Denim Leggings: Give Your Wardrobe a Trendy Twist with These Miracle Pieces

Denim leggings go with everything from a denim pencil skirt to an oversize chunky sweater dress. They are easy layering pieces for adding a level of modesty to short skirts and dresses or creating drama by providing a vivid pop of color and texture.

About Denim Leggings

Denim leggings are tight, form-fitting garments - like a fashionable marriage of pants and tights - that usually extend to the ankle or slightly above. When worn in the same color family as an outfit they create a slim, elongated silhouette that is extremely flattering for most figure types. They hug curves and flow over the legs elegantly. While leggings were once only seen on celebrities or runway models, they are established chic apparel and instant outfit makers. Most are made from a stretchy denim fabric that moves with the body and feels comfortable all day long.

How to Wear Leggings

Leggings are perfect for pairing with a multitude of tops: Baby doll, empire waist, and tunics are just a few of the trendy tops seen with leggings in the fashion news. Wear them under jumpers and miniskirts or even tee shirts, and mix and match colors and styles to create an endless variety of ensembles. Because they are extremely warm yet ridiculously lightweight, they are appropriate for most seasons and environments.

A tie waist shell, denim leggings and slouchy black boots is the perfect outfit for tailgating parties or shopping with the girls. Swap the shell for a black silk tank top, add a black and white striped blazer and pearl jewelry, and you are ready for date night in a flash.

Keep in mind that while leggings may look like pants, they are not pants. Check out your silhouette from all angles in a full-length mirror, and be sure to wear the appropriate undergarments, like a thong, to prevent visual panty lines. You may want to choose a top that falls a little lower on the hips for some concealment if the reflection in the mirror does not meet your expectations.

Where to Buy Them

These leggings are an on-trend item this season so they are easy to find. If you have never owned a pair of leggings, you may want to shop for your first pair at a brick and mortar store so you can try them on and analyze the fit. However, in these times of skyrocketing gas prices, shopping online makes more sense than ever, and most online sites feature sizing charts to help you get the perfect fit. Browse through the selection at retailers like these to find the perfect leggings for your lifestyle:

Gap: Choose traditional blue or opt for modern white or black denim leggings from Gap's wide selection.

Zappos: With over 58 styles from which to choose, your hardest decision will be picking just one or two new leggings for your wardrobe.

Piperlime: The wide selection makes it easy for you to look sleek and sensible in super-flattering leggings by various popular designers.

Denim leggings attract a lot of attention and express your individuality. They are as appropriate for your active wardrobe as they are for dressier occasions. If you want to look effortlessly stylish, add a pair of leggings to give your wardrobe an on-trend twist.

Sources:

Author's own experience as a Certified Image Consultant
Fashion 101, Karen Macklin, editorial director