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Original poster

Is it acceptable to wear leggings under a dress?

115 replies

Fireballfriends · 18/03/2019 23:05

Mainly in the summer under short shift dresses. I'm late 30s. I don't want to look mumsy. Also don't want to look like I'm trying to be 19.

Altho tbh they are so comfy (and my legs are SO pasty) that I don't care THAT much but I'd like to be aware of the fashion sitch re this important issue.

TIA!

OP posts:
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9
Milliy · 19/03/2019 00:55

I think it's a nice look if they are capris / cropped length trousers in summer . Leggings look ok if tucked into boots.

PurpleThistles · 19/03/2019 00:58

Course its acceptable. Leggings arent trousers though loads of people wear them like they are, cue seethrough bottoms and camel toes!

I am pregnant at the moment and its my go to look, leggings under a dress. Once bubs arrives it will be more of a grungy look, long black tops with patterned leggings and ankle boots.

Aria999 · 19/03/2019 02:40

I love leggings/ tunic/ boots look but under a normal dress they can look a bit strange. Re fashion, no idea, don't care much if it looks good.

Aria999 · 19/03/2019 02:42

(I live in a place where everyone wears expensive yoga gear the whole time anyway)

BiltongBetty · 19/03/2019 02:52

Its fine. Do your thing and don’t worry what anyone thinks.

StarlightLady · 19/03/2019 06:02

My personal preference for leggings is a top that just covers my bum (I’m in my 40s). I feel that dresses feel bulky with leggings.

BendydickCuminsnatch · 19/03/2019 06:09

Depends whose acceptance you’re looking for! Wear whatever you want.

Original poster
Fireballfriends · 19/03/2019 06:37

myidentitymycrisis
because I’m over 50 and (can wear what I want)
Love this

Tbh I've always put comfort over fashion and don't give a flying fuck most of the time but I'm having a ruthless post-baby wardrobe re-vamp. I have some really nice shift dresses that I usually wear with thick tights/jeans and wanted to check which way to go as the weather warms up.

For the days when I can be arsed.

I love the style and beauty section! You are all very helpful for a clueless person Flowers

OP posts:
Judystilldreamsofhorses · 19/03/2019 09:21

If you like the look, go for it. It's not my cup of tea. I think there are lots of lovely midi-length skirts and dresses around that allow going bare-legged without flashing a load of skin, and can be really stylish.

Elllllle · 19/03/2019 09:32

For me, I would never do it. It's frump city. It's what (frumpy) women wore after giving birth 10 years ago ime and has not improved/changed/suddenly become stylish since then. There are so many alternatives.

However: "acceptable"? Of course.

BlairWaldorfLovesShopping · 19/03/2019 09:40

The skirt length that's fashionable at the moment is midi/maxi so leggings wouldn't be needed surely. Plus no one is looking at anyone else's legs or at least I hope not, speaking as a pasty white person.

scarbados · 19/03/2019 10:39

I wear leggings with dresses because 1) a don't like dresses too short and feel exposed without tights and 2) leggings cover the bad scarring on my legs and I don't like jeans or trousers on me.

Third reason - I don't really give a fuck what's fashionable or what anyone else thinks of what I wear.

VioletBlu · 19/03/2019 10:52

I'd say it's fine with (like PP have said) smock or tunic type dresses, slightly hippy vibe, above the knee. It's a more casual look so it doesn't suit tea dresses (unless smock type and above the knee Wink).

I think black leggings look good in the cooler spring/summer days with gladiator sandals either in tan or gold, with a slouchy bag, and a cotton floaty type dress or tunic (best in a print that has some black in it, if wearing black leggings, or navy or white dress), and maybe a loose crochet cardigan. I don't think the look would suit (for example) being paired with a red or green dress unless it was embroidered/boho/tassell detail, or a navy and white dress with black leggings would look odd unless the it was navy/black/white print mixed.

So in short it can be worn quite successfully with a nod to the boho/embroidered/casual vibe in the right colours, but trying to mix a formal type top half or dress with leggings looks (IMO) wrong.

MeadowHay · 19/03/2019 10:56

I do it loads all year round, more so since DD (9 months) was born, as I struggle to find time to shave my legs and also it's a bit impractical to wear short dresses/ skirts with tights as I end up contorted into weird positions/sitting on the floor a lot etc so gets a bit flashy (although I do always wear a small pair of cycling shorts underneath short dresses for peace of mind). Dunno about 'fashionable', probably not if I wear it Grin.

Stormyday · 19/03/2019 10:57

I haven’t worn leggings with a dress for more than ten years. I do wear leggings around the house with a jumper for comfort reasons.

RockyFlintstone · 19/03/2019 11:01

I don't get this, I still wear leggings under dresses loads. I think I am quite fashionable, in that I think about what to wear and like picking out stuff I like, but definitely not fashionable in a Mumsnet 'expensive and groomed' way!

RockyFlintstone · 19/03/2019 11:04

I would add though, that leggings for me are more for very short dresses where tights don't cut the mustard and certainly not bare legs except in the height of summer. Or long jumpers etc. And I probably wouldn't wear leggings 'out out'.

But leggings don't have to just be for under a flower print tunic!

Hazeintheclouds · 19/03/2019 12:09

I don’t think it is a good look. Ever.

Bigonesmallone3 · 19/03/2019 12:10

No, it's not a good look..
Very dated..
Why not wear tights?

JaceLancs · 19/03/2019 12:13

I don’t like it as a look personally
If I was wearing a shift or tunic style dress I would wear with opaque tights and ankle boots or knee length boots on a colder day

PineapplePower · 19/03/2019 12:20

It’s fine with shift dresses or floaty dresses or those shapeless linen tunics often found in Uniqlo and the like, with black ballerina flats. That said, the more trendy look is midi-length, which doesn’t need leggings.

Personally, I associate this with Muslima (modest) fashion, and really like it.

Don’t forget that fashion has been democratised in that consumers can be very persistent with certain trends. Uggs are the big example, but the leggings/dress combo is going to remain popular because most of us don’t look all that put together with bare legs.

I also doubt too many of us are going to go back to the days of jeans all day every day as it was for a time in the 90s

PineapplePower · 19/03/2019 12:24

opaque tights and ankle boots

Problem with opaque tights is that they can’t be fleece lined so not great in the winter. Uniqlo heat tech tights have spoiled me..... (not shilling for them, promise!)

Pinkprincess1978 · 19/03/2019 13:33

I do all the time. Especially if the dress is a big short. I've finally found tights that fit an over weight woman. Snag tights - they seem great so far and washing well. Easily the best fitting tights I've bought. Time will tell if they keep staying up though!

Beamur · 19/03/2019 13:40

I hate tights. I'm wearing very thin leggings, boots and an empire line dress that finishes at the knee. This would be way too short for me to wear even with tights.

Absurditi · 19/03/2019 14:51

I do, but only if I am wearing boots with the dress.