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Original poster

Is it frumpy to wear leggings under a dress..?

297 replies

MHA65 · 15/04/2021 19:11

I have a couple of nice summer shift dresses that I bought last year and then didnt really wear...they are slightly too short (Im in my early 50s and dont want to show too much lily white leg!) Can I wear them with leggings? This would get me around the blue white legs and being too short issues in one go! But no idea if this is considered acceptable! Grin If not, what do older/larger women wear in the summer??

OP posts:
fizbosshoes · 16/04/2021 08:35

I really like dresses over wide leg trousers. Looks floaty and comfortable and summery

Im really short and I think this would just make me look bulky and even shorter!Blush

Literallynoidea · 16/04/2021 08:35

I think it looks awful I'm afraid. Slightly droopy depressed mum.

ODFOx · 16/04/2021 08:37

I've moved into lagenlook over the last couple of years and if you can be comfortable being considered slightly eccentric then it's great: leggings, loose trousers, layered long and short tops and dresses.
It isn't fashionable but it's a style that works for women of all ages. Basically wear your shifts over leggings or even loose trousers and accessories/style it out. look at Gudrun Sjoden for ideas.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/04/2021 08:37

Just buy longer dresses. Calf length is everywhere. I really don’t like the leggings/dress combo.

Alsohuman · 16/04/2021 08:39

@fizbosshoes

I really like dresses over wide leg trousers. Looks floaty and comfortable and summery

Im really short and I think this would just make me look bulky and even shorter!Blush

I’m 5ft 2in, it looks fine on me. I particularly like a knee length dress over straight or skinny rolled trousers.
TeddingtonTrashbag · 16/04/2021 08:41

Leggings and a dress is not related to age but twee - really naff.

TeddingtonTrashbag · 16/04/2021 08:42

Unless you are under the age of 10 and very skinny.

SmallPrawnEnergy · 16/04/2021 08:48

I think it depends on your style and the dress.

It’s absolutely not “droopy depressed mum” (I see the nasty brigade are out already) when styled correctly.

On me, the suggestions of tunics or trousers with a dress over the top would look like a monstrosity. But it can look effortlessly cool on others.

But fuck what the “droopy depressed mum” crowd think. If you’re comfortable and confident go for it!

The90swereadecadeago · 16/04/2021 08:52

First of all, wear what you like 🙂 and secondly, the reason you hate your white legs is because the beauty industry wants you to hate them do you buy tan.

I used to tan ALL the time or cover my legs, but I’m going to be airing my natural non-tanned skin this summer and don’t care who doesn’t like it. 😎

Itsallhere · 16/04/2021 08:52

I think there’s a way it can look really good and that’s if it’s part of a considered outfit, I saw a woman once in tkmaxx really rocking it, her dress was knee length and quite structured and Cos like in its style, she had interesting chunky jewellery on and flatform
Brogues. Every bit of the outfit looked just right including the leggings.
Leggings under dresses when it’s a light summer dress made for a hot day, but someone has put black leggings underneath it looks incongruous and suggests that the wearer isn’t happy with their legs in my view.
Having said that, you should always wear what you like and feel comfortable in, I would just say to be careful about the colour of the leggings, the length, and the style of dress that they’re with.

TSBelliot · 16/04/2021 08:53

It’s not one thing. Thin bagged leggings with a cheap dress and apologetic shoes is a bit nothing but you could also be lagenlook in colours, a bit alternative with a boho sandles vibe, you could have high quality thicker leggings and great shoes and look great. It’s all in the detail surely.

Chickychickydodah · 16/04/2021 09:00

I wear leggings all the time as I’m old and fat with pasty legs. You wear whatever you want and dgaf whatever anyone else thinks or says 👍🏻

ByGrabtharsHammerWhatASavings · 16/04/2021 09:07

I wear leggings with short dresses OP and I'm early 30s and size 10. Personally I'm more interested in feeling comfy than what strangers think of my fashion choices. Can assure people that I am neither droopy nor depressed (though I am a mum). Strongly agree with the first poster though who said to wear what you want and not let yourself be limited by stereotypes about age.

BobbidyBob · 16/04/2021 09:26

I think leggings and dresses are very ugly. Like a PP said, it reminds me of either maternity wear or the trend for footless tights in the ‘00s. Always tights for me instead, either delicate skin coloured one, or black/grey if the dress is suitable. Much more slimming for me. I also have cycling shorts with a lace trim to prevent chub rub/flashing and then can have bare legs below the hem of the dress. Looks much more summery and less frumpy IMO.

sHREDDIES19 · 16/04/2021 09:27

I often wear a short sleeveless dress over leggings with either sandals or pumps in Spring/cooler Summer weather. Looks quite good! Teamed with a cropped denim jacket if a bit chilly and colourful scarf. But saying that I couldn't care less what others thought of it and neither should you.

dotdashdashdash · 16/04/2021 09:27

Honestly do you notice other women’s bare legs when out and about and think “wow they’re pale/veiny/old”?

I used to think everyone noticed every detail as I do - because I DO notice people's pale legs, odd socks, greasy hair. I don't judge, but I do notice. And it is why I'm so self conscious, I presumed everyone noticed like I do. Do they not?

Coolerthanapolarbearstoenails · 16/04/2021 09:41

It's sad people are suggesting buying a new wardrobe instead of the OP buying something small to make her feel comfortable in the perfectly good clothes she already has.

It's fine OP. Just make sure the leggings fit well and are the right length - baggy and rolled up isn't a good look. When the suns been out for a while and you're more used to wearing dresses you may ditch the leggings, they are useful as a transitional pieces.

The90swereadecadeago · 16/04/2021 09:50

because I DO notice people's pale legs, odd socks, greasy hair. I don't judge, but I do notice.

Pale legs shouldn’t be in the same sentence as odd socks and greasy hair tbh. You shouldn’t judge anyone on any of the above but especially not a natural skin colour, you wouldn’t judge people for freckles or a hair colour would you surely? 🤮

The90swereadecadeago · 16/04/2021 09:53

I realise now PP you said you don’t judge but I still find it off that you bundle a skin colour in with greasy hair and odd socks.

Bluesheep8 · 16/04/2021 09:56

Unless you are under the age of 10 and very skinny.

What if you're well over 40 and it suits your style and shape?

CornishGem1975 · 16/04/2021 09:57

@MazekeenSmith

It's fine. It's not the most glam look but it's comfortable and practical and allows me to wear nice dresses without feeling self conscious or getting chub rub.
That's why I do it in the summer too. I don't have big thighs but I hate the chub rub feeling and leggings stop that!
LolaSmiles · 16/04/2021 10:00

I like it as long as the dress is no longer than a longline top, but I prefer to wear midi or maxi length dresses with bare legs. With anything mid-thigh or longer it reminds me of my maternity outfits.

CornishGem1975 · 16/04/2021 10:00

It's all personal choice really isn't it. People on this thread have mentioned wearing dresses over wide-leg trousers. When I see that I think it looks ridiculous. Wear one or the other. It's a bit too try-hard.

littleredberries · 16/04/2021 10:01

Well I do it because it makes me feel safer. I've been upskirted before