The Best Tops to Wear With Leggings to Look Classy
Quality leggings are key to putting together stylish leggings look, but in the end, it all boils down to the top you wear. Here are guidelines for picking the best tops to wear with leggings.
1. Wear a Long Top
Most leggings, unless they’re a Ponte knit, are more like thick tights than pants. For this reason, unless you are working out, it’s much more flattering to wear a longer top to hide your crotch and cover your behind. Tunics are popular, and so are long shirts or blouses. In the winter, try a long sweater or even a poncho-style top.
2. Keep it Loose and Flowy
The best look for a leggings outfit is loose on top and tight on the bottom, so if you are wearing very fitted leggings, you want your top to be more relaxed, even if it is a button-up shirt. Avoid tight or form-fitting tops, no matter what length.
3. A bright color or print draws the eye upwards
Leggings are really just an accessory, and the real focus should be near your face. So pick a top in a bright color or interesting print that draws the eye upward and spotlights you. A v neckline can help elongate the body and play down a huge bust. A top with strong shoulders can help balance out a pear-shaped figure.
4. Tone on Tone is slimming
One of the most slimming leggings looks is wearing atop the same color or similar color to your leggings. If you are wearing black leggings, try wearing a black or dark gray top. Want more color. Throw a different color open cardigan or long jacket over the top to create a solid dark slimming Colum of color down the middle.
5. Asymmetrical Tops are Slimming and Artsy
You’ll find many long tops for leggings with asymmetrical hemlines, which are not only interesting and artsy but also very slimming. Try this look for a modern, creative look.
I am getting married in early December. I planned a brunch at a golf club. This is a second marriage for both. I bought a fabulous pair is Kate Spade glitter boots. I don’t wear dresses as a rule.
I want to wear boots. I’m having a little challenge about putting my soup together and what kind of pants to wear so that they could see the boot. I hope you can give me some suggestions.
Hi Lisa,
Sounds like a fun wedding. Is this a bootie? If so, I would wear cropped skinny pants that end just above the bootie and show a bit of skin to look chic and sexy. The pants don’t have to be skinny tight, just cropped and narrow. Enjoy!
On a recent holiday, my husband kept saying, “leggings are not pants,” where women of all ages, shapes, and sizes were wearing leggings as pants. I don’t know where he got this line.
It sounds like he has been reading Fabulous After 40!
I love the look. Whenever I try this look, I feel short and stumpy. I’m 5’4″ and have plenty of curves, junk in the trunk, thick thighs, more loving on the hips, and the infamous tell-all menopausal woman….belly fat. One may say, Hunny, you need to love yourself just the way you are. I am just being honest. So, is there a way to have this look but not appear like my legs are super short?
I love the idea of wearing tunics with leggings, but I have wide hips with skinny calves & I haven’t quite figured out how to make it work. Once when I was wearing my calve length leggings, someone made the clucking chicken noise behind me…….I suppose referring to my chicken legs. He can pluck himself. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Vicky, Have you tried wearing leggings with tall, flat leather or suede boots? This is a fantastic look and will solve your problem. Cheers, Deborah
Thank you for your excellent advice; I should’ve mentioned I live in Hawaii, so tall boots are a bit warm. Any other advice? I love your blog.
Thanks for the style inspiration!
Liv
livforstyle.net
I am 56 and have never worn leggings because I have always felt too old for them, and they are inappropriate. However, your outfits are so cute it makes me think maybe I can. I love your blog; your styles are classic and beautifully put together.
Thanks, Starla. It’s good to try something new, even if it feels a little foreign, to begin with. These styles of tops for leggings are fresh looking and a good length. Give it a shot. You may discover you love leggings. Cheers, Deborah
I like leggings as long as they are full-length. The cropped ones look too much like gym wear, IMO. All three tops are excellent, and being a bit longer, they cover a bottom that may be too heavy.
Hi Kathy, I prefer the ones that end at the top of my ankle; however, in hot climates on vacation, I have worn capris with pretty flat sandals, which look adorable. Cheers, Deborah
I’ve been told I shouldn’t wear leggings to a trip to Asia next month, that’s how I got to your website…I just learned to wear leggings around the house since I retired last year at 62 and found them very comfortable, so I wear them everywhere. I’m petite at 5″ and 120#, big-boned, and a little heavy on my legs, so I thought leggings were not for me. I’m going to Singapore next month, and I’ll bring my leggings and capri pants with me, thanks to your website; I’m a fan!!!
Hi Livvy, l am a big fan of leggings, but unless you can find cotton or bamboo or similar natural fiber and not full length, l would not be wearing them to Singapore. You may use to a similar climate, in which case, apologies; l am Australian and used to sweltering summers but find the Singaporian humidity challenging; l have visited Capri or lose pants in natural fibers several times the best. It is a fact-tic holiday destination.
I wear this look often but walking around NYC; I have found most sandals hurt my feet and always resort to my sneaker-type athletic shoe or boat shoe. It ruins the look. Do you have shoes or sandals you recommend with this look for walking the punishing streets of the city? I can see you walking in the heels and sandals you’ve shown.
Thank you for your website! It’s refreshing to find chic fashion for those over 50! I’m 54 and like to look fashionable while enjoying an age-appropriate classic look.
Thanks again!
Robin
Hi Robin, Thanks so much for your lovely compliment and for being a part of the community. I’d love to know about you and all my readers. Where do you shop? What do you like to buy? What are your fashion challenges? I’m here to help. Cheers! Deborah
Hi Deborah, I especially love an oversized shirt with leggings look. It just seems so comfortable and easy breezy. Cherie at style nudge.com
Absolutely!
Hi Deborah, I love wearing leggings all year long. Typically, I do the oversized tunic, but you may have just inspired me to try them with more fitted tops! I will send you my favorite look!
Great Pam! I’ll collect some photos and post some bloggers in leggings. It is always a popular topic, probably becaue leggings are so darn comfy.Cheers! Deb
Great looking outfits. Really like it.
I have been wearing leggings since the early 80’s and now they look like they’re here to stay. I haven’t bought any jeans in the last 3 years now that everyone is enjoying the comfort of wearing leggings. You look great in leggings, thanks for the possitive post on leggings.
I am so happy these looks are still in fashion. Long live leggings. I love them :}
All three of these outfits look really great!
Thanks Susan,
The first top is nice and silky so it feels really good to wear and looks a little dressier. Cheers, Deborah