Why do some women over 40 love leggings, while others loathe them? I’d be willing to bet that the haters just haven’t learned how to style them right.
Sure, leggings can look sloppy or tacky worn with just any old thing. But perfectly pair them with a luxurious sweater, some fab footwear, and gorgeous accessories, and you have a classy, casual look that’s perfect for a grown-up gal’s lifestyle. Here are five chic and cozy sweaters to make your leggings look luxurious.
1. Chunky Knits Look Great with Leggings
If you’ve been wearing thin, short and very fitted sweaters with your leggings, you’re doing it all wrong. This chunky, red, relaxed turtleneck is a great example of what to wear instead. Look at the beautiful shape and those gorgeous bell sleeves. The cowl neck on this sweater is also super flattering because it frames your face.
2. A Tunic style Sweater Works Well
This tunic style sweater works is great because it doesn’t end just below the belly button or at the top of the hip. It goes well past that to cover your lap. In the back, it falls well past your bottom. This is important when you are wearing something as tight and stretchy as leggings. You don’t want everyone focusing on all the wrong places, and the longer length makes your outfit look more well proportioned too.
3. Find a Top with some Shape
The key a sweater/leggings look is to find a top that is not too tight or too baggy. It should flow and create that graceful wide over narrow silhouette. Also, if you have a bit of a tummy, a top like this will cover it without making you look like you are lost in the sweater.
4. A Pretty Cowl Neck Always Works
Here’s another sweater that’s a real winner with leggings. This time, we’ve paired edgy leather leggings and fabulous tall leather riding boots with a delicately ribbed, gray peplum turtleneck. If you’ve been following my fashion reports, you know that the ribbed turtleneck is in full swing this season. I love the femininity of this particular one. It’s very flattering over the leggings and has a rich look and feel.4. A Luxe Turtleneck with Leggings is Nice
Accessories can add a lot. Cover the accessories with your hand for a moment. The outfit still looks nice, but see what a different some sexy earrings, booties, a great bag and cute booties can make. Great Style is in the details.
5. Asymmetric Tunic Tops are Super Comfy and Easy to Wear
I’m a stickler for comfort, but I also want to look chic. An asymmetrical top with leggings is an outfit I can wear sitting at my computer, out to dinner, shopping- you name it. It feels good. An outfit like this is soft and relaxed and make me want to curl up. It’s casual, classy and easy.
6. Try a Polished Poncho with Leggings
Here is a look I adore and have worn myself. (Check out my version of this outfit.) This style recipe is very easy. Start with a great pair of quality leggings- meaning thicker and with stretch, and add a thin, long-sleeved top, layered with a fabulous knit poncho. ( or you can wear the poncho on its own)
Ponchos naturally have that fabulous, wide shape that looks striking worn with skinny leggings. This particular poncho ( available in green too) has great texture. Texture helps to add richness to smooth, stretchy leggings.
Cute leather booties make leggings look modern. Don’t be tempted to go matchy-matchy with the same color purse. Pop.
Now, are you ready to give your leggings a luxurious look with a fab sweater? Let me know which of these looks above is your favorite or send in a photo, and I’d love to post it.
What lesson can you take away from this look? Pair leggings with a quality sweater that has personality, add chic leather accessories and you have a winning outfit.
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I love wearing leggings. I wear them with tops that cover my bum and dress them up and down.
Over 40? Hah. I’m well over 70 and they are my go-to in the transition seasons or when the winter temps are more moderate. Love them!
Definite ‘no’ to leggins from me. It’s like wearing opaque tights with a blouse/tunic/sweater but without a skirt. Not a ladylike look, not a decent and finished look. They are only good when doing sports or leisure at home.
Excellent quality leggings worn with a long top, trailing well over the hip blouse or funky poncho and the right accessories are adorable. Let us not forget the high comfort value, cosines and discreetness. The last quality is especially important when we ride a bike, hitch a leg over a horse or have to squeeze one leg after another under first grade tables. Affordable, practical and warm are winning fashionable qualities.
I love long tunics over leggings, but I have difficulty finding them– especially, finding affordable long tunics made of natural fibers, rather than polyester. Any ideas??
Hi Kathy,
Here is the link:http://rstyle.me/n/bbqs78ueue
It’s a great dress for so many things.
Hi Jacqueline, Have you checked these out?http://www.maggiesorganics.com/leggings/
Love the looks. I will be sure to try this Fall and Winter.
Marsha, please be sure to send in a photo so I can post it! Cheers, Deborah
I do wear leggings but they must be quite a thick fabric and fit very well. I love the way you have styled the leggings above.
Hi Josephine, You are so right. That’s the key to wearing leggings. Buy good quality, make sure they are fairly dense and not see through and wear a long top to cover your bottom. Thanks to Fabulous After 40 Stylist Kelsey Markovitz for these fab leggings looks. She nailed it!