Style Over 50: Begging for Leggings

Editor's Note: This post was updated in May 2013.

Last Saturday night, I was with another very attractive, statuesque over 50 woman who was dressed in black leggings. I’m going to call this woman “Louise.” Louise is a successful human resources executive at a large corporation and lives in New York City. Not surprisingly, on the weekends, she likes to shed her suits and pumps and dress casually. On Saturday, Louise and her husband went with my husband and me to listen to music. Louise wore leggings with an oversize black T-shirt, wide belt and tall shearling-lined boots. This was not a good leggings look, despite the fact that Louise is tall and trim.


TEMPTING TUNICS
Instead of the oversize T-shirt, tunics are a flattering top for leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans. Check out 62-year-old Vera Wang at the recent Elle Magazine 25th Anniversary party. She looks rockin’ in her black and gray minimal V-neck tunic and leather booties.

Now check out Diane Von Furstenberg at Elle Magazine’s 25th Anniversary party. I’m not sure what’s going on with the feathers. But I love the romantic styling—open neckline, light fluttery fabric—of this tunic. This is a sleeveless top, which Diane has paired with a light-weight black sweater, avoiding a bulky look. You don't want the tunic to be too boxy or bulky. In truth, I think Diane may be wearing skinny jeans. But her stylish top will look good with leggings as well. If Diane, age 64, can look smashing in a tunic, 50-something women with a similar shape will, too.

If the tunic doesn't have much structure, the material should be light, airy. I don't think you want to add bulk to your shape with a heavy fabric. That's why I like this tunic from Michael Stars.





Michael Stars Short Slv V-Neck Dolman Tunic


Personally, I like long tunics or dresses over leggings or jeggings. That's why I like these next two long tunics from the Shopbop. I love the draping with the black tunic.



Chalayan Grey Line Handkerchief Shirt Tunic


And I love the spring/summer simplicity of a white tunic.




T by Alexander Wang Habotai Cross Front Tunic





SWEATER SAFETY
Long sweaters and knit jackets over a light tunic is always a safe bet for leggings. For example...




Gassato Cashmere Longline Cardigan (was $168, now $128) in 3 lovely pastel colors or hot pink from the Pure Collection.



LOTS OF LEGGINGS
Basic black leggings, like these Old Navy Womens Stretch Leggings are everywhere. It's just a matter of finding the right price, color, quality and size. The Old Navy leggings ($10.00)  are available in Sizes XS thru XXL and also come in grey.







Land's End has several different legging styles and colors. The Women's Knit Leggings - Gray Heather, L ($12.99-$22.99) below are their top rated leggings.







And, lastly, jeggings (jean leggings) are available. One of my over 50 girlfriends swears her jeggings (sorry, I don't know the designer) are the most comfortable jeans she's ever owned. Here's a pair of Old Navy Womens The Rock Star Super-Skinny Denim Leggings.