Since this is the last fashion column of the semester, we thought we'd dedicate it to a pressing issue on college campuses - nay, the world. An epidemic has outlawed a once-valued article in every wardrobe. Pants are indeed becoming an endangered species.
In the infamous words of Blair Waldorf: "... leggings do NOT count as pants!"
Unfortunately, the trend has overtaken AU's campus. However, we are not the only culprits. The Collegian, the University of Cincinnati's independent newspaper, also covered the "leggings are not pants" movement. They stress the fact that while leggings are necessary for that oh-so-trendy tunic you picked up from Urban Outfitters, they are perhaps less appropriate when paired with an average length T-shirt.
Sure, you may think this particular choice in bottoms is flattering, but in any case there's just too much crotch and bottom exposure occurring. Take, for example, Paris Hilton, who when photographed showed the paparazzi more than she intended. The dimness of your dorm room may not expose panty lines, or worse, even more, but the light of day definitely will.
"It's camel-toe city," Sean McDermott told The Collegian, Hillside College's newspaper. "And girls get really angry if you look at them. But what do they expect? Their a-- is right there."
It is perhaps also necessary to note that there is a distinction between leggings and tights, which is just as important to understand. Tights are considered hosiery and should only be worn with clothing that, given the weather, could be worn with bare legs.
There's also a bit of confusion when it comes to wearing leggings and being weather-appropriate. Sure, they're comfortable and easy to throw on with a pair of Uggs, but are you hot? Or are you cold? The thin material covering your legs would lead one to believe that you are warm, while the sheepskin on your feet may create some ambiguity.
Of course, leggings are suitable for certain activities - say , yoga, pilates, grocery shopping, a long day of studying in the library - but it's impossible to make them anything more than casual. Dressing them up is the equivalent of wearing a blazer with sweatpants.
We don't deny that the sleek silhouette of leggings is appealing, but even rubber leggings, a resurfaced '90s trend, should be worn sparingly and styled with care. While you may not trust our opinion, numerous Web sites, blogs and fashion columnists agree.
Tightsarenotpants.com is at the forefront of the anti-leggings movement. On the Web site, you can find an entire press kit that will help you spread the word. It features slogans such as "Tights will not suffice" and "No, no, no! Those tights aren't pants."
"Leggings are Not Pants: the Blog" documents sightings of faux pants. Particularly frightening offenses include gold lamé leggings, probably purchased at American Apparel.
Even Vogue has a discussion board dedicated to the subject and they agree - leggings are not pants.
This fashion choice is considered avant-garde by some but can come off looking just plain lazy or, worse, sloppy. This trend is an exact replication of the one that occurred in the 1980s, and as such, must be updated. We can all agree that the '80s were fun and crazy but a little scary fashion-wise.
You can reach these columnists at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
