The Legging Epidemic

Fashion.

For some, their entire life and wardrobe revolve around it. For others, you can only sit and wish that they cared just a little bit more. As someone who works in retail  and (hopefully) has a good handle on what works and what does not, I'm here to offer a little advice.

First thing's first. Ladies, if you're going to wear leggings as pants, may I offer some advice on when it's appropriate to do so? I'm not saying you can't wear leggings, because in all honesty, there are days when I really don't want to wear pants of the denim variation. Leggings at that point just seem more comfortable. BUT! I am consciously aware of the societal rules when choosing to wear them. Here's a breakdown of the questions you should ask yourself when thinking about wearing leggings.

1. Does this shirt cover my butt?
1. Yes: You may consider wearing a pair of leggings with it.
2. No: Find a real pair of pants, or a different shirt.
2. Does this shirt cover my crotch?
1. Yes: As long as your front and back are fully covered, you may wear a pair of leggings with this shirt.
2. No: No one wants to see your camel to, honey. Find a different shirt, or wear real pants.
3. Will anyone be able to see my underwear if this shirt is a little short?
1. Yes: For the love of all things holy, please do not wear patterned or lace underwear because that's not the attention you want. Make it black (or whatever color your leggings are) underwear. Don't have matching panties? No problem. Wear a thong. No underwear lines that way.
2. No: Congrats! You've chosen correctly and can go on your merry way!

I can't tell you how many girls I saw today twitching around campus wearing tight t-shirts and leggings. Most of them understand the underwear rule, but others that simply choose to ignore this rule (and wearing underwear completely) are in need of some serious help. And longer shirts. I don't need to see your camel toe.

Moving past the legging epidemic and onto a more grotesque problem. Dressing for your body type. This means one thing for us slightly curvier girls: Don't wear skin tight tops. They only make you look bigger! Now, I know people are going to think that I am being rude or insensitive, but that's not true at all. I am one of those curvier girls, and I will admit that for a while I wore the skin tight clothing. And then I complained all the time that I was fat. Well, that's because I was making it obvious that I was overweight. Then I started dressing for my curves, and it was a night and day difference. I'm not telling you to wear clothes that are going to make you look like a box, but try and find more flow-y or loose fitting clothing. Find something that will give you a waist but not cut you in half. And yes, I know that skinny jeans are really popular (and I wear them all the time) but sometimes you need to seriously consider whether or not you should wear them. Sometimes it's not the best option. BUT! A wonderful solution to those things we love to hate called "love handles" has been brought back to the fashion world. High-waisted jeans. Try a pair.

Now men, don't think you were going to get of easy here. I've got some things to say about your fashion choices too!

First, please please wear your pants around your hips. That's why they're there. I don't need to wonder how your sagging pants are still clinging to your body instead of sending you flailing to the floor like they should. And just because you're wearing an obnoxiously long over-sized box t-shirt that comes to your knees that you suddenly have permission to wear your pants below the hemline. That's just sad. You make it hard for me not to walk up to you and ask: "So, do you ever consider just omitting the pants and wearing only the shirt? I mean, your pants are doing nothing more than keeping your ankles warm, right?" Also, you just look like a douche.

Second, if you feel the need to wear a tank top, wear a tank top. Not a t-shirt with one stitch at the shoulder and a second at the hem. Again, you just look like a douche. If you still think you're cool enough to wear these sad excuses for clothing, you better look like Chris Hemsworth under that flap of material, and if you do, just forgo the shirt entirely. I appreciate a good looking half-naked man every now and then.

I, and I'm sure every other female out there, enjoy a man that takes care of himself, and cares (even in the slightest) about what he wears each day. None of this basketball shorts and a t-shirt every single day. That's like women wearing sweats made for men and a v-neck every day. Not attractive. Also, it makes you look like a douche and a player. If that's what you're going for, fine. Just leave me out of the equation. Thanks.