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Mommy in Flats

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Fashion

Leggings: A How to Guide

Jamie by : Jamie


Leggings are old news. From Lu La Roe to Target, they’re everywhere. What’s not quite as clear is how to wear leggings without falling into the mom look trap. You know what I’m talking about. Yoga pants, Graphic Tee, flip flops, messy bun. I’ve perfected that look. And, it’s great for a day doing laundry or a trip to the gym. Sometimes though, you want to step it up a notch and don’t worry, I’m not going to say you have to hang up that Graphic Tee (run don’t walk to check out my favorite tee shop Hudson Lillian Designs and check out their newest designs for the holiday season) or squeeze into your skinny jeans to do it. 

How to Wear Leggings and NOT Look Like a Mom: 



Step One: Choose wisely. There are a lot of options when it comes to leggings. There are prints and plain black and everything in between. When you want to dress it up a bit go for a thicker material, solid color, and/or some sort of stand out feature. My favorite this season? The moto legging look. It adds a little pop of something but you can still stick to classic black or dark denim. If you really want to shake it up try a vintage gray wash like I did with these from Gozon (use code “mommyinflats20” for 20% off your order). 



Step Two: Keep it long. Your shirt that is- Make sure it covers your bum…and your front bum for that matter. Ain’t nobody wants to see that. Well, maybe someone does but hopefully he’s married to you and you can do that behind closed doors. Joking aside, not only is it not modest, but it’s not attractive to wear a short shirt with barely there spandex (somebody tell Jane Fonda please). That’s why it’s all about the length. I love tunics or long tees. Stay covered by adding layers, long tanks are great under tees or sweatshirts. Add a little lace to rev up the style. And, don’t forget to grab an oversized cardi like this one from Asterisk boutique. 



Step Three: It’s all about the shoes. I mean, I love flip flops as much as the next girl but the easiest way to take your look from frumpy mommy to hot mama is to swap those bad boys out for a chic pair of booties or even some simple flats. Don’t skip this step, it’s not only good for your style, it’s good for your feet. Invest in a good pair of shoes from a reliable brand (like these from Hush Puppies), your feet will thank you! 


Wearing leggings doesn’t have to be sononomous with slobby mommy. It’s up to you how you strut your stuff. Switch up a few simple things and you can sport your favorite leggings *and* turn all the heads at the same time. 

Styles Seen Here: 

Graphic sweatshirt: Hudson Lillian Designs

Moto style leggings: Gozon (code: mommyinflats20 for 20% off)

Dark blue denim leggings: c/o Gozon (code: mommyinflats20 for 20% off)

Sweater: Asterisk Boutique (unavailable, more styles) 

Booties: c/o Hush Puppies

Flats: Lucky Brand

Bag: Bed Stu

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40 Comments

    1. Yeah…I was like too much? Maybe, but eh ?‍♀️? we’re blogger twins this week- no one id rather share my inspiration with ?❤️

  6. I love leggings especially paired with boots in the fall. It’s so easy to style them with super cute socks and booties because of how sleek they are. You’re rocking every style here ❤️❤️

  7. MY gosh! I love the look with the green top and cute little brown booties and socks! I would wear that in a heartbeat. I love your style mama, you are killin it!

    1. Definitely works with sandals too! A cute pair of peep toes or some strappy flats can take it to much more put together than flip flops but just so you know- I’m not giving up my flip flops all together! ❤️

  10. I’ve been doing this way too long to pull off not looking like a mom, but I seriously love those tunics, especially the purple one. I think you’ve inspired me to go look for clothes that are more flattering than what I’ve currently got.

  18. I won’t Lee, I absolutely love wearing leggings. They are simply just comfortable and I just don’t care if I look like the mom :).

    1. I love leggings too! I just like to put them together so they look a little more sophisticated!

  19. Love the moto leggings! Am I allowed to throw on the Birkenstocks I keep by my front door or do those scream “slobby mommy”? LOL

    1. I love birks. I have a pair I totally think make me look put together- they’re not flip flops! And, for that matter, there’s a time and place for those too haha. I’m just a recovering addict- I literally wore only flip flops for like 32 years ?

  21. My leggings have been sat in my bottom drawer gathering moths for months. Time I got them out! And not only that, updated them a little – I hear ponte leggings are all the rage! Would never have thought of putting leggings with booties – it was flip flops or trainers for me for ages. Thanks for the tips! x

  22. Love these tips! My legging collection is exclusively black and athletic. I need to venture out with some denim prints so I can be more versatile! You are right – there are so many ways to dress them up to create some really fun and pulled together (non-mom) outfits!

    1. I was just looking in my leggings basket and they are all grey, grey, or black. Except these two pairs and a couple pair of jeggings. Ha. I’m hoping to branch out with some leather ? I do love everything about these two pairs though- comfy and they give a little more interest than my spandex!

  24. Great tips in here. I was a late convert to the leggings, but oh i do love them. I always struggle to find a long-enough top that doesnt end up looking like a tent!! #wanderingwednesday

    1. I have that problem too! I think the key is to go flowy and then layer with a cardigan or other top to give yourself some structure. Another good tip is to do a tunic with a shorter sweater or sweatshirt.

  25. I love these outfits!!! I never thought about wearing legging as a more “dressed up” style but I love it! Thanks for sharing(:

    1. Lol right? Me too. Especially with my mum underwear lines. Those are my biggest worry with leggings ? so always a tunic or long tee- always.

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