Natty Gal,Could you offer suggestions on how to pull off the tunic/legging look. I’m having a hard time finding things that don’t look too matronly or too floaty. Also, I can’t tell when you should wear leggings as opposed to skinny jeans. Any advice would be appreciated. – J
Dear J,Thanks for following Natty Gal and writing in! Leggings are one of my favorite things to wear because they are so comfortable and they pack well when we travel!
Natty Gal Tips for Wearing Leggings:
- Make sure leggings are opaque. Denim, ponte and heavier cotton blends work best.
- Pair leggings with tops that fully cover your bottom but remain well above the knee. Possibilities include longer tops/tees, sweaters and tunics. Shorter dresses (shifts, swing, a-line, cinch-waist or shirt dresses) also pair well.
- Shoe pairings include clean, classic sneakers or espadrilles, loafers, ballet flats, flat or heeled sandals, wedges, flat or heeled booties and riding boots. I tend to prefer slightly above the ankle length leggings for pairing with sneakers, loafers and flat sandals whereas full length leggings work well with heeled sandals and booties.
Skinny jeans work well with both longer and shorter top options. A shirt dress can be paired with either skinny jeans or leggings as layering piece when worn open as a vest. A few ideas to inspire your creativity are shown below!
How to Style Leggings: Everyday Casual
- Cut from the Cloth Helena denim jacket
- Fresh Produce Drape tee
- Lysse toothpick denim leggings
- adidas Stan Smith sneakers
- Tommy Bahama tote
Look 2
An evening casual look for drinks with the neighbors by the firepit or for a weekend away at a cottage by the lake.
- Vintage Havana terry lace-up tunic
- Lysse toothpick denim leggings
- Tommy Bahama tote
- Kate Spade Second Nature necklace
- Mia Platform sandal
How to Style Leggings: Elevated Casual
Two simple, polished looks for meeting friends, visiting the local farmer’s market, etc.
Look 1
- H&M cotton wrapover shirt
- Lysse toothpick denim leggings
- Joie Adia backless loafer
- Pedro Garcia suede bucket bag
- Shwood Madison sunglasses
- Phase 3 Panama Hat
Look 2
- Aqua plaid tunic
- Lysse toothpick denim leggings
- Tom’s open-toe espadrille
- Elle & Jae suede hobo
- Eugenia Kim hat
How to Style Leggings: Evening
Look 1
An easy resort look for summer vacation.
- Vince Camuto henley tunic
- Nordstrom Go to skimmer leggings
- Kristin Cavallari Bahiti slide
- Glint straw minaudiere
- David Yurman link bracelet, earrings and ring
Look 2
The navy/black combo and moto jacket help give this look an urban (yet comfy) vibe.
- Levi’s moto jacket
- Eileen Fisher silk/chiffon tunic
- Vince Camuto ponte leggings
- Steve Madden Shays sandal
- Kate Spade Full Plume clutch
- Banana Republic Hues of Blue necklace
Skinny Jean Option
A longer top would enable these looks to work with leggings as well.
Look 1
A bit more summer-y! Leave the shirt dress unbuttoned and wear as a vest over the tee.
- Garnet Hill linen shirt dress
- Garnet Hill 3/4 sleeve tee
- Old Navy rockstar jeans
- Halogen Freda slide
- Echo mini scarf
- Madewell Transport tote
Look 2
For taking the look into fall, pair with a long cardigan and booties.
- Halogen linen blend cardigan
- Garnet Hill 3/4 sleeve tee
- Old Navy rockstar jeans
- Madewell Transport tote
- Sam Edelman Petty boot
- Kendra Scott Rayne pendant
- Kendra Scott Danielle earrings
