We are getting into the car. It’s date night! “Nice tights” says Mike. What? Tights? “No honey,” I correct him. “These are leggings.”
Mike looks confused. “They are? Hunh. They look like tights.”
“I’m not wearing a skirt” I point out. “So these are leggings. Which are pants.”
“Ok” he says, agreeably. “But they’re kinda like tights since they’re so sheer, right?”
I freeze. Sheer? Does he know what that word means? I mean, this IS the man who repeatedly confuses dresses with skirts.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Can you…expand on that?”
He absentmindedly fumbles with the keys. “Uhhh…they look silky and thin? Like tights?”
“I forgot something inside” I tell him. “Be right back.”
Mike groans. “Babe, what did you forget?”
Apparently, I forgot my pants.
THESE ARE “PANTS” bumcoveragerequired
I do own thicker leggings. The J.Crew pixie pant-type things that are thick enough to show some bum. And my faux-leather leggings…yeah, I’m not as careful with bum coverage in those, either. But for whatever reason (in the above case, I LOVE the pattern)…I do find myself reaching for my cheapie black leggings from time-to-time. They’re easy, they’re comfy, and sometimes, heck, they’re the only thing clean.
Here are a few styling tricks I’ve been using when I really (really, REALLY) need to keep my bum covered.
1. Wear a Long, Lightweight Jacket As A Blazer (Roll Sleeves)
People keep blazers on in restaurants, right? Why not these? I’m talking lightweight parkas, trench coats, etc. The key to making them look like they’re part of your outfit, I think, is to roll the sleeves. No one will realize the real purpose. [wink, wink]
wearing:
shirt: Madewell sweatshirt (size M – it runs really small)
jacket: old….try this one…or this perfect trench (on sale!)
leggings: from my sister…try this floral pair or this baroque print
shoes: old Nine West…try this Via Spiga pair
clutch: vintage
hair: real
2. Tie One On
The whole shirt-permanently-tied-around-the-waist might only be considered a trend in fashion blogger circles, but HEY. It works really well for bum-coverage.
As a bonus, you can strategically blouse your tee for pooch-hiding purposes.
wearing:
tee: Madewell varsity striped tee (size S)
shirt (around waist): old J.Crew….this year’s version
jacket: old sweatshirt moto….similar (on sale!)
leggings: cheap F21
shoes: old Dolce Vita…similar
bag: Moop paperback
scarf (on head): sold out J.Crew…also coveting this one
3. Use A Scarf?
I have not totally decided on this one. Perhaps just chalk it up to a real good try?
BUT…I remember liking this outfit at the time. I felt all cute and creative. Red flag!! Whenever I get too creative with my outfits, I find myself fighting an urge to don a flowered hat, jangly bracelets, and call myself an art teacher.
Better with a jacket? IDK.
wearing:
sweatshirt: old F21…similar
jacket: old sweatshirt moto….similar (on sale!)
leggings: cheap F21
shoes: Hunter rainboots, navy
bag: Makr Farm Ruck Sack
socks: Lands’ End…similar
hair: Henry Margu wig
4. Use An Indecently Short Mini (or a really long tee)
Remember the skirt I was wearing when I accidentally televised my nether regions to everyone at the Franklin Institute’s Spy Exhibit? Yes? Well. This length is perfect for leggings.
wearing:
sweater: Vince
skirt: vintage…same idea
leggings: cheap F21
shoes: Sorel ’88 Boot
bag: Makr Farm Ruck Sack
hair: this crazy thing + a Patagonia beanie
I also like the idea to use a really loooong layering shirt. Husk UK does it best:
Right??? I love this whole outfit. The base layer is just a really long tank…and I’m searching LIKE CRAZY to find one that doesn’t require $20 shipping from Europe. Cause that’s just silly. Although….that sweater is a perfect low v-neck…and its really drapey…and I love the armwarmers, too….GAH!!
I also came across this little number from Victoria’s Secret, of all places.
Anyone tried their “touch of cashmere” line? I typically like more than a touch. But that outfit is seriously cozy and cute.
Of course, you could always wear your cheapy leggings with shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. But I thought that was stating the obvious and wanted to be more creative.
On that note: Art class starts at 10. Bring extra glue sticks.
xo,
S
