Friday, October 8, 2010

Leggings 101

Disclaimer: I clearly have no pride in posting these photos. Maybe I shouldn't be wearing leggings--holy crap!

A couple days ago my sister Ashley called me in a panic asking for leggings advice. She was at the Gap on the verge of buying a pair of capri leggings with zippers. I saved her just in the nick of time.

First, let's get one thing straight. I am no expert on leggings. I have only actually worn my leggings outside the house one time. But in my defense, it has been a little too hot for leggings around here so I've just been parading around the house in them and dreaming of wearing them to all sorts of sundry events--like picking up the carpool from school.

I know what you are all thinking--Brooke is giving fashion advice?? That is like Lindsey Lohan giving classes on clean living. Alas, a few of you have asked for it--so here I go. Please feel free to add any advice you have in the comments.

1. The leggings should be black.

2. Make sure your top covers your whole behind in your leggings. This is just a given. Did I really have to say it?

3. It is a good idea to have the waistband on your leggings not be "low rise." At least for me, I need all the tummy control I can get. No one is going to see that part, so hike them up as high as possible.

4. The only appropriate shoes with leggings are flats or tall boots. Make sure your flats are in good condition because they seem to get more attention in leggings.
I stand corrected. Booties (or ankle boots) do look cute with leggings. I just saw models wearing leggings with booties on White House Black Market's website.

Leggings with boots

5. I think capri leggings and leggings with zippers and other embellishments are a no-go. Correct me if I'm wrong.

6. I think your top needs to be long and loose.

7. Forget about the stirrup leggings. I know the Gap is selling them. Just walk away. Actually, be like Joseph of old and RUN! You will look like the 50-year-old secretaries at my husband's work (bless their hearts!)

8. I've seen cute leggings at Nordstrom, White House Black Market, Macy's, etc. They are usually about 35 bucks.

9. To me, there is a huge difference between jeggings (jeans that have mated with leggings) and leggings. I am no expert on jeggings. These rules apply to leggings.

10. Don't stress about whether your legs are too short or too chubby for leggings. It's all about attitude.

That's it ladies. I will be teaching cooking classes next..hahahha

24 comments:

Jill said...

These pictures of you and Ryan are so cute! Oh to have thin enough legs to even consider wearing leggings! I haven't done so since 1989!

Linda said...

The best part of this "blogging" is RyRy grinning in the mirror. He is sososo cute! And so are you in the leggings. I might add another rule to the list - if you are over 55 and not rail thin - just disregard this post. I actually tried on some leggings over the weekend and it wasn't pretty.

Ashley said...

It's scary how ignorant and misguided I was when I called you. In addition to my other ill-conceived notions, I considered grey leggings--color was an area we didn't even discuss. But now I'm wondering if huge boobs are going to be a hindrance to a leggings-based ensemble. As in, will the long and loose shirts just hang like a mumu and that mumu-ness will only be enhanced by the leggings. Please enlighten.

Laura B. said...

Even though I'm carrying a good extra 25 pounds these days, I'm a believer in leggings. I agree...black or dark grey are a must. They MUST be covered by a loose top which covers your bum.
And the shoes are critical. I saw a lady wearing sneakers with them yesterday. NOT A GOOD CHOICE!!!
Flats or boots are acceptable.

Oh and ash...zippers?? REALLY??? Walk away!!!

Elizabeth said...

Cute pictures! Where did you find your long tops? I just bought a pair of black leggings (cheap ones at Target) and have black flats, but I haven't worn them yet because I don't have a long top to wear with them. What would you think about a long cardigan sweater with leggings? I do have a couple of those. Thanks!

Liz said...

As I read this, I'm about to teach your daughter whilst donning leggings. I'm not sure my top properly covers the bum, but it's dance...we do that! I would never step outside with it exposed!

brooke said...

I forgot to mention I got my black top at Macy's for a steal. Macy's has awesome tops--especially their Style and Co. brand. It is really cute and affordable.

Elizabeth--I love a long cardigan over leggings. I don't like the sweater/shirt combo I'm wearing in the second photo. I just haven't found more cute long tops yet.

WHITE said...

Brooke you look awesome in those leggings!!! Thanks for the info...I am so out of it, I need all the fashion advice I can get!!!

jenafeldman said...

I love this post, but I have to disagree with one item...I have worn my leggings with ankle boots. They look good, but they must be the right type and I think they look better if they are black as well--keeps the long and lean going.

Shelly B. said...

I agree that leggings are OK with booties. (Hate that name, but what else should you call them...short boots or ankle boots I guess.) Anyway, I think leggings are cute with the right booties!

Elizabeth said...

Oh I bow down to your fashion sense...now I have a question about the correct temperature to make a cheese souffle rise...HAHAHAH just kidding.
I am about to do a post soon that involves me, a pair of leggings and grey plastic shoes. Oh the horror.
I love that Ryan thinks this post is about him!

Denise said...

I am LOVING that second outfit with the boots! I just don't know if I have the guts to do it. Maybe I will channel your power and try it one day. I agree with all of your rules except 1/2 of #5. I really like capri length leggings under a skirt that is too short to wear on its own, but that is more of a summertime outfit...

joslyn said...

chubby + leggings = DON'T DO IT

i know cuz i'm chubby. all the attitude in the world is not going to help:)

love your son in the mirror!

Jill T said...

I love your little sidekick in the mirror. Especially the shot where he's looking at himself. So funny.

Heather said...

Brooke! You look HOT!

nic said...

Why is it when I wear leggings I look pregnant. I always have to wear a long shirt to cover my butt, and then it is baggy and then I look pregnant. What am I doing wrong? You look cute in yours. Maybe I will have to try it again.

Magdalena said...

Huge fan Brooke, of leggings and you in yours. I am partial to the black jeggings myself. I'm all about the long cardi and a comfy pair of jolt brand jeggings - only 34 bones these days. Great post!

alexandra said...

I can't believe anyone wears any kind of pants with leg zippers. But I want more women to do it. The contrast might be flattering to me.

I have to disagree only on one thing. The color rule. I know a very stylish girl who called my attention to leggings when she wore a pair of white ones. She was blonde and tan and it was summer, and she wore it with a long top. She got the whole outfit at H&M and she looked awesome.

Linde said...

You look cute in leggings! Love the first picture with Ryan!!

melissa walker said...

I love your little guy in the mirror! And you look great in leggings--I would like you to come shopping with me and let me know in all honesty whether I can pull them off or not. I need an honest gal-pal!

marissa said...

hi brooke!! i am proud to say that i bought my first pair of leggings last night and i was totally thinking of this post the entire time! :)

lindsey said...

I was so inspired by this post that I sought out some leggings last week. I also found a cute shirt/dress to wear over them. I wear them with my boots over the top and it's my most comfortable outfit.

I am not skinny and was worried about feeling fat, but I LOVE THEM. I feel chic.

Also, I'd kill for your legs (or Ashley's). You Warner woman have GREAT legs.

Celia Fae said...

Hi. I'm working up the gumption to blog, which means really I'm messing around. Sometimes I read you and Ashley for inspiration because you two crack me up.

I love my "jeggings" that I got at Gap. They are so comfy that I'm going to pony up the big bucks and buy another pair, not even on sale. The beauty of these beauties is that you can still show your bum and it isn't ridiculous. Also, they are 20 percent polyester so they don't shrink. Bonus feature is that they come up high to serve as my own personal girdle.

This comment might have blown my entire blogging mojo.

Unknown said...

Hi! I just popped over from Elizabeth's blog where she gave you and I a lovely plug. Of course, I'm about as obsessive as new bloggers as she is, so had to see what the fuss was all about. And it's true. You do give good advice about leggings. And you're cute (so is your little lad). xx