How To Wear Leather Leggings

Leather leggings appeared on the fashion circuit in the fall season of 2008. Love them or loathe them, they're still a sought after piece and as the seasons wear on, they're beginning to appear on many a shapely - and not so shapely - leg.

For whatever reason, they have remained on trend and can be found both online and in the high street. Most women love the look and feel of tight shiny leggings - others because they're not only flattering - they're comfortable too.

They've fast become a wardrobe staple and providing you know how to wear tight leggings and have the confidence to carry them off - you'll look good and certainly as though you know what's hip and cool in the fashion world.

The best leather leggings are the ones to the right. They're available in medium and large sizes - and they're a great faux leather pair that will get you and your new look off to a great start.

They're sassy, they're hot - and they flatter in all the right ways. They're also a breeze to wash and wear time and again - and are definitely the best pair all round. They're affordable and won't blow the budget - and they're exactly what I'm talking about when I say hot, on trend and gorgeous! Highly recommended!

If you really are planning on buying and wearing a pair - the main thing about leggings is this: they are not to be confused with something you'd find stretched around the legs of an avid horse rider.

Or Clint Eastwood, come to that matter.

They're not riding apparel and providing you avoid teaming them with plaid shirts and western hats, you'll be able to avoid walking down your local high street looking like a parody of a rider - trying to find her missing horse.

What To Wear With Leather Leggings

Worn with the correct accessories, tops and footwear, you'll turn heads (in admiration), rather than turn up the mouths of those you pass on your merry and oblivious way. The pair on the right are another great example of what a good quality pair of shiny leather leggings should look like - faux or otherwise.

These ones are available in a range of sizes - from x-small up to a large, plus you can buy them in more than just black - gray, gold and blue to name a few. They fit like a glove and - when worn correctly they'll look totally awesome.

That said ... the bottom line when it comes to wearing them is this: don't try too hard. Make sure you look casual without looking tatty and chic without looking cheap. In a nutshell, classy not trashy.

All easily done, if you follow a few simple guidelines.

Wearing Leather Leggings

How to wear leather leggings? Carefully. Don't wear them with knee high boots for e.g. - you'll appear more swashbuckling than fashionable. Instead, wear them with heels or a nice pair of flat pumps.

Pay attention to how they look on your legs when you try them on. Don't buy them if they're anything less than skin-tight. They need to look more like a pair of footless tights than wrinkled stockings.

You're aiming for a leg-enhancing 'sheer' appearance and if they're less than tight, leave them on the hanger. Top tip: horrible but true - make sure they're tight on the leg but not in the crotch area.

During the day, a rock chick type t-shirt or similar apparel will do nicely. For going out, choose something more flowing, like a tunic top or longer, more structured t-shirt. Accessorize to match, paying attention to detail.

You could team your leather leggings with a black boho tunic, a fitted black jacket - something similar to the Pea Coat style - then add in some color with a red clutch bag and matching red costume jewellery.

The point is this: wearing a leather legging ensemble is supposed to create a look that screams trendy, chic - stylish. The correct coordination will do just that.

Aim to look as though your outfit was effortless and donned with ease, not with a lot of hair tearing angst.

Be cool and you'll look just that. Try too hard and ... well ... the good, the bad and the ugly will springs to mind.

Faux Leather Leggings

Faux leather leggings are a great alternative to real leather - and they're usually what you'll find on the shelves in clothing stores.

For one thing - they're washable. You can't just throw leather into a washing machine. You'll probably end up with something that looks like a shammy leather.

They tend to be made from spandex or a similar stretch fabric, with a polyurethane outer coating.

Basically, leather look, shiny leggings. But - the end result is the same. Sleek and sexy, and infinitely easier to care for.

Now you've got the 'idea', here are some leather leggings fashion style tips. Call it a 'do's and don't' list.

The trick is - pay attention to the tips ... that way you'll definitely avoid the fashion victim look.

• They are not tights
• And tights (footless ones) are not leggings
• Black is best. Period
• Do not attempt to recreate the 'stirrup pants' look. It was nasty the first time round and will forever remain ... nasty
• No tightness around the crotch. Camel toe is just plain wrong
• No knee high boots. You're not a pirate
• Layering is a fab way to dress up (or dress down) your leggings
• Do not confuse them with leather chaps - and in case you haven't, only wear chaps if you're intending to ride a horse. Leather chaps + fashion + night out = fashion suicide
• No other leather needs to be worn. Therefore no leather tops, corsets yadda yadaa
• Absolutely no VPL - ever.
• Aim for either the rock chick or boho look
• Shiny leggings are fine but the matte finish is just as cool
• Flat pumps, ankle boots or sexy heels on your feet
• Accessorize - but pay attention to color matching, texture and so on

Now you're armed with the know-how ... you've no excuse. Remember: leather leggings can and do look great, providing you stay away from trying too hard.

Don't be caught resembling anything like a cowboy. Top Tip: Clint's never worn footless leggings when riding.