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How Old is Too Old for Leggings?

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Dear Budget Fashionista,

How old is too old for 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?

You hear all kinds of opinions thrown around about leggings. They shouldn’t be worn as pants. People of a certain age shouldn’t wear them. The truth is that leggings are fabulous largely because they’re so versatile, universally appealing, and appropriate for people of all ages. We all want to be comfortable, so it only makes sense!

Are you too old for leggings? Here are the rules.

That said, there are some basic tenets that apply to everyday wear, particularly if you want to pull them off without a second thought — just as you would, say, your favorite pair of jeans. So what’s the best way to wear these wardrobe essentials?

Consider the Season

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Consider the season first. Leggings are natural fall and winter contenders because they pair so well with cold-weather basics, like long cardigans, sweaters, and coats. You can easily layer any of these over your leggings, slip into a pair of boots, and look phenomenal from head to toe.

Go for Balance

The trick is to wear a longer silhouette on top to establish some balance. This not only visually elongates your figure, but also conceals any areas of the body that you might feel uncomfortable showing. Remember that leggings naturally conform to your shape!

If you’re wearing leggings in spring or summer, an airy dress belted at the waist is a great choice that is both flattering and proportionate. A pair of cute ballet flats finishes up this outfit nicely. Avoid anything too long, or you may risk appearing frumpy. Something that falls below the hips is just right.

There’s Always the Tunic

Tunics also complement leggings well, because their loose, relaxed silhouette contrasts perfectly with the sleeker fit on the bottom. Depending on the length of the babydoll, you may be able to pull that off — just opt for a lean length.

You may be overwhelmed by the seemingly endless choices available when you first start shopping for leggings. There are all kinds of designs available — from cutouts to metallics, nothing is off limits. For the mature woman who wants something understated, however, it’s best to opt for neutral shades that will partner well with existing items in your closet. Black, gray, brown, and navy are all excellent choices.

If you want to branch out, don’t shy away from something with a pattern. Just be sure to wear your leggings with a neutral top so one doesn’t compete with the other.

So, to sum things up, let’s answer that question: How old is too old for leggings? Ladies, there’s no age limit.

sandra

Thursday 28th of January 2016

I'm 69 5'2" and 128 lbs, and I have a toned body from exercise. I wear leggings and tunic tops. Just because someone thinks I'm to old, doesn't mean i have to stop wearing what I want. I have seen young ladies in tops and pants with their boobs and gut and rolls of fat hanging out, and do you think they can because they are under 40? wear want you want, but cover up those problem areas and don't think because you are younger you can show off that belly and boobs.

Jen

Sunday 2nd of August 2015

Are we for real here? No leggings once you hit 30? I am a size 8 and 5'2, no way am I going to hide my figure away in shapeless jeans because I am deemed as 'Too old' to wear leggings. What a ridiculous statement. Personally I think a 40 year old can look better in them then a 20 year old. All depends on body shapes and how it is worn, not age.

Stella

Thursday 11th of October 2012

I think aged people should not  wear legggings. It does not suits them.

4bnamom

Thursday 4th of October 2012

I will tell you what...I am 66 and I wear denim leggings. I have a round butt and not sagging and I have no belly at all. I weigh 102 and I look good in legging. No I am not bragging, Just saying. Cause if you have a good shape and your body looks good then why not wear leggings. I have seen young women with flat butts and big guts in them. Does this mean because they are young they should wear them? If you feel you look good in something then wear it. My gosh don't worry about what other people think or say. There is mirrors all over, look in them and see how you look. If you look good then there you go!

Tracey

Sunday 24th of June 2012

Are these children writing the "don't wear leggings over 30" comments? What happens the day of a woman's 30th birthday that suddenly changes her body so much that her wardrobe has to make an immediate shift? That is such a silly notion. You have to change as it suits your lifestyle and reeflects who you are as a person.

I'm putting in gym time like I never did in my 20's and my body is startign to look better than it did then. I don't want to follow the trend of those hoochie looking youngster who think camel toe and butt cheeks hanging out of too small shorts is a good luck but I'm definitely throwing on leggings with long shirts whenever I feel like it.

What Shayla said.

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