Before you hit that little X in the corner of your page in horror at the thought, just take a few seconds to read on! We’re talking comfortable, leather-look panelled leggings to be precise. They’ve been around on the high street for some time now and celeb mummies have them worked into their school run look with ease. But they can work for us mums who don’t have a stylist, entourage, driver, nanny and A-list bank balance too.
The rules:
- Treat them like a skinny jean/legging hybrid.
- Unless you’ve got a perky behind, avoid wearing with short tops.
- If your thighs are a problem, team with longer layers and look for panels on the trousers which run vertically down the front of your thighs to elongate.
- Lengthen your legs by wearing black shoes to carry on the line of your leg to give the illusion of length.
- Balance out wider hips with a chunkier boot. A dainty slipper will only accentuate the upside-down triangle created from your hips to your toes.
Look 1: Dinner date
Choose a straight-cut long length blazer which you can wear pretty much anywhere, add some jewels (fake is fine!) and heels that you can manage even if you’re out of practice and you’re glammed up for evening. Combining navy and black in one outfit gives instant chic appeal and it’s dark enough so any marks from little fingers as you try to escape will simply brush away.
Choose a straight-cut long length blazer which you can wear pretty much anywhere, add some jewels (fake is fine!) and heels that you can manage even if you’re out of practice and you’re glammed up for evening. Combining navy and black in one outfit gives instant chic appeal and it’s dark enough so any marks from little fingers as you try to escape will simply brush away.
Look 2: Mama lunch
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; playing with textures will always add interest to your outfit and give it a stylish edge. Here, on-trend studded denim meets a floaty chiffon blouse against the smooth faux leather. A match made in outfit heaven.
Denim shirt, Topshop; Blouse, Wallis; Ballet flats, ASOS
Look 3: Play date
Soft for comfort, button-down for practicality (the nursing mamas best friend), and a busy print to disguise stains. What’s not to love about this plaid shirt that will take you right through Autumn/Winter. Layer over tees or roll neck sweaters, and layer under chunky knits or faux fur.
Look 4: Cosy stroll
Take your wardrobe staple Breton tee, add leather and you’ve instantly updated your look. Hide problem hips or bottoms with a long chunky knit, add comfy boots and you’re sorted.
So what do you think? Have you been persuaded to try leather-look leggings or skinny trousers? Are they already a staple in your wardrobe?
Helen I love this look, but am no where near brave enough to try it out! I have a big arse and thunder thighs so will be leaving it to the more yummy mummies! Especially love the dinner date look though! X
You can achieve a similar but perhaps more forgiving look without the pleather if you don a pair of coated denim jeans. They have a waxed look to them and you’ll find them right across the high street this season. This pair from Wallis are great and they’re more forgiving than skinny jeans.