Leggings

Today fashion editor Bernadette Morra and stylist Derick Chetty discussed leggings. Read the archived discussion below and send your thoughts to nakedlunch@thestar.ca.

Great piece on leggings and love the photo spread inside. The text advised "cardigans with boxy cropped jackets".  Not sure what that means... long cardies under jackets? Sharon

Yes, it's all part of the layered look that is very big for fall. You can find lightweight long cardigans or sweaters that come just below the hips. Layer these under a short cropped jacket - it can be one of those abbreviated boxy jackets with cropped sleeves - great mod looking ones currently at H&M - or a wool peacoat. Derick

York University student Lauren DeMonte in leggings from Aritzia.

I noticed most of the people in the Frockwatch column were all wearing opaque - mostly black - leggings. I would love to wear this trend in the winter. Is it acceptable to wear the chunky cable knit leggings? Where can I find those?

Yes, you're right, this summer most women are opting for the lighter cotton leggings in black. But come winter, I'm sure you will find the heavier ribbed leggings in cashmere or a wool blend. If you are going to wear the more textured variety, make sure you pair it with knits - as in a soft long sweater or cardigan or heavy wool coat.  A floaty chiffon dress or skirt will only bring the emphasis on the heavy look on your legs. Also with textured leggings, balance the look with chunky heeled ankle boots. In terms of where you can find them, I would check out Holt Renfrew for the DKNY brand. Derick

I was delighted to read in the Star Fashion pages this morning that leggings are back "in". I have always adored leggings and I think they really show off good legs to great advantage, however they do seem to emphasize shortcomings like chunkiness. What are your thoughts? Lucinda

I think it depends on where the leggings stop and whether you are wearing a mini skirt. For a more streamlined look choose a black opaque legging that goes all the way to the ankle. Stick to skirts or dresses that are knee length or stop just just below the knee. And gain a leg lengthening look by also wearing heels with your leggings. Derick

Some of us have the opposite problem, Lucinda. I have always had very skinny legs with barely any calf muscles. So I find leggings and flats tend to exaggerate the scrawniness, not a great look if your body is NOT as scrawny as your limbs. Also, the leggings themselves tend to stretch and look baggy, especially at the knees. Also not a great look. So I buy size small and handwash them in cool water, because any heat will cause breakdown of the Lycra that helps keep the snug look. Bernadette

One of the retailers in your story says the colour to wear is black, black and black. But when can you wear brown or grey?

You can wear the grey leggings with navy blue and different shades of grey. The brown you could wear with different shades of camel and khaki. Black goes with everything. You don't have to think about it. It even goes with a printed skirt or dress. Mixing different hues in the same family eg. various shades of greys or browns, is trickier to pull off. But when done well, can look fantastic and much more interesting than all black, or black and white. Derick

Leggings with a satin cocktail dress at the Versace show in Milan.

How should I wear leggings? What are the general rules? With heels? Flats? Something big on top? I've noticed that this look can look 'cheap' if not worn properly. How can I avoid looking, er, trashy? How is this trend different from how leggings were worn in the eighties? How low should my Body Mass Index be to pull this off? Melissa

Hi Melissa, Thanks for your questions. Most were addressed in today's article on leggings in the Fashion Section. But here is a quick recap. It's very different from how they were worn in the 80s. The cardinal rule - do not wear as pants. This time around, it's all about layering. Wear them under a mini skirt or dress or layer a long sweater/cardigan over them. You will find plenty of these in any mall store (Club Monaco, Gap). Polish the look off with a cropped swingy jacket.
In terms of footwear, stick to chunky ankle boots if you're wearing them with a sweater and jacket on top. If you're going for dresses or mini skirts, try them with a pair of flats.
As far as your BMI - thankfully it's one of those trends that anyone can wear. Check out Frockwatch in the Fashion Section today. We show a variety of women in Toronto of different sizes and ages that are already wearing leggins. Derick

I read today's article in The Star on fall's fashionable leggings.  For religious reasons, I do not wear pants and dress conservatively in skirts and dresses (no minis), though I do like to stay on top of some trends.  Is there a way I can pull off the legging look this season? Anonymous

Hi Anonymous. I wouldn't want to give you advice that is going to go against your principles. But since you are looking for guidance I would suggest wearing leggings that go right down to your ankles under your skirts and dresses. I guess they could be interpreted as footless tights from a religious point of view, though, from a trend perspective, they are leggings. I hope this helps. By the way, I think it's wonderful that you are looking for a way to blend your religious principles and current styles. Such confidence and individuality are the characteristics of someone who has true style. Bernadette

Comments

[Jamie Wilson-Hull]

I always loved leggings in the 80's. It was great to get into them and a huge, oversized top. What a comfortable feeling to them.

But, in this context with all of the layering that you need to do to carry it off (unless of course, you're twiggy like), forget about the Body Mass Index. It's HOT FLUSHES that I need to worry about!

All of that layering will certainly add the heat.

[Adam Kassur]

I'm a 23 year old metrosexual male. I personally think leggings are a wonderful concept at that! I think females need to stop whining and feeling akward about men who want to wear leggings! "Gender is nothing more than a physical construct." It has nothing to do with what sex they are. Both men and women can and do actually percieve the world in similar ways. A man doesn't always like to wear heavy, thick and dark apparel. We too enjoy the luxuries of lfe like silk and nylon. Clearly a man that is well built and assertive like most men, but perhaps is better groomed and enjoys wearing leggings doesn't mean he is any less of a man. A man or woman is determined based on how kind, helpful and positive we are toward others, not what we eat, wear, sleep in, or how we act like outside of these pathetic gender roles created my society that something thought up as being the ONLY way. It simply doesn't work that way. Individuals are very complex living beings with mixed emotions, new developing feelings about ourselves and others, and our own need to be distinctive among others. In conclusion, open-mindedness and the ability to let change occur is not a punishment but a gift to express oneself and enjoy life on higher and newer levels. Judge not another and they won't judge you!

Now for all the men out there. Give it a try if you choose. Fear of rejection means you are dependent on what others think and want of you.

[RSM]

It’s time that we ALL wear leggings. Choose a well made pair - not with cotton fibers that bag out over time but a high tech fiber that retains it shape. Get over the body image constraints and just wear them. Go for the comfort and support. Leggings that go to the ankle have a greater positive visual aesthetic than capri style that chop the leg. Plus the full length leggings support you from your ankle to your waist and give you an energetic lift. Laugh, Live, Love & Enjoy! Check out www.UnJeans.com