A few weeks ago I interviewed The Social‘s Erica Wark as a post mortem to her leggings edition release with Reitmans. We went deeper on the issue of how to pair leggings and adjust to body shapes, as well as a brief dos and donts.
Tops for the body shape
Q1
While leggings fit any body type, pairing the right top that suits your shape definitely plays a role in achieving the perfect look. What top styles do you recommend to wear for the different bodies such as pear shaped, apple top, boy figure, etc.
A1
Like you said, it totally varies from one shape to another:
For apple, I would recommend a v-neck top or v-style lapel blazers.
Reitmans printed wrap sweater for apple-shaped women
For women who are pear shaped, I’d recommend a top with embellished details, textures or a fun print to distract from the hip-area. Three-quarter length sleeve is also a great option.
Reitmans sleeveless beaded top for pear-shaped women
For a more column-shaped body, I’d recommend a high-neckline or tops with pleats or ruffles – anything that’s feminine and ethereal.
Reitmans sleeveless peplum top for boy-shaped women
Legging colours and textures
Q2
Leggings come in all colours and prints, some look fantastic on some people and others don’t. What’s your recommendation when it comes to exploration with colours, fabrics and prints?
A2
I love black leggings in a ponte fabric with leather or faux leather details – the thickness of the leggings makes it more like a pant, but still comfortable like a legging. The leather (or faux) details add visual interest, while elongating the leg and giving it a unique edge. I’d recommend trying something like this as it’s classic but with a twist.
Reitmans ponte fabric leggings
Reitmans leather inserts leggings
What about the shoes?
Q3
You’ve talked about what type of shoes and tops to wear with leggings, what about accessories and purses, what’s trending now to pair with leggings in terms of these items?
A3
You can basically accessorize them with anything! That’s the beauty of a ponte fabric legging like the ones from Reitmans – they’re so incredibly versatile; dress them up for evening with a clutch and a fun statement necklace, or dress them down with a crossbody and faux fur scarf as the weather cools.
Dressed-up leggings
Q4
Can you show us a look that takes you from office to party in leggings?
A4
You’ll have to stay tuned to catch that on an upcoming project I have with Reitmans! 😉
Legging mistakes
Q5
What are common mistakes people make when wearing leggings?
A5
The fabric! You need to look for leggings that are made out of a ponte fabric as they’re thick enough to wear with a shorter top but still thin enough to wear with a tunic if you wish! It’s all about versatility – you want to be able to wear your clothes more than just one way. Your wallet will thank you, and so will your closet!
Kimberly Hampton says
Great article. I love Erica Wark’s passion for Leggings and fashion in general. Anyways, thanks for interviewing her, it was a great bit of information. 🙂
The Wardrobe Stylist says
She’s a great personality online and in real person. She’s got an exquisite sense of style.