For months, I resisted the leggings revolution. Because I feared they would make me look shorter than I am. Because I feared their similarity to hose and thought that they would be uncomfortable. Because I didn’t want to wear nothing but a miniskirt over them.
I believed all of these leggings myths:
Myth #1: Leggings make you look short.
Leggings are really glorified hose, one step up from tights, when you think about it. They cling skin-tight. They stretch leg-long. I wear hose, don’t I (when I can’t avoid it)? Just like classic hose, leggings dress up outfits when worn modestly.
Myth #2: Leggings are uncomfortable.
The first time I wore leggings, I didn’t want to take them off. True story. Far from being itchy and unnatural (as I have found hose to be), leggings feel like pajama pants, soft, warm, and cozy. I think this is why the third myth came into being…
Myth #3: Leggings are pants.
Leggings are not pants. Unfortunately. They are comfortable, stylish, and even in right now, so I sort of wish I could wear them as pants. But I wouldn’t dare, for they are too tight to pass my modesty test. They are just not a substitute for a sturdy pair of slacks or jeans.
Even though wearing leggings {modestly} as pants is impossible for me, I still love my leggings! Why?
Truth #1: Leggings make you look put-together.
And who doesn’t need a little style organization on a busy Monday morning when I forgot to plan my outfit the night before (okay, so that’s most Monday mornings)? Leggings allow me to yank a skirt from the closet, pull a blouse from the drawer, put it all together, and look somewhat finished. Like I planned it. There’s just something about leggings beneath a skirt that gives a girl that classic Audrey Hepburn feel…
Truth #2: Leggings are not only comfortable, they’re warm.
I originally bought my first pair of leggings because I was going to the mountains in November for a dear friend’s wedding. (May I repeat: The mountains. In November. That spells cold for this Southern seaside town girl!) I knew I wanted to wear a dress, and I knew I needed something to prevent my knees and below from freezing. Leggings fit the bill because they are so tight and thereby keep you snug.
Truth #2: Leggings are perfect for skirts.
I’ve grown girlier since I got leggings. By that, I mean that I wear even more skirts and dresses than I did before. Because now I know that skirt/dress + leggings will equal one put-together outfit. Not only that, but they are just as comfortable (and warmer) than pants. Best of all, they are modest beneath knee-length skirts.
They go great with my short boots, too.
About Rachelle Rea
Rachelle is an author and editor who would much rather shop for books than for clothes (this must be why malls were invented). Her favorite accessories are a smile and a scarf. Her debut novel releases next year.
Hi Rachelle! Thanks for the tips, I have 2 questions.
1. What do you think of wearing leggings with a long enough high-low top?
2. Would you like to do a guest post about modest is hottest specifically talking about dressing (but modest) in a modern world for my two blogs? Thanks!
Thanks for commenting, Brooke! And for the invitation. I’m going to say no for now, but I’m honored you asked.
Also, about wearing leggings with a top, I consider that immodest for me, unless it’s a dress that hits maybe as high as above-my-knee. 🙂 Any higher and it just gets inconvenient to move. 🙂
Love it, Shell! 😀 I’m glad you’re enjoying trending and keeping your legs warm. I’ve thought of getting some as we wear skirts most of the time, just because I like them more, and thus here in the bitter cold north our legs gets quite chilly! I love how they can make a shorter skirt look more modest too, which is very convenient. 🙂
Leggings as pants are very in right now with the college age women here. I don’t think it looks cute at all. Just kinda looks like they forgot a layer. 🙂 The slightly older girls wear short skirts with theirs and while it doesn’t increase the modesty a ton, it definitely looks more put together! At 30, I love that I can layer leggings and look stylish and youthful but still be fulfilling a practical need for warmth and coverage. 🙂
And I’m thankful that, here in Alaska, boots are always in style. 🙂
Hi Anjanette! As a college student, I do see the leggings-as-pants look quite often. I think that’s one of the reasons I held out against getting my own for so long–I thought I had to wear them like that. 🙂 But instead I can use them as you mentioned, another layer for warmth, etc. 🙂
Yay for boots! 🙂
You can also wear leggings with a really long sweater and a belt. Which is my personal favorite! Or how about one of those boho-chic numbers that you arent entirely sure if they are a long shirt or a short dress? Save the confusion by tossing a pair of leggings on with them. 🙂
Good points, Ashley. I just have to be sure they’re modest “short” dresses and then I’m good. 🙂
Oooh!! I finally got a chance to read this…and LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I am short too, and really love my leggings! They are so great for allowing me to wear short skirts in the winter and give such a great look to boots and, well, any outfit!! I’m currently on the hunt for capri length leggings that I can wear in the summer with my shorter skirts and sandals. 😀
Thanks for the great post!! <3
Capri length leggings sound like the bomb, too, Hannah! It may be a little warm (okay, a lotta warm) for my corner of the South for me to be wearing leggings after April, but I’ll know that’s an option. 🙂
I’ve always been scared to wear leggings, not necessarily because of modesty, but because I wasn’t sure how to wear them! Thanks for the great post and ideas!
Sooo glad this was helpful to you, then, Kalyn!
Rachelle,
I really appreciate your insight into this topic! Very well written and helpful! Thank you!
Thanks, Melinda! That means a lot! 🙂
I just started incorporating leggings into my wardrobe because most of my skirts/dresses can be more on the summer side of things and I needed to stay warm and still look good for my profession (lol). They are perfect with a sweater dress and a pair of tall boots or with a mid length skirt and blouse and flats!
Jaclynn, I haven’t had a chance to try my leggings with flats yet, so thanks for that idea! 🙂