Rules for Wearing Leggings for Women Over 50
Black leggings are a staple in my wardrobe. They are so comfortable, practical, and can be dressed up or down depending on where you are going. I know that the topic of wearing leggings out of the house can be a bit controversial, but today I am teaching you the 3 rules of wearing leggings for women over 50 and how to look fabulous doing it! I’m also sharing my favorite places to buy leggings, including faux leather leggings, and how I style them.
I’m a big believer that you can, and should, wear anything that you want as long as you feel great while wearing it; however, there are a few rules for wearing leggings, especially for those of us who are over 50.
If you want more inspiration on how to style and wear leggings for women over 50, you’ll want to read these posts as well:
The Rules for Wearing Leggings for Women Over 50
I love wearing leggings around the house all year round, but I’m not a fan of compression leggings. I don’t like feeling like a sausage; I would rather be comfortable. My biggest issue with most leggings is that you end up with a muffin top since they squeeze you at the waist. Luckily, my recommendations and tips below will help you avoid that!
1. Tight on the bottom, loose on the top.
Creating a great outfit is all about balance and proportion, and I like to balance the look of the fitted leggings on my bottom-half with something that has more volume up top. This means I usually look for a flowy blouse or a cozy, oversized sweater to pair with my leggings.
I balanced out these faux leather leggings In the look above with this cashmere turtleneck poncho sweater. Similarly, I wouldn’t wear this oversized top with big wide-leg jeans as it would overwhelm my figure. It’s all about finding the right balance between your pieces.
2. Cover your rear.
While leggings really are pants, they can be too revealing for most of us women over 50. Try to ensure that your top hits below your hips so that your “business” is covered. Tunics are an easy option for making sure your shirt is long enough. I also like adding a cardigan over a tee for a cute, casual, and modest look.
These crushed velvet leggings are actually more of a pant since they button at the waist, but for the purpose of today’s post, we are considering them a legging, LOL! I paired them with this beautiful red sweater that hit below my hip, and I had to finish the look off with red shoes. This would be a super fun date night or Christmas party outfit!
3. Elongate your legs by adding shoes the same color as the legging.
Make your legs look long and lean by pairing your leggings with your favorite shoes in the same color. I don’t always follow my own advice because I love wearing white sneakers for a casual, sporty look, but I think leggings are the most flattering when you follow this rule!
In this outfit, I went for an edgier look by pairing the faux leather leggings with these cute lace up boots from Coach. You could also wear black knee-high boots, black loafers, ballet flats, or black slip-on sneakers to get the same elongating effect. You could even go with a black sweater for a slimming monochromatic look!
The Best Leggings for Women Over 50
Now that we’ve talked about the rules for wearing leggings over 50 let’s talk about some more of my favorite pairs. I like looking for a nice thick material so that my leggings are not see-through. I also make sure to choose a pair with a thick waistband to help hold everything into place.
1. Black Leggings, 3 Pack
When you read the title of these leggings, you never would have guessed that these are my absolute favorite kind of leggings that I own! They are from Amazon and are the lightest, softest, most buttery leggings I have ever put on my body. They are so inexpensive, and they come in a 3-pack for under $22 (and there’s currently a $2 off coupon you can apply)! Remember that these leggings have zero compression, but they are my absolute favorite day-to-day leggings. I size up in these to an XL, and they fit me well. I think these win the award for the thinnest, softest black leggings for women over 50. Bookmark these as a must-try item, girls!
2. Lululemon Align Leggings
I tried these leggings a few years ago, and I am hooked. They are a bit of a splurge. The minute I pulled on the Align Leggings, I was hooked. They are incredibly soft and paper-thin. However, they aren’t see-through at all, and they seem to be durable. I’m not sure how they do that, but they do. My DIL tells me they have an incredible return policy, but I’ve not read it yet. These are the 23“ crops; I wear a size 10 in these, and I love the fit.
3. HeyNuts on Amazon
You should strongly consider trying this Amazon pair that is very comparable to Lululemon’s Align leggings. They have excellent reviews and are under $28! I have these, and a large fits me best.
4. The Gym People on Amazon
Here is another pair of highly rated and loved leggings from Amazon. This pair of leggings is under $25 and will hold you in for a flattering fit. They also have a pocket, which is very handy for storing your phone or car key while you are out running errands!
5. Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
I have been wearing this brand from Nordstrom for a few years, and I really love their leggings. They are very flattering and have a no-slip waistband. I think a large is the best fit for me.
6. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
I love the edginess that faux leather leggings for women over 50 bring to an outfit! This pair from Spanx is fabulous, and I’ve been wearing mine for several years. They are very comfortable and flattering. If they are rolling down on you, you likely need to size up!
What to Wear with Leggings: Outfit Inspiration
Shop More Leggings for Women Over 50:
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Hi! I am 5’10” so I often need talls. Any of these recommended leggings come in T? Thanks!
You can usually find leggings in tall at retailers like Athleta or Old Navy.
You have a nice shape, yet you’re wearing size large leggings. I would have no idea what size to try as I am 5’4″, 155 lbs.
Sue, I’m 5’6″ and weigh about the same.
so I just stumbled over this post regarding wearing leggings after 50. While I’ve always wanted to wear leggings I never have due to my size and shape. Reading through this article I noticed in your pics, that you are rather tall and thin and most of the leggings you posted aren’t offered in a plus size. When you are just under 5’3″ and a size 22/24, leggings tend to look like sausage casings and are often too long. same with tunic tops, that often make you look bigger around and shorter. Any suggestions for us that are on the shorter, round side of life? Thanks in advance!
Shannon, I know it can be a challenge when you are petite and plus sized. Not a lot of retailers offer clothing for you, which makes it difficult. A lot of leggings come in different lengths, so you can choose ones that would be cropped on me. I’m 5’6″ tall. Plus, I would stick to solid colors such as black, navy and burgundy. Honestly, I wear black over 90% of the time. I hope this helps, welcome to my blog!
Great looks!
It is so wonderful that in your add … you have a reference to God.
Thank you…😊
Thanks for the info on legging for over 50. I’m 65 and have loved wearing leggings and long oversized shirts. But loved the look with the sweaters and heels.
Plan on purchasing several you recommend. Thanks again
Good bless🥰
These leggings look great. I like how they cover the female parts. Where I work a lot of people are wearing tight leggings with short tops and I’m not trying to be rude but they outline the women’s privates which is NOT a nice look and lets face it we are not all model slim from the backside. These look so nice with a top that just covers things. Very elegant. Now I’m going to check these out and buy a pair! Thank you for showing us how to wear these so elegantly.
Tania, I’m 75 so I definitely fall in the over 50 group. I’ve been unsure about leggings until you styled these for us. I really like the tan poncho look! It makes me think I could feel comfortable in this look. Thanks for your styling ideas!
Sharon, I’m glad you found something that works for you.
I love leggings and I’m placing an order for the Amazon pair today. I have “athletic” legs and calves, so I wear leggings at home only. I wear a straighter leg or flare black pant outside of the home.
I don’t think leggings look very flattering on me as they look best on thin legs. That’s the reality.
Great piece on Leggings! I recently bought some at Sam’s of all places. Actually flattering enough to not completely cover my bottom half up. And fit my 5’0 frame. A deal at 9.99 each!
You look fabulous in those ensembles. Great styling.
So glad you showed how to properly wear leggings for the over 50, now I may give them a try. I am 79 and still like to be stylish but not showing butt to do so. I am so loving everything about your blog .
Since I have read your blog about wearing leggings I have been brave enough to wear them in public. Thanks for sharing about wearing leggings in public.
Yay!!! It is never easy to wear something out of your comfort zone, especially for the first time.
This is all great advice and very cute looks. I wish more women of a certain age/weight would think to “cover their business,” as you say. The one look I didn’t care for was the one with the clunky boots. They make the wearer look like a lamp post with a heavy, clunky base. If we go with the ‘loose/heavy/wider’ look on top with slim leggings on the bottom”, it should apply to shoes as well since shoes are also “on the bottom.”
I agree legging are so comfortable, you wear them well!! Liked all you have shown thanks so much for sharing!!
Ok. I’m ready to try leggings! Just ordered several you recommended. Where do I sign up to get your postings?
Shari, I can sign up for you. You will get an email every morning, and if you don’t get it tomorrow, look in your spam folder.
I’m sure you’d look great in it
Well, you look fabulous in leggings! If I’d look like that I may consider. Beautiful styling 👍
What if ur chunky and over 50?
Then you would be just like me. 😊
I love your fashion ideas! Keep them coming.
I enjoyed your blog so much! Wearing leggings with elegance, style and classiness is my cup of tea for a seasoned 68 lady. Thank you!🌹
Thank you for these beautiful legging ideas. I’m in the over 50 crowd and I like to have “everything” covered. These ideas are perfect !
Hello all, this has been so informative. Thank you so much. I do have one question. You speak of black leggings are other colors acceptable? What about white? What about colors when trying to coordinate with a colorful top? And yes, let’s all cover our bums. Thank you so much.
I’ve never worn white, it isn’t a color that speaks to me. For some reason, I only stick with mostly black, but I don’t know why.
Leggings are a pet peeve of mine. These days women wear them everywhere. They are just ‘not right’. I Think they are tacky & lazy. Although, you have done them well in your post by putting them with the correct length of top. Just not my thing.
I love those ideas especially the matching footwear. I had thought that the only tops to wear with leggings were tunic length. For 20-40, no. For 50+, yes.
I’m 5’1″, about a size 14, and 63 years old.
My favorites by far are fabletics pure luxe leggings. Second is shapermint.
I fell on the road taking the garbage out and not a mark on the leggings. My knees, well, that’s another story.
I will never go back to pants, just like I will never go back to pantyhose.
A wonderful brand is Sanctuary.. their leggings feel luxurious. so sophisticated styled with pointy toe flats & silky blouse or jacket. so well structured & I don’t worry if my tiny bum shows a bit
Thank you, thank you for your rules and other tips on wearing leggings. My daughters are trying to get me wearing leggings and this article gave me the confidence I need to give them a try. I’m going to start with the 3 pack and wearing them around the house.
Thanks again!
Deb
Deb, I think you will love those leggings. And, wearing them around the house is a great start. I gave my mom a pair the last time I was in town, and she decided to order the 3 pack too.
Love the velvet leggings!
Great choices!! Love your advice for what to buy!!
Love this article! I just started a pilates reformer class and was having a difficult time finding something to work for me. What is the clip you are wearing on the smiley shirt? Would like to pick one up. Thank you!
Cindy, that is a a bra clip. I have them in clear and black. Here is a link to mine: https://amzn.to/3tJoDIN
Thanks Tania! Very clever!
Sorry forgot to ask you, what size are you wearing in the smiley shirt? Does it run true to size? Thanks again!
Cindy, I think that shirt is a large.
Love the cashmere turtleneck poncho sweater from Ann Taylor! Thanks for the great recommendations for age-appropriate leggings!
Wow it’s hard to pick which leggings to get besides the faux leather. The coach boots are gorgeous!
I love the comfort of leggings when I’m traveling but the long top is definitely necessary.
I think women of all ages need to cover their rear when wearing leggings!
I hope your cute granddaughter gets to see the movie! I went last week and it’s really good. Just to see all that goes into the making of the show and Taylor is so stinking cute.
She is getting to go, and she is thrilled. 😄
Good ideas for leggings! Does anyone still wear leggings under a dress or skirt anymore? or was this a passing trend that has past?
Janice, I’m not sure about leggings, but tights are trending.
thank you!
These are good rules. Most women where I live don’t follow them. That’s why leggings get a bad rap. I’ve seen leggings so thin I can see cellulite. I bought Cuddl Dudl leggings with fleece at Walmart during their winter clearance. They are soft and actually do not look indecent with a shorter sweater. (I would only wear them with a long sweater in public.)
If the material is thicker, I don’t mind wearing them as pants if they are as thick as pants.
I still like the look of leggings with a nice long blouse or sweater.
The first set of leggings you recommended, the 3 pack, are listed as maternity. Is that correct?
I think they have added that to the description to widen their customer base. It is the same leggings I’ve bought multiple times.
Thanks for the tips, Tania. I always hesitate to wear my leggings out of the house but you have shown me it can be done!
This was a very helpful post! I like to wear leggings but am conscious about making sure the look is right!
What an adorable granddaughter and party! . Your rules for leggings are perfect! Never know if they are appropriate to wear unless I wear “leather” ones! Now I want some velvet- so cute!
Joan, I think the velvet pair is my favorite!
The Walmart or the Talbots?
They are both great, but I like the Talbots most because they are more classic.
Great post Tania, The only thing I would change is to apply the rules to ALL women, not just those of us over 50. I agree that one’s derriere should be covered, unless you are wearing the leggings to work out. I think that should apply even to teenagers! Maybe I am becoming a prude at age 69, though I doubt it considering the mini skirts women my age wore when we were young, ha, ha.
I recall standing in the customer service line at Kroger a couple of years ago behind a mother and her teenage daughter. I could not help but stare. The young girl had, let’s say, a very generous bottom. Think bigger than Kim Kardashian’s. She was wearing very thin, black leggings that were stretched so tightly over her bottom that I could clearly see the tiny, pink flowers printed all over her panties. Had she been my daughter, we would have had a “talk” before leaving the house. Lest you think I am just out of touch with teen fashion, I will say that I work with young people 5 days a week in my capacity as a music teacher. I just think that we should adhere to some minimal standards of modesty. Showing your pretty floral panties is not modest in my book!
Love the faux leather leggings! Im going to buy a pair this year!
I love leggings & wear them a lot, casually & dressy! By the way, I’m 70 years young & while I don’t want to dress like a teenager, I mainly want to be comfortable. My favorite brands are: LulaRoe & Old Navy!!
Great post! Your granddaughter is lovely.
I would love to see a post about how to wear shoes with socks. In Northern Canada, wearing shoes without socks is not an option! And sometimes we don’t want to wear boots indoors, but rather, change out of our outdoor footwear into an indoor shoe. This would be so helpful!
Gracious, I might not be the right person for that post. 🤣 I never wear socks, I just can’t stand them on my calves.
My winter go to outfit is leggings, tunic tops and boots! At 72, I always have the bum covered so tunic tops are my best friend!!
Your granddaughter is a beautiful young lady. I have put the 3/pack from Amazon in my shopping cart.
Love the leggings with the white sweater.
Your Granddaughter is Beautiful.
You are literally the cutest in everything!! I agree with the suggestions of the leggings also! I’m going to try some of these from Amazon! Thanks for sharing!!
Awww, thanks so much!
I like the looks today. Dressy
I’m going have to try the Amazon leggings. I wear aerie offline leggings. They are super soft and high wasted. very comfortable. Great Post.
RBX and 90 degrees are a couple more brands of great leggings. Enjoyed this post!
I like the velvet, I like the ‘rules,’ I just don’t know if I could feel comfortable wearing leggings in public. Unless I keep moving…. Feeling very old fashioned and like my mom today, ha.
Believe it or not, I found a 2pack of the most comfortable leggings at Aldi for under $10! Well made, thin and comfy!!!
You’re rocking the leggings. I don’t have the legs for that anymore, but would totally do the things you have in this post if I did.
All adorable but I’m heading over to coach outlet for those booties!
I love all your posts and your granddaughter is very cute!! I am 73, 5’1″, 130 lbs, and have very heavy legs for the rest of my body. I would love to wear leggings but I feel like my thighs are too fat. They have always been my problem even when I weighed 100 lbs at my wedding. Slim leg pants are almost leggings on me except they are looser around my calves and ankles. Any suggestions or maybe they just don’t work for me? Thanks!
Deb, you might like joggers. They would be loose on your legs (that would help balance out larger thighs) and then gather at the ankles.
Good morning from Savannah. I have several pairs of the leggings from Amazon, and I totally agree with you on their comfort.
❤️❤️❤️
Great post! DEFINITELY a winter staple for me…Love the poncho!!! Happy Tuesday❤
Happy Tuesday! ❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful outfits, especially the red sweater! Gorgeous 😍
I am so glad to see the leggings information. I don’t like them tight, tight on my legs. I buy them but still afraid to wear. I feel they show too much. I’m a size 10 and buy xl. But reading your posts have helped me understand wearing them better. Thanks!!!
If you haven’t tried the Duluth Trading Company NoGa leggings they are amazing!! They’re a little heavier and the higher waist keeps everything in place without compression. I’m going to try some of the Amazon leggings.
Jennifer, my daughter has some Duluth leggings, but they are too thick for my taste.
Thank you for the leggings recommendations! Love the different options!
I just had this conversation the other day with my daughter if leggings were still appropriate to wear. I love leggings with long tops. They are so cozy and comfy
Those leopard print heels look great with that outfit. The faux leather pants with the argyle sweater set is so classy looking.
Thanks for the rules- always have followed the second one but now will keep all three in mind. Love the velvet leggings.
Even though I called these rules, they are really suggestions.
Totally enjoyed the leggings post. Such cute outfits!!
Perfect reminder for always but definitely for this time of year – thanks! Love the looks, too!
Hi – I was hoping you might do a capsule packing list for cruising. I am going on a 5-day cruise 24th Carnival Cruise Lines to the Bahamas in December and want to reduce how much I am taking, but have all the travel and cruise items needed.
Any style suggestion for this cruise would be most appreciated. I am 70 years old, so style appropriate is important.
Love your blog!!!
Kitty, it has been over 30 years since I’ve been on a cruise, but I think this video I did for you tube might help. It is a capsule wardrobe and I packed it all in a carryon suitcase. https://youtu.be/GDas-8GKSTQ
Thanks for the tips for wearing leggings!
I like your idea of the leggings with a button down shirt or cardigan over a tee. you have a way of making leggings look nice!
Thanks for sharing
Ann
Love leggings but finding the right length (I am short) snd leggings that don’t stretch out is my challenge. Love the velvet ones but they are way too long for me.
P.S. your grandaughter looks like she loved her surprise
Your granddaughter is so adorable and what a neat and creative party theme! Love the velvet leggings on you and that cashmere poncho sweater looks so comfy.
The entire party was sooo cute. I love those velvet leggings, I bought them last year. The cashmere poncho is gorgeous and feels so soft.
I love leggings in the fall and winter!
I am 58 and overweight. I’ve never tried leggings but am tempted to try just to wear at home this winter. Honestly I do get tired of wearing only jeans. I promise to abide by the rules! Lol.
Great post I love leggings, only wear colorful ones for my exercise, just black is all I seem to wear casually dressed. I would like to see how you style different colored leggings.
I think I will order the 3 pack from Amazon !! ( Canada )
Great tips!!!!
I feel conflicted–flair jeans leggings, jeggings, high waist…..not sure what to wear to not look dated. Maybe comfort takes a front seat to my fashion this year.
I just ordered a couple of your suggestions, thank you!
I really appreciate this post! I love leggings and have been interested in styling them with tops I can wear out for the day! Some great ideas! Thank you!
Great post about leggings, especially rule #2! Leggings are not pants, cover it up! 😂
More people need to read this. Lol
Leggings are my go to!
Great leggings & outfits
Some cute outfits on this post.
It’s difficult to find leggings that don’t look like gym wear.
“Cover the rear” is the look I go for when shopping.
Donna, leggings have become “pants” for most people, and covering the rear isn’t as big of an issue. It depends on the thickness of the leggings to me.
The leggings look great, however I have to say your granddaughter is so cute.
Thanks! I think she is adorable!!!
One of your best posts ever! I love that all your fashion choices include reasonable prices and so many ways to mix and match. I love seeing your daily post.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
I purchased the 3 pack leggings from Amazon you referred to above; they are the best leggings for everyday wear ever!! And the best thing is they were under $20 FOR 3 PAIR!!
I bought an XL and they fit perfectly. They wash and wear like a dream – I don’t dry them but hang them up to dry.
Thanks, Tanya, for referring them to us ‘Gurls’.
Kathy E – Des Moines IA
I love hearing that you like those leggings. I don’t bother to hang mine, and they have still done great.