Editorial: The Case of the Missing Pants

It doesn’t take a genius mind to know that leggings have become a staple in any girl’s wardrobe. They are EVERYWHERE in every color, style and look imaginable. I love the way you can throw a pair on and be comfortable, stylish and even sexy all at the same time.


This hot trend, however, has also caused me some heartache. I cringe at the sight of  a legging worn wrong. It is a sad occasion that unfortunately occurs more than it should. There are five factors that contribute to the travesty of a legging worn wrong, that I will attempt to dissect and sort out. After all, a doctor cannot fix the problem unless she first makes the cut. Here we go.


Mistake #1 No consideration of what type of legging looks best for your size and leg shape.

All leggings are not created equal. Some are made of light cotton,

Garden Gem Leggings


others are made with heavier cotton, like these

CJ by Cookie Johnson 'Joy' Stretch Denim Leggings

(these are also considered Brazilian jeans in some fashion dialects).


Some are created with a little bit of lycra, like these

Pris Leggings


and some have no mercy for cellulite

Vince Lightweight Cotton Leggings

Just because it’s a legging, does not automatically qualify it as a legging for you. Take time to consider which type of legging enhances the beauty of your legs, not draws negative attention towards them. Also, I know a lot of women HATE trying clothes on, but I encourage you to take time and try leggings on, and keep trying them on until you find the right pair for you.


Mistake #2 Failure to distinguish a TIGHT from a LEGGING.

This might be my biggest pet peeve. Sure we were all probably guilty of this when leggings first hit the scene as pants replacements. But we are well into this trend. We should all know better by now. THIS is not a pants replacement.

SPANX Chain Stripe Tights
Notice how they are being worn WITH bottoms, not replacing them.


Mistake # 3 Jaded sense of Reality
This one is close to my heart because I, like so many of us out there truly believe that they would walk circles around Naomi, Tyra and Kimora if given the chance to hit the runway. However, this is not my reality. This being said, everything that hits the runway shouldn’t be coming YOUR way. Many things made for the runway are made just for the show, and look ridiculous on the average diva.

More and more, a lot of celebrities are being photographed pairing their leggings with shorter, tighter tops.

I implore you. Do not make this your reality. If you must (because I admit, we all feel ourselves from time to time), consider pairing the look with a boyfriend blazer. Trust me it make a world of difference. 

P.S. When in doubt, F** with reality.


Mistake #4 Panty FAIL

This is a big one guys! PLEASE make sure that your panty lines are not visible beneath your leggings. This is a big no no ladies! There is nothing worse than noticing a heinous panty line looming beneath the surface. It sounds basic, but trust me, it must be said!


Mistake #5 Time and Place FAIL

Ladies, there is a time and place for everything. Leggings cannot go everywhere you go. They can go from ‘cute and casual’ to ‘side-eye slutty’ in no time, depending on the occasion. Going to a classy dinner affair/date? Leave em at home. Going to work in a corporate setting? Leave ‘em at home. When in doubt- you guessed it- leave ‘em at home. I know this is contradictory to most images thrown at us, but let’s keep it sexyCLASSYcool in 2010 shall we?