There are some items in your wardrobe that you know you’ll always be able to count on. One of those has most certainly got to be leggings.
Whether you’re thinking, snug cotton, sports luxe or yoga pants, leggings in all their forms are something too well loved to disappear. Leggings are not only a dream in the comfort stakes, but they easily transform an outfit from day to night, from summer to winter, and from shockingly cold to comfortably warm.
Leggings are an absolute wardrobe essential. Not only the black ones that are easy to match with almost anything in the wardrobe, but also for those who like to create a statement while still remaining comfortable and in something that flatters their figure.
Most women have at some point worn the legging, whether it be under a dress, a tunic or worn as a statement. Leggings help to create a stylish, smart, feminine and pulled together look. The perfect option paired with a casual pair of sneakers, a winner for the office with a dress and pair of heels but also unbeatable with knee-high leather boots.
These body-hugging, form-fitting pants entered the market in the 60’s by way of sweetly psychedelic mod designers like Mary Quant and Emilio Pucci, who styled theirs beneath shift clothes and with platform heels. They showed up again in the 70’s during the hit movie Grease when good-girl Sandy went dangerous, dumping her skirt for a shiny black pair of leggings, a cigarette, and a perm. Leggings reemerged in the 80’s when it became popular to wear exercise garments on the regular. Leggings were seen in bright fluro colours and worn as a part of daily life for many. Within the ’90s, TV fashion icons, like Saved by the Bell’s Kelly Kapowski and Clarissa of Clarissa Explains It All, recurrently wore colourful leggings underneath their peplum clothes, patchwork vests, and crop tops. The primary rhyme and reason here is straightforward, the versatility of these ever-popular pants.
Gym goer go-tos
Tights are certainly hugely popular among gym goers and the keep-fit crowds – and even those who just enjoy wearing activewear without actually breaking a sweat! Michelle Bridges activewear offer a range of leggings in a variety of styles to suit even the fussiest gym bunny! Tights can be found in a huge number of varieties, depending on the look that you’re going for. Think tights with side panels, leggings with lace, leggings with patterns and leggings with cut-outs.
An appropriate pant alternative?
The debate of “are leggings pants?” has been going on for years and it’s one that often comes with a lot of judgement. Tights/leggings are frequently thought to be sloppy, however they’re certainly a lot more pulled together than a pair of frumpy trackpants. They allow you to flaunt your body shape while still managing to stay completely covered up. A win-win really.
Comfort reigns supreme
Comfort should absolutely be one of the first rules of style. There are certainly life situations where denim and tight jeans just won’t make the cut. Perhaps during pregnancy when a flexible waistband is essential, even on Christmas day after a big meal with the family, and of course when working out. They will never go out of fashion simply because they allow for movement and are well suited to a number of different lifestyles and daily activities. Let’s be honest, the first thing we all do after work is take off our uncomfortable clothing and jump straight into our comfies or a favourite pair of leggings.
The other great thing about these types of pants is that they’re a well-accepted comfortable clothing item. Although we consider pyjamas and robes comfortable clothing as well – tights are a transitional option that works outside of our homes.
Of course there are trends that materialize for a season and are everyone’s must have item – think gladiator sandals or peplum skirts and tops. This is the difference between on-trend clothing and a piece that just keeps on giving. They have certainly earned their polarising position as a regular piece of clothing that doesn’t look set to be going anywhere, anytime soon.
It’s easy to dress them up or down, and they’re always incredibly snug. And snug, stylish clothes are like butter to toast, fashions absolute Holy Grail! How are you wearing yours this season?
