In this post, I am going to cover a very controversial subject. Fashion experts abhor them. Karl Largerfeld detested them. Go on the internet and any self-proclaimed fashionista will pontificate that women “over a certain age” should never wear them.
Look. I LOVED Mr. Karl as a designer. He was incredibly talented. And had I ever met him, I would go all fangirl on him–I could even dress like him for Halloween if I lost 30 pounds. But let’s face it. The man how abhored leggings and sweatpants on women looks a bit like he’s wearing leather leggings in this pic.
Leggings! 
I do not speak of the heavy woolen leggings we wore as little girls during the winter…
I’m talkin’ THESE baby! LEGGINGS!!!
Well, I say “pooh-pooh” (what I really say is not printable) to that. My wardrobe contains plenty of leggings.
I am talking about the stretchy ones that hug your legs like a long-lost toddler. That second skin that shows off all the bumps and panty lines. The ones that are disguised as “active wear” for influencers to justify wearing them outside of the gym—but you know those grifters wear them all the time!
We know you’re wearing those leggings outside of the gym. We know it. Influencer or not, this item of clothing is being disguised as “workout” clothing and activewear. They are LEGGINGS!
Now, I gotta take a moment here to write of my profound love for this article of clothing. Even though I don’t wear them in the summer, nor do they get worn in early autumn as it is still too hot, they are worn in late autumn, all winter and in early spring. I also don’t wear them when I’m flying overseas. Although, I think I just might begin to.
No matter how hot it may get in the summer, I prefer the maxi dress. They are comfortable and breezy!
It is merely the comfort level that has me transitioning into an old lady who eschews anything confining on the body. Seriously. I can rarely wear jeans anymore because I feel like a sausage stuffed into a casing. And don’t forget the overlapping muffin top. When I now wear jeans it’s either skinny ones that are a size or two larger or the loose-fitting boyfriend jeans. As I’ve gotten older, my wardrobe has gone from fashionable to comfort style and I am not ashamed.
Three years ago, I was wearing jeans like this. I still like them but I’m just not comfortable in the tummy area.
My preference these days is the “boyfriend”jean. Looser and more comfortable.
The thing is wearing them in such a way that I don’t look like a contender for the “I-don’t-care-how-I-look” competition. Fact is, I do care how I look. I’m not obsessed, but want to look nice for me. Because, and this is must my unhumble opinion, if you feel good about how you are dressed, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself. And note: I said “wear” as opposed to “style” because the “style” word is so over and misused. Throwing a scarf around your neck and carrying a purse isn’t styling. It’s wearing and carrying. Style is something one has. It is an innate sense.
Throwing a scarf on and wearing a blazer are not “styling” leggings. It is merely what I’m wearing with my leggings. I’m still not wearing socks though!
Anyway, leggings are practical. Gained weight? Wear an oversized sweater or tunic and a pair of leggings.
Wearing boots? God calves that aren’t Q-tip thin? Got normal sized calves that, if you’re wearing trousers or jeans, cannot get those boots zippered? Besides—when they do zipper over jeans and pants, the clothing bunches up and looks awful. Wearing leggings will take care of that.
These boots, by Chinese Laundry are at least 15 years old. They fit BEAUTIFULLY over leggings. Nothing will change my mind on that
Shall we have a look-see at the pragmatism of leggings?
I wore these leggings and this sweater in Paris last month. I know. I know. We are told to NOT wear leggings in Paris. I call bullshit. Wear what makes you comfortable.
Typical of what I’ve been wearing to work this winter. Leggings–especially with boots and a scarf because the hospital I work in has no heat in my office. I’m not kidding. No heat. I have been working slowly.
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Another work look. More leggings. Boots from about eight to ten years old. My Temu coat that is now on it’s second winter. A great purchase for under USD 25!
More leggings, Loose sweater and black boots. It’s now a uniform!
Also when in Paris last month, I wore this long trench from Temu. Who could tell there were leggings worn under this maxi coat?
Even lolling around at home or running errands. Leggings are worn.
Honestly, it isn’t what you wear it’s how you wear articles of clothing. Yeah. You can look like a slob in leggings. You can also look like a slob in a great pair of trousers or a dress or anything for that matter. It’s how you wear it that counts.
I’m sick and tired of influencers and the internet and social media and self-proclaimed fashion experts dictating what to wear and what not to wear. I’m exhausted in how non-professionals pontificate “trends”.
Leggings are fine. It’s all good. And don’t forget to wear that smile!!!