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

[MHA65]

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! If not, what do older/larger women wear in the summer??

I don’t know about frumpy but it’s a look I always think looks wrong. I’m not a fan of any type of trousers, and leggings are a type of trouser, under dresses or skirts. I just think the line looks wrong.

My own preference is to go for longer summer dresses. I did buy one a couple of years back which, with hindsight, was too short and lengthened it with a strip of contrasting material. It worked and l ended up with a unique dress.

I’m sitting here in a linen dress, leggings and my trusty Docs. Hadn’t considered whether it was socially acceptable, it’s comfortable and practical.

There have been some very catty responses. Sod ‘em, OP, and wear what you like.

They look fine, mind you I have lost all self respect with regards to clothes after lockdown. I have forgotten what its ok to wear any more.

Thats how leggings are meant to be worn!
Who said?

I would say yes, it's a frumpy and dated look to me, but who cares? Most people won't give two hoots so just wear what you're comfortable in.

@StarlightLady

I don’t know about frumpy but it’s a look I always think looks wrong. I’m not a fan of any type of trousers, and leggings are a type of trouser, under dresses or skirts. I just think the line looks wrong.

My own preference is to go for longer summer dresses. I did buy one a couple of years back which, with hindsight, was too short and lengthened it with a strip of contrasting material. It worked and l ended up with a unique dress.

Are leggings a type of trouser? I always think it looks like people have forgotten their skirt when they go out with just leggings and a regular length top. Their underwear outline is often visible too.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

Thats how leggings are meant to be worn! Who said?

Depends who you ask. People in my circle (middle class, church going) would say that leggings are undergarments/accessories, and that they are not pants.

Girls from the local housing estate would beg to differ though.

@Rainbowsandstorms

Oh no I’m in my 30s and had no idea this combo is considered frumpy, it’s one of my standard looks.

Phew, so glad you said that Rainbowsandstorms

When the majority of leggings available in the shops were cotton jersey, I'd have agreed that leggings in general are not trousers and should be avoided.

Now that there are many more types available, I've changed my mind. I own running leggings, Spanx leggings (extremely thick and seamless), coated/faux leather leggings and velvet leggings. The first two don't give a VPL, but with the others I would wear a longer top.

I would still avoid cotton jersey leggings like the plague as they are not trousers and I don't like them under a dress, plus they always look cheap having a big seam running down the leg, especially if it sags.

NewUser998877 how about people from the housing estate who go to the church?

I love dresses with leggings. It's the most comfortable clothing choice for me. I don't like tights. I always feel it looks somehow odd and little 80's in a Princess DIana way. I don't wear tunics or short dresses, so my leggings aren't always visible but that isn't a concern of mine, and sometimes I do it intentionally - though I am aware that in those moments my outfits might be a little Helena Bonham Carter - esque, and I don't have her aplomb!

I think leggings have become much more acceptable as clothing rather than as underwear recently. Even the middle class mums round here (Home Counties, commuter belt) wear them on the school run. I personally don't really, as I don't suit them. I only wear them for exercise. I wouldn't wear them under a dress or skirt personally, but don't see a major issue with it.

I would still avoid cotton jersey leggings like the plague as they are not trousers and I don't like them under a dress, plus they always look cheap having a big seam running down the leg, especially if it sags

Leggings are usually k utter on a circular knitting machine so don’t have seams. Sometimes they might but it doesn’t matter what the fibre is. Any fibre can be knitted in any way, and it can be cheaper to make them without a seam.

So it’s not always cotton ones that have a seam.

You can obviously wear whatever you like, but IMHO it looks a bit frumpy unless the dress is very short.

I think a longer dress is a better idea...

People can obviously wear what they like. But this is Style & Beauty and the OP asked a question. It looks frumpy and dated to me. If you care about what you look like, wear a longer dress instead - much more flattering and on trend. If you choose to dress solely for comfort then it makes no difference.

I think it depends on the dress

If it's a short dress above the knees then it might be ok

And also not everything goes with black...

Look on the Uniqlo website there’s a few examples of dresses over trousers, they have done it with wide legs and skinny. They manage to make it work. I guess it needs the right dress/trouser combo and the confidence to own the look though!

I would still avoid cotton jersey leggings like the plague as they are not trousers and I don't like them under a dress, plus they always look cheap having a big seam running down the leg, especially if it sags.

Oh, I like them. I wear black ones under a shortish dress with beautiful brown boots. Sometimes knee high, sometimes a tall ankle boot. Brilliant for late autumn, winter and early spring for a break from proper trousers. Then again, no one has ever accused me of being a style icon...

It's illegal

@strawberrryfiieldsforever
Where can I get 3/4 length tight please?

I think it really depends on the dress and the leggings, but can definitely look fine and can even look funky!

Definitely get some leggings and enjoy your lovely dresses

Please would someone tell me where I can get 3/4 length leggings from!!!

[quote Thighdentitycrisis]@strawberrryfiieldsforever
Where can I get 3/4 length tight please?[/quote]
Try snag tights

@JosephineBaker

I’m sitting here in a linen dress, leggings and my trusty Docs. Hadn’t considered whether it was socially acceptable, it’s comfortable and practical.

There have been some very catty responses. Sod ‘em, OP, and wear what you like.

OP asked if it looked frumpy ! Myself and some other people said yes - what were we supposed to say " Oh hun I just love that look " . We gave our opinion . Don't ask if you don't want to hear the answer.

It's not a look I like, it just looks like you're trying to hide something. Wouldn't bat an eyelid at white legs.