How To Wear Leggings Over 50
As we age, concerns about style and appearance can be heightened. One common query is whether leggings are still a viable option for older women. To help you decide, I’ll be conducting an experiment where I’ll wear leggings with various outfits from my closet. You’ll see the good, the bad, and the not-so-ideal looks to help you determine what works best for you.Before we dive into the try-ons, let’s review some basic style rules for wearing leggings as an older woman:In summer, opt for thin white cotton leggings that create a relaxed, sporty vibe. This can be a great way to stay cool and stylish.For alternative jeans that stop too far below your waist, choose dark leggings with tummy control. This will help create a more streamlined silhouette.When dressing, emphasize the top half of your outfit with layers, scarves, or chunky sweaters. Ensure everything above the hip level is square rather than fitted unless you’re very slim.Leggings tend to look better when the overall style leans sporty. They can also be a great option if you find that tights make you too hot or prefer going barefoot at home.Lastly, stretchy leggings are perfect for cozying up on the sofa with your favorite book or film. Pair them with the biggest, longest sweater you have and enjoy a warm, comfortable evening.I’ll provide additional tips on selecting the right leggings, as well as my recommended best buys (US and UK), after the photos. Let’s get started!
Trying on white leggings
While white leggings can be a great addition to your wardrobe, they’re not always the most practical choice. I recently purchased some inexpensive white leggings from my local supermarket and was surprised by how comfortable and lightweight they were. However, as I soon discovered, their main drawback is that they draw attention to your legs – exactly when you want them to blend in. The length of your dress or skirt also plays a crucial role. A floaty summer frock with an asymmetric hem can work well, but the leggings still manage to make my legs stand out. This got me thinking: why not opt for a longer dress that falls just above the ankle or even extends down to the sandal? These types of dresses are easy to find and often affordable. I tried on several different outfits with my white leggings, including a knee-length orange dress, which looked poor in style terms. The athleisure vibe of the leggings clashed with the feminine style of the dress, making my knees look bigger than they actually are. A shorter linen dress that matched the color of my leggings was slightly better, but I still felt like my legs were being showcased in a way that wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t until I tried on a thin cotton beach dress that things started to fall into place. The athleisure vibe of the dress complemented the leggings nicely, and they looked good with sneakers or even tan sandals with a slight platform and wedge. Ultimately, my verdict is that white leggings can work well with sneakers and a shortish straight-cut top, but they’re only really necessary if you want to camouflage your legs – and even then, a longer dress might be a more effective solution.
Trying on dark leggings
When it comes to styling dark leggings, I’ve found that the key is to balance their sleekness with a larger-than-life top. My first attempt at this was to pair the leggings with a jacket that hit just above my thighs. While it looked okay from straight-on, the silhouette was unflattering from the side and back. I think this is because dark jeans would have created a more defined line around my legs.Next, I tried on a Breton-striped tee with a square cut. This gave me a laid-back, summery vibe when paired with sneakers. The only thing that would’ve improved it was a top that cinched at the waist to create a more defined silhouette.My sporty sweater and leggings combo is perfect for a brisk fall walk. And when I rolled up a scarf to add some extra bulk to my top, I achieved the inverted triangle shape I was aiming for.In the end, I think dark leggings are worth wearing – as long as you pair them with a large, long top that reaches just above your thighs. The more sporty the look, the better it works. Ultimately, it’s all about finding balance between the slimness of the leggings and the volume of your top.
Trying on leggings with a longer top
For years, I’ve experimented with pairing longer tops with dark leggings. While this style is possible, it’s not necessarily the most chic option. However, when combined with the right pieces, it can be a comfortable and practical choice. For instance, teaming leggings with a square-cut fleecy-lined top creates a flattering silhouette that works well for casual occasions. Still, I wouldn’t wear this combo to formal events or even choir practice, as I’m still self-conscious about my figure.To create a more polished look, I find that longer shirts with straight parallel lines down the front help elongate the body and draw attention away from any areas of concern. When paired with a cardigan, this combination creates a balanced silhouette that’s suitable for everyday activities. A heavier denim shirt would be an excellent choice to ensure it hangs smoothly at the back.In my book, lounging around in a long casual cardigan and leggings is a winning formula. The proportions are key – I aim for a two-to-one ratio between the cardigan and leggings. An infinity scarf adds a stylish touch by emphasizing the long lines of the outfit. This ensemble would be perfect for running errands or meeting up with friends, but it might not be suitable for more formal events.In conclusion, while some top styles may not work as well as others, pairing dark leggings with a long knitted cardigan can create a comfortable and attractive outfit – especially for leisure time.
Trying on leggings with a mini skirt
I recently wore an outfit that showcased my personal take on a miniskirt, which made me think about how women of all ages can pull off this style. It’s all about confidence and clever layering. In fact, I believe leggings are essential for creating a balanced look when wearing a short skirt, regardless of the season. On the day in question, I felt great in my outfit – it was youthful, fun, and tasteful. My main concern was ensuring that I wasn’t revealing too much. Overall, I’m pleased with how the look came together and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Why so many people wear leggings
The rise of leggings can be attributed to the desire for comfortable, flexible clothing that allows for maximum movement. Initially, they were donned for activities like dance, yoga, gym sessions, and running. As the athleisure trend gained momentum, anything worn for athletic purposes became fashionable. The fusion of functionality and style led to widespread adoption. People no longer restricted their use to specific occasions; leggings and tees became staples for everyday wear, even venturing into high-fashion territory when paired with high heels.
How to choose the right leggings
Leggings can be divided into two primary categories: activewear and loungewear, with the latter being suitable for those who don’t engage in intense physical activity. Activewear leggings are designed for athletes, featuring strong, flexible, yet supportive fabrics that move and stretch with the body, highlighting its contours. They often come with eye-catching patterns and sparkly finishes that draw attention to toned muscles.On the other hand, loungewear leggings cater to those who prioritize comfort over performance. These leggings retain some level of stretch but focus on cotton-rich fabrics for ease of wearability. Some designs incorporate special features like tummy-flattening panels or high-waisted constructions to create a more streamlined silhouette, making them ideal for older women.In terms of aesthetics, loungewear leggings typically feature small, all-over patterns or no patterns at all, with matte finishes being the norm. The most popular colors are black, dark navy, grey, and white.If you’re still unsure about the type of leggings, a glance at the price tag can be telling. In general, more affordable options tend to fall under the loungewear category.
Why wear white leggings
For many older women, wearing leggings becomes a necessity rather than a fashion statement. As we age, our legs tend to thicken, veins become more prominent, and unexpected bruises can appear out of nowhere, lasting for weeks. This natural process can lead us to abandon sunbathing and opt for covering up our legs altogether, even when it’s warm outside. The thought of baring our legs in the summer heat can be overwhelming, causing some women to swap skirts for pants as a way to cope.
However, there is a compromise: white leggings. Many women find that wearing white leggings with a dress or skirt provides a stylish and practical solution for hot summer days. These cropped leggings typically stop just above the ankle or at the knee, offering a full range of motion while still keeping our legs discreetly covered. Of course, you can also opt for longer leggings that extend down to the ankle if you prefer.
Why wear dark leggings
While some people prefer tights during the colder months due to their warmth, others opt for leggings as they provide a comfortable solution that keeps feet bare and minimizes sweating compared to thicker tights. When it comes to pulling off leggings at any age, the key lies in one’s posterior. For those with a shapely rear, dark leggings can be a valuable addition to their wardrobe. However, individuals over 50 who may not have a perfectly toned derrière need to exercise discretion when donning leggings – or simply engage in some physical activity to boost confidence!
Getting the silhoutte right with leggings
Leggings, being the tightest of all pants, typically require a long, rectangular silhouette – think ballerina practice, where a close-fitting top and close-fitting leggings create a seamless look. However, for those with a more square-shaped physique, an inverted triangle shape can also work well, characterized by a wider top and slimmer lower body.
In the colder months, above-the-knee straight dresses in knitted fabrics like fine Merino wool or chunky cable knit would make great combinations. To draw attention to your top, add statement earrings or a silk scarf. When pairing with leggings, it’s best to keep both dark and, if possible, the same color, creating a cohesive look that elongates the body.
Retail suggestions for leggings
My favorite leggings from the US
Pact leisurewear has earned my seal of approval due to its commitment to ethics throughout its operations. The brand, based in Boulder, Colorado, prioritizes fair trade organic cotton and collaborates with factories that uphold good employment standards. This attention to social responsibility resonates with me. The Pact Go-To leggings cater to a wide range of sizes, from XS to XXL, and come in both cropped and ankle-length styles. The color palette is equally impressive, featuring a range of dark tones as well as sky blue – a versatile hue that suits most outfits. To sweeten the deal, Pact offers free returns and free shipping on purchases of two or more pairs. If you’re unfamiliar with this online brand, I highly recommend exploring their offerings further. As I updated this post in January 2021, they were running a sale, so be sure to check out their current prices for the best value. In comparison, Bloomingdale’s offers a solid selection of plain and patterned leggings, including my personal favorite – Hue high-waist white capri leggings, which are ideal for warm weather due to their cotton-rich composition.