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Original poster

Leggings - okay so are there any rules?

61 replies

Bella73 · 07/03/2009 19:52

I used to wear leggings in the 80s. All the time. But that seems like a lifetime ago now so it's hard to know whether I can still wear them now. I thought not but have been looking in the shops and wondering....

a) are there rules about wearing leggings past a certain age? (I'm 35)

b) I am probably a size 12 normally (currently a size 10 as have lost a ton of weight through combo bf'ing and having painful gallstone attacks - not recommended as a method of weight loss!), do you really need to be 16 and a size 6 to wear leggings?

c) these modern newfangled leggings seem to be more sheer and fancy than what I remember, does that show more lumps and bumps and general thighs-splatting-flat-when-I-sit-down?

d) what on earth do you wear on your feet when sporting leggings?

e) is it hugely uncool to wear full-length leggings (for the Lazy Mummy Who Doesn't Shave Regularly) as so many of the shops seem to only have mid-calf length ones?

Any other legging-related info I should be informed of after a 20 year hiatus?

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 07/03/2009 19:53

err, just one rule

don't

ABetaDad · 07/03/2009 19:54

Rule 2: Definitely dont

Original poster
Bella73 · 07/03/2009 19:56

Right.

That's me told

See - I really do need help.

I just hate jeans and find it hard to find trousers that are comfy so started thinking leggings might be..... oh no, right, I'll shut up now

Back to the drawing board.

OP posts:
mileniwmffalcon · 07/03/2009 20:00

pah.

a) as long as you're wearing dresses/tunics rather than hotpants over them, then no, never too old

b) nope

c) um just pick thicker ones

d) ballet pumps (urgh) i've got some little ankle boot pumps that do the same job without having to wear ballet pumps. i'm a crusty at heart so i still love leggings with big boots.

e) long leggings have always looked a bit odd to me, calf length is better.

mileniwmffalcon · 07/03/2009 20:00

ps i wouldn't be taking betadad's fashion advice on anything if i were you

TheBreastmilksOnMe · 07/03/2009 20:01

You could look very sexy in darl blue skinny jeans though, with knee high boots and a chunky knit cardi? All's not lost.

ABetaDad · 07/03/2009 20:05

mileniwmffalcon - well I think Bella73 would look really nice in a pair of well styled jeans a nice crisp shirt and a chunky necklace / bangles. Not sure about knee high boots but some flat loafers maybe or some ankle boots under the jeans.

Simple, chic and not to expensive.

mileniwmffalcon · 07/03/2009 20:06

rofl loafers

ABetaDad · 07/03/2009 20:08

ankle boots?

FlyMeToDunoon · 07/03/2009 20:08

I too am wavering about getting some mid-calf black leggings and wearing them with ballet pumps in the summer with tunics [at least mid thigh]
I am 44.
Is this just madness?

leggings are different these days-smoother and less of a trouser.

Mumsnut · 07/03/2009 20:10

I'm nearly 47 and I think I will too. LONG tunics though.

Original poster
Bella73 · 07/03/2009 20:14

Good grief, yes, only contemplating them with long tops/tunics/long cardis really. In fact, only wore them with long tops even when I was 16 and a size 6 (well, probably a size 8).

Breastmilksonme - Bless you for your optimism but I don't think I've looked sexy in anything for a long time. Especially as most of my clothes come with added yoghurt/porridge/baby sick or snot these days.

And I do hate jeans, they are so uncomfy (lots of seams and just annoying).

OP posts:
Original poster
Bella73 · 07/03/2009 20:15

Hasten to add snot not mine but usually belonging to one of my children

OP posts:
FlyMeToDunoon · 07/03/2009 20:16

Yay lets go for it!

electra · 07/03/2009 20:20

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't wear them if you want. I wear them (being pregnant they are quite practical) I wear mine with boots (black or tan). My advice would be

black are the most flattering

don't wear them with a tight fitting top, or one that ends above your bottom.

This is what I do and it seems to work ok...

Original poster
Bella73 · 07/03/2009 20:21

These were the ones I saw today and liked. I think they appeal because the waistband is really soft and lovely, like the maternity trousers I am still living in 10 months after the birth of my younger child

Pictures of leggings not containing people are quite freakish aren't they?

And if anyone was in doubt that the 80s are BACK, this ought to convince them

OP posts:
electra · 07/03/2009 20:21

oh and by the way, I wear the full length ones.

Original poster
Bella73 · 07/03/2009 20:23

Yay, thanks Electra.

Though maybe this just fuels my suspicion that after almost 3 years in maternity wear, I am only drawn to clothes that look super comfy in that maternity style

OP posts:
mrsmaidamess · 07/03/2009 20:27

I love leggings! Its the name that makes them sound crap. I think they are a grea twardrobe multi tasker. I wear 3/4 ones with high wedges in the summer, under a dress (I have slim legs but they are very varicose veiny and the leggings cover them )

I wear full length ones with long tunicy tops. Knitted dresses in the winter and biker boots/high slim fitting boots.

I havent worn any other colour but black however...not sure how I feel about branching out into teals and purples...

mrsmaidamess · 07/03/2009 20:29

see I think she looks great in these. Thats how I wear mine when the suns out

noddyholder · 07/03/2009 20:32

I often wear them with dresses and sometimes with tunic shape tops and long boots Not good worn too casually though like I have seen with a fleece and flat shoes.Good with heels and worth a go as they are quite cheap and if you don't like them nothing lost.If they look good on you it is worth getting a decent pair

HaventSleptForAYear · 07/03/2009 20:32

24? Trinny? Seriously?

noddyholder · 07/03/2009 20:33

I am 44 too don't worry it really depends on how big your bum is and what your legs are like.My legs are one of the few bits still ok

FlyMeToDunoon · 07/03/2009 20:33

I like this type of look

mrsmaidamess · 07/03/2009 20:34

I think they've transposed the digits

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