Leggings Week: How to get a Professional Look in Leggings.

Some people believe that we should never use leggings to replace pants.  I agree.  However, I think that a lot of women confuses tights with leggings. Tights should always be worn under your clothing. Leggings is outer wear.  Take a look at the outfit below. Although I am wearing leggings, I have layered it.  Have you ever had one of those moments when you just don't want to look fat in what you plan on wearing?  I chose this combination outfit for that reason, and for the comfort and style. 

I chose the T-Shirt dress from H&M. I also layered a blue stretchy tank underneath for modesty's sake. The leggings are S.O. brand from Kohl's.

                                      

Style notes: This is a shift-style tank dress quite a trendy look. The fit skims my body and doesn't cling.  The high split in front squeals sex appeal. Which woman doesn't want to have some of that in her style?  Subtlety is good fun!  I love the playfulness of the print on the leggings, and the color is a perfect foil for the dress.

How would you style this outfit for a professional look? What would it look like with such a high split?  Would you wear it to work?

Of course the easiest thing to do is to add a jacket. Why not?!  But not just any jacket, if you wore a jacket with a structured style, such as a fitted look, it wouldn't work. You should also be careful of the texture of the clothing you add.  So a shirt style jacket is best.  This means there would be a longer length to the jacket and it would fall at or below your hips giving a lean silhouette. Adding a scarf is also a nice touch. That draws the eyes upward and away from my stomach area.  Does't the red look great?  I Love this look

My accessories are simple, from this lot, I chose a banded bracelet with silver hardware and large silver hoops.  For shoes you could add silver thongs, flats, or one with a simple kitten heel.  You don't want to do super high heels with this layered look because of the leggings.  Flats or a small heeled shoes is best.

Below is another layered look for this outfit. This time a shirt blouse, notice the trend. Yes, keep it flow-y & flirty!  

Would you wear this look to work?  If you're not in a job where eclectic dressing is the norm, meaning that high split in front would be normal...no I wouldn't.  This look is OK for running around town, going to the movies, brunch, or dinner, casual and fun is this look. And yes, trendy! Being in a warmer climate here in Orlando, you may think this is wearing too many clothing.  It isn't, I wore this very outfit last weekend, with the black and white print shirt.  When I got too hot, I removed the shirt, yes, the key to layering!  I must say, it was a very stylish look!


Here are links to two previous articles about styling your leggings.

This one features five fashionistas, including bloggers, who styled their leggings in a fun way that worked.

Here I am wearing this very dress with leggings in a #FFF, Fierce Fashion Friday moment!