Shocker, leggings are a controversial topic. See: Women over 30 should not wear leggings; Principal instructs female students to ‘cover their butts’; and tights are not pants for more info. I DO think that with a few quick tips, leggings can be styled appropriately. Even still, likely not acceptable for a work environment, but a cool off duty look. It’s all about the styling!
Quick tips on leggings:
Cover your butt, please. No, really. I don’t think anything more needs to be said on this topic.
Tights DO NOT equal leggings. Make sure that your leggings are thick and opaque and not the slightest bit see-through. See above post on distinguishing tights from leggings.
Go Sporty. Adding sporty elements creates a cohesive look.
Mix in unexpected elements. This one is probably my favorite. Add in metallics, layers of jewelry, or a bold red lip and you’re good to go!
What to wear with leggings
1. Leggings + High Tops/Sneakers + Flowy Tank/Graphic Tee
Y’all know I love a good pair of printed palazzo pants — and apparently I REALLY like to pair them with denim and basic whites. In accordance with my guiding principle that somehow “everything goes together,” this outfit is well, a little bit of everything. I’m not mad at it.
But onto more pressing matters than how I feel about my clothes…
Recently I’ve seen a lot of people asking how to wear palazzo pants, so I thought I’d put together some of my thoughts for easy {and awesome!} styling.
How to Wear Palazzo Pants {5 kick-ass tips}
1. Elongate, Elongate, Elongate
The trick with a trend that, well, makes you look WIDE {palazzo pants = wide leg pants, ahem}Â is to elongate as much as possible. Don’t think twice. Go for a high waist and heels every time and you won’t be sorry.
2. Lightweight Fabrics for the Win
Wearing palazzo pants made of a lightweight fabric like chiffon is 1. great for summer but 2. has an airy quality about it that won’t weigh you down or make you feel frumpy. Instead you’ll feel happy, light and bohemian goddess-chic. You’ll glide through the day. True story.
3. Prints, Please
Seriously, though! Personal opinion, but plain palazzo pants are maybe too easily confused with your basic wide leg trouser or work slacks. Snooze-fest! Spice it up with a print or pattern. If monochrome or basic is more your style, stick with it, but I promise you’ll be surprised by how FUN wearing a loud print can be!
 4. Layers up Top
Balance out your look with a couple of layers on top. But make sure you keep it slim, and not too bulky {see #5}.
5. Keepin’ it Slim
Tucking in your shirt will show off the high waist AND flatter your figure. Wearing something more body-conscious {like a tank top or body suit — yes, I am seriously recommending a body suit} up top is also a great choice. The slim fit will offset the voluminous nature of the pants and show off the curves. Yes, please!
Head to Toe: ASOS sunglasses, Alternative Apparel white cap sleeve tee, Blinged out denim vest via Poshmark, Leopard print palazzo pants via Poshmark, Alexander Wang Rocco bag via Poshmark, Seychelles sandals {old}
Stumped on what to wear with a crop top? I was too. I’m too old, I thought. I’m too short, I thought. Just uttering the phrase “crop top” sent images of bad ’90s style buzzing through my brain. But in the end, I knew I had to try it; it feels a little daring, edgy, sexy. And I’ll be damned if it hasn’t become one of my favorite trends this season. Plus, I think I’ve figured out what to wear with a crop top to up the sophistication factor. My pro tips below!
1. Pair it with a high waisted skirt or pants.
Use a high waist to reign in the provacative nature of a crop top. Just a sliver of skin peeking through keeps the look feeling polished and grown up. It’s more like an elegant cutout than Carmen Electra circa Singled Out.
2. Add a jacket.
The extra coverage might make you feel a little more secure in your outfit choice. Also, in SF you can never go wrong with layers. Add a leather jacket to toughen it up!
3. Try layering.
A crisp button down under a crop top will add polish {and a nod to Clueless, in the best way}. Or, try a crop top over a maxi dress. That’s a super easy way to change up your look. The cool thing is that wearing a crop top doesn’t have to mean showing a ton of skin.
Additional Tips:
If you’re petite, try a crop top in a print with a matching bottom. The allover print will be elongating.
Balance it out! If you’re showing some skin up top, go for ultimate coverage below. Try a maxi skirt or palazzo pants on for size.
Think Twice About:
Low rise pants. Unless you really want to revisit the ’90s. My rule of thumb is: the lower the rise, the longer the crop.
Cutoffs. I’m all for rocking cutoffs and crop tops, don’t get me wrong. But be aware that this combo definitely skews younger {ahem, Miley Cyrus}. Maybe not quite as polished as the suggested looks above.
Skinny jeans are perfect for that trim, tailored, polished look. But after seasons of skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans can be a great way to mix it up. And they don’t have to be so casual, either. I’m pretty much living in mine! How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans Wear ’em cuffed For some reason, I have […]
Shocker, leggings are a controversial topic. See: Women over 30 should not wear leggings; Principal instructs female students to ‘cover their butts’; and tights are not pants for more info. I DO think that with a few quick tips, leggings can be styled appropriately. Even still, likely not acceptable for a work environment, but a cool off duty look. It’s all about the styling!
