Part 2 Leggings: Solids and Prints and Leather, Oh My!

Now that you have read my post, Leggings: Tales of the Misunderstood Tights, you can proceed to the next step.  If you haven't read it yet, start here before reading what is below.  
With great body comes great responsibility...to cloth it tastefully! ~B


The Legging Breakdown (break it down now!  And I'm dancing...)

1.  The Solid Legging:  A tried and true closet staple.  I like to stick to dark colors such as black, brown, and teal.  The best leggings around are from American Apparel, no contest.

American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Legging - $28 (In 36 colors)

2.  The Patterned Legging:  Proceed with caution.  Prints can be very fun but stick to only a few colors per pair and make sure you try them on first!  What looks good on the rack doesn't always translate once you put them on.

Floral Jersey Leggings - H&M $12.95

3.  The Faux-leather Legging:  I love this option.  I own a pair and I feel like a chic bad ass when I wear mine.  If your outfit is getting a little to girly or over thought, throw on these bad boys.  There are some great legging options with patches of faux-leather.  Try these patched pairs on, they don't always hit in a flattering place!

Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-leather Leggings - Kohls $26.99

 

4.  The Fleece Legging:  Holy crap, talk about wearing clouds on your legs!  Fleece-lined leggings are just about the coziest thing around.  Pair these with a chunky knit sweater (long of course) to bring it on home.  The coziness factor of this combo will cause you to take a nap and drink hot chocolate, just warning you.

Anthroplogie Fleece-lined Leggings - $18

 

5.  The Embellished Legging:  I am in love with embellished leggings.  I can't afford them, but they are fabulous.  I am also convinced you have to clean them gently with a toothbrush for about three hours.  They are amazing and I wouldn't hesitate to rock them with a long tee and blazer!

I don't have the heart to tell you the price of these.  Sigh.

Work Wardrobe: Neon!

Okay this may be a little much for some people but I love color!  Sometimes you have to take risks, but know how to balance things out.  For instance, I have two pretty bright colors, so I made everything else black.  Also, I have my blouse buttoned all the way up and would not pair it with a short skirt.  The silhouette is more conservative so that I can be more bold with my color choices.

Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt - Target (clearance)
Teal Sleeveless Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls (One of B's Favorite Things!)
Black Sweater - Target (everyone needs a good basic black cardigan)
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Eyelet Boots - Liz Claiborne for JC Penney (these are my favorite boots!)

How to Succeed in Color Blocking

I love me some color!  A lot of times we shy away from mixing bright colors because we might think it is too much.  But where there is a hue, there is a way!  Let's go over some tips.

Tip #1 - Start small.  Using accessories to embark on your color blocking path allows you to test the waters before you take the dive in.  Belts, scarves, and necklaces will all lend small doses of color with out overwhelming your outfit or your eyes.

Tip #2 - Look for items that are sold together or styled together in the store.   The dress in the picture above was sold with the belt (and on clearance for $7, booyah!).  Let all of that hard work and styling that clothing brands do, be to your benefit. HOWEVER, do not trust everything you see in the stores.  They aren't all winning looks.

Tip #3 - Use the flash.  If I am contemplating wearing an outfit or purchasing a piece of clothing, I will take a picture of myself wearing it.  If you still like it in the blinding light of that unflattering flash, chances are, it's for you!  If you don't have a flash handy, ask a man.  They are just as honest as a flash!

Tip #4 - Use a jewel tone.  Jewel tones are among the most flattering for every skin type.  Start with a jewel toned color and pair it with something just a bit lighter.  Find some jewel tone inspiration below!

  Tip #5 - Keep it simple ladies!  This is a rule applicable across all styling opportunities.  If you are going to go bright, keep the style simple and classic.  Bright colors can go many wrong directions pretty easily including trashy, juvenile, or just plain crazy.  I don't think we want any of these as descriptors to our style.  Try pairing two bright colors with neutral accessories in colors such as black to keep it grounded.  Add a simple hair style too.  A bun or ponytail is my go to!

 My favorite color blocking moment to date.  It's work friendly too!  (I am wearing black heels too!)

 
I challenge you to at least give color a try.  You will find it can look very sophisticated and invite a lot of compliments because you are standing out in a new way.  Have fun!  - B