Leggings Are Back
By Jeanne Stoll

No, you haven’t walked onto the set of an 80’s workout video. You are witnessing the comeback of leggings – a trend that’s here to stay. Reappearing in 2005, leggings have grown in popularity and trendiness over the last three years.

Both women and men have been wearing leggings, sometimes referred to as “hose”, since the 1300’s. Leggings entered the fashion scene in the 1960’s, and were typically worn with a large belt and heels. Nylon wove its way into everyday leggings in the 80’s, making them shinier than the typical cotton ones. Movies like Flashdance and shows like A Chorus Line show how trendy leggings came to be.

Although they faded for a while, leggings are back and as fashionable as ever. From Lindsay Lohan to Madonna to the Olsen twins, they have become a fashion staple in Hollywood. Designers BCBG, Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren paired many pieces of their collections with leggings at this year’s Olympus Fashion Week.

The versatility of leggings makes them a style that can be easily incorporated into any wardrobe. They are inexpensive – sold for as low as $10 at Urban Outfitters. Pair them with a pair of heels for a night on the town, or with flats for daywear. Depending on the season or weather, you can wear them under a skirt, dress or long sweater.

Featured many times in Lucky Magazine’s “Cute Outfit of the Day,” leggings can be paired with almost any kind of outfit. Spice up a long sweater with a pair of American Apparel zebra print nylon leggings for an outfit that’s sure to catch attention. Nylon leggings, especially prints or neon color ones, are especially in style right now. Colored tights are also a trendy alternative to leggings, and can be worn with many similar outfits that leggings work well with.

The office is a new, surprising place where leggings have recently been spotted. Leggings can make a shorter skirt or dress look more conservative, and therefore professional, especially when paired with a classy pair of heels.

Contrary to what many believe, leggings can be flattering for almost any body type. As long as you are comfortable with your thighs and behind, you can wear leggings with a shirt or sweater that comes right to your waste. If not, they look just as great with a longer sweater, tunic, skirt or dress. With these options, leggings are flattering on just about every body type.

Leggings can come to your knee, mid calf or ankle. But every length is comfortable, stylish and versatile. Instead of throwing on a pair of sweats to run errands, put on a pair of leggings and a long shirt for a much cleaner look that’s just as comfortable.

Leggings are definitely a trend that is here to stay. So spice up your wardrobe and try on a pair!