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 Claudia wears leopard print leggings ($49, Domino). |
Leggings continue to stride into fall in revamped styles that go from basic to bold and from day to night.
"We've seen leggings become such a wardrobe staple that designers are starting to get creative with them," says stylist Afiya Francisco. "There are so many incarnations that leggings have actually become one of the most versatile wardrobe staples that can take you from work, to the patio for drinks, to the grocery store on the weekend and back again."
While black leggings remain a wardrobe cornerstone, they transcend the ordinary as they ramp up for fall in matte, shiny and embellished versions.
Matte versions fashioned from heavier weight double knit material and leather in dark shades can double for skinny pants, however, it's usually best to cover up by pairing them with long tops and jackets.
"Everyone should have a pair in a staple solid like black and at least one other pair in another solid, such as brown or grey," says Jenny Yen, who co-designs the Vancouver-based, Two of Hearts clothing line.
Leggings made of knit fabric with a denim-like finish offer a casual leggings look that easily subs in for your favourite pair of jeans as you sail out and about on casual outings.
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Solid coloured leggings are updated by embellishments such as zippered hem lines and strategically placed designer-inspired distressed look of rips and holes.
Leggings also take a novel turn with the precision of laser-cut diamonds and other cut-out patterns.
Texture is an important element and heads outdoors in leggings fashioned of sweater-like wool and cotton yarn.
The shiny liquid leggings look continues forward and goes for cocktails, paired with sequined and chiffon tanks, tuxedo-style boyfriend jackets, fancy heeled boots and real or faux gems galore.
Black liquid leggings are an obvious choice but shimmering gold and shiny pewter leggings are also the life of the party.
Patterns and colour also take bold turns on leggings. Crank up the volume in purple, red, fuchsia and cobalt blue leggings or consider adding the whimsy of print to your leggings collection.
Animal print, checks and pinstripes all make the short list of patterns that can jazz up your solid coloured tops, short skirts, long sweaters and boyfriend jackets.
"Leggings work best with oversized tees, slouchy tops, or a voluminous sweater or wrap," says Jada-lee Watson, a designer for Nixxi. "Pair them with boots for an elongated, leggy look, a wedge bootie or pulled down over the top of a high heel."
Add a pair of legwarmers over high-heeled pumps to further capture the 1980s vibe that leggings so easily help to substantiate.
heather.toskan@sunmedia.ca