She can be reached at jyll.saskin@tufts.edu.
