Female lovers of casual wear are rejoicing the return of legging season.
Let’s start with the two tipping points that I have definitely written about before.
Draping and leggings! And both those posts were not that favorable.
Here’s a review:
Draping – If you have any type of body liability and you think draping over it is going to fix it, you are wrong.
Leggings – If you think leggings can be thin like opaque pantyhose or the new Oreo Thins – you are wrong again.
So let’s proceed. We are going to be quite particular about the fabric, shape and size of the tunics. And then of course we are going to be quite particular about the fabric, shape and size of your leggings!
Let’s start with the leggings:
When it comes to fabrics that flatter you want to look for quality, medium weight, with a combination of natural fibers and a bit of lycra or spandex. That applies to both tops and bottoms. When it comes to the leggings, thicker is better and skin tight is not always right! Remember – you have to look good when you leave the room! Plus leggings have come a long way baby! The most popular fabric being the ponte knit with many now coming with welting, zippers and other styling details.
Look for high-waisted, perhaps an 8 or 10 inch rise from the crotch seam so that they cover your belly button (aka muffin top). You want to have a smooth midriff under your tunic top. You want to make sure they are a quality fabric so it won’t pill or get baggy and make sure they are completely opaque. And remember, leggings are not pants! The only real estate that should be showing is about 8-10 inches above your knee where your tunic ends (tunic means your hips and butt are covered)! The asymmetrical tops work for most body types. Remember if the top is already long, you may benefit by trying it on in petite as well so it doesn’t overwhelm your frame. No charge to try!
Here are a few favorites for your perusing pleasure:
NYDJ Ponte Knit Sun & Shadow Faux Suede Leatherette Faux Leather
How do we style these so we don’t look like teenagers? First pair them with booties or riding boots as opposed to stilettos! Remember at our age the legging is only visible less than 50% of the bottom half.
Here are a few favorites:
Jack Rogers Suede Low Michael Kors Mid Ralph Lauren High
Second, pair the leggings with fabulous tops or sweaters that steal the show. The leggings are just the foundation, like the wheels on a car. It’s what is on the upper body that counts!
Again look for fabrics that flatter your curves, quality knits with a substantial hand like cashmere, lofty layered silks and jersey knits. The idea of the tunic is that it flows a bit off the hips (a bit I said) to add some fluidity to the outfit to balance off the fitted bottom half.
Here are a few ideas:
Neiman’s Diagonal Tunic Pendelton Color Block Zulily Plaid Tunic
“Did You Dress With Confidence Today”
Join me Monday morning, October 17th, online at 11am as I present a 30-minute live webinar with Over 40 Females®, a nationally acclaimed Live and Online Women’s Networking Community that provides resources to better women’s lives both professionally and personally. The company stands strongly behinds its founding motto: “Connect, Encourage and Inspire.”
This event is open globally and you can register here: Over 40 Females Event
In need of help navigating your style? Attend one of our workshops!
October 25th – Just My Size Plus Workshop
November 14th – Private Styling Workshop
Need the perfect bedtime read so you can dream about your pending scarf purchases? My savvy style guide – Confidence Is Always In Style is now available on Amazon!
Tips To Styling Your Leggings
Let’s start with the two tipping points that I have definitely written about before.
Draping and leggings! And both those posts were not that favorable.
Here’s a review:
Draping – If you have any type of body liability and you think draping over it is going to fix it, you are wrong.
Leggings – If you think leggings can be thin like opaque pantyhose or the new Oreo Thins – you are wrong again.
So let’s proceed. We are going to be quite particular about the fabric, shape and size of the tunics. And then of course we are going to be quite particular about the fabric, shape and size of your leggings!
Let’s start with the leggings:
When it comes to fabrics that flatter you want to look for quality, medium weight, with a combination of natural fibers and a bit of lycra or spandex. That applies to both tops and bottoms. When it comes to the leggings, thicker is better and skin tight is not always right! Remember – you have to look good when you leave the room! Plus leggings have come a long way baby! The most popular fabric being the ponte knit with many now coming with welting, zippers and other styling details.
Look for high-waisted, perhaps an 8 or 10 inch rise from the crotch seam so that they cover your belly button (aka muffin top). You want to have a smooth midriff under your tunic top. You want to make sure they are a quality fabric so it won’t pill or get baggy and make sure they are completely opaque. And remember, leggings are not pants! The only real estate that should be showing is about 8-10 inches above your knee where your tunic ends (tunic means your hips and butt are covered)! The asymmetrical tops work for most body types. Remember if the top is already long, you may benefit by trying it on in petite as well so it doesn’t overwhelm your frame. No charge to try!
Here are a few favorites for your perusing pleasure:
NYDJ Ponte Knit Sun & Shadow Faux Suede Leatherette Faux Leather
How do we style these so we don’t look like teenagers? First pair them with booties or riding boots as opposed to stilettos! Remember at our age the legging is only visible less than 50% of the bottom half.
Here are a few favorites:
Jack Rogers Suede Low Michael Kors Mid Ralph Lauren High
Second, pair the leggings with fabulous tops or sweaters that steal the show. The leggings are just the foundation, like the wheels on a car. It’s what is on the upper body that counts!
Again look for fabrics that flatter your curves, quality knits with a substantial hand like cashmere, lofty layered silks and jersey knits. The idea of the tunic is that it flows a bit off the hips (a bit I said) to add some fluidity to the outfit to balance off the fitted bottom half.
Here are a few ideas:
Neiman’s Diagonal Tunic Pendelton Color Block Zulily Plaid Tunic
“Did You Dress With Confidence Today”
Join me Monday morning, October 17th, online at 11am as I present a 30-minute live webinar with Over 40 Females®, a nationally acclaimed Live and Online Women’s Networking Community that provides resources to better women’s lives both professionally and personally. The company stands strongly behinds its founding motto: “Connect, Encourage and Inspire.”
This event is open globally and you can register here: Over 40 Females Event
In need of help navigating your style? Attend one of our workshops!
October 25th – Just My Size Plus Workshop
November 14th – Private Styling Workshop
Need the perfect bedtime read so you can dream about your pending scarf purchases? My savvy style guide – Confidence Is Always In Style is now available on Amazon!