Pairing shapewear with your leggings is a styling hack that can transform the way you dress. Used effectively, this pairing can help you get a polished and confident appearance, making you feel as good as you look.
With the right choices and a dash of creativity, you can unlock the potential of leggings and shapewear to elevate your style game.
Here’s a short guide to help you master this layering trick in a few steps.
Select the right shapewear
Selecting the right shapewear is the first step to achieving a flawless look when wearing leggings. Your choice of shapewear should primarily align with the specific areas you want to target and smooth.
For example, if you’re looking to create a streamlined midsection, opt for high-waisted shaping briefs or shorts. To shape your thighs and bum, consider shaping shorts or a bodysuit. If you’re aiming to add tone to your thighs and legs, buy hosiery that can shape and target these areas. The key is to ensure that the shapewear is comfortable, fits you well, and offers the desired level of support.
Opt for seamless or laser-cut style shapewear to pair with your leggings, as these types are less likely to create visible lines or bulges, ensuring a smooth silhouette. Then look for leggings made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Choose appropriate colours
The colour of your shapewear and leggings can really impact your overall look. Ideally, you want to pick shapewear and leggings that match or closely resemble each other in colour. This creates a cohesive and stylish look.
Matching colours can also help reduce the visibility of shapewear lines or edges, ensuring a sleek and refined silhouette.
If you’re wearing light-coloured or white leggings, choose nude or skin-toned shapewear to minimize visibility. For dark-coloured leggings, opt for shapewear that matches the leggings’ colour for a seamless blend.
Choose the correct size
It’s essential to choose the right size of shapewear to ensure its effectiveness and your comfort. If it’s too tight, the shapewear can cause discomfort and create bulges instead of smoothening them.
On the other hand, if it’s too loose, then it won’t be able to provide the desired support. Before shopping for shapewear, then, take your measurements to be sure of the size of shapewear you need.
At the same time, refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to find your accurate size and choose shapewear that fits snugly but comfortably.
Put on the shapewear before the leggings
To create a seamless and flattering look, put on your chosen shapewear before your leggings.
Start with the shapewear, making sure it’s properly positioned to target the areas you want to shape and smooth. Leggings should be worn over the shapewear, and they should fit comfortably without causing any discomfort or wrinkles. This combination of shapewear and leggings will provide you with a smooth and streamlined appearance.
As an additional tip, opt for leggings with a thicker fabric or compression leggings for an extra layer of support and a smoothing effect. Dark-coloured leggings can also help conceal any potential transparency or lines from the shapewear underneath.
Make the necessary adjustments
After putting on both the shapewear and leggings, take a moment to adjust them as needed. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to ensure a seamless look.
Proper adjustment ensures that your shapewear and leggings work together to provide the desired silhouette that’s free from any visible bumps or lines.
Use a full-length mirror to check your overall look from different angles, too. This will help you identify any areas that may need further adjustment for a polished appearance.
Wear a longer top
To further conceal the presence of shapewear and create a polished look, pair your leggings and shapewear with a longer top, tunic, or dress.
This longer top should cover the waistband of both the leggings and the shapewear, providing extra coverage and ensuring that the shapewear remains discreet.
For starters, how about using a flowy or asymmetrical top that can add an element of style to your outfit? This can also effectively conceal the waistband of your shapewear and leggings.
Experiment with different lengths and styles to find what complements your body shape and personal fashion preferences.
Check your level of comfort
Throughout the day, pay close attention to your comfort level when wearing shapewear and leggings. If you find that the combination becomes uncomfortable or restricts your movements, don’t hesitate to make adjustments or, if necessary, remove the shapewear temporarily.
The goal is to look and feel your best while maintaining comfort.
Pair with the right footwear
Your choice of footwear can also impact how your leggings and shapewear ensemble looks.
Depending on the occasion and your personal style, you can pair this combination with sneakers, ankle boots, or even heels.
Ankle boots with a slight heel can elongate your legs and complement the streamlined appearance created by shapewear and leggings.
Sneakers offer a comfortable and casual look, while heels can make your outfit more dressy. The choice of footwear can add an extra touch of style and elegance to your overall outfit.
Wear your clothes with confidence
Above all, remember that confidence is your best accessory when wearing leggings with shapewear. These are articles of clothing that are designed to elevate your style, after all. You’ll want to strut your stuff like you just stepped out of a photography studio in London.
Shapewear enhances your natural contours, and leggings offer comfort and versatility. Embrace your unique body shape and feel confident in your outfit choice. Stand tall, maintain good posture, and exude self-assuredness to elevate any outfit, including leggings and shapewear.
Mastering the art of pairing leggings with shapewear is a skill that opens doors to a world of future style choices. As you become more comfortable and creative with these versatile pieces, you’ll find endless possibilities for expressing your unique fashion sensibilities.
From casual chic to formal elegance, the combination of leggings and shapewear can be your trusted companions on your style journey.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post