Style Me Monday: Leggings 5 Ways

Each week, Style Me Monday, will feature one item from my closet – styled 5 ways – to get your style wheels turning for the week ahead, and today, we’re talking leggings.

Here to Stay

After taking a brief break from the Olivia Newton John leggings of the 70’s, leggings had a big resurgence in the 1990’s. And as a clothing buyer for Nordstrom Inc during the 90’s, leggings were my top selling item year after year.  As profitable as these $24.00 spandex wardrobe wonders were for business, I was always a bit peeved by their success, as a huge portion of my Buy Plan was dedicated to the legging and what to wear with her. And we are not just talking tops. One had to have the matching hair scrunchie and socks, to coordinate with the legging outfit. My purchasing power was limited to what was left, after a surplus of this “never to run out of” item was stocked each month. Who was I to argue, we were selling an insane number, year after year.

When colored leggings faded, black was here to stay, until leggings made a big resurgence in 2008 with black, silver and gold becoming popular.  Jeggings came about in 2010, but the basic black legging has never gone out of style. Over the past few years, leather – faux or real – are readily available in all price ranges. Moto styles are a terrific update to your basic black pair, along with faux suede or velvet.

A necessary staple, I believe we each need two pairs of good quality “street leggings” in our wardrobe; one for everyday, another for “dress up”.  And since they play such an important role in creating outfits, it’s important you do your research to find a pair that fits YOU like a glove, offering up the full range of motion and comfort, that has made leggings so popular over the years.

I can think of over 20 ways to wear leggings, but since today’s post features only five looks, here’s a few of my personal favorites, featuring my Lysee leggings, in ponte, faux leather and denim.

Outfit 1: Lysee Ponte Legging

Made of a ponte knit, this is my go-to legging. I’ve had this same pair for years, and she still holds her shape and color. The control panel keeps her from falling down.

Outfit Deets: Lysee Ponte Legging, exact pair HERE | long puffer jacket, similar HERE, HERE,  HERE| knit shacket, Anthropologie, similar, from Rails HERE | lace-up lug sole boots, Frye, similar idea, HERE.

Outfit 2

Outfit Deets: Lysee Ponte Legging | Lug Sole Boot, Donald Pliner, similar HERE | Graphic Sweater, Zadig & Voltaire, updated for 2022, HERE | Puffer, North Face, similar HERE,  HERE | beanie hat, The Cashmere Sale, similar HERE.

Outfit 3: Faux Leather Legging

Another winner from Lysee, I grab this pair when I want to elevate my casual look. A leather legging works with a sneaker, tall boot, and everything in between. I’ve added a few options, in the shopping links at the end of this post.

Lysee faux leather legging | Puffer (thrifted) | tunic sweater, Halogen | Hasbeen Clog Boots, similar HERE | HERE | HERE (green suede!) | and similar for less HERE

Outfit 4

SPANX vs Lysee. The difference between the Lysee and the SPANX faux leather legging is a personal choice. I find the waist band of the Lysee legging to be a little less compressed, and very comfortable for all day wear. I also feel like the fabric is a tad bit more indestructible. I’ve owned my Lysee leggings for over 7 years, and to me, that’s a testament to the quality of this brand. To browse a big selection of Lysee leggings, click here.

Outfit Deets: Lysee faux leather legging | Faux Fur Vest, Banana Republic, similar HERE | Flannel tunic shirt, Rag and Bone | Boots, both pairs, Donald Pliner

Outfit 5: Denim Legging

So this denim legging is not by Lysee, in fact they are so old, I do not recall where I picked them up. But if this is a look you are after, not to worry, there are many denim options available. Here’s a pair from Lysee (now on sale), and another option by SPANX.

Outfit Deets: Denim legging, similar | Long quilted coat, Zella, 2022 version| Plaid blanket scarf, Madewell, similar HERE, HERE |Hasbeen Clog Boots, similar HERE | HERE

Shop Today’s Post

Leggings

All the Rest!

Looking for more outfit ideas? I invite you to visit last week’s Style Me Monday Post, featuring how to style a statement coat.

Hope to see you back this Friday, have a fantastic week friends!