I still like wearing leggings now and then, but I don’t style them the way we used to.
Extra-long tunics with swingy shapes, and sharkbite hems look dated, and some have so much fabric you could practically hide another person under there!
Leggings aren’t the problem. The proportions have changed.
The best long tops for leggings (and slim ankle pants) in 2026 are a little shorter, cleaner, and more streamlined. They still give you coverage, but they don’t hang halfway to your knees or swallow your shape as the old voluminous oversized ones did.
Here’s what looks current now, what’s starting to feel old, and how I like to wear leggings without baring all my assets!
What’s Changed?
Long tops haven’t disappeared, but they have shortened. Instead of falling halfway to the knee, most current styles finish somewhere between the low hip and upper thigh.
They’re also less fussy. Clean hems, subtle side slits, soft fabrics, and straighter shapes have replaced exaggerated points, cutouts, and huge swingy silhouettes. This look is out!
Solid colors also look more current (especially in deep, rich shades), along with a few simple, understated prints that complement leggings rather than compete.
| Looks current | Feels dated |
|---|---|
| Low-hip to upper-thigh length | Knee-length tunics |
| Clean, straight or curved hems | Sharkbite and handkerchief hems |
| Relaxed but shaped fits | Huge A-line and trapeze shapes |
| Side slits and soft draping | Cutouts, grommets and excess hardware |
| Solid colors and simple prints | Busy patchwork and novelty prints |
How long you go is also personal. If your leggings are thin, or you feel better with more coverage, choose a longer top.
With thicker ponte or faux-leather leggings, you can comfortably wear something a little shorter. That’s because Ponte leggings have more structure. Think of them as a cross between thin leggings and pants.
1. A Relaxed Silky Button-Down Shirt
satin cheetah print tunic shirt
A relaxed button-down shirt looks fresh with leggings and gives you coverage without feeling like a traditional tunic. Silky long shirts look the most elegant.
Look for a curved shirttail hem that falls to the low hip or upper thigh. A white shirt is always classy, but a rich color such as berry, cobalt, green, or burgundy can be beautiful too. I also love a sporty stripe or classic leopard print.
Roll or push up the cuffs, leave a couple of buttons open at the neck, and add loafers, sleek sneakers, or ankle boots. The shirt should look relaxed, but not so enormous that it looks like it was borrowed from someone twice your size.
2. A Modern Semi – Long Sweater
sweater (last season) 2026 version
A sweater + leggings is still a great combination. The difference is many of the sweaters we are seeing with leggings are a bit shorter than previously and instead of being oversized , they skim your shape.
Look for a style that ends around the lower hip to upper thigh. Side slits, a curved hem, or a slightly longer back can give you coverage without making the sweater feel heavy.
Crewnecks, mock necks, funnel necks, and soft cowl necks all work. Pair your sweater with matte ponte leggings and tall boots, or try a finer knit with faux-leather leggings and loafers.
3. A Slim Knit Tunic With Side Slits
A simple, sleek tunic with side slits is an easy alternative to those older, long, very loose tunics. The slits help the fabric move and show a little more leg, so the top doesn’t look like one big block.
Choose a soft knit that glides over your body rather than clinging or billowing out. Ribbed knits, fine merino, and smooth cotton blends are all good choices.
This type of top is especially nice for travel or casual days because it feels as comfortable as a tee but looks more finished.
4. A Split-Neck Popover
I love a split-neck popover because it’s relaxed, feminine, and easy to dress up or down.
Choose one in a fluid fabric with a curved hem or small side slits. Wear it with ponte leggings, loafers, and earrings for lunch, shopping, or travel.
For dinner, try a silky popover with faux-leather leggings and a low heel. The beautiful fabric does the work, so you don’t need ruffles, rhinestones, or extra details.
5. A Long Blazer or Sweater Jacket
A long blazer or sweater jacket is a more modern way to get coverage while creating an interesting layered look.
The key is fitted underneath, looser on top. Start with a simple tee, tank, or lightweight knit that sits close to the body, then add ponte or faux-leather leggings. The longer, more relaxed jacket creates contrast and gives you that modern silhouette. Avoid going loose over loose, which can quickly start to look bulky.
A jacket that finishes just below the hip is usually enough, or you can go a little longer like this one. Complete the outfit with loafers, pointed flats, ankle boots, or a small heel.
It’s an easy way to wear leggings to dinner, while traveling, or anytime you want something a little dressier.
6. Poncho Sweater
I mentioned long A-line and swingy, stretchy trapeze tops look dated, but if you prefer a more relaxed top, some poncho styles still work. Go for one with a classic print in traditional colors, like this argyle camel-and-black sweater. It’s quite elegant and a real statement piece if you love a bit of drama.
How Long Should Your Top Be?
There isn’t one perfect length for everyone, but these guidelines help:
- With thin leggings, choose a top that covers your front and backside.
- With thick ponte or faux-leather leggings, a low-hip top can work.
- If you’re petite, avoid tops that fall too far down your thighs.
- A curved hem or side slits can give you coverage without shortening your legs.
- If you spend the day tugging at your top, it’s too short for you to feel comfortable.
And always do the bend-over test in natural light. If your leggings become sheer, you need a longer top—or better leggings!
Brown leggings | Silky Tunic shirt
What Color Leggings Should You Wear?
Black is classic, but this year very dark brown is the most modern. For example, this long white shirt with espresso brown leggings and some beautiful jewelry. You could also try burgundy, but I’d stay away from prints, even animal prints ,as they don’t look dressy enough as leggings.
What Shoes Look Current With Leggings?
Shoes can make leggings look sporty, casual, or dressy. For everyday wear, try sleek leather sneakers, loafers, ballet flats, or streamlined ankle boots. For a dressier outfit, pointed flats, slingbacks, kitten heels, and low-heeled booties are lovely.
Chunky boots can still work with a cozy sweater, but you don’t need a heavy shoe with every leggings outfit. A sleeker shoe often makes the entire look feel lighter and more current.
Long Tops Aren’t Gone—They’ve Changed
You don’t have to give up long tops or sacrifice coverage to look current in leggings. Just choose styles that are a little shorter, cleaner, and less voluminous than the tunics we wore several years ago.
Aim for low hip to upper thigh, look for a shape that skims rather than hides your body, and keep the details simple.
Most importantly, wear enough coverage to feel comfortable. Fashion may change, but no outfit is worth fussing with your hem all day!
Have you started wearing shorter tops with your leggings, or do you still prefer a traditional tunic?
I bought one pair of skinny cropped jeans that remind me of leggings at Belk that had a ruffle at bottom that were Crown & Ivy. Do you have suggestions for petites to wear to make them look current and not like some you had in the past? Thanks!!
Hi Bonnie, I think these are the ones you’re talking about. yes? https://rstyle.me/+P-YwURLHaU2qJfLDMKsYCQ
I would recommend opting for ruffled capris to avoid wearing anything too pouffy, ruffled, or frilly at the top, as it could make you look too sweet and a little girly. You need to balance those capris with a simple top with clean lines and not too busy-looking. Footwear can also make a big difference. I’d wear a fine, classy, flat woven sandal or a metallic sandal that doesn’t compete with the cute frill. If your sandals are too chunky or embellished, they can conflict with or overpower the ruffle hem. So your best is to try on a few tops and sandals with them and look for balance. That cute ruffle should be what draws the eye first. I hope that helps! Cheers, Deb
Thanks for helping me dress nicely!
Hi, thanks for all the great tips. I am a more considerable lady who needs something that looks good and hides, or shall I say, camouflages all of my curves. I love leggings. I would love some tips on what would work for a plus-size woman. Thank you.
Gloria, here’s some info on tops to wear with leggings for plus-size gals. I hope that helps!https://www.fabulousafter40.com/best-plus-size-tops-to-wear-with-leggings/
I love tunics and leggings. I love how you show us clothes that are not expensive as well. I like that you coordinate things.
Thank you
I am a big fan of that tunic; it looks so beautiful
Thanks! I always look forward to your fabulous after-40 mail.
Thanks, Geri; so glad you are enjoying the newsletter. For anyone else wanting to be on my list, please subscribe here:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/newsletter/.
I love these ideas. I am a massive fan of leggings.
All these tunics and long tops are beautiful!
Thanks, Dolores; I try to show a good variety, and I’m glad you liked these!
I would love it if you featured clothes that single women struggling to make ends meet could afford.
Hi Cynthia, Please check out FAB FINDS! It’s a weekly post where I round up many items on sale- under $110, Under $75, and $50! Here you go! https://www.fabulousafter40.com/?s=fab+finds
Although I love your site with ideas, why do you use size zero models to show the clothing? Plus-size clothing should be on plus-size models!!!!
Hi Diana, Thanks for writing. I understand your frustration. Here’s the problem. I show clothing from various stores and do not control the stores’ models. I would like to see more mature models, plus-size models, etc., but I have to use their chosen models to show the clothes. If there is a particular store that uses plus-size models and you like the dresses, please let me know, and I can see about featuring them. All the best! Cheers, Deborah
I love this article; it covered much-needed topics .. good work– good
Good info.
Could you keep it coming? Thank you
I love leggings. I have a pair of black ones and a pair of brown ones. They are heavy knit, hold their shape (never bag at the knee or in the back, no matter how many hours I wear them), and are warm. I treat them like tights – if my top isn’t long enough to wear over socks, it isn’t long enough for my leggings.
I like them to come to the top of my foot, and I wear them with boots – ankle, to the knee, or over the knee. I would never want the skin to show between a shoe and a legging. I do not wear them when it gets warm. I also have two pairs of denim leggings, and I love those, but I apply the same rule as knit leggings. They look good with a more casual top. I am only five ′ tall, and one trick I have learned is to wear black boots with black leggings and brown boots with brown leggings. This way, I get a longer leg line even if the shoes are short.
I finally bought some thick dark leggings last fall and several long sweaters. I wore them once, and that was that! I’m pear-shaped, so all the sweaters and tops that are long either fit in the shoulders, bust, neck, etc., but span my hips (tighter). They are huge if I purchase items to fit my hips/thighs. Plus, having a horizontal line going across my thighs isn’t flattering. I like the look of leggings; I wouldn’t say I like how I look in the outfits. Now I have a bunch of new sweaters I don’t want to wear, and it’s too late to return them. What’s a pear supposed to do? I’m 67, 5’4”, and usually, in a shorter top, I wear a small.
Hi Wanda, I’m sorry you have been having so much trouble wearing leggings. You should still be able to pull off this look with these tips. Make sure you wear something long enough to cover your crotch and ends below the widest part of your hips so you don’t look broad across the hips. An asymmetrical tunic can help soften that harsh line too.
It sounds like you also need a top fitted correctly on the shoulder and a little flower at the bottom that you have been wearing. Think tops with a bit of swing. Next, layer your top with a jacket or shirt to add volume up top. Make sure this layering piece nips in at the waist to give you shape. Regarding your leggings, ensure to avoid showing skin where the leggings end at the ankles, so you create a long dark line and look taller. Finish the look with a chunky heeled bootie to balance out your hips. Finally, you will also want to draw the eye towards your upper body by wearing an eye-catching necklace and earrings. A v-neck or scoop neck helps with this too. If you don’t like the look, don’t sweat it. You have to feel good in what you wear because clothing confidence is everything. Try something else. All the best, Deborah
Wanda, you may want to try a wrap-style or kimono cardigan with a tie waist. I am a pear also and find that wrap cardigans offer a little more fabric around the hips. I can wear a pretty blouse, and the cardigan keeps my backside covered. Pair it with a cute necklace, and you’re good to go!
I’m 55 and love my leggings. I can’t wear them because I can’t find shirts to match. Nine pairs of wild colors need long solid shirts because I wouldn’t say I like to show my butt or bra straps. What and where can I find them?
I am a slim petite 60-year young lady, & I find it difficult to get nice fashionable clothes as I’m small; I do like leggings & nice tops, but I want them to be 3-quarter sleeved, and I would love to see more for petite ladies.
I LOVE this site! My problem: I’m underweight, and it’s not a choice. (and no, I wouldn’t say I like it) I’m 45 yrs old, 5, 5, and 113 lbs- struggling to gain my 10 lbs back. I love ALL these styles, but because I’m small on top and thin, long shirts make me look like a stick. I wish you could come to my house and help me put clothing together – LOL. I’m not at all fashion-savvy but try…….
I run a successful on-call babysitting service in Napa Valley and would like to look more professional at the Chamber events. Also, a little more put together in general… sigh…… Your suggestions are fantastic. You are an artist!!! I wish I had the knack!
J. Jill and Sahalie have long tunics, even for us tall ladies.
Hi Deborah, I Just wanted to thank you for such an excellent site. I have recently hit the 50 era and am happily on the shorter and thinner side of the scales. However, I have noticed an ugly tummy bulge and hot flashes. Leggings and tunics, dresses, menswear shirts, etc., are just the ticket for hiding all the fun my body is having with me. I recently purchased two very nice pairs of leggings/cigarette pants from Marshalls. One is made by Ivanna Trump (retail $168.00), and the other is Romeo & Juliet (retail $179.00). I stole them both at $16.00 each. The plus side is that they are very chic and have nice tummy tuckers.
Keep up the fantastic work on your site. I am also back in the retail workforce and am constantly answering questions regarding what is appropriate attire for the cresting the hill chic.
Hi Tammy, thank you for dropping by and for the lovely compliment. I find tunics are also g, especially when mummy is bugging me or I want to be comfy. I’m so glad you are enjoying the site, and it seems like we are on the same mission – to help women tweak their chic and not fall into a frumpy rut just because aging can make dressing a wee bit challenging. Cheers, Deborah
I love your site, Deborah! Regards, Edi
Think I wrote you on this subject!? The problem is not the arse, but the crotch. Let’s be honest. That uncomfortable “checked out” feeling. We all know it: first men look at your eyes, then your “girls”, then your crotch. Ewwww. Makes me feel icky. So I am ever on the quest for the perfect long top to cover the FRONT.
I like the dress idea, but every one I tried looks like — a dress on top of leggings. Screams “mismatch”! Although I like the one you found. Guess I haven’t gotten lucky yet.
Not going for the turtleneck. Roast, roast, roast.
Like the asymmetrical stuff, but don’t like it when they do the color blocking thing with it.
Hi Kathy, one more point about the long top. A longer top over the leggings is also more flattering because of the proportions. If you had a top that ended at your waist, your body would be cut in half, which isn’t as positive as 2/3, 1/3 proportions. Cheers, Deborah
I love some of the outfits you put together, and your page indicates we can “shop this look.” Do you give ideas for where you shop? I prefer to shop online.
Thank you.
Hi Michelle,
If you click the tiny photos of the products under the words shop the look, it takes you directly to the stores that sell these products to buy. Try it!
Thanks for this post! I absolutely love leggings — they are cozy, comfortable, and slimming when worn with the right top. And you’re totally right about wearing dresses with them. I love the look of a short dress with leggings and booties or boots. I can’t wear a short dress otherwise (ugly knees) but the leggings disguise the problem.
I see a lot of younger women wearing leggings as if they were pants — and regardless of the shape of the bottoms. Ugh. No matter how cute you think your butt is, leggings are NOT pants, ladies! That applies to all ages, in my book, unless you are a dancer on stage.
Lol! This makes me think of Anita Renfroe’s song Those Ain’t Pants – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDQ5-zIUbbE.
Thank you for the video – that was fun! However, I do think that, as Deborah says, we can wear leggings if done appropriately with long tops and excellent footwear. Of course, they should be high quality too. Not the kind that is made from thin fabric and tends to pill or pluck easily. I wear a black pair of tall boots, a long blouse with a belt, and a cape when I go out.
I am 33 and I love this website. I dont think that you have to put an age on this website. You should want to look classy and sophisticated at any age, and hit it right on! Go Deborah! and thanx a million for your help, I needed it!
Hi G., Thanks for that lovely compliment. I appreciate it because I do put an emphasis on looking classy, rather than age-appropriate. I think when you dress in with elegance in mind, you will look fabulous no matter what your age. Glad to be of help! Cheers, Deborah
These are fabulous ideas! I recently purchased some leggings and have been shopping for longer tops so these are great! Thanks
Ok, let’s get down to brass tacks here. It’s not the butt that needs to be covered in yoga pants or leggings/jeggings. It’s the front “nether” region. The reason these pants are being banned is cuz of the infamous “camel toe”. Now, they have taken to the hi/lo style, which means shorter up front, draping down in back. I think Deborah’s choices are better.
Love the grey asymmetrical top. Have one similar in green must get it out of storage. I don’t tend to wear leggings but I do wear skinny jeans.