Leggings Are Not Pants! Five Pairs You Need to Know About Before Fall

School starts this week, and to be honest I’m totally bummed. I’m still 100% into summer, and wish I could hang onto just a few more weeks of carefree, long days with the kids. But whether I like it or not, fall is just around the corner. Which means back-to-school shopping, boot season, and time to talk leggings! Today, we’re taking a quick break from summer, so I can arm you with what you need to know about leggings, my top 5 picks and how to wear them; so that when the weather turns, you’ll know where to go.

One way I love to wear my leggings, is with over the knee boots (OTK boots are back, for fall 2016).

This outfit was sooo comfortable – like wearing sweats!

*for more outfit ideas with leggings, scroll to bottom of this post*

Leggings are the easiest and most comfortable – yet trickiest article of clothing, to pull off with style.

Why? This comfy bugger is misunderstood, but once you come to terms with a few guidelines – it’s a love fest!

#1 Very important, butt and crotch are to remain covered – at all times.

#2 Black is the most flattering color.

#3 Invest in a pair that is not see thru.

#4 Tunic, tunic, tunic – the key to coverage

#5 Stick to this style guideline: skinny on bottom = full on top, balance is key!

Yes, in the photos below, the models are wearing their leggings with heels and crop tops. That’s ONLY, so you can see the full legging; the heels, obviously make their legs look longer – this doesn’t mean, you should style yours in this manner!

(sorry if I sound a little bossy, I kinda have a thing about leggings being worn in an unflattering way)

Do I have favorites? Absolutely!

Now, if you are 15 years old, no problem, you can probably wear anything from anywhere (but please girls, no crop tops with leggings unless you are working out). For us ladies over 40, we have options! A key factor for me, is that my leggings stay up. All 5 of the options below, have a wide, and unique waistband. I personally have tried each of these leggings on; prices range from $14.99-$60.00 ($108.00 for faux leather). Let’s take a look!

For everyday, anywhere:

Hue Wide Waistband Legging

My favorite. For a thinner, inexpensive option, the Hue wide waist band leggings are the bomb! Not to be confused with other leggings by Hue (which I have mixed emotions about), that for me don’t stay up – the magic is in the high/wider waistband. These leggings are thinner than the next 4 below, and are perfect for everyday; around the house, even layered with dresses. They keep their shape, and don’t bag out at the knees.

Hue ‘Ultra WW’ Legging, in regular and plus sizing | Nordstrom $36.00 with free ship and returns

The Low Price Winner!

Matty M | in 3 colors | Costco $14.99 with free ship 

This is a great legging for the price. These are my daughter’s favorite. The key again, is the wide, high waistband which keeps them up all day. They are thicker than the Hue, therefore a great option for colder areas or for younger gals who may not always be wearing them with a tunic style top. We found these wash well.

Premium!

Lysse Control Top Legging

Nordstrom | $60.00 free ship and returns

Lysse makes a high-waist vegan style,

which I lived in last fall and winter.

Nordstrom | $108.00 with free ship and returns

Lysse leggings, are a legging and shaper – all in one. They are flattering and comfortable. Just know, they do have a  built in shaper, so they feel tighter. Try your regular size to start. I needed to fold the waistband down, to get it over my hips, then roll it back up. At first, I thought I needed a bigger size, but once I got them on – these babies weren’t going anywhere, and fit like a dream.  The vegan, leather looking ones, are especially a challenge to get on – but, I love how they fit once on the body. If tight is not your thing, you may want to size up in the vegan pair.

All that said, I love the Lysse leggings,  but if the thought of being held in, on your tummy and thighs, sounds terrible – then take a pass.

A close up look, at the waist band.

Vince Camuto Seamed Back Legging

Thicker, these can be worn dressed up, or down. Almost a pant (but not!), and perfect for colder months. I sized down in these, as per my sales gals recommendation. I personally prefer the Hue and Lysse leggings, but these have great reviews. They may just not be the best for my body type. Remember, everyone is different, I would definitely recommend checking them out, and at $49.00, they are a lower cost than Lysse.

Available at Nordstrom HERE, in regular and petite. Plus sizes also are available, in the regular Vince Camuto legging.

Zella ‘Live-in’ Slim Legging

Yes, these work for yoga, but they are not your everyday work out pant. My sis-in-law, along with other fashionable friends who work in retail, swear by these leggings. They are more matte than your average workout pant, do amazing in the wash, and hold it all in – while staying up.

At Nordstrom HERE

Once you find your perfect legging, a few tips:

NO DRYER. The dryer breaks down the elastic in the legging, causing white little pieces to pop out of the fabric, and they will not retain the same stretch as they had, when new.

Eliminating the dryer run, will also help to keep the deep original color.

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