casual vendredi: skirted leggings

Karen styles skirted leggings
How Karen styles skirted leggings

I won’t lie, when I first saw these skirted leggings online, I didn’t see a lot of style possibilities beyond yoga wear or running-errands-day options. Leave it to Karen to show me a thing or two. Here’s how she does Polished Casual.

So with that inspiration, my mind was opened to the possibilities. I could envision how I’d style skirted leggings for an afternoon of art gallery hopping….

Skirted leggings, not just for running errands!
Skirted leggings, not just for running errands! The Ronen Chen dress-worn-as-top adds an artistic touch.

especially when paired with this dramatic piece from Ronen Chen. When the lovely people at Ronen Chen offered to send me something from their current collection, I was immediately drawn to the Alona Buttoned Dress. I saw a lot of styling possibilities for this two-piece dress, including wearing the top layer open as a duster as I’ve done here. I love the marble print and the light weight, which works well for our climate. It also has possibilities as a travel piece to add some interest to neutral outfits, and is washable. The current collection at Ronen Chen includes dresses, tops, sweaters, jackets, bottoms and accessories.

I’m also sold on the skirted leggings as another stylish option to jeans or casual pants. They are incredibly comfortable, and the skirt provides more coverage than ordinary leggings. (Also available in Plus.)

Are there pieces that you’ve found were more versatile than you’d originally believed?

Edited to add: serendipity strikes…do go check out Alyson’s post today about leggings at That’s Not My Age.

Linked up: Fashion Should Be Fun, Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style

Dress provided by Ronen Chen.

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72 Comments

  1. I would never have considered skirted leggings for anything other than exercise wear.
    However, the casual look with the quilted vest and the sophisticated and flattering style that you show with that fabulous
    Ronen Chen piece have me convinced it is a versatile look that I should definitely try.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. Hi Luisa, it’s fine that not everyone shares the same taste and style. Variety makes the world go round! I’ve also learned to read “I’m sorry,” as shorthand for “I’m going to say something I know is snotty and expect to be excused for it.”

      1. Well done, une femme.
        Luisa, Karen is a real person (with feelings) who generously allowed her photos to be used here. Personally, I think she looks adorable, but regardless of what any of us think, there is no excuse for unkindness.

  2. Off topic, but do you find the Givenchy bag easy to use, get things out of, find items, etc? I love the bag, but have worried about purchasing because of the “black hole” syndrome that some bags have.

    1. KPL, yes I find it easy, and no real “black hole syndrome”. It has interior open and zipped pockets, and that one exterior pocket (where I keep keys). The size I have is small enough that I don’t have to dig to find things.

  3. Well, anything that “provides more coverage than just leggings” is to be applauded. The problem with leggings, which we saw the LAST time they became stylish, is that after a while, they start to be worn in totally inappropriate ways.

    1. Rita, I’ve seen some women wear (often too thin) leggings as pants with a shorter top, and agree that’s not how they are intended to be worn.

  4. Are they really long enough for a woman of “certain age” or are we just trying to make them work? Not criticizing–I really want to know.

    1. Lynn, I no longer subscribe to universal rules about what women of a certain age should wear. It depends on the woman, her style, personality and lifestyle. My guide is that if I feel awkward in something, it’s probably not for me, regardless of age.

  5. I saw the skirted leggings at the EF store on El Paseo but was terrified of trying them on. They looked fabulous on the rail-thin saleswoman….
    maybe I’ll reconsider 😉
    And I love the Ronen Chen pieces! Thank you Susan!

    1. sybes1, thanks! Give them a try and let us know what you think. I think for those of us who have more curves, these work nicely under a longer top.

  6. I find the idea of these very attractive, but wonder how long they are. I have a 35″ inseam, and I’m afraid I would find the skirt too short (I like the length on both of you, but I think I remember that you are petite). I love how they look on you and Karen, so maybe I will have to cobble together something from a longer skirt and unattached leggings.

    1. Kristina, I see someone has already recommended Long Tall Sally. I hope you find some that work with your height and that you like.

  7. This is exactly how I wear leggings (and just commented on that on That’s Not My Age. Did you two plan to both write about leggings?). I think I’d rather have them separate, though, so they don’t pull at each other.

    1. Val, no we didn’t plan it. Just a bit of random serendipity! 🙂 I don’t find the skirt on these sticks to the leggings at all. The fabric is matte and substantial but smooth.

  8. i wear a shortish knit skirt over leggings all the time when I travel. That would be a way to try the look without the commitment to the one-piece. The Ronan Chen looks v chic!

  9. I would say to Lynn that Certain Agers can certainly TRY anything on that looks interesting and see if it works on their body type, for their style sensibilities and lifestyle. Whether or not something “works” or “is appropriate for the age” has got to be totally up to the individual. Have fun with it! You may find you make “mistakes” along the way, but you’ll be learning, I guarantee. When I look back on pics of myself during an “experiment”, I just giggle and move forward. Call it free entertainment!

    Kristina for sure you can “cobble” like you said. The fabrics just should be very close in color and texture if you want the skirted legging look. You could also do an intentional mismatch, like a navy skirt over black leggings. But bathroom advice: the one piecer is much easier to draw down when the time comes!

    Une Femme I am sorry you have a troll on your blog. Trolls usually don’t like themselves much and attempt to bring others down in order to make themselves feel good. They want to contribute and be noticed, even if they only get negative attention.

  10. Love the dress as summer coat. Beautiful in and of itself and beautifully shown on you. I have saved that gorgeous picture of you with the coat swirling out behind you. Just lovely. Inspirational.

    1. Vancouver Barbara, thanks so much! I love clothing that moves and was trying to capture that. Glad you liked it!

  11. I really like the look of the skirted leggings, and will be getting some when I hit my weight loss target. And, I would LOVE to see more example stylings with the piece because I have a rather limited imagination when it comes to clothing combinations. I have a question. The Eileen Fisher version skirt looks like it is A-line, while Karen’s version in the photo looks more “pencil”. Susan – since you’ve got the EF piece, does it have an A-line shape? (I couldn’t see the shape well on my computer screen).

    1. Pam, I think it fits more like a pencil skirt than an A-line. But I don’t find it restricts my movement at all. I’ve already worn these a couple of different ways and will continue to share more styling options.

  12. You look great in them, Susan, as does Karen. I feel funny in them, and I admit it is an age thing. Even though the little skirt covers up all the right bits and, technically, it looks fine, I can’t help feeling I’m trying to look like my 30-year-old daughter. It’s my own hang-up, I’m sure. But I like a slightly longer dress over my leggings (just above knee length).

    1. Thanks, Linda! While I absolutely think it’s good to try new things from time to time, I also support going with what feels right for you regardless of age. If knee length is what feels right, then no reason to feel you should do something different.

  13. Oh I love the “dress-as-duster” look, floaty and charming on you. You do look like a sophisticated gallery-goer! Recently, have seen the skirted leggings in a variety of skirt lengths– some makers seem to be realizing that some customers might like the skirts a wee bit longer. But perhaps that negates the “look”? I don’t think I would venture them even then, as leggings are not quite me.

    A somewhat similar look that I can and have worn, is footless tights and a separate, shortish skirt. Then you can experiment more with the length of the skirt. Looks cute with ballet flats, among others. Still, as much as I’d like to be gamine enough to be comfortable in the look, it’s a bit “off” for my so-called style, which Kibbe would probably designate as belonging to the “soft classic” type in his scheme of style-types.

  14. I see no advantage whatsoever for the legging and skirt to be a onesie. I very, very often wear a skirt over a legging, in particular riding my bicycle. But my skirts are a little longer (at least “almost to the knee” and gored or flared, not pencil-type (strange for exercise or even urban-workaday cycling). There is a major disadvantage in terms of hygiene away from home: public toilets. I much prefer to pull my skirt up and pull my tights or leggings down to ensure nothing drags in filth.

    1. lagatta, I think the advantage is having just one item to deal with. Because this skirt is short, pulling down in public toilets hasn’t presented an issue so far. 😉

  15. Why do you put yourself out there on the internet day after day in outfits looking only for
    positive re-inforcement? If you are uncomfortable receiving various critiques from your readers
    perhaps you should reconsider the content. I understand civility. If you are not following the old
    rules of dressing why must the comments be limited to ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say
    anything at all’. If your choice is to wear something, just do it. Please don’t look for everyone reading
    to agree with your choices. Leggings under a ‘skirt’ or without are not a good choice for ‘une femme’
    or anyone else of a ‘certain age’.

    1. Hi Pam, I have no issue with those who express differing opinions or offer constructive critiques. As I’ve often said, what a boring world it would be if we all liked and wore the same things!

  16. Dear Femme, off topic question, please… I am of a certain age as well, and taking my first trip to Paris in September. Travel sites seem to recommend some type of security neck/waist hidden wallet to carry money, ID, etc. due to a ‘prevalence’ of pick-pocketing. Do you agree? Have you a suggestion for keeping important items safe?
    PS: so happy that I stumbled upon your site. I’ve already begun pulling together wardrobe pieces based on your ‘lessons’ and ’12 piece’ suggestions.

    1. Hi Hayden, I have never bothered with money belts or hidden wallets. I usually carry a cross-body bag that zips closed securely, and wear it on the front of my hip with my hand over the (zipped closed) top when in crowded situations. I’m also aware of surroundings, and will put up my hand and say “non!” if it seems like a group of people are trying to engage or getting too close. (Watch out for groups of teenage girls or kids.) That said, I do know many people prefer those secure money belts and bags, so it’s really about what makes you feel most comfortable. I’m so glad the packing suggestions have been helpful!

      1. Thank you very much. I didn’t want to fumble around with a hidden wallet so I will follow your lead and use a cross body bag. Thank you also for the tip on crowds and teenagers. Have a great day!

  17. I admire the creativity in both of your outfits! I love seeing how Karen styled the piece for a sporty look, while you went for an artsy look. It shows the versatility of the skirted leggings, but mainly highlights your flair and style!

  18. I almost always avoid trends, but I love these! And I think they can look great on any age woman. They certainly look great on you and Karen (love your “duster” over the ensemble).

  19. Not sure that I see the point to skirted leggings and I think tights would have looked better with Karen’s outfit. But then again, I have never liked leggings. However, I do really like your duster jacket.

    1. Hi Susan, thanks. I think leggings are a more casual look than tights, that’s for sure. And I get that they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. 🙂

  20. Totally off the subject! Is there somewhere on your blog post where I can see blogs that you read . I use to love going to all those other blogs as well. It was great having all so easily accessible. May be I am just missing it . Thank you Ann

  21. I have the EF ones and love them and I’m definitely not thin. What I didn’t love is the price so I also bought some skirted leggings on ebay, they are a QVC brand (Legacy leggings) as qvc does not ship to Canada anymore. I have some tops that are long enough for pants but not long enough for leggings and the skirted leggings and boots solve the problem and look stylish as well.

    Oh and Une Femme.. I also think that constructive criticism is one thing (or a “not for me, thanks!”) but civility in one’s comments go a long way. If it is something that I would not say to a friend’s face, then it’s not something I’ll post online.

    Keep up the nice work.

    1. Hi Dany, thanks, I’ll check out that other brand too. And yes, “would I say it to a friend’s face” is IMO an excellent guideline for online interactions.

  22. Skirted leggings… ahhh, just brings back great memories of when I was 16 and rocking Madonna’s trend. It was huge! Karen did beautifully and you took it to another level with a twist of Bohemian!

  23. Love skirted leggings! I have the EF ones and what I love about them is that I like to wear skirts with tights but I can never find black tights to match my black skirts. Skirted leggings solves the problem for me! The way you styled in is so chic and oooohhh so comfortable. Love it! By the way – what tank are you wearing? Is it EF?

  24. Excellent, grown-up and very cool response to leggings! I’ve never any that looked good enough to wear out of the house ( I buy them too big and wear them as jammies) except for some faux leathery ones. I love a long tunic-ish shirt, and I love how great leggings look with slides and mules. Again, you inspire.