James Perse leggings | size 2, my favorites, but since they’re brushed jersey (which makes them super-soft), they do attract lint/hair/etc. – just be aware.
James Perse tank top | SO OLD, I wish they did more of these long loose tank tops, I’d get a bunch…
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals | going all out fall JP 😉
3.1 Phillip Lim Ryder Satchel | $100 off this weekend with code 057B8A at Forzieri
Splendid top | size medium, 25% off this weekend at Splendid!!!!
So, there was some discussion of leggings in the comments on yesterday’s post, and I’ve recently embarked on a campaign to get Austin to “cover your ass,” so I thought I’d show you a Grechen-approved “leggings” look with today’s outfit. There are three components to every leggings outfit IMO: 1. the leggings (my favorite everyday leggings are James Perse) 2. the LONG tank top or tunic that is essential for COVERING YOUR ASS, and 3. the sweater/top/jacket/cardigan as the final piece. Sure, if it’s hot, you can skip number 3, but in general when I’m wearing leggings, I prefer three separate pieces, just to make sure my ass is sufficiently covered 😉 Carrying a GIANT bag doesn’t hurt either:
The point here is that LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. I like to treat leggings as another undergarment; something that needs to be covered up. Leggings are wonderful and I love them as much as the next girl, but you’ll never catch me wearing them without a long top or dress. I have a few of these jersey short skirts from H&M that I wear on top of my leggings sometimes for extra coverage. Splendid’s layering tanks are long and also good for that if you don’t want to add bulk.
It goes without saying that I like opaque, thicker leggings to not only cover my ass, but also to hide any imperfections. James Perse’s are great for that, and my HELMUT leggings are even better – but they’re not for everyday wear, they’re more my “dressy” leggings, and reserved for cold weather.
How do you wear leggings? Which are your favorites (see more of mine in my Essential Leggings post)? What tops/tunics do you wear with them to cover your ass? 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!!!!
Grechen, you look great. If I saw you on the street, I would’ve stopped and complimented your outfit. I’ve been anticipating this post all morning, and it didn’t disappoint. Since I’m new to leggings, I wasn’t sure how to wear them. I’ve always “covered my ass” it’s second nature, since I was born modest. If I wasn’t Jewish, I would’ve made a great nun (hiding under my habit, no offense to any Catholics). I’ve got all of the other clothing components, though, including the Birks. I’ve been wearing them, long before they became a stylish staple. I’ll check out your online resources now. Thanks, again!
thanks RJS!
I had to wear a mini-skater dress over the only leggins I ever gone out in:). You look great.
It’s been a little while since I’ve checked your blog… You look amazing!
I rarely wear traditional leggings because I’m 5’10” and it’s tough to find something to cover my rear!
thank you liza! it’s very easy for me to find tops that are long enough to cover my rear – i have a short torso and short legs, so almost all tops are too long on me anyway!!
The way that you styled this casual outfit is a perfect illustration how to do leggings! And I must add, you did “CYA” with panache! I love the colors, the way the top flows (I think flow/drape is important) and you look so confident and slim!
I didn’t end up wearing leggings this summer because I felt too far above my usual weight to be comfortable in them, even considering the CYA factor. I usually would wear a long linen tunic, or drapey hi-low shirt that would cover both my front and back sides. VERY important to me. I want the leggings to be almost like tights, but thicker. And I would wear sandals in the summer, booties or knee-high boots in the winter.
I really like the Birks in this outfit. I had a pair in college and think they have gotten a bad rap. They look so cool on you and I might even try wearing them again.
thank you helena! i have always loved birkenstocks, although not so much the two-strap basic version. i tend to prefer mephisto for lots of walking, but when it became “cool” to wear birkenstocks again, i jumped on the chance to start wearing them again…