A Blend of Comfort and Grace
A couple of weeks ago I posed a question on Facebook asking friends and family whether or not leggings were appropriate to wear to work. Responses were somewhat predictable such as: It depends on the office environment or profession. Some said ‘with the right type of top’. Some responded a strong No for printed leggings, yet solid black ones are fine. Some responded with a flat No in general. Yet what really surprised me was the number of responses received. Clearly people feel strongly about their leggings! Or maybe people just like to express their opinion. Either way - it is so clear that the boundaries for what we deem okay and not okay for office attire and what we wear out in public in general is changing!
It really got me thinking about how we dress and how it’s a reflection of who we are and how we care for ourselves and what God would have to say about that. The bible clearly delineates that we are not to care TOO much about our outward appearance, because God clearly looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) yet it also says that we should dress in a way that is respectable and modest (1 Timothy 2:9). I personally don’t think God gives us a list of Do’s and Don’ts of how to dress nor will we ever see a list of ‘respectable attire’ like you may see circulating the office in the summer months (it always makes me shake my head to think people need reminding not to wear ‘midriff baring’ shirts to the office!!). Yet I do think that God wants us to take extra care of ourselves and how we show up in the world. When we are called to ‘be the light on the hill’ I also think this translates to how we carry ourselves and how we dress. The example we set. I am not talking about name brand clothes or runway fashion here. I am talking about dressing with CARE. Dressing and carrying yourself in a way that says, ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ Dressing yourself in a way that says you honor and respect yourself and your body.
So with all this as a backdrop, let’s talk about how that translates to leggings and frankly comfy clothes in general. I am all for wearing comfy clothes as much as possible! As a work from home momma, I spend 80% of my time with my hair in a top knot, wearing yoga pants, tee and long sweater. That seems to be my uniform lately! Yet when it comes to heading to the office, out for dinner, or even a run to Target - I do think leggings can be an option yet I think it’s all in HOW you dress them up. Here are a few examples:
Saturday Casual
When heading out to meet a friend for lunch, heading out to the mall, or just hanging out on a Saturday, here is sample casual look with leggings. I do think a longer top (whether it’s button down, a tunic tee, sweater etc.) is ALWAYS needed, unless you are headed to the gym! (PS - say hi to Sully!)
Office Casual
This is a fun look for the office on a more casual day. This long belted flannel is a smart yet fun option that is super comfy yet also stylish. The heeled bootie dresses it up a bit or for a more casual Saturday look, pair with black sneaks.
Office Appropriate
This is an example of how to dress up the leggings a bit more with a ruffled top. This can be worn to the office as business casual dress on any given day with bootie or regular heels.
Office Professional
Another great way to wear leggings for a more dressy look is underneath a dress. Paired with heels and fun classy jewelry, this can be worn in an office professional setting or a nice dinner out.
A Night Out
Leggings are also a great option for a night out on the town! Faux leather leggings (Spanx featured here) paired with a fun lacy or silk top and heels, are perfect for a night out on the town!
In each of these options, I’m hoping you see a comfortable yet graceful style paired that sends a message of honor and respect. I personally LOVE how the boundaries for dress are relaxing a bit. I believe the days of pant suits in the office are long gone and that the landscape for how women dress in the office is far and wide - giving us freedom to express who we are. That is the FUN side of fashion - the ability to let our personality, style and flare shine through in how we dress, yet I also believe that we must approach freedom with a sense of discernment. There are some things that just don’t need to be out there and seen in broad day light. #amiright?
Remember that how you dress and the selections that you make are an expression of who you are and how you show up in the world. It’s not a black and white thing or a legalistic thing, yet just ask yourself - is what I am wearing and how I’m showing up the right reflection of who I believe myself to be and the impression I want to make in this world?
As for me - well, a comfy legging paired with a smart, graceful top - yup, that is EXACTLY the impression I want to make!
In Him,