Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Leggings at Work

27 replies

CatulusLady78 · 29/09/2018 17:09

Is it acceptable to wear leggings in lieu of tights at work?

I've a tunic top that is a funny length and I think it might be fractionally too short to wear to work with tights, but would be ok with leggings.

In this circumstance is legging-wearing potentially acceptable?

Think paisley print tunic dress finishing mid /low thigh, black leggings and suede ankle boots...

Workplace is smart casual.

OP posts:
PollyEthel · 29/09/2018 17:10

Will they even know they are leggings and not thick tights?

GreenTulips · 29/09/2018 17:11

Fine as long as your bums covered

Hate leggings and shirt tops

m0therofdragons · 29/09/2018 17:16

Depends on the workplace. Wouldn't be okay where I work except on a snow day (I wore tights, leggings, this socks and wellies).

MaisyPops · 29/09/2018 17:18

As tights they are ok.
As replacement trousers they are not ok.

Original poster
CatulusLady78 · 29/09/2018 17:26

Thanks for all the comments Smile

What is your dress code like at work mother ?

It feels more casual with leggings and I weigh up the'too short' versus ' too casual' and I don't know which is worse! I tried it with skinny trousers but it's just a bit too long and looks odd.

OP posts:
drquin · 29/09/2018 17:28

I think @MaisyPops logic is perfect ..... they're little different from 100 denier tights. Wearing leggings when you should be wearing trousers is a whole other story!

Groovee · 29/09/2018 17:29

I work in nursery and often wear leggings with long tops.

HolgerLowCarbingLoser · 29/09/2018 17:37

I wear leggings quite often, with longline shirts and heels. Always look presentable and professional and get plenty of compliments for looking well put together. Our office dress code is smart casual, and I’m usually on the smarter end of the spectrum.

MatieBG · 29/09/2018 17:44

I would say depends on the work place and the job position itself. I could imagine myself with leggings and tunic at work but my position do not allowed it. I have a colleague who is in the call center of the company and now and then she comes with leggings and short tops. To be honest the rest do not accept and like it. Several times her manager had one-o-one regarding her outfit but she keeps on.

Original poster
CatulusLady78 · 29/09/2018 18:03

That's interesting Matie , what shoes does your colleague wear with the tunic/leggings - does that make a difference?

OP posts:
HolgerLowCarbingLoser · 29/09/2018 18:51

One just should not wear leggings with a short top in the workplace.

Except if one works in fitness, or if one is actually a Kardashian.

It really does not look good on anyone.

neveradullmoment99 · 29/09/2018 19:07

I wear leggings if a dress is a bit short. I usually wear with ankle boots. So dress, leggings and ankle boots. Mine are super thick leggings from Next from years ago. Where i work it is smart casual.

confusedmomm · 29/09/2018 19:27

Our contract actually specifies no leggings.. sadly! :(

Squ1ggle · 29/09/2018 20:28

I live in leggings and above the knee dresses or tunics (mid thigh) with boots or sandals and it's completely appropriate for my work (university office)

C0untDucku1a · 29/09/2018 20:33

my neighbour wears leggings and short top every day when not at work. Im sure i can describe every pair of knickers she owns.

Leggins would not be allowed at my place of work. Or denim. Or cleavage.

Aspenfrost · 29/09/2018 20:33

Leggings are awful under skirt-type garments. Wear tights instead and if the skirt/dress is too short, avoid wearing it to work. Simple really.

Aspenfrost · 29/09/2018 20:34

Cleavage is out - as in no longer on trend.

Lucked · 29/09/2018 20:43

I was considering the same as I have a boden shift dress which I am no longer wearing out for dinner, it still has life in it but can’t think were I could wear it but work. Although it is pretty conservative with high neck and long sleeves it is shorter than my normal work dresses.

For me it’s less of what is acceptable and more will it look okay. I don’t currently own any leggings.

ConsiderHerWaysAndOthers · 29/09/2018 20:49

Hmmm I think it depends entirely on how formal your work place is. Leggings under a dress do not look as polished as thick black opaques. If the men in your office wear suits (business formal) I’d say it’s too casual, if the chaps are in chinos (business casual) then I’d think leggings are fine providing your arse is fully covered. With a short top it’s only ok if you work in a gym.

Aspenfrost · 29/09/2018 20:49

I have never owned not worn leggings with or without something on top.

Aspenfrost · 29/09/2018 20:53

...nor worn

Babybearsporij · 29/09/2018 23:25

I do with tunic type dresses & boots. But my workplace is quite casual.

NicoAndTheNiners · 29/09/2018 23:28

I wear leggings as long as my top covers my bum.

Dress code is quite casual though. I will happily wear jeans, vest tops, sandals with my toes on display, etc. All MN work clothes faux pas. Grin

TinaPaddy · 30/09/2018 01:14

We're not allowed leggings. One girl turned up during the week wearing them, and was given the choice of taking them off or going home without pay