Whether you’re 7 or 70, this fall there’s one fashion trend that promises to bridge the gap between the young and the old: leggings and tights. Yes, even if you’ve got a “grand” in front of your name, you can still pull off (and on) the latest craze in fashion. Just follow a few simple rules and you’ll be one of the hippest grannies on the playground.

First and foremost, never wear leggings by themselves. Unless you’re doing pliés in front of the ballet barre or sailing through the air onstage like Peter Pan, you do not want to go out in public in anything that fits this close to your body, ever.

Instead, concentrate on strategic coverage. If you’re wearing skinny pants or leggings or tights on the bottom, the volume belongs at the opposite end. In this case, it’s definitely what’s on top that counts. While your daughter may wear her leggings and tights under a denim miniskirt, longer is better when it comes to more mature fashion audiences.

FAVORITE TOPPERS

Some of my favorite toppers for leggings and tights include knee-length Edwardian-style jackets, lacy coatdresses, long wrap cardigan sweaters, belted trench coats and long, sheer tunics or short dresses. There are lots of ways to cover up those less-than-perfect derrières this fall, so don’t forget the rear view.

And speaking of coverage for all those little jiggles that creep up on us the older we get, remember that there are lots of ways to shape up under even the most body-conscious of clothes. Foundations that smooth over those bumps and curves are readily available to layer under leggings and slim-fitting pants.

But one of the most flattering trends of the season has to be the return of opaques. Sheer hosiery and bare legs have been replaced by colored tights in every hue, including espresso, apple red, eggplant, gray, olive and black. Dark tights are a great way to start a layered look for fall. Whether you are wearing a suit to work, a belted sweater dress on the weekend or a puffy-sleeved Victorian blouse for a party, pick your favorite colored tights and go with it.

Play with proportions. Not everyone is going to want to run out and buy a pair of leggings or tights, but it is a look that’s fresh and fun and definitely more sophisticated than the last time the trend surfaced in the ’80s. If you’re in the mood to update your wardrobe, it’s a quick and inexpensive trick.

Try a pair of capri footless tights or a pair of longer leggings with your jackets and sweaters. The younger set loves the look under short skirts, but older women can try it, too. Just keep the pieces in a monochromatic color scheme — I suggest the ever-forgiving black — and layer tights under skirts under longer jackets or sweaters.

Finish the sleek and narrow trend off with shoe boots and you’ve got a brand new leg up on fall — no matter what your age.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 28th, 2006 at 2:54 pm and is filed under Fashion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.