Longing for Leggings

Dear H,

I've been wanting to buy a good pair of leggings that I can wear with short tunic-style dresses and I feel like there has to be something better out there than the gold lamé ones at American Apparel.  I need them to be opaque, not have a waistband that digs into my hips, and last through lots of washing. I feel like I shouldn't have to break the bank for such a wardrobe staple, but the places I usually shop all seem to be charging $50-$60.  Any ideas?

G

 

Dear G,

Ahh, yes—the leggings challenge.  While I generally think that finding the perfect pair takes some trial-and-error on every woman’s part (I’m still looking for my perfect pair), I do have some tips that have helped me along the way.

1.)  You don’t have to go high budget…

However, this is really where the trial-and-error comes in.  It may take you a few discount store and/or mall haunts to find your perfect pair, but as these options generally won’t set you back that much (no more than $15 a pair), it shouldn’t be too hard on your wallet.  Plus, they are cheap enough that once you do find your perfect pair, you can get them in all the colors you need.

My favorite pair of this bunch?  The capri or ankle tights at Express.  They are opaque when worn and durable in the wash (even on non-delicate cycles), and have a pretty comfortable waistband.  Express does have leggings, but I prefer the tights for the stretch and the smoothing that tights give you in the hips.  

2.) …but you probably should.

There are some things that are worth spending money on because the make and material is worth the price—a good-fitting pair of jeans, boots, cashmere sweaters—and I think leggings are one of those things.  It seems a bit much to pay $50 for, when it comes down to it, a pair of stockings, but the material will be softer, the stretch will be more forgiving, and you will be less likely to get runs.

A savvy bargain shopper knows there are ways to procure designer leggings for discount prices, especially online.  I would start at designer discounter bluefly.com, and also check the sale racks of shopbop.com.  Try perusing the sale pages of department store websites also, such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, for high-end leggings at lower prices.

Hope that helps, and happy shopping!

 

And there is always the gold lamé option,

H*

What is your favorite leggings or tights brand? Leave a comment.

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