The hot item in everyone's wardrobe this season is black shiny leather-look leggings. Unfortunately, no one (even celebs) seem to know how to wear them. The key here is understated. Keep it simple, simple, SIMPLE. I could count on one hand the number of times I've seen this done right. Firstly, unless you have the wild child attitude to pull these off during the day - keep them for nights out. Everyone looks good at night.These leggings are bold and attention grabbing - so don't dress yourself like a peacock with other flashy items that will draw away from them. The best combination is with an oversized t-shirt that hits just below the widest part of your thigh (usually around your bum) the oversized tee balances out the skin-tight leggings. The contrast between black and white works really well, so try a white tee. If you have short legs like me, then team them with a pair of black heels - the height will stretch out your leg, appearing slimmer - and a decent amount of black on your feet will elongate the silhouette making your legs look longer. The basic idea is to extend the bottom of the leggings as far you can visually. Some people like to wear boots, but I find they cut off the long line of your leg so I'd avoid them.
If you are a bit hippy and curvy - the length of your tee will be the main thing. Make sure it hits the widest part of your leg, leaving the slimmest part on show. Black is also the best colour to visually slim your legs - besides which, leather-look leggings in any other colour can look dated. You could also try a long line cardigan that skims over your bum - keep it open at the front so you have plenty of leg on show - you'll find the cardigan hides any saddlebags. I feel super comfy and confident in this combo for a lot of things - so I highly recommend it.
If you've got a bit of a bust - try tees with lower necklines like a scoop or v-neck. You can easily modify a normal tee neck to make it into an off-shoulder style. Anything that will expose your decolletage is great - it's the only area of your body with the least body fat - it will give you a really flattering line and make your boobs look awesome.
If you want to wear a singlet/tank top instead try a loose white one with a longer line. Wear a snug tank underneath in any other colour to balance out the loose tee. It will hint at your silhouette, while the loose tee will balance out the leggings (see before - same rules!)
Jewelry should be simple also. Pick one piece and show it off. I would recommend a chunky bangle or ring, but any necklace should be slim and long. Don't force jewelry to work, it should seem effortless. In fact, the whole outfit should seem effortless - a kind of rock-chick "I'm so cool I don't even have to try" kind of attitude. If it looks like you crawled out of bed and slipped into your leggings and your boyfriends t-shirt, then you're on the right track.
[Of course, don't actually fall out of bed and into your clothes, you'll look like a hobo. Bed-hair chic is not literal.]
There are loads of articles out on the web giving advice on how to wear shiny leggings and they quite often contradict each other. Everyone has their own opinion. In the end, there really aren't any hard and fast rules. Know what suits you and flatters your body type and style accordingly - there's no reason anyone can't try this look!
For more tips, check out this article written by Jen Thorley at Stylefinder.com: Expert Fashion Advice on how to wear super-shiny leggings. Do you have any advice? Share your tips with us by posting a comment.
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