how to style leggings! (three ways)

Lately the "how do I style leggings appropriately?" is a common one in the comments and in my email inbox.  After all I listed them as one of the mom wardrobe essentials, and then left you hanging on how to style them.

The biggest hurtle ladies have in styling them is obviously covering the "bum".  When it comes to leggings the thicker the better... that is where to start.  A legging that is called a "ponte" legging is the perfect fabric consistency that will give you coverage (no glare from the stretch or showing underpants) and support (suck you in where you need it) that you are looking for.  The leggings I've featured here are all nice and thick and won't leave you hanging out. Literally.

After you have the perfectly THICK pair of leggings chosen the next step is finding a top that also modestly covers the rear section (I will say that some of these leggings featured here will look more like pants on then "leggings" so you might not even feel the need to be extra modest, but it never hurts to take it an extra step).  I say go for tops that are tunic length (hit at about the hips or low on the hips) or layer with button front tops that tend to dip lower in the front and back.  Or both.  Try not to let any tops get too close to the mid-thigh area as you don't want your top to overtake your whole outfit.

(above: scarf, j.crew pixie pants, denim top, sweater, clutch, watch, boots)

(above: ponte leggings, striped blouse, cardigan, tote, necklace, flats)

(above: ponte legging - under $50!, tunic sweater, denim jacket, earrings, flats, bag - LOVE!)

What are your favorite ways to style leggings?