Q: Earlier this year I saw a picture of actress Olivia Wilde wearing leggings as pants and thought it looked ok. Does this mean we can all wear leggings as pants this winter?
A: Robyn Cooke, SA's first fashion blogger, age 40+
Absolutely not! Under no circumstances is it ok to leave the house in what is essentially a pair of long johns – which is underwear.
The worst bit about leggings as pants is that they wear through quite quickly and then we can see your actual underwear... and any lurking cellulite. It may look nice from the front, but it is never that great from behind.
A pair of skinny jeans is a much better idea. Or how about a pair of loose-fit harem pants? Fantastically comfortable, stylish and no need to worry if you’re flashing the world.
A: Alexis Chaffe, fashion editor, age 30
Leggings are essentially a pair of thick cotton stockings, to be worn in the same manner as stockings. This means if the crotch seams of the leggings are visible from any angle – you are actually exposing yourself in an unflattering manner.
Stick to wearing leggings with long tops, shirt-dresses or tunics which cover your bum. Remember to check the hem line of your top by lifting your arms in front of the mirror before leaving the house. ‘Jeggings’ are doable but tricky ground. I like to say if it doesn’t have a proper working fly and pockets at the back, then it’s a legging.
If you want to show off your legs, rather opt for some fitted trousers, which will give your bum far more support.
A: Giselle Esau, fashion assistant, age 25
No, no, no! I must admit I have fallen victim to this crime, in the past when I was working as an intern and I knew I would be involved in all sorts of manual labour. I find the occasional camel toe the worst part, a nightmare-type situation that all women should fear. Not to mention that if this look is unflattering on Olivia Wilde, one of the skinniest stars alive, what hope do the rest of us have?
In my opinion, gym is possibly the only place leggings as pants MAY be appropriate. That being said, it is a very tentative maybe so please do proceed with caution.
Other than that, pull on an over-sized woolly jumper that comes down to mid-thigh and leggings are brilliant.
Robyn, Alexis and Giselle all work at SA's premier online fashion shopping destination, 36Boutiques.
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