Are These Leggings?

They're comfy, stretchy, black, and affordable. I'm just not sure I'd consider these leggings.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Remember the early ‘90s obsession with Palazzo pants? I remember traipsing through Europe one summer in my so-wide-it-was-hard-for-people-to-pass-me-on-the-sidewalk pants feeling extremely glam. And what about stirrup pants? The name always made me a bit queasy but that early iteration of leggings that stayed put seemed like a great idea at the time — less so the revival a few years ago.

But for now let us discuss leggings that don’t actually seem like leggings.

High-Waisted Fashion Wide-Leg Cropped Leggings

For the past few weeks these crops have been stalking my social media.

Every time I’d log onto Instagram, Old Navy would taunt me with these pants. Same on Facebook. And what can I say? I have a weakness for wide leg pants, and leggings — I mean, I am a woman — and I bought a pair. I like them. They’re just not leggings.

First off, despite being made of super soft stretchy material and having a comfort elastic waistband, these don’t actually feel like leggings. And let’s face it, they don’t really look like leggings either. They look like a hybrid of yoga pants and a split skirt (Oh, yes. I wore those too).

Some years back I met the absolutely lovely Tim Gunn. We talked about fashion. I interviewed him for a few articles. And then, somehow, the subject of cropped pants came up. Tim Gunn was not amused. And since that time (despite really loving cropped pants), I’m convinced that Tim would see me flaunting my exposed ankles and the universe would frown. But back to these Old Navy pants.

Are these the most flattering pants I’ve ever worn? Nope. Not even a little. Are these the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn? Not really, but they are ridiculously comfy, though I’m on the fence about whether they’re as comfortable as more traditional leggings. What they are, are functional everyday pants that serve me well for when I want to go for a morning walk and pretend I’ve made an effort ($20, Old Navy).

✨ Gorgeous Insight ✨

Incidentally, if you don’t love the look of very cropped pants but do love a slightly shorter length, do what I do - order it in tall. I do this with skirts as well, when I want a bit more length and a bit less thigh.

So, what do you think, are these leggings or crops or wide-leg stretchy pants? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋