Has any article of clothing been as hotly contested as leggings? Somewhere between tights and skinny jeans exists this miracle of style and stretch, and yet no one can seem to agree quite the right way to wear these all-purpose bottoms. Well, let's rephrase -- some fashion lore says leggings are too close to tights to be worn without a dress, skirt, or shorts to top 'em. But we say "no way!" to this uncool rule and "yay!" to the leggings-as-pants phenomenon. Why? Take a peek at these outfit ideas and see for yourself!
Athletic Chic
The leggings-as-pants look often finds its fans in adventurous, active types looking for a cute alternative to sweat shorts and tear-aways. Whether you're heading to morning yoga or walking up the street for frozen yogurt, you'll assuredly look swell sporting solid leggings with a breezy hoodie over a casual tee. Aim for a top with a slightly longer length (think mid-hip, not dress length) to keep the silhouette carefree and fun. Speaking of fun, this look is easily jazzed up with delicate jewelry and sporty sneaks in a super cool pattern.
Weekend Wonder
One of the best feelings is waking up on a weekend with a full day of fun plans ahead of you. The challenge there lies in finding an outfit to keep you looking consistently cool (and feeling comfy!) through all of 'em. Enter leggings-as-pants! Top patterned leggings with a flowy, tunic-like blouse -- something with a sophisticated-looking fabric to balance the casual knit of your bottoms -- then accessorize with your can't-leave-home-without-'em boots, socks (to keep your feet happy through walks in the dog park and wandering window shopping), a fall beanie, and versatile layers, like a classic moto jacket. From upscale brunch to low-brow late-night movie watching, your leggings look will have you feeling fashionably on point.
Dinner Party Must-Do
Leggings? To a dinner party? Of course, mes amis! Pick a pair in a classy texture and hue (these ones are a rich, evergreen velvet), and no one will blink twice. How glamorous do these bottoms look alongside a button up and blazer, especially when worn with a shimmering statement necklace and heels? And listen, we can't lie -- when a second helping of holiday dinner is up for grabs, there's no better friend than the stretch waist on this pretty pair!
+Leggings as pants, or... nah? Where do you fall in the debate?
This article was originally published on ModCloth.com.
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