The great thing about leggings is you can wear them at any age. In fact, Leggings are a great way to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall and winter to spring. The recipe for looking fabulous in leggings over 40 is very simple.
Step 1: Buy Dark, Opaque Leggings
Black always works. It’s a very slimming color for your bottom half, and it is the perfect neutral backdrop for any other color you want to put with it. You need your tights to be fairly thick and opaque otherwise; it will look like you walked out of the house in stockings and forgot to put your skirt on. Too much information! You know what I mean?
Step 2: Pair your Leggings with a Long Flowing top
Wondering what to wear with leggings? Don’t buy a top that is oversized and sloppy and think that is going to work. It won’t!
Find a top that skims your body and flares outward slightly at the hips. This red tunic is a good example. A scoop or V-neck will lengthen your neck and make you look taller and thinner. A higher round neck can work too, but this is not a good style if you are busty because it is only going to make you look bigger than you already are.
Step # 3 Be Sure to Cover Your Bottom
I get a lot of women asking me how to wear tunics with leggings and the one thing I want to say about that, or any top for that matter, is make sure the top you choose is long enough to cover your bum! That’s an important one especially after 40!
Here’s where the elegance factor comes in. If your top is rather plain then just add a long cascading sweater, especially if it is the same color as your leggings you create a beautiful, classy, long, lean line that fools the eye and makes you look taller and skinnier. (And yes, curvy gals can wear leggings too!)
Cashmere or fine quality sweater always look rich and hangs nicely. You could always try a sweater coat too if this is more your style.
Step 4: Wear Cute Footwear
You have a few choices here… cute booties, tall, flat boots or boots with a low heel. ( High heeled boots with leggings tucked in are trickier because often they can look like you are trying too hard after 40). You could also wear ballet flats. Keep your footwear in the same color as your leggings to create a long, lean line of color. This makes you look taller and thinner.
Step 5: Don’t Forget to Accessorize
Accessories add instant personality and bring this look to life. You might choose to wear some gorgeous suede merlot boots like these or a long pendant necklace. How about a loose hip belt or a scarf? The key is to add something of interest to this basic uniform to make it yours.
Want to know what to wear with leggings in summer? Let me show you.
How do you wear your leggings? I’d love to know.
Video here.
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Hi Lynn, Dark capris and leggings sound like a good bet although the slip on clogs sound like they would be really heavy looking. None the less you will be doing a lot of walking so comfort is key. What about a cute pair of statement sneakers? Uggs, Aerosoles and Dr. Scholls for example all make fun and cool statement sneakers that look more modern than a heavy clog. Statment sneakers also look cute with cotton summer dresses like a sporty striped tshirt dress. Have a look around and try on a few until you find one that works for you. Have a super fun time in Vegas!
Where would you recommend to get some good thick leggings as I do all my shopping on line
Hi Karen, I am an independent stylist for Ruby Ribbon. We provide shape wear, essentials (like leggings) with shaping built in and fashion layers (tunics to go over leggings). Our leggings range in price from $49-$89. You can check them out at my website http://www.rubyribbon.com/BethMolnar or email me bethrrstylist@yahoo.com.
Hello Deborah – one of your UK fans here! I love leggings and tops but don’t always make the right choice for me – I pick what I like the look of – normally bright coloured tops to match my Indian colouring.
I am 5′ 2″ with short legs and have got big boobs and what I call ‘menopause baby’ tummy but with a defined waist (I do sound a peculiar shape don’t I?) what would you suggest for me. I need something for the Autumn (sorry Fall) and Winter here in London which is normally a bit cold but quite wet. Smart casual is my normal look.
Oh and by the way due to arthritic knees and a damaged metatarsal in my right foot I wear orthotics in my shoes so can really only wear lace ups/strapped shoes with a 1 and half inch heel. HELP!
many thanks
Eva
Love your ideas. My question is, can I wear these outfits? I am 5,’6 and wear a size 14? Thanks!
Hi Pam, yes curvy gals can wear leggings too. Check out this post I just wrote:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/leggings-over-40-women/
Cheers, Deborah
I am 55, size 8, and I recently bought a skirt to wear over leggings. I am worried about looking silly. The leggings are black and the skirt is a brown sweater knit that hits just at the top of my knee. I love the look with low- heeled boots but feel like it will scream not-age-appropriate. Should I return the skirt?
PS I will not wear this to work.
Hi Lrimo,
A skirt over leggings is harder to pull off and also the skirt sounds long. Mid-thigh or a little longer is what you generally need to have the proportions right. If your gut is telling you it is not right, then maybe it isn’t. What about a long top instead? Cheers, Deborah
I see too many ladies bending over in leggings and it is not pretty. You should cover your bum when standing or bending over. Too many girls look like they forgot their bottoms.
Love your posts and especially this one as love to wear leggings with tunics and boots. I’m 5ft 7 but struggle as have larger chest and am hourglass shape, what tunics would you suggest? Thank you!
You look Fabulous in leggings! And your tips are so spot on! As an independent stylist with Ruby Ribbon, one of my joys is introducing women to our seamless leggings with a skinny band and our stylish tunics over a cami.
I have a fashion question about winter boots. I am 5’9″ 150 lbs. 51 years old. What comfy winter boots are appropriate? Can I wear Ugg Boots?
I am in sales and 50 years old ..I love my leggings and boots..young people are always saying love your style..makes me feel good knowing im still dressing my age..you give me great ideas
Hi Valarie, So happy to help. I always say, “When you look good you feel good and life is so much more fun.” I’m glad to see you are getting a kick or of looking stylish and congrats on all the compliments! Cheers, Deborah
I can NEVER find tops long enough……PLEASE HELP??!!??!!
Hi Zina,
These tops are from http://www.stellacarakasi.com
I will post some others this week.
Cheers, Deborah
Thanks so much for the good fashion advice. You’ve given me the courage — and so many good ideas — to wear leggings in public. My question: Can you recommend brands of leggings that hold up well and look great? I’ve purchased a few that are flimsy and fade quickly after laundering. I’d love it if you could steer us to some great choices in the leggings department! Thanks!
Hi Cynthia, I recently tried Stella Carakasi leggings and really liked them. They’re thick and stretchy. Check them out here: http://www.stellacarakasi.com/
Hi! you are such a beautiful woman and you look young.Thanks for your tips, its great!
I Lezier,
You are so kind. Thank You. Please let me know how I can help you. What would you like to see more of at Fabulous After 40?
Hi, first time here and like it a lot. I’m 47 and those tips are very helpful ! Loved the video,thks !
Hi, thank you so much for these tips! I appreciate your great fashion ideas and look forward to more!
Great Video! Thank you.
Thank you so much. I appreciated the simple guidelines. I especially noted the suggestion of wearing all one color underneith and adding a length of color over. I want to dress fashionably but not look outlandish or faddish or like I’m trying too hard. :)
Hi Peg, Thanks for your comment and you are not alone. It is challenging for many to walk the fine line of not dressing too old, too young but just right! Our goal at FAF is to provide helpful tips to help you navigate the tricky world of over 40 dressing! Welcome to our community of like minded Fashionistas!
Love all the longer looks …but the shorter vest? I’ve always heard ” leggings are not pants ” – your bum must always be covered or you’re dressing like a toddler. Is it now ok to show your bum in leggings?
If you feel comfortable and feel good, go ahead. Confidence can make all the difference. My own preference is to wear leggings or jeggings with long boots and leave the sandals/shoes for the youngsters with the fabulously toned bodies.
Now that it is getting warmer (lets hope) what type of shoe can be you wear with leggings?
Thanks for the video with hints on leggings @40. I am 41 and trend a bit younger. I do not admit my age at work, though they know I’m close to 40. My work environment is very casual (jeans are ok), so I wonder what you think about wearing a sweater/sweater dress that is mid-thigh with leggings. It is loose fit on top but hugs my behind.. not bad.. No one else really wears this at work because they take advantage of jeans for casual wear… I like to wear something other than jeans most of the time. d.
I love the jegging tips.
I guess you just wear a tank or t-shirt under the long sweater.
My boots do not conform to my calf like yours did. I have some straighter cut cowboy boots. Maybe this will work?…
Thanks!
H
Hi Heather,
Your straighter cut cowboy boots will work just fine! And yes, you can wear a long tank under the sweater. Glad to hear you liked the tips!
Cheers,
JoJami and Deborah
I have a beautiful black lace dress/shirt top that is to mid thigh with a jagged hem length, long sleeves and the lacing is quite thick so it’s not real see through. I plan to wear this with a red shirt under or a glittery shirt under the black lace, also black leggings and either black boots or black flats. Could you give me some insight as to which style would be best:
black lace with red shirt under
black lace with glittery longer dress/shirt under
knee length boots or flats
I will also wear a black belt and of course some jewelry. I am 52 years old and in good shape
I am also looking for some tips on what to wear with lace leggings and what shirts to wear with leggings?
Hi Cynthia, Do you mean all lace leggings? If so I’d leave that for the younger set. If you mean touches of lace at the ankles, o.k. go for a long flowy feminine top that ends a few inches above the knee. For other tips on how to wear leggings you can take a look at this video we prepared on what to wer with leggings.https://www.fabulousafter40.com/video-how-to-wear-leggings-after-40/
Thank you for the Great tips JoJami! I love the leggings and boot look but want to make sure my legs are in tip top shape to pull it off!!
Love your fashion tips. Thanks for creating this website!
Hi Dianne, Great to hear from you! Welcome and keep your comments coming!!! Cheers!
Thanks for all the legging information, it’s really helpful.
Hi Diane (Lavender Dreams).. Thanks for you comment. Beware of trying to do a sheer top with leggings…it just won’t cover enough. We think a solid top that will be long enough to cover your tushie is a better idea!
A great friend from the UK and myself (I live in Canada) went out and bought ourselves high heeled, over the knee boots, we love them! Now this was last Christmas so what are your thoughts on wearing these boots with leggings and a long sweater or dress for this season? The boots are black suede and so much fun!
Hi Jacquie,
I was at the mall today in Toronto and saw was tons of ladies with leggings and tall boots and long sweaters! What a great updated look and super comfortable!
Thanks. I love leggings, so comfortable. What is your thought about short dresses with ankle bearing leggings. Too young? I”m over 50 and love your blog.
What shoes to wear with leggings and a long top. is it only a boot or can you also wear a regular shoe?
Hi Susan,
You can wear a low boot but a shoe is hard to pull off! I have seen a gal wearing a fun lightweight dress and a nice slim heeled pump going out to dinner, but for casual wear you should stick with a boot or baller flat or mens loafer.