Leggings for Guys and Girls

One of the many ways to dress up any look is by pairing your outfit with the ultimate accessory: leggings. While the original objective for wearing leggings were for Europeans (males AND females) to keep their legs from freezing, we can still apply that notion for this evolving trend. This post will show how you can show off your legwork without compromising warmth by just wearing a few of these funky leggings.

Inspired by Chanel Haute Couture S/S 2011

Let’s get real, we can’t always go out partying on a constant basis. But that shouldn’t stop you from dressing the part. To make yourself stand out from the crowd, sequined leggings are the way to go. These sparkling, light-weight embellishments cling onto your legs effortlessly that you’ll start to wonder why people are giving you envious stares.

Just a couple of days ago, Chanel debuted its S/S 2011 Haute Couture collection featuring almost every model wearing a pair of textured leggings that included glass beads and sequins. Though Karl Lagerfeld did a magnificent job on the clothing pieces, it was the leggings that seemed to won the crowd.

Buy It: ABS Allen Schwartz Sequin Leggings ($68.00)

Inspired by Givenchy Fall 2011 Menswear

While many people will mistaken this pair for “tights” or “footless tights,” only the fashionable will know that these are indeed “sheer leggings.” Tulle leggings designed by Ann-Sofie Back herself, to be exact. Though Kate Moss did a great job designing for the UK label, Ann-Sofie Back may be a better bet when it comes to originality and spunk. Sheer leggings with a hint of fabric or embellishment are good enough to not overpower the overall look and idea. Make sure to layer them underneath a wool skirt or even some wool shorts to keep the rest of your body warm.

The rest of the fashion world is also embracing Ann-Sofie Back’s love for minimalistic sheer. Givenchy debuted its Fall 2011 Menswear in style by having men showing their androgynous side. How? By wearing leggings/tights underneath their shorts. While it’s definitely not novel to see men in tights among the fashion world (think Japanese Street Fashion), it’s definitely a refreshing concept to see in the fashion capital, Paris.

Buy It: Ann-Sofie Back for Topshop Tulle Leggings ($70.00)

Inspired by Armani Privé Haute Couture S/S 2011

Meet the upgraded version of liquid leggings, the metallicas. Wearing these babies will surely brighten your mood during the winter! Not only are they easy to dress up, but they can make anyone (yes anyone) feel AND look sexy in an instant. Word of advice, though, this is only for those who dare to be bold. Criticizers will need to shy away from this trend.

The Armani Privé Haute Couture S/S 2011 collection featured a lot of metallic, flamboyant colours during this week in Paris. Models were cleverly dressed in metallic from head to toe which provided the audience a taste of Armani’s luxurious world.

Buy It: Forever 21 Metallic Pleather Leggings ($15.80)

Inspired by Bernhard Willhelm Fall/Winter 2011-2012

To hit the mark on maximum exposure, go for pattern/graphic leggings. For extra warmth, you can now choose nordic patterned leggings, which is a bit thicker than your regular black ones. These leggings will be your focal point so you don’t need any additional emphasis on your blouse or shoes.

Though Bernhard Willheim didn’t showcase his Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collection on a runway, his presentation did prove that men in patterned leggings/tights can look just as amazing as their female counterparts.

Buy It: American Apparel Cloud Leggings ($20.00)

As you can see Chictopians, not only can girls rock the leggings trend, guys can, too! Let’s hope to see more Chictopians wear more leggings than just bare legs.

For more Chictopia inspiration, check out these fellow Chictopians in their stylish legging pieces!