Today in the Ask Our Stylists blog series, stylist Krystal Speaker gives tips to one of our lucky readers on keeping cozy while sporting leggings.
Fashion Dilemma: I live in Chicago and love to wear leggings, but at times it gets too cold. Is there any way I can still wear leggings while maintaining warmth?
Tips From Stylist Krystal Speaker: Leggings are the “must-have” staple item for winter, and the great part is they come in such a variety of colors, textures, fabrics and patterns. For many, leggings are a great way to transition your clothes into winter by simply adding them to your favorite dress, sweater, or over-sized t-shirt. These may work for the West Coast fashionistas, but what about the rest of you, whose thermostat drops below a chilly 50 degrees? Well thanks to the ever-growing popularity of leggings there are more choices than ever before.
Choose your fabric:
Your basic legging is made of cotton and spandex, which is what makes them stretchy and “o-so comfy.” This specific legging is great for virtually any outfit, whether you’re relaxing at home or ready to go out for the night. American Apparel has the best “basic leggings;” they are available in black, charcoal and navy.
Photo Credit: American Apparel
So now that the basics’ are covered, let’s review what leggings to wear when its miserably cold and all you want to do is look savvy on your girls night out…there is a solution. The solution is cable knit leggings. Yes it sounds dreadful, but you will be thanking me the second you walk outside. Cable knit leggings are made of viscose (used to make rayon), polyester, and wool. Don’t be scared, the wool is the “warm” component and is your friend (I promise). Topshop has a great pair of basic cable knit leggings, or for the girl on a budget I recommend Forever 21.
Photo Credit: TopShop
Photo Credit: Forever 21
Choose your color:
When it comes to color, stock up on your basic neutral colors such as black, navy, grey, charcoal and a tone of beige. These will go with virtually anything in your wardrobe. However, I also recommend getting some bolder color and prints to add variety (be brave try something different!). A great source for colored leggings is We Love Colors, which has 50+ color options and styles.
Photo Credit: We Love Colors
Choose your style:
Now that you have your leggings in the perfect material and color, how do you wear them? This is the outrageously wonderful part about leggings….they can be transformed into whatever your little heart desires. Dress them up with stiletto boots, a fitted sweater and accessories like Kate Beckinsale. Or for a more casual look try pairing up your leggings with motorcycle boots and an oversized t-shirt like Megan Fox. Wearing boots, whether they’re stiletto or flats, will keep your feet warm while keeping that stylish edge.
Kate Beckinsale. Photo Credit: celebsinleggings.blogspot.com
Megan Fox. Photo Credit: celebsinleggings.blogspot.com
Now, every girl from the West to East coasts can wear leggings….the hard part will be choosing your favorite pair!
Dying to get some expert advice from stylists who’ve worked with the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Marc by Marc Jacobs? Send your questions to info@myfashionplate.com and every week our seasoned stylists will take turns solving your fashion dilemmas. And if you just can’t wait, head over to the FREE Fashion Q & A or consult stylist Krystal Speaker for instant satisfaction.
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MyFashionPlate.com Stylist Krystal Speaker
About the author: Krystal Speaker graduated from FIDM with a major in Visual Arts. She currently heads the Visual Merchandising department for the largest western retailer in the country. Her passion is to help men and women feel great about themselves through their personal style by sharing her knowledge of fashion and style.
