I balked a bit before buying my first pair of Spanx faux leather leggings four years ago. One of my blogger friends suggested I try a pair when I turned up in a pair of faux leather leggings I had purchased from Target. I do that sometimes—when I think something is just a fad but I want in, I will buy cheep just to see if I actually like the item and whether it really works I my wardrobe. I didn’t see myself as a faux leather leggings person, and the price point of Spanx is considerably higher than the $15 pair I had purchased from Target.
While the Target leggings were decent, they didn’t fit me well at the waist and the ankles. I wore them frequently though—faux leather leggings definitely had a place in my wardrobe—so I bit, and purchased the Spanx faux leather leggings. They turned out to be EVERYTHING and more. In fact, I have owned the same pair of Spanx faux leather leggings for three years and counting and they still look brand new. They fit like a dream and styling them is a breeze. Spanx offer seamless leggings which work magic on a woman’s body, no matter her age. That is one thing I love about the brand—though I don’t recall seeing mature women in any of their advertising. No matter, Spanx are great for women over 50.
Next, I purchased Spanx skinny jeans—which I’ve owned since they launched a few years ago. I always wished they weren’t distressed, but still I wear them a lot—and again, they look great and wash well. They fit nicely, and hold me in—in all the right places. They are great with knee high and over the knee boots—and, now they come in light and dark wash too. The dark wash Spanx skinny jeans are on my wish list now—and frankly, my Spanx have become a wardrobe staple.
My Spanx collection didn’t stop there—last year, I purchased the pants—both the straight and wide leg versions. I took them to North Carolina during late fall when the weather was colder—they are a thick pant and are best for people living in cooler climates.
The Spanx leather like pants made their way into my wardrobe last year as well— I wore them on the regular. I like them better than real leather pants—they are light weight and conform to my body—unlike real leather pants or leather trousers. My Spanx leather like pants are perfect for that casual elegant look I go for.
This year, I purchased the Spanx faux suede flairs, to round out my fall and winter wardrobe. I am a huge fan of flair pants—I have loved them for years and as I have said numerous times, I am ready to move away from skinny jeans—though they still hold a place in every woman’s wardrobe—they are a must when you wear over the knee boots and knee high boots in fall and winter.
If You are a Spanx Newbie, Which Spanx Should You Get First?
Jeans and leggings for older women can be challenging I think that if you want nice looking leggings and pants you should have a few pair of Spanx leggings and pants in your wardrobe. I would recommend purchasing the faux leather leggings, the skinny jean and the leather like pants. They are definitely on my favorite things of all times list.
If you already have these wardrobe staples, branch out and purchase the faux suede leggings and maybe the flairs. If you like a more casual edgy look, the faux leather moto leggings are really cool. If you work outside the home, the black dress pant. The slim pants are the perfect skinny pants for wearing with a blazer and heels. They will be great additions to your wardrobe.
If you are looking for a comfortable yet chic holiday look, Spanx has beautiful velvet leggings perfect for a date night or holiday party. I love having a few elegant yet comfortable pieces in my wardrobe during the holidays—especially for small casual gatherings.
Where should I wear my Spanx?
Spanx can be worn almost everywhere—the pants are great for work outfits, and date nights, while the faux leather leggings, the moto leggings and the camo spanx leggings are perfect for a chic, casual outfits.
Spanx outfit ideas:
Spanx pants and leggings will become wardrobe staples for you as they have been for me. They are so versatile to style—you can wear them with a denim jacket and graphic tee or a blouse and blazer. Tunic tops look amazing with Spanx because the top of the pant is smooth, so you don’t get zippers and belt loops ruining the smooth line of your clothing.
I usually like to wear something that covers the waist of the jeans though—I’m not fond of the elastic top. When I reach for skinny jeans, I am usually building an outfit that won’t be tucked in—this is just something to keep in mind.
When it comes to footwear, Spanx leggings and pants look great with a cute pair of heels, white sneakers, wedge sneakers, and all sorts of boots and booties. They are extremely versatile.
How Should My Spanx pants fit?
First check the Spanx size guide on the Spanx website. I found I was able to oder my regular size. Once you get them on they should come up to your natural waist. Use the squat test to make sure they stay in place when you move around. If your leggings or pants pull too much, or roll at the waist, size up—you should feel a comfortable pull when you bend down—but no more. You should not have a muffin top either—if you do—size up. Spanx are specially designed to prevent that sort of thing.
Leggings and faux leather pants have been a big part of my casual wardrobe in recent years. You can read more here. The Coolest Tunics To Wear With Leggings, Styling Faux Leather Leggings, How to Style Leggings for Women Over 50