Faux-Leather Leggings

As popular as they are, wearing leggings for non-sporting activities seems wrong in my style book.  However faux-leather leggings have received a tremendous amount of publicity this winter and fashionistas everywhere are not prepared to give up their seemingly essential trend of choice for that carefree effortless look that also boasts a svelte silhouette

Despite my reluctance to embrace the wonder leggings, I was surely tempted by the ease of wear, certainly the faux-leather texture ups the style quota whilst minimizing the sport vibe. Looking beyond their lack (in my opinion) of creativity I could see the versatile benefits that come with wearing a piece so simple and basic. 

Admittedly I purchased and returned more than one pair having tried them out in the comfort of my own home with various looks. I didn't feel they lived up to their reputation. Specifically, the Spanx leggings ($98) were a definite no-go for me, too much like wearing tights, too legging-like and, not a natural leather look - a rather blotchy and unrealistic finish. They also rolled down at the waist which they claimed not to... although the odds are stacked against them with my midlife midriff!  

Another pair I tried were the Sanctuary leggings ($99). Whilst these did have a better faux-leather finish than the Spanx, it was a tad too polished! They have additional detail around the body to make them look like a jegging as opposed to a straightforward legging. Worst design flaw... the inside of the waistband is the faux-leather fabric turned inside which sticks to your skin and ultimately becomes a sweatband! Yuck.

I decided to give it one more shot before throwing in the faux-leather legging towel and as luck would have it my perseverance paid off. Say hello to my legging friend... Commando! 

​From the day I brought these babies home I've never looked back and will certainly NOT be taking them back. These are keepers for sure!

They may possibly be the perfect pant to wear with combat boots, which makes them worth hundreds of dollars more than their $98 price tag given the viral popularity of said boots. 

And, never underestimate a 4-inch heel with Swarovski-like crystal embellishment to establish who exactly is in "Commando" around here! Yes indeed... for leggings they scrub up pretty well for a night out on the town! 

Just in case your day is all about action, a sweater or tee and sneakers is still going to give you that movie star incognito vibe... a sporty chic disguise for a girl boss in Commando! 

As you can see from this closeup, the leather look is very real, yet the wear-ability is amazing from a comfort perspective. An all-directional stretch without sagging, soft and pliable but supportive in all the right places - very important from my 58-year-old point of view!

I was initially concerned that the hems were not finished off. I wondered if I should cut them to a desired length and take them to my tailor to hem professionally. Then I realized the unfinished hem left them open to much more flexibility. Since they don't fray there is no need to hem them, and when left to their original length they come long enough to grip nicely around the lower ankle for wearing under socks and boots keeping them securely in place with no bulk or riding up.

Alternatively, when wearing with shoes or sneakers, the hems can be invisibly tucked under to the required length allowing any amount of ankle display desired... ingenious! 

Oh, and a couple of very important last-minute thoughts... there is no fear of a camel toe because of how well structured they are, the high waist is truly a high waist, not one you need to pull up to excruciating heights! Secondly, there is a re-enforced silken inner waistband that performs slimming miracles and I know this for a fact because I virtually (actually had to) wear them non-stop through the Christmas frivolities and they literally saved the day, every day... Commando to the rescue!   

The sizing is as you would expect. I'm wearing a medium and they're snug although super comfortable. They mold to your body as you wear them and become a second skin, only a smoother taught skin. The best part is, they make you look about seven pounds lighter... got to love that!  

If you're looking for that perfect legging to put you back in charge even if your holiDAY ended up being a holiMONTH as mine did, these bad-ass Commandos will have you strutting about with all the confidence of a whippersnapper! 

Linked below these leggings, which also come in metallic hues... oh so fierce! I've also added some other pieces to create similar looks shown here. 
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As always, thank you for stopping by

​There are affiliate links in this post which means I may receive a small percentage of sales made.  This does not affect the price you pay.