Wet Look Leggings

Amy C Thompson — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:38:25 +0000

Guest Post by Leia of HiFashion

Wet look leggings came onto my fashion radar last year - A/W 09. To be honest, when I first saw them, my initial reaction was "yuck!" Why?

- They reminded me too much of leather trousers, and as a vegetarian, I try to limit the use of leather and other animal products as much as I can.
- I thought they were too rock 'n roll / grunge for me.
- I'm a girly girl. Surely something rocker-inspired couldn't work for me?

But, a year later, I have changed my mind. They're still a big trend for this winter, and I decided to give them a shot. I needed an update on my regular black leggings. I don't know about you, but I always reach for leggings when I'm in need of something comfortable! But, depending on what you wear them with, they can have a bit of a dressed-down vibe. This year I added 'jeggings' to my wardrobe and love them, but still needed something that was as versatile and comfortable as leggings but could also be dressed up.

Enter onto the scene: wet look leggings. But how do you incorporate them into your wardrobe without adding slashed graphic tees, black eyeshadow and red lipstick à la 80s rock chic or Taylor Momsen? (Hey, if that's your style then I'm not knocking it - just saying it's not quite right for me!)

Dilemma: how do I wear wet-look leggings and give them a feminine twist?

Answer: Mix them with ultra-girly items and you're all set!

I would have loved to have shown you some outfit inspiration from my own wardrobe, but technology hates me this season it seems and my camera has gone kaput! So I'll have to leave you with Polyvore instead; sorry girls!

wet look leggings by HiFashion featuring Fiorelli bags

Tips for wearing wet-look leggings and still looking feminine:
- Wear them with mini-dresses or long tops (cover your bum, please! Leggings are not trousers!)
- Add frills, ruffles, lace...
- Stick to neutral colors. Although I am definitely a fan of bold colors and prints, I think these leggings make quite a statement on their own. I wouldn't consider buying wet-look leggings in any color other than black, and I love pairing mine with different shades of gray, cream, and white. Add pops of color with your accessories, instead!
- Think of your proportions: leggings are tight, so you should consider wearing a looser top. It doesn't have to be baggy, but shouldn't be too body-con, either.
- Add heels, of course! If you are wearing neutral colors, this would be a good place to add a pop of something brighter and more fun.

They can definitely be dressed up or down, depending on what you wear them with. On a lazy day, if I'm just going to university or hanging out with friends, I would throw on a long, more basic top and flats. For going out, definitely a mini-dress (one that would probably be too scandalous to wear without tights/leggings!) and heels.

So: what's your verdict? Would you wear wet-look leggings? If so, how would you style them? Rock-chic or girly glam?

How to dress for Summer Festivals

Amy C Thompson — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:32:36 +0100

GUEST POST BY SHERIN OF HiFashion

I was listening to the radio and heard the tickets were next years Glastonbury had already been sold out, 8 months before the festival. I've always wanted to go to a summer festival, but have never gotten round to it. I have, however, decided what I'll wear and how I'll look when I do eventually go. I'm not too sure, but I believe this look has been referred to as the 'Muddy-Knee Look'.

Icons:

There are a few girls that pull off this look perfectly: Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes), Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) and Fearne Cotton. All three rock this look and look amazing at festivals.

As you can see, both Florence and Fearne are wearing short dresses/skirts with wellies, which is the perfect look.

It is all about being comfortable. You've got to travel light and cleverly. Summer festivals usually become really wet and muddy (thank you British Summers), so take things that will keep you warm, dry and something that you don't mind getting wet and dirty.

I'd also recommend lots of hats/scarves for bad hair days.You're not going to get the chance to straighten your hair or even shower every day so a nice hat will keep your hair at bay.Not ot mention clean pairs of socks adn underwear are VITAL!

So what kind of clothes do you need to take?

Layers: layering it up is great for festivals. Not only are you warm, but you'll look great as well, and layers also make you fairly comfortable, no matter what the weather. Coats on top of hoodies, on top of t-shirts are a good combination.

Shorts and skirts are also a great look. You can wear them with socks or tights underneath, and the slip on a pair of Converses or Wellies. You can also wear a short dress with the same shoes.Wellies are just so perfect for festivals. They can keep your legs dry and they come inso many colours that you can have so much fun with them! Things can get muddy, so a pair of wellies wil go a long way.

And as there'll be so many bands there, having a few t-shirts with bands on them will make you look really cool! Here are a few examples of the kind of things you can wear to festivals:

festival by sherin88 featuring Dorothy Perkins

festival 2 by sherin88 featuring Dorothy Perkins

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Many thanks to Sherin for her post! Her co-writer Leia has a guest blog coming up soon, too! Click "Admin" for info.

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Wet Look Leggings

How to dress for Summer Festivals