Sweater weather and legging wearing days are upon us. However, there is nothing more frustrating than pulling that sweater you loved last winter out of the box marked, “favorite sweaters” only to find that it shrunk. Now what? It was the perfect sweater to wear with leggings but it doesn’t seem to cover the backside like it did last year.   The thought of searching for a new favorite sweater seems daunting and costly. I share your frustration and have a solution.

Simply add a tunic or dress-like style top to your wardrobe and wear it under that favorite shrunken sweater with your leggings. My preferred tunic or dress-like tops are the ones with a little lace or crocheted hem at the bottom. They cover the back and front sides beautifully. By doing this you’ve now extended the length of your sweater in a very cost-effective way. No need to buy a new sweater. You’ve also added extra style and texture to the ensemble and composed a classy, trendy outfit ready for any occasion.

Photo courtesy of Audrey

When shopping for tops like these keep in mind they do have more of a dress-like appearance and might be found in the dress section in stores or online. I always search, “tunics” or “casual dresses” when I need to purchase one of these.   By investing in a tunic/dress style top, you instantly create more opportunities to wear your leggings and the additional outfit possibilities are numerous. Not to mention the ability to wear these types of tops in the summer too. If you’re long waisted and these tunic tops/dresses are still too short, search the dress department for slips, slips are a great alternative.

Photo courtesy of Audrey

Photo Courtesy of Audrey

I firmly believe that leggings were created to be styled with sweaters and tops that cover both the back and front sides appropriately. Yes, there is the age old argument that leggings can be worn as pants so therefore what’s the big deal if a sweater is undeniably too short. Well, I just happen to be in the camp of legging wearing women who think it’s classier to cover the front and back when heading to the office or out for a night on the town.

Audrey  is dedicated to inspiring women to “create new looks, try new styles, or find inspiration in what exists in your closet.” Based in the Midwest with her family of four, Audrey brings sincerity, light-heartedness, and her fashion savvy to her articles.