I was never really bothered by the whole "tights as pants" look that has infiltrated modern fashion society because it was always vaguely reminiscent of Edie and quite comfortable but after reading an article in the May 2008 issue of Nylon i have altered my stance slightly. This is my new opinion: Leggings are UGLY. No ifs ands or buts. Just plain UGLY! Maybe if you are on your way to Garden State mall and you need a little warmth under your Delia's polyester sun dress then they would be slightly forgivable as long as they matched your Payless flats...NOT! haha If thats what you were doing you obviously are too far for my forgiveness.
But tights on the other hand are chic in certain situations. I'm over the AmerAppar gold lame nylon 80's throwbacks but some toned down black opaque tights are conceivably the simplest bottom possible. They have a lot of upsides- comfortable, easily matched, re-wearable, and they add instant street fashion cred. putting on a pair of slightly sheer tights a la Miss Sedgwick suddenly makes you fashionable despite the simplicity of anything else you wear. The major downside is getting a run but thats just a fact of life that us well dressed people have to deal with.
Another aspect of tights that must be addressed is that they do NOT go with everything! They go with anything on top that covers your butt. The shoes are harder to pick. No open-toed unless with a dress. Boots are much more professional looking. Heels and open-toed shoes don't work with long shirts unless you want to look like a hooker.
The evolution of street fashion is similar to the evolution of art and music. It got more and more outrageous as time went on until it reached the equivalent of a blank canvas. Now I'm not saying the lack of pants compares to say, Jackson Pollack but you get the idea. Every movement must reach its limit before it can grow. I have to thank Katharine Hepburn and Nan Kempner for giving us girls the chance to wear pants but everyone knows once you have something you don't want it anymore.
