The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

How to Wear Leg Warmers

Ever since we saw images of legwarmer-clad models coolly strutting down the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, we've become determined to try—and tame—this trendy winter accessory.


On the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, legwarmers add a pop of color and welcome texture when worn with a skirt, dress, or even shorts.

Style.com writer Meenal Mistry calls the latest collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas "an approximation of the consciously haphazard way teenagers dress themselves," no doubt in large part because of the casual and functional way that leg warmers were scrunched, bunched and layered throughout - but in our opinion, this is a compliment. Intentional chaos can be a good thing in fashion, especially when it echoes the reality of winter weather (and sometimes, our tastes in fashion). So block out those unsavory memories of '80s aerobics classes past, and consider with an open mind the many fresh, new ways you can rock this look today (click pics for details...)


1. Pair leg warmers with a gray dress and black tights for a sleek, modern look. (Asos.com)


2. Wear legwarmers over leggings or footless tights with flats (never with flip-flops unless you live on an island). (Target.com)


3. Allow leg warmers to peak out anywhere from 2-6 inches beneath boots (or ankle booties). Try it with UGGs, too. (Forever21.com)


4. Slip legwarmers over skinny jeans and pair with booties. (UrbanOutfitters.com)


5. Pull leg warmers over the heel of a pair of killer pumps, with sheer hose. (These are by Alice & Olivia; we found a similar pair at Urban Outfitters.)


5. Take your cues from the dance world and don legwarmers to your next yoga or Pilates class. (American Apparel)

BB Reviews Alice Temperley for Target

The Alice Temperley for Target collection is a sheer and utter delight. Replete with ruffles, buttons and polka dots, this line is absolutely fun, fun, FUN!

As promised, here's our take on the goods...
alice temperley for target
The royal blue cropped jacket on the left was the first thing we spotted on the rack on account of its bright, cheerful color (also comes in a nice cream color). Made from 80% polyester and 20% wool, it's surprisingly comfortable and soft to the touch. Gorgeous black/blue polka-dot lining, too. But our boyfriend would laugh hysterically if he saw us wearing this, so best left for Mary Poppins (and at $44.99, it's definitely doable on a nanny's salary).

The black sweater vest on the right is 100% cotton, which we like. At $22.99, you get what you pay for with this one. It's rather...fragile, but cute nonetheless.

alice temperley for target
Didn't think we'd dig the skirtall on the left, but it fit like a glove and was super cute to boot. Pair with footless tights and heels ($29.99; 100% polyester).

The pink top on the right also put a smile on our face because a) it's pink and b) it's pink. Ooh, and it was nice and long, just the way we like it. A steal at $14.99 (95% cotton, 5% spandex).

alice temperley for target
In theory, the ruffled blouse on the left is perfect: It's feminine, sophisticated, dramatic. We loved it, but would never, ever wear it. Make sense? It's 100% polyester, but definitely doesn't look like it. Cost: A measly $29.99.

The black pants on the right were tough to get into, but once we zipped, buttoned and fastened our way into them, we didn't want to take them off: Comfortable, elegant, and of course, versatile. ($39.99; 100% polyester)

alice temperley for target
The crepe dress on the left was probably our favorite item simply because it's most closely aligned with our own personal style: Easy fit, great movement to the fabric, girly but with an edge. Simultaneously modern and retro. Loved the fabric covered buttons down the front, and the silhouette created by the tie around the waist. We'd wear it with leggings. ($29.99, 100% rayon).

The polka-dot blouse on the right was charming, but not our style. Too "tea and crumpets." Though made from 100% polyester, the quality was still impressive for $29.99.

alice temperley for target
The love fest continued with the cropped pants on the left. Bronze buttons featuring the Temperley design were a nice touch. Makes us feel like they paid attention to detail and put some thought into it (Touching, isn't it?) For $34.99, you can afford to experiment and try this jean-alternative without any risk.

We're definitely going to buy the navy/purplish knit top on the right because we thrive on making understatements. It has just a smidgen of detail, which is enough to make it fashiony. Just $16.99.

alice temperley for target
The sleeves on the cotton shirtdress on the left were too short for us. But we comforted ourselves with the fact that we do not like to iron. Yet the buttons are to die for, and come on, $29.99 for something this fashion forward? Go for it.

The off-white cotton shirt on the right (which also comes in black) fit well and looked sharp, but again, too fussy. And too "swashbuckler." But can't argue with the $24.99 pricetag.

In conclusion: Our only complaint is that they didn't make clothes like this (and at these prices) when we were in junior high, because for the most part, the collection is too young for us. But hey, it's GO, and that's perfectly alright. We had a ball just trying this stuff on!