Admittedly, during New England winters that can last for about 5/12 months, it takes skill, creativity, and willpower to avoid the prevalent desire to swaddle in a blanket (or anything blanket-like) and call it a day. I’m sharing how this style hack got me to try a new style – the faux leather tight – in winter, and love it!

I return to the same basics in winter than in any other season because although the mathematical combinations of outfits are plentiful, the variety is not proportional to the degree of possible warmth (and importantly, the ability to raise my arms, walk around, etc under several layers, oh – and not look ridiculous or 15 pounds heavier). I’ve often looked at faux leather leggings as an enigma – something different, possibly flattering, but daring – perhaps too daring for me? For an adventurous soul at heart, that is hard to admit, but envisioning wearing those shiny pants sure made me feel just a litttttttle bit self conscious.

1//Confidence comes from the inside.

I tried them on, just to see how I would actually feel in them *a key test for all important purchases* and I felt fine – still me, but with something more interesting and stylish that felt just like any ol’ regular pair of athleisure black pants/leggings. My gut said, yes!

The fashion rule I’m abiding by in my 20s is I can wear anything  – as long as I feel great in them.

2// Faux leather leggings ARE fun.

They have visual interest but aren’t sequined or so flashy that they would fall out of style. I styled them in a couple of ways so far – as pants with an all-black look to go out to dinner, and under a dress (the one that I wore on the Loft.com feature!) to make them daytime-appropriate for a lunch event. There are those pieces that you can wear (accessories, or clothing items, or shoes) that just pull an outfit together. This is one such item.

3// They fit my cozy chic, practical standard = winner.

These Gleam Chaturanga to Town Tights from Athleta have two deep side pockets to hold my phone or cards close without worry about them flying out if I have to run, sit, walk or do anything normal people do. So many athletic pants minimize the importance of pockets, but Athleta gets it. Plus, they’re machine washable and dryable – when is the last time you could toss your *fancy pants* in the wash?? #nofuss

SHOP// My Chaturanga Gleam To Town Tights Here

PRO SHOPPING TIP: If you shop online…sign up for EBATES.

You attach your credit card to your account, and activate offers to retailers you love to visit via your web browser. When you make a purchase, they will activate cash back and you’ll get a check in the mail. They also have cash back at a select group of stores for shopping in store – I usually check if I know I’m going to shop for something, and see if they do cash back. Athleta has 2% cash back currently – think of it like a nice little way to save towards that vacation you’ve been wanting to take 😉

*The links above are affiliate links. If you love learning about my favorite style picks and end up purchasing using one of the links above, I may make a very tiny commission. Those small commissions help bring more new adventure content to Where the BlueBootsGo. I always want to be transparent with you all, and I truly appreciate your support!*