We all have a favorite pair of leggings we love to wear in lieu of pants.

Your collection include a variety of colors, prints and fabrics, but the one that you end up reaching for when you’re not in the mood for jeans is the black cotton ones. Stretchy, breathable, you wear High waist yoga leggings when you’re going to exercise, you wear them around the house, and you wear them when you’re out and about on the weekend. In fact, you’ll find any excuse to wear them, assuming that you’ll be in a casual environment.

There are tons of things you can wear with leggings, but on those extremely lazy days, you go back to same old leggings and big tee pairing, and appear as though you’re about to sweat it off at the gym instead of having lunch with friends at the mall.

To be honest, there’s nothing wrong with the sporty look. However, when that’s the vibe you always resort to on days you feel like wearing leggings, the look is a little played out. We forget sometimes how versatile leggings are, which is completely okay, but it is about time we break our bad styling habits.

Here’s the list of what we all need to stop wearing, or at least wear less of, with leggings:

1) Sneakers on repeat

Sneakers and leggings are at the forefront of athleisure, but when you consistently pair them together, it’s almost a waste. There’s so much more you can do with both, pairing them with dressier items for contrast.

Experiment with different kinds of footwear, from wedges to sandals, ankle boots and slides, although try to avoid being super casual with flip flops. Leggings go great with heels, while cropped ones are the perfect length for calf boots.

2) T-shirts

Loose graphic tees are definitely one of the first things that pops into my mind when coming up with a leggings ensemble, and it’s probably the same for most women. While I wouldn’t say there is anything wrong with wearing a vintage tee featuring your favorite band, it’s the styling choices that follow. It’s almost instinct to reach for sneakers next, which ticks off two of the five items in this list of what NOT to pair with leggings (or at least pair is LESS often).

You have a bunch of tops in your wardrobe, so try to avoid sticking to that tee and leggings duo and opt for a button-down, an off-shoulder number, and other tops that are loosely fitted, which brings us to the next article of clothing to avoid.

3) Fitted tops

The tight-on-tight silhouette is seriously overdone, and if the whole point of wearing leggings is being comfortable, why pair it with an article of clothing that will have you feeling conscious of looking fat in certain angles? Again, give yourself room to move and breathe. Play with loose silhouettes to balance out the skintight quality of leggings.

4) Crop tops and midriffs

A crop top and leggings seriously puts everything on display. If you’ve got the confidence to wear this, that’s awesome, but this combination isn’t for everyone, and there are much better ways of wearing a crop top.

The only exception to the leggings and crop top combination would be if you wore a loose layer over it, such as a kimono robe, chambray shirt or knitted cardigan. You can also wear an oversized jacket. Speaking of oversized jackets…

5) Sporty jackets

There are a few outerwear pieces that fall under this category, which include letterman and bomber jackets, windbreakers and raincoats, you get the drift. Instead of sporty jackets, you want go for outerwear that maybe you wouldn’t normally pair with leggings, such as a leather jacket, or perhaps an oversized denim jacket. Blazers are also an unexpected option, with a long white tank underneath.

Overall, the main thing to remember is that if you look like you’re going to the gym even though you’re not actually going to work out, then you gotta make a couple of adjustments. Nothing major, as you can see from our list, but just a switch of your top or shoes can make all the difference in the world.

Every so often, fashion experts will come up with their own set of rules, dictating what is a faux pas, and must-have clothes to look as skinny as they possibly could. But fashion is a form of expression, a freedom in which everyone should have the right to, and while stylists and designers have the knowledge of what fabrics and silhouettes work best, no one knows your own body and fit better than you do.

So while this post does have its own set of fashion do’s and don’ts, it’s not what you’d think. It’s more about what age-old rules to forget, as well as encouraging you how to come to your own sense of style, based on your preferences, and best of all, your comfort.

Don’t fear these commandments, ladies. These are all laid out for you to help you discover a wardrobe that won’t be tainted by what other people’s opinions.

1. Thou shall not dress according to what’s in season

How many times have you heard that florals and pastels are for spring? I find it quite pretty silly that a certain print or color scheme can only be worn in one season of the year. And who came up with the idea that dark hues were suited for the winter? The season is dreary enough, why can’t we brighten it up with a bright red trench or cute pink wellies? Or better yet, why not add a bit of life by adding florals into a winter wardrobe?

Another thing that seems to be restricted to colder weather conditions is leather. With us not having anything cooler than rainy season, that seems rather unfair, doesn’t it? Maybe a leather jacket is a little excessive in 30 degree heat, but a leather biker is perfect for cooler months. Plus, there are other leather (or PU leather) items out on the market, such as Stretchy Faux Leather Leggings.

2. Thou shall not limit flats to casual outfits

Whoever said that we weren’t allowed to be comfortable during formal events is insane. While heels may the obvious choice for gowns, cocktail dresses and other occasionwear can easily be paired with pointed slingback flats, or pretty ballet flats. As we pointed out in a previous post, there are loads of heels that can easily be replaced by flats, all much more comfortable than balancing on stilettos.

3. Thou shall experiment with different sizes

There is absolutely no shame in going a size up and or down. Numbers on your clothes don’t mean anything, and there will be times clothing items will look better when they’re a little bigger. There’s more room to breathe. No one can complain about that.

Also, don’t be afraid to check out the men’s sections of your favorite boutiques. Basics like tees might actually fit better.

4. Thou shall not be afraid of the crop top

There’s a common fear among ladies that don’t have a flat belly, that crop tops are an absolute no-no. The midsection is a problem spot that most of us have, but if there is a way to cover up while still sporting a tiny top. High waist jeans, midi skirt, basically anything with a high waist silhouette will do enough to cover your belly. That way, only a sliver of your midsection will actually be on display. You can even wear an A-line skirt, like the Astar Pleated Midi Skirt, to carve out an hour glass figure.

Besides, if Ashley Graham can do it, so can you.

5. Thou shall cherish vintage style

Despite what experts might claim, nothing really ever goes out of style. Sure, there are periods of time when trends thrive, but fashion has a cyclical nature, so when something revolutionary pops up on the runway, it doesn’t matter if it ends up being short-lived or not, as surely we’ll see it again in the next decade or so.

That being said, don’t reject clothes because they’re “out of date.” If you’re absolutely obsessed with bell bottoms that are still in good condition, there is no reason for you to get rid of them.

6. Thou shall not forget about accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches of your ensemble. If you’re not in the mood to dress up but still want to put some effort into your final look, a handbag, the right shoes, and jewelry or headpieces are the way to go.

How’s that for fashion rules? Over here, we want you to open your mind (and wardrobe) to new possibilities, without having to spend an extravagant amount.

Are you feeling the heat, ladies? Manila’s weather forecast has been filled with lots of sun, clear skies, and rising temperatures. The scorching heat is making it difficult to slip into other than a tank and shorts, although realistically, how often can you get away with that outfit combination?

With summer just around the corner, we’re rummaging through our closets for our breeziest items to get survive season. Usually that comprises of flowy dresses and skirts, airy tops, and other lightweight clothing that don’t cling to your clammy skin due to humidity. One type of top that you definitely should be adding to that collection are crop tops. The less fabric you have to deal with in the hot climate, the better.

Obviously, crop tops are more of a weekend kind of deal and aren’t suited for corporate environments. But to get through all those outdoor summer events, from music festivals, night markets, daytime fairs and all that, you’ll need a variety of options at your helm to let your skin breathe (and possibly lessen body sweat), and we’re definitely here for the crop top.

With how little these tops are, a lot of ladies are still very hesitant about taking the risk for reasons related to modesty and body image. But modesty and crop tops can go hand in hand. It’s all about how you wear them.

Besides, not all midriffs are created equal. There are crops that could pass off as bra tops, and there are ones that end just below your bellybutton. Some crop tops even have that high-low cut so that you’re covering your back.

Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons to wear crop tops this summer:

#1 Anyone can wear a crop top

Although the media continues to portray that only slim girls can wear things tiny tops, that is so far from the truth. What midriffs essentially do is that they draw more attention to your waist, not the lack of abs, giving you the curves that other clothing items fail to do. It’s up to you whether you show off your stomach with mid-waist jeans or cover up with high waist shorts and a kimono.

You don’t have to bare much of your belly if you don’t want to; it’s merely an option. The Mandala Print Halter Top looks great with a variety of waistlines. As mentioned in previous posts, just remember to wear your confidence with whatever ensemble you have on.

#2 It’s a perfect fit with a high waist silhouette

Even if you’ve got enviable, rock hard abs, you can’t deny that crop tops were made for the high waist look. Doesn’t matter if you opt for a midi skirt, skinny jeans or mom shorts, a crop top will look fabulous with just about any high waist silhouette (given that the separates don’t clash in colors or prints, of course).

Also, that sliver of skin peeking out between the top and bottom is just enough to add a touch of sexy to your getup, and it isn’t too much for crop tops that are more on the daring side, like our Bustier Crop Top or Sexy Cutout Spaghetti Strap Crop Top.

#3 It’s better than tucking in your top

The tucked-in look is cute and all, and very retro. But let’s face it: it builds up and traps heat, causing you to sweat more. You want to let your skin breathe, and avoid layering of fabrics, whenever possible.

And if you’re tucking in a loose top, your blouse ends up wrinkling from being squished into your bottoms. This might not be an issue for most, since the top can be thrown into the laundry basket after wearing it. However, the problem lies within the fabrics of your separates. For the most part, jeans are your safest bet, as the thick material tends to hide any extra fabric tucked underneath. Unfortunately, with something like a pencil or bodycon skirt, the wrinkled top is visible underneath, which is just as unflattering as it sounds. So whenever you can substitute a tucked in blouse for a nice little crop, do it.

Looking for a crop top alternative?

If you’re going for the athleisure vibe, consider switching your crop top with a sports bra. It’s great for sweat control, and it’s an excuse to wear them outside of the gym. Plus, sports bras are way more comfortable than a bra and crop top.

For more tips on styling crop tops, check out our post about Ashley Graham.

(INSTAGRAM // solenn)

Growing up with a strict Filipino mother, modesty was always the best policy. Nothing too short, nothing too tight, and absolutely nothing low cut. But as I grew up, I learned to love my body for what it was, and wore clothes because they fit me well, and I looked good in them. I started buying clothes that I loved and stopped shopping according to other people’s expectations. Why try to please others when you’re the one who’s going to wear the clothes, not everyone else?

When I discovered my body type, I learned that v-necks and low cut tops balanced out my broad shoulders. From there, I learned to dress according to my shape, but it wasn’t always smooth-sailing. Cleavage-baring tops and dresses are categories hard to navigate when you grew up with a conservative wardrobe, especially if you’ve been taught that any kind of cleavage makes you look trashy.

It’s true that too much exposure of your chest will be perceived as tasteless. But the trick is cover up in other places so you’re not showing off your entire body. A good rule to live by is to show off either your legs or cleavage, never both, unless skimpy is the look you’re going for.

One celebrity that seems to have mastered the art of the classy cleavage exposure is Solenn Heusaff. Known to be more daring in terms of personality and style, she is never one to shy away from showing off her figure, making her the appropriate role model for today’s topic.

Whether you were A’s or Double D’s, there are plenty of clothes out there you can give the girls the attention they deserve, without appearing indecent. Here’s how Solenn does it:

Tip #1: “Cover up” with a long-sleeve v-neck

(INSTAGRAM // solenn)

An simple way to put the spotlight on your rack without going overboard is finding a long-sleeve blouse with a v neckline. Whether you choose to wear a cleavage enhancing bra underneath or not is up to you. What a top like our Asymmetrical Wrap V-Neck Blouse does is put the focus on your boobs while covering up the rest of your top half, making your outfit modestly sexy. Opt for a choker to keep things simple while creating a triangular shape as a focal point for your cleavage.

If you haven’t got a long-sleeve blouse with a plunging neckline, no worries. Using the same concept of covering up your arms when wearing a boob-centric top, finish the outfit with a blazer, denim jacket, or maybe a cardigan.

Tip #2: Wear overalls

(INSTAGRAM // solenn)

Got a corset or a bustier top you want to wear? Contrast any lingerie-looking items with something playful, like overalls. This childhood staple balances out the overall sexiness exuded by the bandeau or tube top. Plus, it’s honestly one of the best ways to wear overalls as a grown-up. In case you’re wondering what kind of silhouette to go for, think Wide Leg Vintage Denim Overalls.

Tip #3: Throw on some high waist jeans and an oversized shirt

(INSTAGRAM // solenn)

Crop tops are best with high waist bottoms like jeans, but something you want to keep in mind is how revealing your crop top is. What Solenn did with her bralette looking top was quite clever, pairing two conventionally feminine and sexy items (heels and deep v crop) with traditionally masculine clothes (ripped jeans and a shirt).

While the concept seems like it would clash, it actually works in a cohesive manner. What happens is that the overall outfit doesn’t end up being about your cleavage, which is a major bonus for those that feel uneasy about showing off their chest. And it doesn’t have to be a plain white shirt like Solenn’s, as an Oversized Plaid Shirt would work just as well.

Tip #4: Wear your hair down

(INSTAGRAM // solenn)

Perhaps the easiest way to provide a little more coverage around your boobs is by letting your hair down. Beach waves are a great way to dial down the seductive nature of your cleavage without losing the overall sex appeal in your outfit. So, just keep that in mind the next time you’re styling your favorite bodysuit or a Bustier Crop Top on your next night out.

And if our short to medium-haired sisters are feeling out of this one, don’t fret! You can always experiment with hair extensions.

Have any other suggestions for showing off that cleavage with revealing too much? Leave your tips in the comments below!

With a body that thousands of ladies can relate to, she continues to break grounds in plus-size fashion and the global industry at large. And come on, look at how gorgeous her pictures are on Instagram. If you ask me, we could all take a couple notes from her, especially in terms of showing off our tummies! Just look at her in her denim outfit below, with her curves perfectly accentuated. Does she even have a belly?

(INSTAGRAM // theashleygraham)

She clearly loves the way crop tops look on her (which is totally justified). In fact, she’s even turning her regular tops into midriffs, knotting them in the front to show some skin. She just screams confidence in her all-black airport OOTD in NYC.

(INSTAGRAM // theashleygraham)

A role model and fashion influencer, Ashley Graham is today’s style inspiration for midriffs. But as motivational as her Instagram is, we could all use a bit of guidance to brave the crop top in public. So how does one go about feeling comfortable in a stomach-baring top?

When in doubt, match your crop top with high waist bottoms.

If there’s one rule to remember when sporting a crop top, it’s this one. Whether they’re denim shorts, a midi skirt or leggings, the one fit you can rely on is the high waist. And you’ll find this to be true across all kinds of midriffs, long or short, loose or tight, long-sleeve or tube, printed or plain.

But high waist bottoms aren’t your only options.

It’s all about the proportions of the pieces you have on. Normally, something that sits higher on your waist is a safe bet when it comes to crop tops. However, when the top is a little longer, similar to our Sleeveless Printed Tank Top, it’s okay to coordinate it with something mid-rise. This does take a bit of courage to pull off, so if you aren’t totally there yet, you always have high waist jeans. Just take comfort in the fact that you can work with different fits when it comes to the midriff.

Find crop tops with more coverage.

Not ready to show it all? Thankfully, crop tops come in a myriad of styles and lengths. So for the newbies, start with midriffs that end around your belly bottom. That way, you only have a bit of skin peeking out. Depending on the design of the top, you might not even show any skin unless you raise your arms.

Always play to your curves.

If you have a bigger bust, don’t hide it! Highlight your sexy figure of yours with a fitted top. You can wear one with a higher neckline if you’re concerned about showing cleavage.

Don’t forget to style your outfit.

Several components are required to create a fabulous outfit, so don’t make it all about the crop top. Accessories, shoes, hair and makeup play just as big of a role as your clothes. Remember that your top is only one piece of the puzzle that is your ensemble.

Crop tops are amazing substitutes in classic outfits.

The white t-shirt is one of the most important wardrobe basics that you will find in literally every person’s closet. It matches with every piece you own, with one of the timeless pairings being the definitive white tee and blue jeans. But to be honest, the white t-shirt can be boring at times. A white crop tank like Ashley Graham’s is a chic alternative to the closet essential. Though she isn’t wearing blue jeans, you can see how her white midriff offers more style points than a plain white tee.

(INSTAGRAM // theashleygraham)

It may take some time before you’re ready to conquer the crop top. Body confidence is a struggle for us all. But if you ever need a bit of a boost, Ashley Graham is the perfect person to look up to.