Most of you may have already read the article in Nylon presenting both sides of the issue but I’m going to bring it up anyway. Some people call it a blessing, others an epidemic. College campuses are full of people exploring the compelling power of this phenomenon due to the undeniable comfort of lacking the constrictive forces of what we consider pants. However, is it really necessary to imply that an outfit is incomplete because of the replacement of pants with leggings? I’d like to argue otherwise, but with some restrictions.
Let us first explore the connotations involving the term pants. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary entry is as follows:
Main Entry: pant
Function: noun
Etymology: short for pantaloons
Date: 1840
1: an outer garment covering each leg separately and usually extending from the waist to the ankle —usually used in plural
Keeping this basic definition in mind, it can then be concluded that the typical “leggings are not pants” statement is incorrect since leggings essentially complete this function. So then, the question is, what makes leggings so offensive to those who oppose them?
It’s the camel toe.
Regardless of how comfortable you feel in your clothing, the people around you aren’t too excited about having to see the outlines of your, erm, cootchie area. I feel like a giggly little child when I write about this, but it’s true. It’s alright to want to look and feel sexy but there’s a fine line between that and trashy.
Personally, I like to consider leggings “super tight pants” and I try my best to hide the parts of my body that are affected negatively by the shape of the leggings. In my outfits, I like to balance out a baggy look above with a more fit silhouette below. Luckily, many local stores have been offering tops that are long enough cover the no-no area below which are perfect for leggings. In addition to this, I also prefer longer leggings to the ones that hit mid calf. Longer leggings not only resemble pants more but also elongate your legs when they hit the right spot as opposed to the shorter ones.
Other looks with leggings that I love:
1. I love this look by rodellee because she further elongates her legs with high heels. Instead of looking cheap (an argument that many anti-legging fashionistas employ time after time) the outfit looks formal and sophisticated paired with a romantic blouse and tailored blazer.
2. Here is another look by the ever fashionable caroline who takes leggings to another level with her shiny take. I actually have the American Apparel shiny leggings
in lamé matte black on my wishlist which I may purchase sometime soon with the Chictopia discount. I like these leggings because they resemble leather (without the heavy discomfort!) and add a different touch to your outfits.
3. I also like this look by Noir which is as comfortable as it is chic. Leggings also go well tucked into slouchy boots, as Noir does in her outfit which is perfect for your everyday wear. The oversized pullover is far from frumpy and (paired with the scarf) is instead part of a very chic look without compromising comfort.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you want to wear your leggings. If you feel you can pull them off without a longer shirt, go ahead! Your clothes, your choice. I’m just offering my opinions and justifications :)
xoxo,
annabel
I love leggings!