The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Work-Chic Wednesdays: A Casual Leggings Look




Here's a stylish girl-on-the-street (to borrow a phrase from Lucky Mag), who graciously allowed me to photograph her casual yet chic ensemble. I think it's a smart, city look that's perfect for the college student or a casual work environment (think research assistant, tutor, web designer). Black leggings add an arty element, not to mention they're comfortable and perfectly slimming, especially when paired with a draped black skirt—something in soft jersey looks polished but more laid-back than a stiff pencil skirt. A structured button down shirt is both flattering and more professional than a simple tee (swap in something with a ruffled collar or plaid print to make it more trendy for fall). Updated moccasins are super comfortable, but still help you look stylishly pulled together. What do you think, would you give this look a try?

[1] Shirt [2] Skirt [3] Bag [4] Leggings [5] Shoes

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Comments
Love this look! It comfortable and stylish. Thanks for posting.
#1 artistsway on 2009-09-09 11:49 (Reply)
She looks adorable! I've been trying so hard to figure out how to wear all my leggings this season, so this is great!
#2 femmesansparfum on 2009-09-09 12:22 (Reply)
I generally think leggings are too casual for anything but Fridays at the office, but agree that this adorable look could work for a more laid-back work environment!
#3 Sally (Homepage) on 2009-09-09 12:55 (Reply)
I love this look. I think I will try it.
#4 Robin on 2009-09-09 13:17 (Reply)
Cute look!
#5 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-09-09 15:05 (Reply)
Actually I think the combination of that shirt and skirt is sloppy nad not attractive at all. Maybe the shirt should be tucked in, but it's definitely not chic at all the way it is now.
#6 Vicki (Homepage) on 2009-09-09 15:22 (Reply)
I think this is too casual for many work environments- the shirt actually makes it look sloppy because it's a structured shirt with a flow-y skirt and leggings. A long tank over a long-sleeved t-shirt (or perhaps even a collared shirt), with a belt or long necklace and this skirt and leggings would work better. I've scored some knee-length jersey-type 'flow-y' dresses, empire waist, v-neck, etc, that I plan to pair with leggings for the office this fall. I'll wear them with riding boots, flats, or ankle boots with heels. I think (hope?) it will be a slightly more polished 'casual office' look.
#7 bettieshoe on 2009-09-09 16:25 (Reply)
Thank you for choosing a gal who's not a tiny lil' waif.
#8 StrawberryGirl on 2009-09-09 21:02 (Reply)
very cute everyday wear. and def good for where i work at. in the IT field we can wear shorts to work. :-)
#9 anh (Homepage) on 2009-09-09 21:51 (Reply)
I love her skirt!
#10 Megan (Homepage) on 2009-09-09 22:26 (Reply)
love this look! and it's so doable!
#11 B (Homepage) on 2009-09-09 23:00 (Reply)
I like it but how to get the legging not to cause friction with the skirt?

In other words, how to cause the skirt not to rise up when you walk?

A slip? In this day and age?
#12 Debby on 2009-09-10 05:42 (Reply)
ya know, that is a really good point. i was wearing a polyester/cotton/spandex dress with cotton/modal/spandex leggings not too long ago, and yes, the skirt kept riding up and i had to very awkwardly scoot it back down every couple of steps! however, when I wear that same dress with my nylon/spandex leggings, the skirt doesn't budge, it drapes nicely. so, i guess it's a question of the fabrics involved. maybe wear leggings to the fitting room to see how things mesh?
#12.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-09-10 09:40 (Reply)
That shirt doesn't fit her at all, worse it is totally too casual.

If it were a better shirt, great, but perhaps this is a miss.
#13 Noho on 2009-09-12 11:54 (Reply)
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