Leggings can be an excellent solution to create a fashionable and at the same time comfortable look, even if in the summer heat some models are impractical for everyday use. By choosing breathable materials instead and following some small style tricks, you can wear this inevitable and versatile garment in all seasons.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Leggings
Step 1. To avoid suffering from the heat, choose a breathable material, such as cotton
On the hottest days you will need a material that allows for good ventilation and the best solutions are cotton, a Lycra blend or even bamboo.
Some types of leggings also have large mesh inserts or bands, which help to wick away perspiration. These have a sporty style that goes well with oversized shirts and sports shirts
Step 2. Try on the leggings before purchasing them to make sure they fit and fit well
The waist should be tight enough not to shift when you move, but also soft enough not to tighten uncomfortably on the stomach and hips. Try doing a few squats and kicks while wearing them. If the leggings crease or sag as you move, choose another pair.
Testing first is important, especially when shopping for printed or patterned leggings. Some patterns do not perform well when the fabric is pulled or they may not look good when worn
Step 3. Limit yourself to dark colors if you want a slimming visual effect
Usually, in the summer you wear leggings with lighter and more vibrant colors, but for a better result choose them darker than the other garments you wear. If you choose light colored leggings, be sure to combine them with a long top, as they are often more transparent than dark ones.
Step 4. If you have short legs, choose high-waisted leggings
These make legs appear longer and pair perfectly with cool and comfortable summer clothing, such as cropped tops. They are also useful in making the abdomen appear more elongated and slender, avoiding creating bulges or protrusions around the waist.
Try high-waisted leggings with a cropped top and sneakers for a casual summer look
Step 5. Choose mid-calf (or capri) leggings for the hottest days
When temperatures are very high, capri can be a comfortable solution. They should be long to below the calf muscle. Those ending with a fitted hem will create a more slimming effect than flared ones.
Part 2 of 3: Matching Leggings to Summer Clothing
Step 1. Pair a cropped top or knotted tank top with a pair of high-waisted leggings
A great solution for hot days are blouses that come just above the waist, because they make a great match with high-waisted leggings.
If you don't have high-waisted leggings or if you don't want to focus on your bust, try pairing a light open blouse or tying a shirt or jacket around your waist
Step 2. Create a comfortable summer look with long, lightweight shirts
Leggings look good with soft tunics and loose, light blouses. Choose a garment that reaches below the waist; underneath you can wear a nude tank top. Alternatively, combine a brightly colored tank top or sports bra with a simple, light-colored light shirt.
Step 3. When it's cooler, accentuate the look with a light jacket or kimono
If you want to add a garment for the cooler evening hours, wear a silk kimono, oversized shirt or light jacket over leggings. In addition, these garments help to slim the figure.
A perfect outfit for summer evenings is to combine a brightly colored kimono, a simple tank top, dark colored leggings and sandals
Step 4. For a more formal look, wear low-heeled or dark shoes
If you want to get a more polished effect, wear black leggings with closed high or low shoes that show off the ankles. For a more elegant touch you can also opt for leatherette or metallic leggings.
To make leggings more elegant, combine dark-colored heels with a wide shirt and some simple jewelry
Step 5. To embellish plain leggings, choose brightly colored or patterned footwear
Bright or patterned shoes can spice up simple dark solid-colored leggings. But be careful that these do not clash with the shirt or accessories.
- To make a simple look, like black leggings and a long top, more elegant, add metallic or sequined flat shoes.
- If you have solid colored shoes in a bright color, combine them with small accent pieces of the same color. For example, try bright red shoes with lipstick or matching earrings.
Step 6. For an informal style, wear flat Converse shoes
Comfortable sneakers are a perfect match for denim leggings or to give a sportier touch to a formal look. Choose those that reach the ankle to highlight the lower part of the calves, making the legs appear slimmer.
- The brightly colored Converse are perfect for spicing up a simple style like denim leggings and an oversized t-shirt.
- To get a more formal look, it's best to choose dark-colored sneakers so as not to create too much contrast.
Part 3 of 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Step 1. To always feel comfortable, choose leggings for every day
Yoga or gymnastics leggings are usually made of fairly thick fabric, such as spandex; if worn for a long time, they may not fit well and may be uncomfortable. Stretch cotton, on the other hand, is the best solution for staying comfortable.
Step 2. Avoid wearing leggings in a formal or professional setting
While they can be a perfect base for an everyday groomed look, leggings are generally not considered appropriate in the workplace or in other strictly formal circumstances.
Step 3. Don't wear sheer leggings unless you combine them with a long top
Until you try them on, you won't realize how transparent the fabric is; also some types of leggings are more transparent to light. Make sure you wear leggings that are opaque enough not to show anything or combine them with a long shirt.
Step 4. Wear loose, loose-fitting tops to avoid a tight-fitting full bodysuit effect, which is unflattering
If you combine an ultra-tight t-shirt with leggings you will get an overall effect of a tight sheath, which can have a negative effect on almost any silhouette: to avoid this result, choose wide sweaters with a straight or flared cut.
Try adding a long-sleeved sweater or a light tunic to your wardrobe to give a softer and more slender effect to any look
Step 5. To avoid unpleasant odors, wash the leggings after wearing them a couple of times
In summer, when leggings absorb oil and sweat more easily, you should wash them every time you use them. Follow the washing instructions on the label and consider using a detergent that contains enzymes, which eliminate the bacteria that cause the bad smell.
