Popular legwear stretches to include styles for more age groups
Fashion
BY LINDA MILLER
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Published: September 27, 2009
Modified: September 28, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Oklahoman graphics
It’s easy to believe that leggings are more popular than ever for fall. Magazines tout them as a must-have, and stores can’t unpack them fast enough.
But what’s all this talk about a woman in her 50s as well as a college student being able to embrace the look?
"There are so many different styles that any age is able to wear them,” said
Brook Balentine, a buyer for Cayman’s Clothiers in
Norman. "They’re just going to wear them differently.”
Younger women may choose to pair leopard leggings with a tunic and over-the-knee boots. Women with more life experience or thighs that aren’t model-thin will like the look of dark leggings with a knee-length cardigan or dress.
Balentine said many leggings can be flattering to your legs, and they look good with ballet flats or any style boots. Yes, even booties. To elongate or make your legs appear thinner, match leggings to the color of your boots.
If you’re still apprehensive about slipping into something so skin-tight, reach for a thicker style or one that has a bit of compression or control. It will offer more substance and almost looks like a skinny pant or jean, Balentine said.
Leggings have been a recurring fashion trend since the 1960s. A few years ago, teens and young women jumped feet first into leggings, and they haven’t quit.
What’s different this season is the step toward leggings with patterns, leatherlike fabrics, zippers, rips, lace, even denim.
Basic black or brown still offers the most versatility, but details and patterns add more interest and newness. Consider liquid leggings with a back zipper for a rocker look. Black sequin for the holidays. Animal print just for the fun of it.
Keep in mind that some patterns can look juvenile or downright unflattering, so choose carefully.
"You’re going to get more wear out of leggings with a smaller print, something that’s not so bold,” said
Kristin Brawley, owner of
Tres Chic in Northpark Mall.
That includes lace, one of the hottest looks for leggings. "Lace leggings are a must-have for this season, but bigger lace designs can make even the skinniest legs look bigger,” she said.
Along with lace, leggings with sequins or shimmer are expected to add a bit of festive flair to holiday dressing. "I almost consider it a nice evening slack,” Brawley said. "But keep it black. With that much flash, it needs to be black.”
More women are starting to recognize the versatility of leggings, and for those who don’t, Brawley is willing to help.
"I’m selling leggings to all age ranges, and some of them do need some guidance,” she said. "You need to be honest and open with them. For older women, it’s a bold statement. ... You really need to let them know what kind of legging they need. Maybe it’s a longer legging instead of a cropped legging.”
A legging feels different, and to some women it may feel as if they’re missing something.
"You need to show them multiple ways to wear leggings, then allow them to feel it out for themselves,” Brawley said.
"Leggings are age-appropriate, but sometimes you need to show women ways to be age-appropriate.”
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