Love Your Look: When to wear leggings, tights or bare legs (2024)

We ask a wardrobe stylist to weigh in on the winter fashion dilemma.

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — It's a common winter dilemma for those of us in cold-weather climates: when is it appropriate to wear leggings vs. tights, and is it ever OK to bare your legs?

In our latest "Love Your Look" series, 3News' Sara Shookman met up with Wardrobe Stylist Megan Moran of The Style Foundry at Cascades Boutique in Chagrin Falls to answer those very questions,

To start, Megan wanted to make one point very clear - Leggings are not pants. Repeat after us: Leggings are not pants.

But don't panic. There are plenty of appropriate ways to wear these comfortable and functional wardrobe pieces. And, they're very different from the rules of wearing tights.

So how does it all break down? Megan provided the tips below to get you started.

Tips

  1. How to wear leggings:
    • Instead of wearing athletic-type leggings, swap them out for a ponte pant. This creates a more polished and put-together look as the fabric is slightly dressier.
    • Also remember to pair these tighter pants with a longer looser blouse, cardigan, and/or jacket to ensure your bottom is covered and you're more comfortable. This also allows you to balance out your shape, so your entire outfit isn't skin tight or all baggy.
    • Wearing a tunic dress (i.e. a dress that is too short to wear without bottoms but too long to wear with regular pants), is another way to infuse leggings into your wardrobe. Make sure to pair them with tall boots so your legs aren't too exposed.
  2. When should you wear tights?
    • You'll want to pull your tights out when wearing your dresses in the cold winter months.
    • It's best to pair your tights with boots or booties, and in some cases, pointed toe heels.
    • Opt for a sheer pair of black tights so you can see some skin underneath. This creates additional layers and dimension, and ensures you don't look like one continuous piece of fabric from your shoulders to your feet.
    • If you plan on wearing tights often, consider investing in a good pair that won't snag and will last you a while. If you're only wearing them once or twice a season, a less expensive pair from Target or Amazon will do just fine.
    • When it comes to caring for your tights, wash them inside-out on a delicate cycle. You can even consider washing them in a bra bag to keep them extra safe and extend their life
    • Megan recommends Spanx or Commando brand, both are available on Amazon.
  3. Can you ever rock a bare leg in the winter?
    • Going to a formal event or out for a date night? Sometimes your outfit will call for no tights at all. Typically this is when your dress is too formal to pair with black sheer tights or if you're wearing an open toe shoe.
    • If you don't feel comfortable going tights-less, try switching up your outfit to either a dress you can wear tights with or pants.

Web extra: How to care for your leggings and tights

Love Your Look: When to wear leggings, tights or bare legs (2024)

FAQs

Should a 70 year old woman wear leggings? ›

The best news is, leggings are an ageless staple that look great on everyone, as long as what you see in the mirror sparks joy. For women over 65, fashion stylists have some tips that can keep your leggings looking attractive, on-trend, and put-together (and, of course, comfy!). Read on for the best ways to wear 'em.

Can a 65 year old woman wear leggings? ›

Leggings are one of the most disputed items of clothing for older women. Some of us over 50 swear by their leggings, while others are appalled by the fact that older women still wear leggings. I say, to each her own. There is no right or wrong answer to wearing leggings after 50.

Why are tights so attractive? ›

Tights show your curves much better than anything else apart from perhaps a waist cincher or corset under your dress. They're often figure-forming if you go for compression tights, but even if they are not then the way they draw your gaze means that your curves are easier to show off.

What should I wear after age 60? ›

Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and cashmere feel comfortable and are simply better for the skin. A pair of white linen pants is easy to mix and match with colored or printed tops.

How should you dress when you are over 65? ›

5 Tips For Dressing in Your 60s
  1. Big patterns, bold colors. By the time you've reached your 60s, your outlook is refreshing—you've learned not to take yourself or life too seriously. ...
  2. Breathable Fabrics Reign Supreme. ...
  3. Embrace the unexpected. ...
  4. Balance timeless with trends. ...
  5. Mix textures and metals.

Should 80 year old woman wear jeans? ›

She's also right on board to proclaim high and wide that we are never too old to wear jeans! For a casual, everyday look go for medium-colored jeans and pair them with matching accessories. Darker denim can be worn to semi-formal events by pairing them with elegant and chic items.

What type of clothing is not appropriate to be worn by the elderly? ›

As a rule of thumb, tight and constricting clothing is unsafe for seniors, as they need as much blood flow in their body as possible.

Why do guys find leggings attractive? ›

Yoga pants accentuate this low waist to hip ratio incredibly well. Being skintight, they hug a woman's figure, showing off the shape of her body including her hips, butt and legs. An attractive woman wearing a tight pair of yoga pants signals to men (as well as other women) that they are fit, healthy and fertile.

Do tights make you look thinner? ›

Full-length leggings are the way to go – as they will make your legs look longer whereas shorter ones draw attention to visible skin areas and can tend to make them look wider. Heels! Yes, high heeled shoes and leggings will make your legs look thinner for sure.

Should leggings have wrinkles? ›

Leggings should be second-skin tight. This means no wrinkles or bagginess. If the leggings hang loose away from your body, they're not tight enough and you've probably gone too big.

What shirt to wear with leggings? ›

The best shirts to wear with leggings are long ones.

Like mentioned in the style tips above, avoid shirts that are too tight, too short, or too sexy. A button-down, slightly longer shirt is an excellent example of a shirt you can pair with leggings to create a cute outfit for spring.

Are leggings still in style 2023? ›

No, leggings will never go out of style. They're a versatile and comfortable article of clothing that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion – and they're great to wear as regular pants too, as reviewed on this page.

When should I get rid of leggings? ›

Here are five signs you should look for:
  1. You've had them longer than you should.
  2. Everything starts to feel (too) stretchy.
  3. You're beginning to notice some wear and tear.
  4. Your body feels discomfort.
  5. Your gear isn't doing its job.

How do I look great at 60? ›

  1. 7 Anti-Aging Tricks that Every Woman Over 60 Should Know. ...
  2. Wear a Genuine Smile. ...
  3. Spend Time with Young People. ...
  4. Burn Fat the Old Fashion Way – By Walking! ...
  5. Embrace Your Passions. ...
  6. Stop Helping the Clock by Smoking and Spending Time in the Sun. ...
  7. Give Your Skin What it Really Needs – Water and Nutritious Food.

What color to wear to look older? ›

Avoid wearing too many soft, delicate colors

Our skin tone fades as we get older, so wearing softer shades can be more flattering. Wearing too many pastels in the same outfit can make you look older. If you want to wear light colors from head to toe, opt for pale neutrals like nude, ivory, light gray, or beige.

Should a 65 year old woman wear skinny jeans? ›

Skinny Jeans – We say YES to skinny jeans at any age. Choose skinny jeans that are flattering to an older woman's figure like these from NYDJ. Cold Shoulder Tops – Uncover part of your shoulders without going sleeveless. This cute top looks great on women of any age.

What should a 70 year old woman wear? ›

Recently we are seeing a lot of white and ivory in pants, jeans and tops for Fall Winter 2022/2023. You can combine darker neutrals with other neutrals for a very elegant look. The darker neutrals can range from black to charcoal, aubergine to burgundy, forest green to dark olive green, brown to dark brown.

What looks good on an 80 year old woman? ›

11 Easy-To-Copy Fashion Tips for Women Over 80
  • Sport Neutral Colors. source. ...
  • Define Your Waist. source. ...
  • Avoid Clothes With Bulky Shoulder Pads. source. ...
  • Wear Classic Patterns. source. ...
  • Accessorize With Classic Accent Pieces. ...
  • Apply Subtle Yet Polished Makeup. ...
  • Stick to Classic and High-Quality Fabrics. ...
  • Swap Out Frumpy Jeans for Slacks.
Oct 6, 2022

What body type should wear mom jeans? ›

Mom jeans continue to be a comfortable, casual option when it comes to jeans. With their wider leg, yet tapered waist, they are great for hourglass figures. As they tend to be loosely fitted on the legs they do work for more rectangular body types as well as pear shapes, when the cut is right.

Should elderly get dressed every day? ›

Many older adults prefer to be dressed in daytime clothes each day. Being dressed often helps them feel more confident and be more comfortable interacting with others. But for many caregivers, helping someone dress and undress twice a day can be mentally and physically exhausting.

What clothing do guys find most attractive? ›

20 Attractive Women Outfits That Guys Think Are Hot
  • Skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are trademarks of a sexy fashion style. ...
  • Red outfits. Wearing bold colors like red can improve your look instantly. ...
  • Mini-skirts. ...
  • Formal dresses. ...
  • Lounge shorts. ...
  • Nightgowns. ...
  • Denim jackets. ...
  • Leggings.

Do guys prefer leggings or skirts? ›

Some guys like tight pants more while others prefer their partner to wear a dress or skirt. It depends on the guy and the occasion, but in general, both styles are attractive and will turn most men on.

Why do girls wear leggings everywhere? ›

Here are the most common reasons why women wear yoga pants or leggings: They are comfortable. Yoga pants stretch well and snug to our body in a way that makes them very comfortable to wear all day and night long. They perfectly fit to the shape of the body, especially the butt.

What not to wear with leggings? ›

Over-sized shirts, sweaters, and jackets work well, just remember there is a difference between over-sized and too big. Steer clear of wearing a fitted top with your leggings. The tight all overlook is not very flattering for many. Unless you're Sandy in Grease, it's a tough look to pull off.

What length legging is most flattering? ›

Leggings should fall just above the ankle—anything shorter automatically creates a stinted silhouette by cutting you off at the shin.

What not to wear with tights? ›

A shimmering top, a fancy blouse, or a baby doll dress simply don't go well with a stretchy, tight pair of leggings. Resist the temptation to be too adventurous with your style, as leggings are not sophisticated enough for dinner dates or other more formal events.

Do tights make legs look longer? ›

But don't underestimate the grand effect of this small piece of garment: tights can add a little bit of warmth, elongate your legs and complement your look.

Do leggings make your legs look bigger? ›

"There is no correlation between the clothing you wear and what your muscles look like," says Felicia Stoler, D.C.N., M.S., R.D., FACSM, the author of Living Skinny in Fat Genes. "After all, some women only wear shorts or dresses and still have heavy legs.

What tights make your legs look bigger? ›

Conversely, to make your legs look fuller, wider (and bolder) wear bright colors. Unlike dark colors, bright colors tend to attract more lights and therefore tend to make you look slightly bigger.

What Colour leggings are most flattering? ›

Light colors can often give a more feminine feel and if you are going to train outside in the sun, they will not be as warm as darker colors. Bright colors can also lift the mood and make the workout more fun! If you want a more feminine or "soft" look, a light pink or peach colored tights may be right up your alley.

What is the best thing to wear with leggings? ›

DO WEAR:
  • Long oversized sweaters.
  • Oversized blazers.
  • Long coats.
  • Boxy jackets.
  • Trench coats.
  • Hoodies.
  • Overshirts.
  • Oversized shirts.
Nov 19, 2022

What do people look for in leggings? ›

Natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo could be a good choice, as they're gentle on skin. Avoid leggings with zippers or drawstrings, as these can press into you uncomfortably if you lay on your stomach, side or back. Search for pants with a high waist for extra comfort during exercises that involve a lot of bending.

How do you wear leggings without looking trashy? ›

Leggings look great with knee-high boots, sandals, flip-flops, or even low-cut boots. If you wear your leggings with heels or pumps, make sure that they match your shirt and that you don't look too trashy. Leggings can also look good with ballet flats or moccasins, as long as the shoes go with the rest of the outfit.

Do leggings look good under dresses? ›

Tight leggings under dresses work best. Looser leggings run the risk of making you look saggy. They do, however, work under a very loose, flowing dress. In this case, they should match in style and fabric, much the way a Punjabi suit does.

Do leggings look good on everyone? ›

Worn correctly, leggings can look amazing on women of all body types.

Is it OK to wear leggings as pants? ›

Yes! You absolutely can wear leggings like pants. If anything, leggings can be worn in more ways than you could ever wear a pair of pants, thanks to their stretchiness and because of the way they flatter virtually any physique.

How do you dress formal with leggings? ›

Choose leggings that are thick material, and not see through at all. Make sure leggings are full length or just above the ankle for a more professional look. Short, cropped leggings, can appear sporty. Wear long professional layers such as blazers, sweater blazers, or cardigans with your leggings.

Should you wear pants under leggings? ›

Choosing to wear leggings with no underwear is totally fine and peachy. Whether you're simply more comfortable going commando at the gym, or you're low on laundry at home, there's no judgment here, soldier. Without the protective layer of undies, though, you may have to wash your leggings more often.

When should a woman stop wearing leggings? ›

When you put them on, if they make you feel great, then absolutely wear them. There is no age cutoff limit. There is nothing out there that says if you're over 40, you cannot wear leggings anymore.

What body type can wear leggings? ›

So whether you're petite, curvy, or athletically built, you can feel confident that your leggings look great, no matter what you plan to do while wearing them. "Mid-rise waist is best suited for the Apple figure," says Robyn.

What should you not wear with leggings? ›

A shimmering top, a fancy blouse, or a baby doll dress simply don't go well with a stretchy, tight pair of leggings. Resist the temptation to be too adventurous with your style, as leggings are not sophisticated enough for dinner dates or other more formal events.

What to wear when you can't wear leggings? ›

What to Wear When You're Sick of Your Leggings
  • Leather leggings. Yes, these are still technically leggings (and they thankfully are just as comfortable), but the look of them is anything but. ...
  • Wide-leg pants. ...
  • Cute joggers. ...
  • Chinos. ...
  • (Really, really comfortable) jeans. ...
  • A T-shirt Dress.
Apr 1, 2020

Does anyone still wear leggings? ›

Thankfully, for those who prefer sartorial sleekness to volume, you can still be on trend wearing leggings. In fact, the most recent runways from Milan and Paris show a promising return of the beloved legging, for all activities from work to play.

How can I look cool at 70? ›

5 Tips For Dressing in Your 70s
  1. Fancy up your flats. Just because a shoe is flat, doesn't mean it can't be dressy. ...
  2. Try new collar shapes. Blazers and structured jackets will never go out of style. ...
  3. Make an understatement. ...
  4. Carry the newest trends. ...
  5. Embrace the eclectic. ...
  6. Waist-defining Pieces. ...
  7. Mid-rise bootcut jeans. ...
  8. White pants.

What makes a 70 year old look younger? ›

In addition to sleeping on Blissy silk pillowcases, taking good care of your health can help you look and feel younger as you age. This involves eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and making sure to get enough sleep.

Is it still OK to wear leggings and dress? ›

As long as you're going to a casual event, you can wear leggings anywhere, with any kind of dress, at any age.

What is the best length for leggings? ›

Leggings should fall just above the ankle—anything shorter automatically creates a stinted silhouette by cutting you off at the shin.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5875

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.