Leggings with a kick

We're not sold, but paired with longer dresses, these close pants are kinda cute

I did it once. And like a bad relationship, I will never, ever go back. I'm talking about leggings, and how I feel about their unrelenting comeback from what seemed like a fashionista fad in the spring to what's expected to be one of the biggest fashion accessories of the fall.

Don't get me wrong. My leggings days back in the '80s were some of the most blissful of my life. No mortgage. No bosses. No worries about how much extra time at the gym those Krispy Kreme doughnuts would cost me.

Capri-length black leggings were wardrobe staples in those days. And I loved them best with black Mia Hepburn flats and an oversized purple Esprit sweater cinched with a low-slung black belt.

When I threw those leggings out in the '90s (when flared-leg jeans zapped the skinny leg look) they weren't even gym-worthy. They had a hole in the left thigh. They were sagging at the knees. And in the behind, they were practically see-through.

So you would think when I saw leggings on model after model walking down the runway during Fashion Week in February, I'd be thrilled to see my beloved leggings return.

Instead, I was daunted and dubious. Did I want to go back? And since I'd already lived through the trend, didn't that disqualify me?

Local store owners and stylists say not so. This time around, leggings are for all ages. The owners of Gena Chandler, a Raleigh women's clothing boutique, say they've had customers in from age 12 to the late 50s buying leggings for fall. At Vermillion clothing boutique, women into their 60s are doing it.

Stores are saying they're getting two types of customers: newcomers to the look, mostly teens or younger women who missed out on the leggings craze 20 years ago, or older women, who liked the look before and are eager to update and freshen up their wardrobe.

"This is probably one of the most affordable accessories out there," said Alison Hessert, a spokeswoman for Hue, which makes footless tights. "For under $20 you can pretty much change your entire look."

Colleen Ferry, a buyer at the women's clothing boutique Uniquities, said successful results are all in how you wear them. With a longer dress, some scrunchy boots or flats and just a hint of skin showing on the calf, leggings can be a chic look for anyone, no matter how old.

The trendier looks, however, skew much younger. Teens are already wearing leggings with jean miniskirts and layered tops -- a look that's expected to be one of the biggest this fall. And at stores, most are selling long sweaters and mini dresses designed for wear with leggings.

"Everything I'm buying now is to wear over leggings," Ferry said.

Jennifer Wadford, a 30-something Raleigh mother and jewelry designer, remembers her leggings days. She wore the colorful, printed patterns.

She's ready to pull off the look again, this time with a knee-length denim skirt or a shift dress with either flats or boots. But instead of youthful colors and prints, she plans to stick with basic black and brown leggings, what she considers more age-appropriate for her.

"To do it any age, or as a mom, it can be done conservatively and tastefully," she said.

The length of what you wear on top is the key -- especially if you're concerned about body size.

Hessert said women who aren't as comfortable in a mini dress or skirt might want to pair ankle-length leggings with a fuller skirt and ballerina flats.

"Part of it is psychological," she said. "It feels a lot like wearing panty hose, because it gives control, but it's a hipper version."

If you're feeling more confident with the look, try capri-length leggings and a long dress.

"I don't believe there are people who should or shouldn't wear them," said Naomi Sasaki-Whalen, a designer with the clothing store Avenue. "If you are comfortable about yourself, that's what matters."

Convinced? I know I'm not quite there. But if you are, you'll find stores stocked with leggings and footless tights at a variety of prices.

For those who want to go lux, Saks Fifth Avenue's online site has a pair of cashmere leggings by Marc Jacobs that cost $595. At Nordstrom, $125 will buy a pair of Norma Kamali Everlast pencil leggings made of a polyester/spandex blend.

There are also plenty of good steals out there too. Target has a selection by Mossimo for $9.99. American Eagle has a range of leggings in fall colors for $19.50.

"It's not a fad type of thing," Hessert said. "It's become a staple. I don't think it's going to go away."

If they're here to stay, let's just hope shoulder pads, which were what bulked out my Esprit sweater, stay tightly locked in the '80s vault.

(MODEL ASHLEY BROWN'S BRAIDS WERE DONE BY MARGRATE NYLANDER OF JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AND STYLED BY LOV U 2 HAIR EXCLUSIVES AT TOWER SHOPPING CENTER IN RALEIGH. HER MAKEUP WAS DONE BY COSCINA IVEY AT LOV U 2 HAIR EXCLUSIVES.)