Fashion Leggings

When it comes to avoiding muffin top, center-stage hips or a low-riding waist (like from unflattering jeans), high tech fiber fashion leggings appear to be clear winners, hands down.

Dark colored leggings, like plum, chocolate and charcoal are always a classic; black leggings will slenderize and rock any outfit. So, start with the basics, and then experiment by adding more colors, textures (like black pinstripe and lace) and finishes, such as shiny and liquid leggings. Check out William Rast%27s leggings and Betsey Johnson's leggings.

Most full length leggings come just above the ankle, and Capri leggings (below the calf). If you have wide ankles, wear leggings that extend to just below the knees. For tall and thin, full length to mid-calf leggings will look adorable; however, if you're short, mid-calf length may make your legs look fat. For a curvy figure and, in general, go for dark leggings. If you're quite tall or very short, skip the banded tunic top and stick to straight or flowing short dresses.

So, rule of thumb: wear tops that reach mid-thigh and cover the biggest part of your leg. Wear a not-too-tight top, such as a tunic or tank, a long shirt, sweater, or a flowing or tank dress or skirt that extends to your thighs, midway. Tops with Dolman sleeves also work very well.

But, what if, one day, it doesn't work out that way and you have to wear that super cute blouse or tank top you just bought? Go ahead. Wear it. But, stay elegant and classy by wearing shorts over the leggings. Or, for fall and winter, top off you look with a long, buttoned down, loose tunic sweater, cardigan, or tunic vest with a low or deep V neckline. Example: a mid-thigh length American Eagle or school logo sweater, over a blouse and leggings, quite chic for day or evening. The cardigan will show off your top while it gently beautifies your tummy and rear.