You’ve probably heard this before, but leggings are not pants.  They are comfortable and they can actually be incredibly chic – when worn the right way.  I wanted to do a post on leggings – providing my top picks and also giving some tips on how to wear them and how NOT to wear them.  The most important thing is to remember that it is always important to balance what you wear on top with what you have on the bottom. What I mean is – don’t wear baggy bottoms with baggy tops and don’t wear leggings with something tight on top.  A tunic with some volume or a great (longer) sweater are the best and most appropriate pairings.  When buying leggings – remember tights are not leggings – meaning, make sure they are thick and opaque – some can be quite sheer, which is not okay.  There is nothing worse that when you’re standing in front of someone in leggings, they bed over and you can see their underwear – do the test yourself when you try them on – bend over in front of the mirror and take a look for yourself – always consider the angle that might not be obvious to you that the rest of the world sees.  Another important thing, always make sure that your bum and crotch are covered – again, leggings are not pants.  Unless there are pockets, a button and a zipper – make sure that region is properly concealed with your top.  This brings me to jeggings (also known as legging jeans) – a phenomenon that scares some people but can actuality be a great alternative because they have the stretch and silhouette of a legging but they have the details of jeans – pockets (that may or may not be functional) a zipper, a button and these can be worn with a top that doesn’t necessarily need to completely cover the nether regions but should still have a bit of volume.  That said, leggings are amazing – I go through stages where them constantly – they are comfortable, versatile and when worn correctly insanely chic!  By the way, I have also included leggings made by Spanx!!  That’s right, spanx makes leggings for all you ladies who feel leggings aren’t flattering… They sure are when they’re giving you that extra support!  There are incredible versions in velvet, leather, cashmere, denim and knit – so many amazing options!  Please see below for some of my top leggings and jeggings – I should note that sometimes these pictures are style the way you should wear them and sometimes they’re styled so that you can see the pants – please take the images with a grain of salt and please nobody wear them with a crop top!

I have also included adorable options for kids who don’t necessarily have the same rules.  Babies in leggings whether they’re boys or girls are always cute, comfy and easy to get on and off for quick diaper changes.  Of course, as they grow older boys should really move on to pants and girls will start living by the leggings are not pants rule but in the meantime cute and comfortable kids clothes are always a must have!  Check out some of my top picks!

First for us:

Helmut Lang  $920
*** these are my favorite I own them and love them – they are actually technically a jogging because of the pockets so can be worn with a shorter top.

Chinti and Parker  $56

Donna Karan cashmere blend  $550

Vince $195

Splendid waffle knit  $80

J Brand $150

Spanx $70
*** that’s right – for you ladies who feel like leggings aren’t flattering – spanx leggings!!

Cut 25 by Yigal Azrouel  $295

Asos $14.52

J Brand velveteen jegging $235

Asos  $36.30

Rag & Bone jogging  $264

Asos velvet $36.30

AG jeggings $188

Asos  $32.67 **these are for the more fashionably adventurous!

Rag & Bone plush jeggings $185
*** I own these and they are amazing – soft, comfortable and chic

Guess $59

Splendid fair isle print $78

Plush fleece lined leggings $75 (stay extra warm!)

and now for our little cuties!

Tucker + Tate fair isle print $22

Gap jean print $18

Stella McCartney $32.40

Peek  $24

Zara $16.90

Zara $15.90

Gap with sparkle stripe $29.95

Gap velour foots $11.99

J Crew star print $14.50

Genuine Kids from OshKosh $8.50

Hartstings $18.00

Just One You by Carter’s (2 pack) $6.99

Old Navy ruffled back $8.94

Zara $12.90

First Impressions $8.99

Ralph Lauren cashmere $98

J Crew cashmere $98