Leggings…Out of the gym & into Style

“Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.” Vogue Magazine

Okay, we have been in a leggings mode for a long time. I think they could now be called an “essential” element of a wardrobe. The looks run the gamut from fresh out of the gym to streetwear, leaning toward a very casual look – a hoodie, an oversized sweater, or a jacket. And trainers. That’s our look, and we’re stricken with it!

But, there is an emerging style that we’re seeing in our favorite fashion driven cities. Paris, New York, Milano, to name a few. It’s a newer “dressed-up” look for our essential leggings, involving tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, cashmere sweaters, leather jackets, and heels. Dressing up the leggings to your own personal style can be easy. If you lean toward more casual, you can add a sleek shoe or an oversized loafer, a bootie, or an over-the-knee boot. Search for a vintage leather Moto jacket or a short A’La Chanel wool jacket. How comfy is a night out or a day shopping when you have on one of your favorite leggings?

Below are several looks involving those pieces that are “staples” in most closets: leather, tweed, a long coat, and blazers from linen to wool. You already have all the pieces you need to create a new look for your favorite leggings. These looks can be worn in an extensive age range and in a wide range of styles. In the higher age range, the classics are always part of the decision-making process. The number one consideration is that you are visually comfortable with what you’re wearing.

These are two fabulous jackets in varying styles and volumes. Both would be exceptional with leggings and a high or low boot to balance out the jackets.

These two looks are an easy favorite that can take you anywhere. The shoe selection here dictates the overall style. Both could easily be brought up a notch with a high-heeled shoe or a knee-high boot with a higher heel.

These jeans leggings should be a wardrobe staple along with your regular leggings. Jeans are such a core of our wardrobes, and when cut into leggings, the look is sleeker and more form-fitting. The added value of the three-quarter coat and the heels give this outfit a sophisticated city vibe. The black jacket is similar in cut to the one above. The back button detail adds an unexpected design touch. A black jeans leggings would be an excellent compliment to the jacket.

These two oversized blazers are such a contemporary selection with a twist. The left photo emphasizes the volume of the boyfriend blazer paired with the sleek leggings and boots. The added touch of a zip-neck sweater adds a toasty look to the ensemble. The all-black outfit with a touch of grey cashmere never fails to look chic. The sweater adds an unexpected touch in place of a scarf, which can be a bit overwhelming for some outfits. Side by side, on the left, you can see the basics of a classic look (taken up a notch). The right photo adds a more contemporary feel with the lug-sole boot and the toss of the sweater.

Two favorites to round out our selections. An elegant black top and black bottom. The sweater is just fitted enough to flow into the straight-leg leggings for an uninterrupted line of style. The loafer against the bare skin adds a nice contrast to the all-black. When you find the perfect white shirt…buy two! It is a staple that no wardrobe should be without. Because it’s such a go-to piece, it’s good to have a more fitted version and a style with more volume.

I have had this photo I my library for the longest time. And today, I’m able to share it with all of you. She is in keeping with the theme today of dressing up in leggings. Her free spirit just jumps out of the photograph and wraps you in imaginary stories of her life.

Going forward this season, a Camel jacket and/or a coat is a good investment and a piece that will elevate anything you choose to wear under it. It’s a classic that will weather any fashion fads and possibly become an all-time favorite.

Thanks for stopping by. Let us know if you have a fabulous formula for taking your leggings to the next fashion level. We would love to hear from you.