by Alexandra Escobar

It all began in 1957, when a certain woman we love, the late Audrey Hepburn, dazzled us with something so chic, so elegant that we thought to ourselves, “Why didn’t we think of that?” The Funny Face gal wore something that now has become a comfortable, fashionable, and important piece to every woman’s wardrobe: the legging.

The legging is something accessible and has managed to come back and forth into the world of fashion that, when it does, it creates a whole new world of trends and statements. In the 80’s it poked its pretty face in Flashdance, and in the 90’s leggings were worn with oversized sweatshirts and Keds. Look through the photo albums, ladies! We’ve all been there. But like a good friend that you haven’t heard from in a while, there is that out-of-the-blue call and suddenly they are back in your life.

Leggings are a versatile piece of clothing for its array of uses and quailities. The beauty about them is they come in different lengths and colors, so if the classic black ankle length isn’t your cup of tea, you still have options. You can dress them up or dress them down. So if you feel like wearing a fun dress and it’s too cold outside, you can slip a pair of leggings on underneath, and it’s still fun and classy. Or if you feel like going to the coffee shop next door, slip them on with sneakers or a cute pair of flats, a warm sweater, and you are ready to go. Personally, I like to wear them with a great pair of boots, a colorful shirt, and a tailored coat. Basically, a nice addition to any outfit.

Leggings in Different Cities

The wonderful thing about a classic and elegant piece of clothing is its ability to be transformed into anything a person desires. That is what I enjoy so much about leggings, the basic tool to a whole new creation. For example, visiting in Milan, I noticed how girls wore them with large designer bags, big sunglasses, tall gorgeous heels, and flowing silk printed blouses with little fur vests. In Paris, the girls had a more conservative, elegant look. Cashmere sweaters with beautiful scarves of all colors, a tailored coat, and, of course, the famous ballet flat. Think Chanel ladies, think Chanel!

Leggings in Different Neighborhoods: Focus on San Fran

Now being from San Francisco, I’m given the privilege to view that the dynamic of fashion is not only related to the city but also to the unique style of its neighborhoods. The beauty of San Francisco is, in reality, that it’s a small town. Every neighborhood has its own taste, its own appeal, its own conscious awareness of where it wants to be. Each has it’s own identity. The perfect example of this preservation of uniqueness is seen by how the people dress pertaining to their neighborhood. The quintessential hippie from Haight Ashbury, the fun laid back hipster of The Mission, the high end fashionistas of Marina. But the ideal way for a San Franciscan woman to wear leggings is with oversized sweaters and a belt, dark brown flat boots, leather jackets, and knitted scarfs. We live in a great city, but a cold city, and we DO like to stay warm.

So, my dear fashionista friends, if you own a pair, embrace them, and if you don’t already, I highly recommend getting a pair. Embrace your inner fashionista and remember that the clothes don’t make the statement, YOU make the statement!