Life Focus: Fashion

The streets of New York City, Los Angeles and Buffalo are filled with them - the resurrection of leggings is nothing short of mainstream.

Leggings are back and girls from all over can't seem to get enough of them. From celebrity to student everyone with the style is adding them to their wardrobe.

Whether going to class, the mall or out to dinner, this ultra trendy, fabulously inventive article of clothing will work for nearly every occasion.

Ariel Friedman, a freshman undecided major, says her love of leggings stems from the time saving comfort they provide.

"I'm wearing cropped legging with Uggs, a long shirt and a sweatshirt," Friedman said. "They're comfortable, stylish and I got ready this morning in literally no time."

The popularity of the legging has to due with its versatility as well. When wearing leggings, pair with a long T-shirt and/or a simple sweatshirt for a stylish look. They can also be dressed up with a short dress, long dressy shirt, or layered under a mini skirt.

Various accessories can also sharpen the legging look. Wrap a chunky, thick belt around a tunic shirt in a matching color and material to your shoes. For example, if the belt is patent leather, the shoes should be too. If the shoes are a black and white pattern, the belt should be of the same pattern, or a shiny red or black.

Strings of long necklaces, at least two, are also a great accessory with leggings. A few strands of fake pearls in any color are great, and even better if they extend below the belt. Also look for solid, long necklaces with hearts or a locket at the bottom. Feel free to wear two at a time.

For a purse, big tote bags are often shown with leggings. It doesn't necessarily match as long as it is a similar material to the belt or shoes.

Beware of becoming a fashion disaster, however. The disaster lies within the clashing of decades. In the 1980s leggings were worn with leg warmers and scrunched socks, something that is now considered a fashion faux pas.

Leg warmers and stiletto heels with leggings were then. Soft brown Ugg boots, chic flat shoes ?Ae la Audrey Hepburn and stiletto heels sans the large socks are now. When choosing heels to wear with your leggings, look for pointed or peep toe styles.

Avoid nude leggings, as well as the flashy colors and floral patterns that made them popular in the eighties. Opt for classic black or brown in a cropped length. Leggings with lace around the bottom are best for dressier occasions.

When wearing a dressy outfit, make sure the quality of the legging is good. A cotton legging can clash with a dress if the materials are off.

"I swore I would never every wear a pair of leggings when they first started to come back, but apparently it is inescapable and leggings have become a huge part of my wardrobe," said Christina Khoury, a freshman early childhood education major.

"I'm wearing a short black button down dress, my favorite black cropped leggings with lace trimming, a red belt around my waist and red stilettos," Khoury said. "I don't like when people wear short shirts with leggings. The longer the shirt the better."