Anyone who tells you that leggings are dead or women shouldn’t wear them is sadly mistaken. With more of us living casual lifestyles, leggings can be a great fashion option, when worn with attention to a few details. How to wear leggings after fifty has been an extremely popular post, so I’m updating it with some new ideas and fresh resources to help you look fabulous wearing leggings.
Leggings are hugely popular and one of the easiest garments to get wrong. We’ve been reaching for leggings since they became streetwear in the 70 and ’80s. They now have style details and shapes that resemble pants, so they don’t all look like workout gear.
Are tunics and leggings still in style? You bet. Can you wear them and still look polished? Absolutely! Can older women wear leggings? Yes!
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Here are the best leggings to wear over 50 and tips for wearing them. Let’s start with the most important feature of leggings…the fabric.
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Fabric
This is critical because leggings are not the same as footless tights! I’ve seen too many women traversing the airport wearing footless tights as leggings which shows the world way too much. The fabric of leggings needs to be thick, 100% opaque (not see-through), and very stretchy. They should closer to stretch pants than tights. Here are some great fabrics for leggings:
- heavyweight Ponte knit
- faux suede
- denim also called Jeggings
- velvet
- faux leather…no these are not just for young women and yes, they are comfy!
On the subject of faux leather leggings, they’re no different than other spandex leggings and they do breathe and the best fit doesn’t feel or look like a sausage casing.
All of these fabrics need high spandex or Lycra content so they spring back in the knees and seat, Fabrics with a four-way stretch fit the best and have the best recovery. Darker colors are more slimming and dressy. Patterns are tricky so choose the smallest ones in subtle colors.
Faux Suede leggings have long been a favorite of mine. They give a softer look than faux leather and feel more relaxed. Here are some great options.
Related – How To Wear Leather Leggings over 50
Fit
Leggings are meant to be snug but if they feel like a sausage casing, go up one size. You won’t sacrifice the style and they will be more comfortable. Choose high-rise leggings with a wide, no-roll waistband. There’s nothing worse than sitting down and feeling your waistband roll down under your tummy.
Tops For Leggings Over 50
It doesn’t matter how shapely and fit you are, leggings require a top that covers your crotch and backside. Full stop here ladies. This is critical. Even the heaviest weight leggings look best worn with a top that’s long enough to cover your lady parts.
Leggings look great worn with:
- tunic sweaters
- long line blazers
- tunic-length shirts
- thigh-length blouses
- dresses, both long and short
Choose tunics with some shaping through the torso. You don’t want tight, but too boxy is just as unflattering. You’re going for length, not width and bulk. Side slits in tunics and blouses are great for elongating your legs and helping to balance the proportion. Try a knee-length cardigan worn open over a fingertip-length blouse. Unbutton the lower buttons of longer jackets to show some leg. Beware of extra bulky sweaters, which can make your legs look like stick figures and your torso look huge by comparison. Proportion is key here.
Shoes To Wear With Leggings Over 50
So what do you wear on your feet? Knee or riding boots are a classic combination. Choose boots in a color similar to the leggings to create a long lean line. Ballet flats are another classic look; think Audrey Hepburn. Low-heeled pumps or sandals look great with leggings but beware of the stiletto which is hard to get right and can easily lean toward trashy. Booties are perfect with leggings.
Related – How To Wear Ankle Boots Over 50
What’s your favorite way to wear leggings?
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Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
