5 tips for wearing leggings after 65 — Best Life

Even before the pandemic, “athletics” emerged from the fashion closet “not” in the field of mainstream trends. And with so many of us spending more time at home, having clothing items that work on the yoga mat, at work, and at dinner is more important than ever. The best news is that leggings are a timeless staple that look great on everyone, as long as what you see in the mirror sparks joy. For women over 65, fashion stylists have some tips that can make your leggings look sexy, fashionable, and polished (and, of course, comfortable!). Read on for the best ways to use them.

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older woman in black leggingsBoard by Natalie/Shutterstock

If there is one item that should be on your must-have basics list, it would probably be the black legging. Black is an incredibly stylish and flattering neutral. It’s slimming and gives a sleek, fitted look that’s especially brilliant below the waist.

Black leggings can also do the job of tights, but with more comfort and, in cooler seasons, warmth. “Many leggings aren’t really any different than footless tights. I always imagine you can wear them under skirts and dresses in the winter for a little more coverage,” she writes. jodie phylogomo on her style blog Jodie’s Touch of Style. “Remember that if it’s really cold, there are even fleece-lined tights or leggings to keep you extra warm.” They’re also a great option if you have a dress that feels a little short.

A nice pair of chunky black leggings can even work in place of skinny jeans or pants, given the color’s easygoing qualities. Uniqlo is a great place to look in the legging-as-pants category, and in a YouTube video, style expert margaret manning of Sixty and Me recommends LuLaRoe for this look.

older woman stretching in leggingsProstock-studio/Shutterstock

At any age, fit is key to looking stylish and purposeful, and this especially applies to leggings. Low-waisted styles are very unforgiving and do not accentuate the waist. Similarly, pairs that are too tight will highlight any problem areas.

On her fitness blog Agent Athletica, writer Suzanne She says that when shopping for Luon leggings (the kind commonly made for the gym), make sure the fabric doesn’t have a shine on it. “When the luon is too stretched, it will look a bit shiny… If the fabric is shiny on the hips or thighs when you stand normally, you should probably carve more.” Another sign that your leggings are too small is if you notice the fabric bunching around the crotch area.

Suzanne also recommends moving around in the tights you’re trying on. “Try twisting, squatting, jogging in place, raising your arms, lunging, etc. Notice how your clothes feel when you’re done. Did they all stay in place or slide up or down? Do you feel like need to adjust anything?”

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older woman joggingEvgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock

Since leggings fit so well, it’s even more important to choose a pair made from quality fabric. Manning suggests a heavier fabric for women over 65, specifically ponte, a double-knit jersey fabric made of rayon, polyester, and spandex. YouTube Fitness Professional meagan hesham refers to “going out leggings,” those with a lower spandex composition, meaning they stretch less, but are a bit thicker and more pant-like. These may not be the leggings you want to relax in, but they will provide more support and elegance to dress up an outfit.

spanx shopDCStockPhotography/Shutterstock

If you prefer a little extra support with your leggings, countless companies make versions of shapewear. They promise everything from the usual slimming properties to “butt-lifting magic” and tummy control. Key components are seamless, sculpting performance fabrics with built-in push-ups, high-waisted fits and fixed waistbands to smooth out the midsection.

On its Wirecutter product review site, The New York Times recommends Girlfriend Collective’s high-rise compression leggings. “Conscious of my tummy and I still feel cute in these,” wrote one commenter. “I feel very safe and trust them,” wrote another.

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long shirt and leggingsFreshSplash/iStock

When wearing leggings, the most popular combination for older women is a longer top. “As we get older…we want to find clothes that add structure to our bodies,” explains the fashion stylist. Sara Nisparos in a YouTube video. “A great way to do that is to make sure you have three pieces every time you dress up. So make sure you have pants and a top and that great third piece, which is usually a blazer or cardigan or even a trench coat.” In his example, she pairs black leggings “that are nice and chunky and maintain leg structure” with a silk top and cropped trench coat that has “really cool shoulder structure.”

janie copeland, lifestyle vlogger and founder of Over Sixty With Flair, suggests a long tunic sweater. “It’s a longer top, but it’s not huge. It’s longer than it’s boxy…you have tight leggings, but you have the modesty for the older woman.” If you opt for black leggings, consider pairing them with black shoes. “If she’s wearing the same color boots, it elongates the leg,” Copeland notes.

But of course, above all else, the most important piece of advice is to feel comfortable and safe.

Source: news.google.com