The Do’s and No’s for Leggings

Leggings are a very touchy subject when it comes to high fashion, and they have the potential to be very fashionable – if you know what you are doing. Let me give you some guidance for the situations that may ensue from wearing leggings.

For skirts: Leggings should only be worn with short, form-fitted skirts. By short, I mean above the top of the knee, to the mid-thigh. No mini-skirts allowed. They should never be worn with skirts that flare out, or with skirts that fall any where below the knee. If the skirt is pleated, the pleat can only be in the middle of the back of the skirt – that means no side pleats.

For pants: Leggings can be worn with form-fitted short trousers, or shorts that come from above the knee to the mid-thigh. No ’short shorts’ are allowed. You cannot wear capris, culottes, or long pants with leggings.

As for legging color – keep it simple. Wear basic colors – nothing bright or gauche, and keep patterns simple and clean – this means no flowers, hearts, or horizontal stripes.

Leggings should not be worn with any type of dress. This is sinfully tacky.

Leggings should not be worn with blouses or shirts that are longer than average.

As for legging length, the acceptable lengths are from the waist to the foot (they can enclose the foot as you will not see them outside of the footwear – see below), and from the waist to right below the knee. When wearing leggings that come from the waist to right below the knee, you have to have great legs and good skin color and complexion that matches the leggings and outfit you are wearing.

Never wear any kind of socks with leggings. Leg warmers should not be worn with leggings either. Leg warmers should only be worn to 80’s parties.

When wearing leggings that come from the waist to the foot, you should only wear closed-toe flats. Boots (Uggs particularly) and other footwear are inadequate by all means. When wearing leggings that come from the waist to right below the knee, you cannot wear socks, but you have a few options for footwear: closed-toe flats, heels, and stilettos – do not wear anything else, and be sure to keep these three options clean and classy. I don’t want you to look like a whore.

With these simple tips, you can be very stylish and fashionable in your leggings. If you do not follow these guidelines, you will look a hot mess. That’s all.