Because I got to go out and about for the first time in a long while for my birthday, I noticed that a lot of girls had jumped on the Leggings bandwagon, but a lot of them appeared to be confused as to exactly how to pull it off.
So, I have come up with this quick-n-easy guide to dressing for success.
There's really only one rule you have to remember and that is this:
PANTY HOSE are not TIGHTS. TIGHTS are not LEGGINGS. LEGGINGS are not PANTS, and as much as you might like to be, YOU ARE NOT LADY GAGA.
I have said this many, many times but still, the world continues to ignore this sound advice.
First of all, panty hose, to me, are the flesh toned nylons you wear with skirts (or in some cases pant suits, though I don't know anyone outside of my grandmother's church group that does that) to either hide the fact that you a) are pale as a ghost, b) have spider like blue veins, c) have scars, or d) haven't shaved your legs in a few days. They are akin to underwear... they have special washing instructions, they are delicate, and you wear them UNDER your clothes.
Tights are similar to panty hose, but are a bit more durable, and usually come in colors, like white, black, pink, etc. or can be patterned, lace, or fishnet. They are a bit thicker than panty hose, but still slightly see thru, meaning they should be worn under skirts or pants, to keep the legs warm for those of us who like to wear short skirts in cooler weather.
Both panty hose and tights generally run from the waist to the toes, covering the feet, though there are variations, including thigh high, knee high, and "unfooted."
Leggings are tricky. The aren't see through like tights and panty hose, so you might feel compelled to wear them with a t-shirt. Don't. It's not cute. Leggings are NOT to be worn as pants. I don't care who says it's ok. It's NOT.
Leggings should be paired with a short dress (one that you might typically not wear, because it's too short), a sweater dress, oversized shirts (that fall below your butt), or under skirts.
Leggings come in a variety of lengths, colors, and designs, and are very versatile pieces to any wardrobe. But they are NOT and should NEVER BE considered pants. I cannot stress this enough.
Lets Review:
Panty hose.
Tights.
Leggings.
Pants
Lady GaGa
Everyone clear?