Women love leggings because they are comfortable, versatile and easy to wear. With this being the case, it is no wonder why many of us may be tempted to wear them to work. However, not everyone will be able to get away with a legging look in the office. Many employers find them too casual and too revealing putting them on the ‘don’t’ list when it comes to acceptable workplace clothing options.
However, with a bit of creativity, leggings can be a fashionable clothing item that can work in a professional setting. You just need to know how to wear them. Keeping this in mind, here are some tips on how to wear leggings in the workplace.
#1: Know Your Workplace
Before getting into the do’s and don’ts of wearing leggings in the workplace, let’s accept one simple fact. If you work in an environment that requires a strict professional dress code, it’s likely that leggings aren’t going to fly no matter how you wear them. In other words, if you are a banker of financial worker, you are probably out of luck.
However, if the dress codes in your office are more lenient, here are some things you will want to consider when incorporating leggings into your work dress.
#2: Stay Away from Gym Clothes
The last thing you want to do is look like you’ve come straight from the gym. Avoid pairing leggings with sports bras, casual t-shirts and athletic sneakers. Otherwise you will probably never be able to wear leggings to work again, if they even allow you to keep your job!
#3: Don’t Reveal Your Backside
A revealed backside under a pair of leggings is considered overly sexy in most offices. Rather, consider wearing a long tunic or a skirt that hits anywhere from the lower mid-thigh to above the knee. If you wear something shorter like a blouse or blazer, make sure your leggings are made of a thick fabric.
#4: Dress Legging Up, Not Down
Avoid pairing leggings with casual items like flip flops, sneakers, tank tops and t-shirts. Instead go for boots or booties for footwear and more formal items on top.
#5: Wear Darker Colors
A formal work look will go best with leggings that are darker in color. If you want to freshen up your look with lighter tones, they will look best worn under a stretch skirt. This will tone down the shock factor a lighter pair of leggings may provide.
#6: Give is a Military Look
If you’re going for a professional look that is also high fashion, military is the way to go. Pair your leggings with a jacket with boxy shoulders, military-like details and plenty of pockets. Complete the look with high, flat heeled boots.
#7: Pair Your Leggings with a Statement Top
Leggings provide a neat bottom that is the perfect for an attention getting top. Think of pairing them with one that has an asymmetrical effect or angled cut for an overall polished and fashionable look.
Conclusion
Leggings are so comfy it is no wonder many of us will want to throw a pair on for a day at work. And, if you dress them up in the right way, you just might be able to get away with it. What will you be wearing your leggings with the next time you’re at work?
