Teens know how to wear leggings, but adult women over 40, 50, or 60 have stricter fashion rules than teens do. I’ll tell you all about what to wear with leggings so that you’ll look trendy—but not silly.
Leggings are still a big hit, no matter what fashion designers and style magazines say (or fail to say).
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I was in Paris last summer and saw women of all ages wearing leggings under miniskirts. In the States, where everyone is extremely casual—almost embarrassingly casual—leggings are perfect.
Can You Wear Leggings as Pants?
Yes. You will love wearing leggings as pants, as long as you wear them the right way.
Leggings are a great style for apple shapes because leggings and jeggings are stretchy. So, leggings will fit you—even on days when nothing else does.
Most of us will eventually become apple shapes due to the natural decrease in estrogen that happens as we get older.
Actually, I have been an apple shape all of my life, so I know quite a bit about wearing leggings without looking absurd or embarrassing. Well, I’m good with leggings most of the time.
If you are over 18 and don’t live in the Playboy Mansion, you must wear your leggings with a top or tee that’s long enough to cover your hoo-ha and your booty. No exceptions, ladies.
What to Wear with Leggings:
- Long Tunics: Your tunic tops should reach mid-thigh if you plan on sitting down.
- Flirty Dresses and Skirts: Wear your leggings as tights.
- Big Shirts: Your top must be long enough to fulfill the requirements.
- Big Shirts with Belts: See above.
- Long, Roomy Sweaters: Ditto.
- Long, T-shirt Tunic Dresses: This may become your go-to casual look.
NOT Clothes to Wear With Leggings
The legging trend uses the silhouette of big over narrow (big top, narrow legs). If you are wearing your leggings as pants, you cannot wear them with:
- Any short top.
- Any tight-fitting top.
I don’t care about what J-Lo wears. No excuses. If I catch you, I’ll send you to the back of the line.
How to Wear Jeggings Over 40, 50, 60
You will love jeggings.
If you are over 40, you will love wearing jeggings instead of jeans. Jeggings are like denim tights or very skinny jeans. Any apple-shaped woman (of any age) who has had children will find that jeggings are more comfortable than jeans.
When you hit 40 or 50, you will notice that most jeans suck, and jeggings are a chic alternative to the dreaded “mom jeans.”
As soon as I tell women not to wear something, it seems like it becomes hip with young chicks in London. Please ignore the new “mom” jeans. It’s not hip to wear the mom-jean trend if you actually are a mom. It’s just embarrassing, and no one will think you’re cool, which is the whole reason for wearing something like that.
Apple Shaped Women
In fall and winter, apple shapes should take advantage of their shapely legs by wearing leggings under a long T-shirt or T-shirt dress and covering the whole outfit with a sweater coat or belted trench coat.
If your trench is cute enough, you can wear that same outfit anywhere, from the malls of North America to the streets of Paris. However, you must wear leggings (or jeggings) that are heavy enough not to be confused with tights.
Cropped Leggings: How Long Should My Leggings Be?
I have found that decent leggings will morph to fit almost anybody.
- Short Chicks: Go chic and sleek with longer leggings that reach your shoes or ankle booties. This creates a long, unbroken line of leg. Wearing short, mid-calf, or cropped leggings tucked into knee boots or over-the-knee boots will also make your legs look longer, even if you’re short.
- Tall Women: Look hot in mid-calf or any style of cropped leggings worn with ballet flats or high-heeled boots. As always, lucky women who are tall have the option of wearing whatever their little hearts desire.
Rules for Leggings
Even if you wore leggings in the 80s and think you are Little Miss Know-it-all, sit up straight and pay attention to these reminders:
- You are neither Cher nor Lady Gaga.
- You are not Olivia Newton-John in Grease.
- You must not wear shiny, leopard print, or hot pink leggings. This is for your own good, and you will thank me later.
- Leggings are not really pants; they are a layer.
- Leggings must be thick enough that waitresses cannot guess what color underwear you are wearing (or not wearing).
- Most short women should match (or blend) their leggings to their footwear.
What Shoes Should I Wear With Leggings?
Leggings are fabulous with ballet flats, flat ankle boots, low-heeled boots, and boots with “sturdy” heels that could never be referred to as hooker boots, even if they reach the thigh.
If you are wearing your leggings more like tights than pants—for example, wearing your leggings with a dress or skirt—you can wear any type of boot or shoe. That includes stilettos, if you must, as well as over-the-knee boots, ankle boots, and fold-down (cuffed) boots.
When in Doubt:
- Ask Your Daughter: She will tell you the truth.
- Consult Your Full-Length Mirror: Ask yourself if you look like you just came from Walmart.
No Upper Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for wearing leggings or jeggings. If you do them right, jeggings will look like jeans. However, if you start laughing when you look in the mirror, change into something else.
Leggings are comfortable and warm. As long as you follow the rules and rely upon your excellent taste, you will always know how and where to wear leggings.
Takeaways
- Wear Them Right: Pair leggings with long tops to avoid looking silly.
- Choose the Right Length: Longer leggings create a sleek look for shorter women, while tall women can experiment with various cropped styles.
- Opt for Jeggings: A chic alternative to jeans, especially for apple-shaped women.
- Balance Your Outfit: Use accessories like belts and coats to complement leggings.
- Select Appropriate Shoes: Ballet flats, ankle boots, and sturdy heels work best with leggings.
- Follow the Rules: Avoid overly shiny or tight-fitting tops with leggings and ensure they are thick enough to act as a proper layer.
By following these guidelines, adult women over 40 can wear leggings stylishly and comfortably, staying trendy without looking silly.
