Leggings are actually very easy to wear, no matter what your age or shape.
The hot silhouettes – the shapes, for fall are bigger on top - we're seeing broader shoulders and longer looks, as in tunic length, paired with a narrow bottom. Leggings work from day to dinner, so have at least two pair to wear! The length and fabric are the two most important things to look for in a legging.
One of my favorite looks is to wear black matte leggings and black low heel ankle boots with a dress that has a full skirt.
Length: The length is the secret to success in feeling comfortable and looking great in leggings because a hemline is a horizontal break on the leg. Note the best length for your own leg: capri/cropped/long if you have longer legs, thin and/or shapely legs, or thin ankles. If you have thicker legs go for ankle length or just above the ankle.
Alterations: Don’t hesitate to get a slight alteration to adjust the hem to your best length.
Thicker Legs: Wear a tunic length top or dress.
Try ankle boots especially if you have thick ankles. Ankle boots the same color as the legging visually elongate the leg. If you have thick ankles wear ballerina flats or low heels with a scooped out oval toe box showing toe cleavage, or wear low, pointed flats or low heels. Avoid shiny material if you have thicker legs.
Cellulite: If you have cellulite, make sure the fabric is a bit sturdier, suggestions include Danskin leggings with Supplex. Danskin makes plus sizes too but the missy XL can fit up to a size 18W. Call a local dance wear store to find them and go try a pair on to see what size you have. Make sure to ask if they carry 1x etc. as they may not have in them stock but will order them. When I called a local dancewear store, they told me the XL runs large, so I was encouraged to go over there and try them on. They fit me! In fact they are actually a bit long, but I hemmed them.
This particular fiber blend – Lycra with Supplex has strong but not tight with a smooth matte surface and they aren't tight around the waist. Thinner cotton leggings don't hold their shape and they can reveal lumps, bumps and bulges. Newport News has Shape FX leggings and I just ordered the high-waisted style to try it out. Junonia also has a lot of styles and fabrics to choose from.
Be Your Own Stylist:
A white shirt worn a bit oversized and belted lower on the hip - or not; worn with leggings and a boyfriend jacket - J. Jill has one up to 4X - works for women of all ages. Dickies a great white shirt for $26.99 up to a 2X and it comes in black too. Lane Bryant has several to choose from this season (Fall 2009).
Cardigan: Instead of a boyfriend style jacket, choose a longer cardigan, nothing too thick and not cable style.
Dresses: Leggings work with dresses now; just remember that thinner is better for this purpose, unless you are funking it up with motorcycle boots and vintage. ;-)
Take a party dress, pair with leggings, ballerina flats or peep toe shoes, add lots of beads or arm bangles to bring the party dress down to a more casual style.
Washing Tip: turn the leggings inside out, use Woolite for Darks, a detergent designed for dark fabrics, and hang to dry. These tricks will keep your leggings black longer, as black can fade, although the Supplex leggings don’t really fade. Avoiding the dryer will keep the elastic fibers from breaking down.
Your leggings will keep their color and shape longer.
