Style Advice

How to Wear Your Printed Or Patterned Leggings

How to Wear Your Printed Or Patterned Leggings

Are you looking for ways to add a touch of style and fun to your wardrobe? Printed or patterned leggings can be a great way to do just that! They can take a simple outfit and make it stand out. Read on to learn how to wear your printed or patterned leggings to make the most of this stylish clothing item.

Patterned Leggings? mmmh It’s hard to think of ‘leggings’ without automatically associating them with a pink spandex clad Olivia Newton John singing “Physical”. While those 80’s style leggings are still freshly scarred into our memory, in reality leggings have been around for centuries (think Henry the VIII or those legging clad Italians of the Renaissance). 

A quick flick through a glossy mag or a glance down the main street is proof enough that leggings have made a comeback in 2013 - and in a big way. It’s no wonder; they’re comfortable, adaptable and, when worn correctly, very flattering. For many of us they’re a key part of our wardrobe. Want to learn the secret to pulling off the look?  Check out a few hard and fast rules below.

Cardinal Rules For Leggings:

  1. The Goldie-Locks Effect: Leggings shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Just right.
  2. Leggings are not, I repeat, not the same as pants.  They are best worn as part of a layered outfit. If you venture out with leggings and a tee-shirt, people will wonder where rest of your outfit is. A stylish top with accessories such as a belt is one thing; a sloppy tee is another thing entirely. Think layers.
  3. Watch the length, if your patterned leggings are getting a bit old and you’ve put them in the dryer one too many times they can shrink…and rise. Once they start creeping past your ankles it’s time to say au revoir.
  4. Match the style of your leggings with your footwear. Low ankle boots and ballet flats all look great. Leggings can walk a fine line between haute couture and trash so just be aware of what you pair it with - because it can change the look entirely.

How to work leggings according to your body shape

Leggings are not to be feared. Contrary to popular belief it actually doesn’t matter what your body type is, all shapes and sizes can wear them. That’s right, you heard me! Just check out these tips to ensure you look your best.

If you’re curvy

If you’re just starting out and feeling a little uncertain just stick to monochromatic colours such as black.  It’s safe, stylish and versatile.  Once you’re feeling a bit braver introduce some leggings of different colours.  Want more flair?  Try a pattern, but only wear it on the bottom or top, never both.  Tunics or a dress that stop mid-thigh (or just below) and belted at the waist will draw attention to the smallest part of your figure. Avoid tops or tunics that sit on your butt or just below as this draws your eye to the widest part of your body. 

If you’re pear shaped

A classic pear shape looks great with plain leggings and a tunic dress. Think bright colours and bold patterns on top – you want to lift the eye upward and create balance. Once again, make sure that tunic doesn’t sit across your butt or just below.

If you’re petite

You want to help create the illusion of height, so stick to leggings and shoes that are monochromatic as this will give the impression of length. Try pairing a nice pair of black riding boots with simple black leggings.

If you’re tall

Show those pins off! If you have a dress or skirt that’s just a bit too short then leggings are the way to go. You can afford to be bold with patterns on top and bottom so take advantage and be adventurous. If you’re a bit self-conscious of your height then leggings look great with simple flats like ballet flats and low-heeled boots.

Gothic Geometric Style Print Leggings Pants

gothic geometric leggings

Want to make a statement? Why not up the ante with gothic geometric leggings decorated with bold black and white geometric designs. The simple two-tone colour scheme makes it easy to pair with a variety of styles, from Goth Punk to 80’s inspired glam.

Gothic Victorian Visual Kei Embossed Lace Up Legging

gothic visual kai leggings

Check out these sexy and dark gothic inspired leggings.  These beauties have a lace up panel in the front and built in lace panels above the knees. You’ll love the intricate Victorian style lacework and cord trimming. Available in plus sizes for all body types. But please note that these run about a size smaller.

Colorful Geometric Pattern Leggings Pants

funky leggings

Dare to be different. These fabulous leggings by Smart Boutique are not for the faint hearted. Make a statement when you step out in this lime green number.

Pair Banded Animal Detailed Leggings

black leggings

Step up black leggings with this sleek and sexy look. The reptile detail in the fabric is positively primal.

Mexican Sugar Skulls Multicolored Leggings

dia de los muertos

Can’t get enough of Day of the Dead…why not wear it! These bright, multicolored dia de los muertos leggings are a real statement piece. Resplendent with Mexican sugar skulls they’re both warm and stylish. 

Blue Kaleidoscope Leggings

blue kaleidoscope leggings

 

Mess Queen New York has these funky kaleidoscope style leggings decorated in bold geometric patterns of blue, purple, green and black. Perfect for fun street wear or a night out on the town.

Sexy Black Gothic Punk Rock Cross Printed Tight Leggings

inverted cross leggings

These black leggings decorated with inverted crosses are a real statement piece for any discerning Goth wardrobe.

Vintage Floral Geometric Pattern Leggings Pants

vintage floral leggings

These classic leggings are decorated with a gold vintage floral design, reminiscent of 1950’s glamour. Updated for todays fashion with an understated geometric pattern. Dress them up or down because this little number is seriously versatile.

Love leggings? Get your fill at RebelsMarket. We have a huge selection and cater to all styles and tastes.

SG

About the Author

Steff Green

I’m Steff Metal, the writer behind Gothic Wedding Planner. I’ve been crazy about gothic and alternative weddings ever since I planned my own in 2008, and I love finding dark and delicious wedding inspiration to share with you. I’m a vision-impaired writer living in New Zealand with my cantankerous drummer husband and our medieval sword collection.By day, I ghost blog and create marketing copy for alternative business and write articles about art, fashion and music, and at night, I tear up the mosh pit at my local metal bar. My life is dominated by travel, writing, music and the eternal quest for the perfect sausage roll.