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Dear Budget Fashionista,
How old is too old to wear leggings? I recently found some cute babydoll tops at Kohl’s that would look great with them, but I feel like leggings
would be trying way too hard. Plus I’m carrying some extra pounds! Any advice?
Answer: You’re never too old to wear leggings, but you do want to modify how you wear them.
Some Tips on Wearing Leggings for Mature Fashionistas:
- Stick to basic, dark colors—dark blue, black, brown.
- Wear them under dresses that hit at least mid thigh or long cocoon type coats and avoid short, unflattering tops (sorry—that includes baby doll tops).
- Pair them with a cute pair of ballet flats, but avoid the urge wear them with heels.
- If you have thick ankles, avoid leggings like the plague.
- Last, but not least, throw them out the moment they become too stretched, discolored, etc.
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Comments
I disagree; I think if you’re over 30, you’re too old to be wearing leggings. It looks like you’re trying too hard. The rules in this post are my rules for people who are young enough to wear leggings- i.e. don’t wear them as pants.
Wait, I don’t get it… is this the fashion *don’t*? Because I actually don’t think the shoes look that horrible. I agree, though… no crotch-baring leggings-as-pants!
I disagree with the old-fashioned, age-ist concept that people over 30 “shouldn’t wear <fill-in-the-blank>.”
I know women in better shape at age 50 than others at 25, and I would dare say that no matter what your age, you should decide what to wear not based on your age but rather on what looks good on your body.
I am (gasp!) 36, and I love wearing leggings, and often have women come up to me in the street to compliment my outfits and style.
Please don’t judge fashion by age. It’s as old fashioned and silly as the “no white after Labor Day” rule. It’s also insulting to those of us who look damn good in our leggings despite our “ancient” ages.
I hate leggings on everyone. Either wear tights, or pants, not some goofy hybrid of the two.
I agree with CaitlinV, the heels pictured don’t look bad with leggings. I’m sure there are other heel styles which would look okay with leggings. I also think that wearing leggings as pants are NOT okay after the age of 4 or unless you’re in aerobics class.
I agree with modernlunacy that some older women are in better shape than some 20 something women. I’m 29 and I’ve seen 40 year old women whose arms, legs and abs are more toned than mine. If your figure looks great in the outfit, go for it!
I don’t think the article meant that leggings + heels = a “don’t”, but that leggings + heels on more mature women can tend to look like you’re dressing too “young”. Certain items, like mini skirts, have a certain age range in which they are “appropriate” attire. If you’re out of that age range, it doesn’t matter how sexy your legs look--wearing a mini skirt is going to make people wonder what you do for a living. I know quite a few mothers who have better bodies than I do, but if they wore certain pieces, it’d look more tacky than trendy.
I’d suggest that if you wanted the look of leggings with babydoll tops, it would be more appropriate to wear skinny jeans. They give you a similar silhouette and show off your long legs, but are also more forgiving on your derrière, thighs, and crotch.
