Leggings: A Cultural Phenomenon? by K.R.

I've never really understood the whole leggings craze.

I can see that they represent a subtle but steadfast return to 80's fashion and certainly there are aspects of that look that appeals to me.  On some people they look really chic yet laidback.  However the majority of the time - mostly I suppose at the beginning of this decade - leggings were ubiquitously worn by Essex girls, half way up the calf and paired with a denim mini skirt, which quite frankly, makes me shudder in disgust.

But most recently leggings have become a wardrobe basic of most women across Britain, and indeed, the world.  Our obsession with The Skinny (skinny jeans, skinny legs, skinny body) has grown exponentially into a shrunken, shrink-wrapped trouser.  Maybe the noughties has, in fact, been the decade of the legs.

Furthermore, the 'fashionable' masses have clung to leggings, diversifying them to justify these glorified pair of tights as something worth investing in: shiny, sequined, ripped (in-keeping with another trend-hate of mine: Balmainia a la Alice Dellal) and most recently, faux denim.

 But what I really don't understand is the WAY people wear them.  Originally worn under skirts and dresses, leggings had all the appeal of ultra-thick tights (so cosy in winter), but nowadays leggings are worn more often as trousers.  Indeed, they are the new trousers.

This is the most puzzling.  In a world so obsessed with body shape, in which every fashion spread and advertisement plugs us with body insecurities and tells us we can never be too thin, how is it that leggings have become such a huge, not trend, but staple?  Is this not a paradox?

Perhaps leggings in fact thus represent a shift towards a merging of comfort with style; women now pair snug leggings with oversized tees and tunic tops, covering all manner of sins, yet inject a sense of haute couture with towering heels. (Check look of the day 68 for the Ultimate Heels to pair with leggings: http://amlul.com/).

So perhaps fashion has conceded to let us have a bit of comfort and conveys a sense of realism about women's body shapes and how women want to look - whether you're an Olsen twin or not, there is a way for you to work leggings and look damn hot doing it.

But essentially fashion will never be fashion unless it's paired with skyscraper heels...

Keep it Modo people ;)

All images courtesy of Google images.