I’ve heard the question over and over about the appropriateness of leggings for us older women. Furthermore, who hasn’t heard the statement that leggings aren’t pants? However, I’m of the opinion that a woman of any age can wear them and look fantastic.

Here is our top list for leggings:

1. Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – Comfortable leggings that have great reviews. 
2. Reversible Ponte Knit Crop Leggings – densely knit Ponte leggings that reverse from solid black to softly heathered gray.
3. Faux Leather Leggings from Spanx – Trendy and modern leggings.
4. Skinny Ankle Pull-On Jeans from NYDJ – Leggings that look like jeans – jeggings!

There are certainly a couple of hints and tips that can make leggings work better for us more mature women! But you tell me what you think below in the comments!

What Is the Definition of Leggings?

The most common definition of leggings is that they are tight fitting stretch pants. With the advent of spandex in materials nowadays, this makes for some seriously comfortable items! I’m sure you could say that they are not much different than the tights that we wear as hosiery but somewhat thicker and more opaque.

What Variations and Styles Are Available?

I think the most common leggings for women are the black ones. If you don’t have a pair, and are considering getting some to try, then I would think that this would be the first pair with which to start.

The Zella Live In High Waist Leggings continuously get rave reviews and are a perfect legging for women of all ages.

The biggest concern for older women would be to find a thick pair, so it doesn’t feel like you’re only wearing a pair of tights. There are many materials that could work, but some of the best I’ve found are the ones that are marketed as a Ponte knit.

A Ponte knit is a combination of rayon, polyester and spandex that clothing manufacturers use for their products. The fabric is tightly woven and keeps its shape well with extended use, without color fading.

These Reversible Ponte Knit Crop Leggings are densely knit leggings that reverse from solid black to softly heathered gray.

Of course, there are many other varieties of leggings available. One of the newest and spunkiest are the faux leather ones! I can personally say that the advantage of this kind – besides looking modern – is they don’t collect pet hair! There is also virtually every color available of any leggings out there.

These best-selling Faux Leather Leggings from Spanx fit and look great. They are a little on the pricier side, so keep an eye on sales. Here are some other options from our closet.

And just lately I’ve been seeing many of these items for sale in the print version, especially because of the popularity of LuLaRoe clothing. If you haven’t heard of LuLaRoe, I wrote a post on it, here.

I’ve also seen leggings with pockets and grommets on them so they appear to be more like a jean instead of tights! The ones that are denim material are usually called jeggings. The nice thing about this option is that you could wear them with shorter tops, yet still have the comfort of leggings.

The Skinny Ankle Pull-On Jeans from NYDJ are perfect for the everyday jeans casual look. They are made with Lift Tuck® Technology that flattens the front and helps to flatter your curves.

How Do Leggings Feel?

If you already have a pair of leggings, then I’m sure you can attest to the comfort of them. Because of the spandex in the material, it moves with your body and doesn’t tend to bind or be uncomfortable. Of course, this is one of those products that you certainly get what you pay for. Trying to get by with a cheaper pair may not be the best choice.

The couple of pair that I have in my closet have a wider waistband which doesn’t roll down or cause other issues. I also have a pair that are fur lined, and for those of you who live in climates that get snow at some time – this detail is heaven on earth!

And just because they are leggings, does not mean they must be skin tight. My mother – the 70s generation model on my blog and in many of these photos – has a couple pair of leggings that have a little give around the lower legs. The wonderful thing about this is that they just look like regular pants, yet feel so relaxed.

What Are the Best Clothing Items to Wear with Your Leggings?

Most women feel better if their tush is covered when they are wearing leggings.

Thus, tunics are the most common pieces to wear with any type of legging item. One of the reasons that I think this is so beneficial for us older women is the fact that a tunic can hide the belly that we complain about at this age. Now that’s not to say that our tunic should be too baggy or overwhelming, but there are some great tunic tops out there that are slightly A-line which works for many body shapes.

No-Iron Stretch Asymmetrical Tunic

The longer cardigans are also coming back in style. These pair so well with the leggings since they cover much of the lower torso area.

Waffle Knit Cardigan

Read 15 CARDIGAN SWEATERS FOR SENIOR WOMEN.

But you don’t have to stop there. You can certainly wear your leggings with skirts or dresses. In fact, it’s the best solution to a skirt or dress that feels a bit short by itself! The leggings cover your legs nicely and thus you don’t feel so exposed.

Which Shoes Go with My Leggings?

Really, any shoes can be paired with your leggings, but the most popular are your boots. This would include your knee-high boots, your ankle boots and the now popular over-the-knee, or OTK boots.

First, let me address the knee-high boots. If you live in a cold climate, then these are probably your go-to’s in the winter. The fantastic point about wearing them with your leggings is that the leggings tuck into the boots so nicely. There’s no extra material to worry about like with jeans, and then you get to see the entire boot!

JESSIE WIDE CALF TALL BOOT from Naturalizer

Ankle boots are another great option to pair with your leggings. These boots, especially when combined with the same color of leggings can create a long and lean look. The downside is they aren’t as warm as their knee-high counterparts. Thus, I consider them perfect for women in warmer climates, or even on an unseasonably warm day here in Denver!

Munro Devon Ankle Boot at Zappo’s

Now for those of you that can’t ever imagine wearing OTK boots, I will admit, I felt the same way. Until I bought my first pair. You see, I’m always cold by nature, and these boots keep me warmer.

Journee Collection Loft Boot – Wide Calf at Zappo’s

Plus, if you’re like me at all, and still like to wear skirts and dresses in the winter, then you’ll find them functional too! They are perfect for not having that gap between the skirt and the boot.

Furthermore, they are also a great match with leggings. If you match the leggings to the OTK boots, most people won’t even know they are taller boots, yet they will keep you nice and toasty!

On the other hand, you can wear ballet flats, brogues and even sneakers with your leggings, too! If it’s too cold to have naked ankles showing, you can always slip on a matching sock underneath the leggings.

Are There Any Bad Traits to Leggings?

Well, this is definitely a personal opinion, but I had one friend state this fact: the trouble with always wearing your leggings every day, is there is no accountability toward the gaining of weight. Since the leggings will stretch, you can gain a couple or more pounds and not even realize it. Of course, this is only true if you use your pants as your guide instead of a scale.

I do think leggings have gotten a bad rap in some venues. Just because you are wearing them does not mean you can’t dress up, wear something sparkly and look fantastic. Wearing leggings does not automatically mean you will look sloppy. It all depends on what you wear with them, and, of course, their fit!

Do you love your leggings? What do you like to wear with them? I love to hear your thoughts and opinions!