Is it a complete style no-no to wear cropped leggings under a dress?

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I am a classic pear shape and really dislike my knees/legs. However at 5"3 I look better in shorter style A-line skater type summer dresses. Ideally I love a dress which sits under the knee but can't always find these. I look terrible in maxi/long dresses as they swamp me and I look frumpy. Anyway long story short. My go to solution to this always used to be to wear a pair of cropped legging underneath but that now feels dated. Can I still get away with this? Or any recommendations for something just below the knee (on someone 5"3). Bonus points for sleeves/pockets and fitted waist!

I do personally think it looks dated and would take the look away from a nice dress. Would petite range midi dresses work?

I’m the same height as you and have found you just need the right midi dress. Something that is fitted to just under the ribs works well on me, finishing just above the ankles. Toast do quite a few dresses that finish just below the knee if you’d prefer a bit shorter. I think you just need to try a few on and experiment with different shapes (even those you wouldn’t usually go for). Personally I would avoid the leggings as I don’t like that look.

It is a dated look but honestly does it matter if you’re happy?

The older I get the less bothered I am with fitting in. Wear what you enjoy and feel good in.

I’m not personally a fan of leggings but a lady at work yesterday was wearing smart thick black leggings (maybe leggings actually) with a longer line plain jersey tunic style dress and some trainers, she looked great and very comfortable.

Thanks both. Yes, I tried the leggings last weekend and it definitely looked very 00s! Thanks for the recommendations. Just below the knee is best for me. My problem is I find dresses I love on my top half, buy them, and then worry about my legs! They look fine with tights/boots in the autumn/winter but too short with bare legs. I'll have a look a petite mini ranges.

@SoftPillow I know it shouldn't matter but equally I want to feel nice and not self conscious.

Would you feel more comfortable in some nude tights?

Ah, well if it doesn’t feel good then absolutely don’t do it, of course.

Feeling happy and positive is what I was aiming at, sorry if that didn’t come across.

I’m tall but I hate my lower legs and find that I need to pick my midis carefully. Basically anything that stops mid calf, the widest point, is awful on me.

Around here it’s the larger ladies uniform , doesn’t look great but I understand if it gives them confidence.

No need to apologise @SoftPillow completely understand where you are coming from 😊 it's my own insecurity that are the issue not you.

Thanks @hattie43I think the leggings are definite no go.

Would you not wear the anti chaff underwear out at the moment. I find it great or in the summer when they are too sweaty I wear cotton bicycle shorts type things which are well above the knee but serve the same purpose well.

I'm petite too with, shall we say, slightly more stocky legs than usual.
Fatface have some great dresses in at the moment that nip in at the waist and just cover the knee.

I don’t think it looked good 20 years ago, and definitely very dated now.

Ahh sorry I missed out it is to hide your knees legs. Sorry.

I think it depends on the style of dress and the overall vibe of the look.
If you're wearing leggings with an artsy, lagenlook outfit with confidence and cool jewellery - yes. Probably less good with a 'smarter' dress. This is just an example. The point is deliberate and confident is great, whatever you're wearing.

Now I'm of an older age I've decided not to follow fashion and wear what I feel happy and comfy in! So I still wear my leggings under some dresses, still wear my trainers with a dress sometimes, still love my floral dresses. Do what feels right for you not some fashion " guru"....

Thanks everyone. Will have a look at some of the suggestions shared here and ditch the leggings!

I always think it's a little girls type of style, personally

I just googled "dresses with cropped leggings" and looked at the images and lots of them look great! I like the bold colours, Snag do coloured cropped tights and I like those under dresses
But I know nothing about current fashion and I am definitely not trendy 😐

I wear capri leggings and shorter dresses on holiday a lot.

But then I'm clambering in and out of boats and up and down stairs and steps a good deal of the time. Longer dresses and palazzo pants are impractical and I find jeans uncomfortable.

I might wear capri length stretch jeans with a long shirt and a sweater if it's chillier.

I think it's fine. But then I dress for comfort and practicality. Couldn't care less what it looks like or what others think.

I also hate my knees so I feel your pain.

I’ve learned that I need to go much shorter in the summer. Having a dress or skirt that falls just above the knee really highlights them. If I wear a full on mini dress they are far less noticeable.

Sorry I think it was an awful look 20 years ago when it was popular and no better now. Could you try a midi with less fabric if that’s maybe why you feel frumpy?

Good for you but not very helpful - the OP clearly does care or she wouldn’t have posted?

Far too dated but nobody will really care. There’s people out dressed in alsorts of strange ways so a pair of leggings isn’t a big deal.