I almost missed the legging and skinny jean trends by convincing myself I was too old to wear them. Or was it that I wasn't skinny enough? Can't exactly remember, but let's just say that I wasn't an early adapter to the skinny-on-bottom look at all.
Are you like me in that as you age your first response to new looks is "Too young/skinny/unwearable?"
With leggings, my concern was that I had done that whole thing the first time around in the '80s. Of course, this new influx of leggings is much more sophisticated and high-tech. There are control leggings from Spanx that suck you in all over, jean-look jeggings that give the look of skinny jeans and even crazy expensive designer leggings.
When I first tried a pair of leggings, I opted for a cheap version that was comfy, but so low-waisted that I kept tugging at them to stay up. Then I found ponte knit leggings and knew it was true love at last. These more substantial leggings made me feel less, well, naked under tunics and sweaters.
I decided that I wasn't too old to wear leggings, especially since they looked so chic and I always wore a tunic or cardigan or vest that was long enough to easily cover my tush. I now wear leggings with everything from boots to flats and think that basic black leggings are really ageless.
What does look too young, IMHO, are ripped-up leggings, most print leggings, lace leggings and other junior-y versions of the legging.
And then there are skinny jeans. I think the biggest misconception of skinny jeans is that they have to fit skintight. Maybe if they were named Slim Jeans more women our age would be willing to give them a spin.
While I still think bootcut jeans are my best look every day, I do have a few pair of skinny jeans to tuck into tall boots come fall. The bulk of the boot helps offset the skinniness of the jean leg to give me a more balanced look. And I always recommend a black or dark wash skinny jean for the most flattering look.
I happen to like Gap's skinny jean because it has a higher waist; my one gripe is that I have to order it in a size larger than I normally wear (because I like to, you know, breathe.)
I've seen plus-size women carry off both leggings and skinny jeans. The key to wearing both – at any size or age – is to create an outfit with a proportion to suit your body type.
One way to pull off the slim-on-bottom look for all women is to create a monochromatic – or close to it – look. A black tunic with black leggings and black ankle boots is super slimming. If all that black doesn't work for you, try a charcoal tunic with black leggings and black boots. Keeping your legging and footwear the same color gives your leg an unbroken, long line.
For skinny jeans, I like to wear a heel with them because I feel like it just makes my legs look longer and slimmer; if you have skinny legs you can pull off ballet flats with them.