Once upon a time spandex pants were only available in Walmart for say, runners and stay-at-home-moms (no offense intended moms- we all know you have the toughest job there is). In case you’ve ever wondered, leggings became part of the fashion scene in the 1960s as a modification of capris pants (only tighter). Fashion designer, Patricia Field, claims she invented the modern leggings in the late 1970s. Sorry Patty, I’ve never heard of you. I did, however, do some investigating on your website– some cute accessories but for a pretty penny (and very similar to Betsy Johnson). What REALLY revived them back into mainstream fashion? For those of us born after 1980, I recall it being a little company called Abercrombie & Fitch. Now, we all know the aesthetic of the American company: distressed denim, flip-flops, and lots ‘n lots of brown! If you were ever a customer (I know, the things we learn) you might also remember the company’s inability to produce items appropriate for the fall and winter seasons. Around winter 2006 they marketed their staple denim miniskirts with brown or gray leggings (I only remember this because I was an unfortunate employee at the time).  Like it or not the A&F label IS fashion forward (they also were the first commercial carriers of skinny jeans).

As you may have figured from my previous rant (if you didn’t know before), there is a right way to wear leggings and there’s a wrong way.  Let’s talk “dos.”

Legging dos:

• Style with a relatively loose skirt, dress, or long shirt. Yes, one that covers the booty.
• Rock studs or black sequins (Heidi Klum style). Black ones are vanilla. Amp up your style with some embellishment!
• Wear a cropped pair that shows off your ankle. This balances out your top and bottom proportions. Ankle-length leggings create an upside-down triangle affect (not good) so avoid these unless you’re pairing them with a boot.
• Pair with heals and a long, baggy sweater for an easy sexy look.

Legging don’ts:

• Wear them as pants to work. Need I say more? Under dresses, however, is still acceptable.
• Rock any that have a graphic. This is bad no matter how skinny you are—it creates an illusion that you’re bigger than you actually are.
• White……..NEVER!  This just looks bad and you can usually see through them.
• Wear florescent ones and/or style them with a denim miniskirt unless under the age of 16
• “Jeggings.” If you don’t already know these are leggings meant to look like jeans. Leggings + jeans = jeggings. Let’s just say anything that tries to be two things at once is a bad idea (think mullets, skorts, and that weird peanut butter and jelly that comes in the same jar).

I, _____________________________, do solemnly swear to abide by the above leggings laws thereby sparing myself of public ridicule and thus ensuring complete fabulosity.  I hereby also commit myself to the betterment of womankind and pledge to pay this leggings knowledge forward to every sister, cousin, roommate, friend, and acquaintance thereby aiding Women Fashion Online’s initiative to make world a better dressed place.

If you’re like me, you go through phases. l tend to devote myself to one kind of accessory at a time (call me the monogamous type). My first obsession was necklaces. I used to hoard all the vintage ones I could find. After that I moved on to belts—anything studded I was all over. Once I broke up with belts, scarves, hats, and headbands followed. My most recent object of lust: bracelets. I mean, I even bought a special display stand to hold them! Now THAT is commitment.

Okay, okay, so what about this season? It’s all about the cocktail ring and jumbo necklace. There is a theme happening here and it’s large and in charge. I was watching The City the other day (episode when Whit shows here sketches to a B.G. buyer) and Miss Buyer was wearing a massive silver-jeweled necklace. Looooove. Miss Nina of Project Runway was also on trend. She paired her super-cute navy number with a giant teal and red stoned necklace (ugh I want that dress by the way). Need I even mention that Miss Zoe always tops her look off with a fist-full of jumbo cocktail rings? These ladies are all experts in the bizz so they know how to best pull off an accessory. Here’s the thing they know and you may not: it’s all about balance. True or false: you can pull off a commanding necklace with a show-stopping shirt. If you said “yes,” pay close attention (the answer is false by the way).

If you have a simple shirt or dress, preferably a solid color, pair it with a statement piece. Where to buy dramatic pieces? I’m partial to Forever21. They have some excellent gems for a very affordable price tag. Upon deciding the perfect accomplice to any look, think necklines. Usually a high neckline is best complimented by a fairly long necklace (one that reaches your chest area). If you’re showing a little more skin, consider a piece that falls on your sternum (that’s the bone in between your collarbone). Just keep in mind that jewelry should work in tandem with your ensemble; they ought not to fight each other. For example, if you have something with a loud print you might want to forego the necklace and stick with a bracelet and/or ring. If you have something with an exposed back, consider pulling a Coco Chanel or Princess Di. Wear your necklace backwards! I love this look and if you’re brave enough to try it out, your fashion forward factor will go up a notch. Don’t be afraid to take risks. The stakes are high, but the payoff is big.

If you were once clueless, consider yourself informed and until next time, have fun playing with your accessories!