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!
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?
