For those lucky enough to be the right side of 22, or who have the calves and thighs to carry them off, that most stalwart of fashion furniture – leggings – have transformed themselves this season from humble black into funky leopard prints, PVC and plaid, and gold and silver lamé.
Novelty Leggings for Fall 2008
Novelty leggings are not for the faint hearted (nor the full-in-figure when it comes to big hips or thighs). Once upon a time a more discreet fashion item to be worn under dresses or skirts, leggings have now taken over an additional (and more fashionable) role as trousers. This fall and winter they are to be worn with very high heels, this season's popular long cardigans or sweaters, and a sense of adventure!
According to the Daily Mail's October 23rd,2008 article, "Legging It — the trend that refuses to die," novelty leggings are proving a hit either side of the pond. Matt PVC leggings by Sass & Bide (as won by Mary Kate Olsen and Mischa Barton) sold out as soon as they hit the shops. High shine versions by London label Les Chiffoniers were snapped up by Victoria Beckham and singer Rihanna.
Tights Trends For Winter
If leggings seem too unforgiving for some, then another trend for hot legs this cold winter is uber-patterned and highly-colored tights. The opaque tights of last year have been taken to a whole new level. Interesting patterns and jewel-tone colors decorate legs of all ages, shapes and sizes. Wear them with chunky platforms, peep-toe pumps of this season’s sexy boots.
Choose from stripes or snowflakes, plaid or polka dots. Go wild with leopard prints and python or sparkle with lamé. Dress up a little black party dress with a pair of lacey legs or go country girl with wintry plaid. Pep-up a business suit with some pinstripe tights, some subtle stars or textured wintry foliage. Horizontal stripes are one of the biggest sellers, benefiting from a recent scientific study that revealed (contrary to popular belief ) horizontal stripes do not make women look bigger.
Spring 2009 Leggings
Leggings are also set for the designer treatment for oncoming seasons. On the Spring 2009 runways according to Style Hunter of November 6th, 2008, on Style.com designers went print mad, with bold stripes, graphic patterns, and painterly florals all making appearances. We are seeing leggings elevated to another level; not only for casual wear.
Cheap and Easy Fashion This Fall
In these times of economic crisis, it is encouraging to know that one of the easiest and cheapest ways to be right on-trend it to simply invest in some colorful hosiery or a pair of leggings. Style com’s Style Report "Tight Trends for Fall 2008" refers to this season's funky legwear as “fall’s shockingly affordable accoutrement.”
There is something for every style-sensibility from a safe solid-color block in berry tones to a more daring statement print. Update a simple dress or winter coat with some fun and funky tights or jewel-toned hosiery. With labels such as Anna Sui, Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, Gucci and Miss Sixty giving a nod to the legwear trend on the fall fashion runways, this look has certainly found some "legs" in more ways than one!
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