It is a question that has plagued modern fashion lately, and a topic that my past contributor, OrangeDot was going to mention before she had to stop blogging due to her work requirements. So, in honor of OrangeDot, I decided to take a stab at this question. Also, this is part of a suggestion from another good friend of mine, who felt this topic needed to be addressed by someone from a different vantage point. Thanks, Em!

You see, leggings have become a fashion trend among teenagers and young women in their early 20s. While many use common sense in wearing these so-called tights with feet cut out, there are some who take their love for these tights and wear them without a covering. What are some of these women thinking? These leggings are made of spandex and cotton, so they conform to all of your trouble areas. Wearing leggings on their own are a faux pas, as these spandex/cotton pieces were clearly designed for covering with a cute denim mini skirt or a little black dress.

However, it leads me to another question: Why are leggings so popular? I believe the store buyers actually thought that the 80s fashion craze would catch on, or they were listening to old-school Madonna music while glossing through a catalogue, and thought “BOOM! OMG, everyone will love these footless tights that pair well with big shirts (that look like dresses) and short skirts.” They probably thought that a pair of slouch socks and big hair would actually pair well too, and bring everyone back to the 80s minus the time machine.

Just a public service announcement, leggings (many of which contain spandex to conform to your body shape) do no justice for anyone, except if you are interested in following a trend that will hit the fashion graveyard soon. After all, spandex has never looked good on anyone unless you are super skinny and super tall. For those who are petite, average, or have any figure, they make us look like we are ten pounds heavier. Why wear something that does not flatter your body figure?

As a super petite woman with an athletic figure, I despise anything that makes my body look ten pounds heavier, and I believe my body was made for the right pair of jeans instead. However, fashion dictates that you must buy into it. While I might be into classic, average plain jane looks (some of which looks dated, so I might be fueling the economy soon), I feel that leggings takes things to the extreme. Instead, I would rather pair a funky pair of tights (like chili pepper tights) with a black dress and a pair of black Doc Martens or red Converse sneakers.

Leggings are just a fabulous reminder that the 1980s are gone like the wind, so for all of you fashion buyers, please send them back in time to where they rightfully belong.