Can Curvy Girls Wear Leggings?

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The next time you shy away from leggings because of your womanly curves, fear no more -- making a few styling adjustments reopens your closet door to rocking these comfortable bottoms. Made with stretchy fabrics, these second-skin knits often cause a bit of style intimidation since the silhouette outlines your shape. To avoid a dressing faux pas, remember the cardinal rule -- leggings are not pants and demand creative styling.

Traditional Curves

If you're a gal that has curves all over, reach for a tunic in bright fuchsia, lime or turquoise and pair it with black, ankle-length leggings. If you are even fuller around your hips, thighs and buttocks area, layer your outfit with a geometric pattern blazer to shift the focus upwards. Complete the look with chunky-heeled ankle booties. If you'd like to create an hour-glass impression, belt the tunic with a novelty sash or buckle, making sure the tunic length covers your derriere. Wear a blouson top and legging in matching colors to create the illusion of length, layered with a structured cardigan. You can also balance the tightness around your bottom by wearing tops with volume, such as dolman sleeves.

Tall and Curvy

Tall, curvy women can wear their leggings with different pieces, including miniskirts layered over their second-skin bottoms. Reach into the back of your closet for your printed mini dresses and layer the frock over your leggings with pretty ballet flats, oxfords or moccasins. If you need a structured ensemble, go for a belted shirt dress with your leggings. Pair the combo with knee-high boots that have a medium heel. Dare to wear leggings that finish at mid-calf to show off your statuesque height and finish with gladiator sandals.

Short and Curvy

If you're a curvy gal that just happens to be vertically-challenged, pair jeggings -- stretch jeans with a legging silhouette that include a zippered fly, flat pockets and waistband -- with knee-high, riding boots. Elongate your petite frame wearing matching jeggings or leggings and boots to create the illusion of length. Short women that have hourglass curves can go for a long-length blouson top with a band finish in a bright hue over black leggings. If you're wearing sheer, second-skin bottoms, wear it under your shorts paired with a graffiti-print tee for a downtown vibe.

Curvy and Plus-Size

Borrow looks from your petite friends and embrace jeggings for your curvy, plus-size figure. Just choose a dark wash and avoid trendy finishes, such as whiskers. Go for leggings in a slimming color, such as black, navy or dark brown. Pair an animal-printed tunic to shift the focus up with your dark-colored bottoms. Finish the look by tucking in your leggings into knee-high boots. If you have thick calves, go for extended-calf boots available at select designer retail stores. For a different take, layer a printed, A-line dress in a mid-thigh length over your skinnies; avoid form-fitting frocks or skirts that draw attention to your mid-section or lower half for the most flattering appearance.