13 Ways to Transform Your Look With Leggings (4)

We See You Loud and Clear

Walk tall in the loudest pattern you love. No one will stop you. They'll be too busy checking out your stems—especially if you go for a deeply hued floral.

Tickle the Ivory

White is the ultimate winter pick-me-up. We see so little of it after summer, but it's the perfect base to build on and easy to do right. Buckled black shoes add contrast while ivory accessories warm up a stark landscape.

Tube Sock Renaissance

Blase grey tights looks serenely sexy with matching thigh-high tube socks pushed down to sit just above the knee. The result is a laid-back, up-for-anything, sporty girl style. A delicately detailed piece of jewelry keeps the feminine factor high.

Sheerly a Lady

Achieve the ultimate original evening look with sheer, dotted knee socks. No one will expect such a cavalier touch, but everyone will love it.

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Animal Attraction

Opt for zebra-print leg warmers when your plain white socks are on safari. Camouflage your granny boots by covering the tops and suddenly, you've got a pair of unrecognizable oxfords and a mildly wild new look.

In Pewter, We Trust

Metallic tights in shades of grey might make you nostalgic for your grandma's polished pewter candleholders. Polish the look with her crocheted poncho and plenty of Nanna-approved neutrals.

Reach for the Thigh

Waiting for thigh-high boots to go on sale? Test drive mid-thigh now with minimal commitment by wearing super long socks under your hottest knee-high boots. Stay conservative up top with a turtleneck and no tights are necessary, sexy.

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Let's Hear It for the Boots

Granny boots get a legit '80s update with laces left undone to make room for scrunched knee socks. Keep it clutch by matching your sock color to the color of your kicks but wearing contrasting, subtly-patterned tights (to save you from being too mall girl matchy).

Not So Prim and Proper

Ever wonder what to wear under your preppiest, crisp wool pencil skirt? Try thick, knitted thigh-highs. No one will know where they end, or that they're a little lumpy and ultra luscious up close. We won't tell.

Short and Sweet

It's high time patterned ankle socks took the spotlight. Break up an otherwise monotonous palette with charming textiled ankles. Add a funky scarf or cool vintage collar for best supporting accessory. Your classic black oxfords could use a bigger cast of clothes.

13 Ways to Transform Your Look With Leggings

You Frill Me

Remember being a kid, wearing white socks with a little ruffle around the top? You can still do it! Just swap those patent Mary Janes for flat, suede ankle boots. Footwear with rustic tendencies gives you a free pass to be girly. So go for the big bow brooch while you're at it.

Don't Be a Buzz Kilt

Admit it, guys in kilts give you the chills, in a good way. Conjur the highlands in style by pulling thick tartan knee highs over solid tights. Top it off with leg warmers pushed and your favorite pumps. Well, well, wee lass, you've got a sexy, super warm stand-in for boots.

Let There be Runs

Next time your newly manicured nail catches your favorite tights, let frustration reign and keep on tearing. With a few more runs, pulls and holes you've got one-of-a-kind, artfully destroyed stockings—perfect for showing a little leg, and attitude. Pile on two shredded pairs, slouchy boots and one wild accessory for the combo we can all identify with: a little distressed yet completely pulled-together.

What's In & Out for Fall (4)

In: Shoulder Treatments

"Anything that accents the shoulders this season is hot,” says Michael O’Connor. “Whether it’s the sexy exposed shoulder of evening gowns or the padded military shoulders from recent runways, shoulders are in your face.”

“The great thing about accented shoulders,” O’Connor points out, “is the way one-shoulder dresses add height and padded shoulders narrow the waist.”

Pictured: One-Shoulder Flutter Top ($19.99 at CharlotteRusse.com)

In: Thigh-High Boots

Over-the-knee boots and high platform shoes will be in, says Kevin Christiana. "[Both] are so sexy,” he points out. “They accentuate women's legs and elongate any size—I am a huge fan of both and hope that this is a trend [that’s going] to stay."

Pictured: Christian Louboutin Supra Fifre 120 Thigh-High Boots ($1,995 at Net-A-Porter.com)

Still In: Highlights and Lowlights

“This fall, cool brunettes [will] dictate color fashion this season. It’s time to come off the beach, dress up, and get out on the town,” says Anthony Liguori, resident color specialist at Salon Luba. “Hair color changes just as fashion. Stylists can move blondes through the seasons with highlights and lowlights and other hair colors should adapt to the seasons, as well.”

What's In & Out for Fall (3)

Out: Harem Pants

We were surprised that this trend was “in” in the first place. “Even a genie couldn’t make anyone with curves look good in harem pants,” says style expert Michael O’Connor. “If you see them run—or fly!”

Opt for a pair of pencil pants for fall instead. They’ll look much better with sweaters anyway.

Pictured: 6-Button Harem Pant (left, $34.50 at WetSeal.com) and Elizabeth and James Eliot Pant (right, $195 at ChickDowntown.com)

Back In: 1980s Diva Style

“[This season] is an open call for 1980s diva style—any look that pays tribute to an ‘80s music video,” says Amy Goodman, fashion trend director for Timex and former InStyle editor. “Don’t be afraid to rock a leather skirt, biker jacket or black strappy sandals as you begin to switch out your wardrobe.”

“For those of us who want to play up prints of the past, but are now tired of last season’s floral fantasy, what will be in are those graphic prints in black and white that showcase squares, cubes, lines or plaid,” she adds.

Pictured: Urban Rebel Jacket ($150 at ChickDowntown.com)

In: Soft Eyes with Dramatic Lips

“This fall, we’re going to see soft, sophisticated eyes balanced by deep and dramatic lip colors,” says Annesley Broadhead, Cargo makeup artist.

“Dramatic lips were seen at Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana in rich shades of deep berry, with an almost black undertone. The finish was either a full lipstick finish, or a subtle stain. To achieve this look at home apply a berry or red gloss and blot well for a stained effect that is straight from the runway, yet still wearable for real life.”

In: Bold Hats

"I am a HUGE fan of the hat,” says Kevin Christiana, former cast member of Project Runway. “I like the sexiness a hat can do for a woman.”

Bold hats are great in the summertime, says the designer, but can also be rocked in the fall in a sleeker version.

Pictured: Juicy Couture Felted Wool Fedora ($65 at Nordstrom.com)

What's In & Out for Fall (2)

Also In: The Afro

“It is back, it is bold, and it is beautiful,” says Suki Duggan. “Not only does the afro draw attention to the face, but it is also very, very elegant looking. If you have thick hair, tease it a little to get really dramatic added body.”

Out: Bubble Skirts

“With ‘volume emphasis’ on top this season and not on the bottom like last fall, we’re seeing a lot more pencil skirts and a lot less of those full, tulip and pleated skirts we saw in season’s past,” says Jene Luciani, a New York-based style expert and author of The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra. “Besides, what woman wants to look like she has bigger hips, anyway?”

Pictured: Satin Bubble Skirt (left, $39.90 at Alloy.com) and Burberry Prorsum High-Waisted Pencil Skirt (right, $540 at MyTheresa.com)

In: Menswear for Women

“It's ironic, but there's nothing like a classic menswear-inspired piece to make a girl feel truly sexy,” says Victorya Hong, former cast member of Project Runway. “And, in this economy, you can't go wrong by investing in a beautiful tailored piece to mix and match with everything else you have in your closet."

Pictured: Hall Wool Chalk-Stripe Pant ($345 at RalphLauren.com)

Still Out: Paying Full Price

“Just like luxury car dealers like Mercedes announced they are lowering their price points on some of their vehicles, some of the top design houses are doing the same,” says Jene Luciani. “For example, Neiman Marcus is offering a Chanel boucle jacket for around $3,400 (the typical price point is $5,000), and a pair of Prada shoes for under $500 (usually, they’re well-over that).”

“And, shopping thrift stores is still in, and I think always will be in,” adds the style expert. “I’ll be diligently hunting for a vintage motorcycle jacket.”