What To Wear Instead Of Leggings This Fall

Summer is far from over, but many stores are clearing out summer stock to prepare for fall so I thought I would answer a reader’s question about leggings. Many women find the entire prospect of leggings out of the question but for others, the comfort is impossible to give up. They never bind around the tummy, they’re as comfy as jammies and can be dressed up if needed. What’s fabulous about leggings also exists in other bottoms so let’s explore what you can wear instead of leggings this fall.

First, let’s talk about the fabric. Leggings are not tights and they shouldn’t even come close. They look best in thick, totally opaque fabrics like ponte, crepe, heavy microfiber, ultra suede, etc. If you get the fabric right, it opens up lots of possibilities.

What to wear instead of leggings

Tights are skin tight all the way down and less forgiving than any other options. Slim, slightly flared, or wide and flowy are elevated alternatives that are just as comfy.

 

Cigarette Pants

These are slim through the hips and thighs but don’t strangle the calves. They’re most comfortable in a pull-on style, but also available with side and back zippers for ease of taking on and off. They could be tucked into tall boots but look best with sandals or shoes.

This pant is made in tons of colors in regular and plus sizes and carried by many retailers. I’ve worn these for as long as I can remember and never travel without a few pairs. They could double as pajama’s yet I have worn them to many dressy occasions. They’re machine wash and dry and last for years!

SHOP MORE OPTIONS

Pull-on Jeans

These come in everything from skinny legs to wide flares. Many have 5 pocket styling and stitching to resemble a zipper front. They look best with the waistband either totally covered or a half-tuck that’s bloused to cover the waistband.

These come in a dark and lighter wash, sized in regular and tall, 0 – 22.

MORE PULL-ON JEANS

Stretch Flares instead of Leggings

The flare adds balance to wider hips and has a more graceful shape than a legging that is skin tight all the way down. These will never look like exercise tights. Rather than tucked into booties, these float over them and help your legs look longer.

The ponte knit fabric is a more sophisticated option than many leggings yet looks just as good with sneakers as leather shoes. These have a stitched front seam which is also slimming and draws the eye up and down the leg for an elongating look. These have a nice high rise and are sized in regular and plus, 0 – 28W. Here’s a plus-size ribbed option in black or tan.

All of the above shapes look great styled with tunics and hip-length tops. Leggings on the other hand should not be worn with anything that doesn’t cover your backside.

Related –The Modern Way to Wear Leggings After 50

Are leggings on your radar for this fall?