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Living in Leggings

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Athleisure—it’s everywhere. The old saying “leggings aren’t pants” is a thing of the past because, ladies, leggings as pants is a REAL style for everyday women. I can hardly go anywhere these days without seeing a woman wearing leggings as pants and, to be honest, I get it! Leggings are comfortable and magically seem to always fit. But if you’re going to be wearing leggings, try to jazz them up a bit and add some personal style!

Here’s my formula for the perfect athleisure look.

Step 1: Find the perfect pair of leggings.
• Great leggings should be thick and opaque. No see-through fabric!
• Always pay attention to the rise and steer toward a mid to high rise for the most flattering fit.
• Check the length. Just like pants or denim, leggings should be the correct length on your leg. If they are too long, do not be afraid to have them hemmed. 

Step 2: Add a sweater or “fancy” sweatshirt on top. T-shirts will work too if it is a warmer day.
• If you choose to go the fancy sweatshirt or T-shirt route, make sure they are something that you might also pair with jeans.
• Tunic-style or oversized sweaters are perfect if you would like a little bit more coverage in the front or on your backside. 

Step 3: Add your third piece to wear as a finishing piece to your athleisure look.
• Try a utility, puffy or quilted vest.
• Anorak jackets, cozy cardigans or more modern styled jackets like bomber jackets or leather jackets work well too. 

Step 4: Finish it off with a sneaker that you do not wear to the gym.
• Slip-on sneakers
• Lace-up leisure sneakers
• Retro-style sneakers

AWW Top 4 Favorite Leggings 

The In Movement Tight:
Lululemon Leawood $98
Looking to add a little color in your bottoms wardrobe? These super-high-waisted pants just might be it! When you wear a colored legging bottom, always look for a style with more compression. I especially love the style lines of this pant because it makes my backside look smaller! Pair these with your favorite black or grey sweater and black sneakers! 

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings:
Nordstrom $98
These have been a personal and client favorite for the past two years. The high waistband holds you in in all the right places and the faux leather coating has a way of looking cool without looking cheesy. You can dress them up or down by changing out your shoe; make sure to size up in this style because they are tight! Dress these up with a hip-length blazer and booties or down with a sweater and sneakers!

The Zella Live In Legging:
Nordstrom $54
These have been around for a long time, but they are still my favorite basic go-to legging. The fabric is matte, super opaque and a little bit thicker to give a really great, smooth fit. These come in a mid-rise and a high-rise and you cannot beat the price! This pant runs true to size and will last forever! 

The Align Pant:
Lululemon Leawood $98
These are the most buttery-soft high-waisted leggings I have ever had. Made of their own Nulu fabric, this style is perfect for everyday or travel because they don’t have quite as much compression as other leggings. Size down, because these run a little big. Need a little camo in your life this fall? These are the perfect addition!

Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her  own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to help individuals develop and evolve their own sense of style. 

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