It's been so long since we've had an Ask Auntie Leila!
And even though I'm busy with gardening and boiling my 60+ gallons of maple sap, I'm here now, due to the news value of this question — it's on all our minds, so let's get to the… bottom of things.
Dear Auntie Leila,
I love your blog and your common sense! You've helped me in so many ways. I'm coming to you with a problem. My daughter started high school (public school) this year, and she is begging me to buy her more leggings (I had let her get a few pairs but that was all, because she does have some cute skirts and some nice khakis).
All her friends wear leggings all the time, but now I read that article by the Notre Dame mom and I am worried that I should be helping my daughter to be modest. But it's so hard in the public school — the girls all dress alike!
What should I do? I'm sure I'm going to ruin her.
Sincerely,
Concerned
Dear Concerned,
Not at all, not at all! She will be fine!
I affirm your choices. Do what is best for your family!
So, as you know, Auntie Leila is all about tradition. Just look to the past! It seems to me that I began noticing girls in leggings (talking here about JUST leggings, leggings with-a-nice-tight-fitting-and-short-t-shirt, not leggings-with-a-long-corduroy-skirt) about 15 years ago.
Is that right? Does that sound right to you?
That is a long time! Leggings are very traditional! They are practically a national costume at this point! I remember sitting in the car as my now-27-year-old son went into drivers' ed — I was watching girl after girl go in, each one wearing nothing but leggings from the waist down!
That's quite a while ago.
And the fact that they were all wearing the same thing should lead us to realize that this is not fashion. It's more than that. Why, at this point, after a decade and a half or even two decades of girls and women wearing exactly the same outfit, we are really talking about a national costume, aren't we.
Nothing says tradition like a national costume!
So for us, by now, after fifteen years, the leggings is it!
And not just in the US — in the entire Western World!
This is so dear to my heart — a national costume that transcends actual nations! What's next, world peace?
Surprise your daughter with Ugg boots as well. They really create the timeless look, don't you think? I love, love, love the tight jacket, the tight leggings, and the giant boots. So on point.
I know I have been seeing this look for, like, forever.
The really classic ensemble is the black leggings, the Uggs (can be tan, very natural), and the Northface jacket. Depending on the price of the leggings, this outfit will set you back a few (well, four or so) hundred dollars, as will any quality, lasting, durable, authentic, and above all, comfortable (well, not in Indiana or Massachusetts for that matter, in the winter, but beauty has its price am I right) traditional wear.
You may need to go to work to afford this.
What a wonderful opportunity your daughter is facing — having a lovely group of girls induct her into this sisterhood of ancient garb.
What's more, you don't have to worry about any Handmaid's Tale–ish vibe there at public school.
You know — girls and women all dressed weirdly alike, in uniform color, with no pretty and unique touches like embroidery or sashes allowed.
Auntie Leila says, isn't this what we want for our girls?
Even if we look at it from a fashion point of view — and again, I'm arguing here that we are actually finally getting what we all have been longing for, a traditional form of dress that frees us from the uncertainties of mere fashion and allows us to relax, knowing that above all, we are comfortable — even as fashion, leggings are great!
So attractive!
Who wants to look like this in high school or college:
Nah.
Love the leggings, embrace the leggings. They are our future — and besides, you can't talk about it any more.
I don't even know what that mom in South Bend was thinking.
She should keep quiet.
You should keep quiet.
Never speak of this again.
Love and a big hug,
Auntie Leila
Not of this world... says
Happy April Fool’s Day! Lol. Ah, leggings. I just had to rewrite the guidelines for dress for the lector ministry at my parish. I had to add, in specific terms, that leggings, jeggings, skinny pants and jeans are not appropriate for service in the sanctuary and add, among other no no’s, any hemline above the knee. Seeing the culture trespass into the sanctuary is painful. Poor Jesus.
Lynelle Kolden says
So funny…😁 Love you’re April fool’s posts!
Therese Cross says
Forgot it was April 1st and for a moment I was with wrinkled forehead and raised eyebrow ready to send my lovable Shrink to your aid. :o)
Adrianne Niall says
This was so funny!! Once I got it, lol!! I was super shocked at first.
Theresa says
Didn’t catch it right away, either! The mark of brilliance! Thank you for the connections…makes me think!
Shannon says
Bahaha! This was a great post to wake up to, thank you, and I like my work out leggings. My 3 year old loves ‘stretchy pants’ and always wants those over scratchy jeans.
Lyne says
Initail reaction: What on earth is Auntie Leila thinking?
very funny almost had me until I remembered what day it was, excellent use of sarcasm
Claudia says
I was so confused for a few moments!
Got me!
Anel says
😂😂😂 Almost fell off my chair.
Angelique says
Make Dirndls Great Again!
Seriously, though, they are surprisingly comfortable and flattering, especially if you’re built like a peasant, which I am.
Emily says
You got me. 😂
Elizabeth Edwards says
LOL love it. Seriously how can women not fall in love with the beautiful dresses and outfits sans tightness?
Catherine says
You got me, Auntie Leila, for the first probably 3rd of it. I read with growing confusion and horror, then realized what day it was. The first April 1st post I read of yours was the “line all the kids up first thing and spank them because they will need one at some point in the day anyway”. You got me with that one until the end. I was prepared last year and wasn’t taken in, but you got me this year!! Good work!
Molly says
Perfect for today!
Honestly, I am surprised by the public pushback, I thought the mother-of-4-sons’ plea to be very reasonable. But then, what do I know, Catholic homeschooling mother of 5.
Not a recent video, but this post reminded me of the the Australian comedy parody “Activewear,” which highlights the ridiculousness of wearing leggings and similar gymwear everywhere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYRENWT8lz8
Deirdre says
I love that video!!! Hilarious.
Leila says
Ha!
Julie says
I’m so glad you shared this video! My girls and I love it!
Elodie says
I’ve very disappointed that you didn’t post a photo of yourself in leggings to put this April Fool’s Day over the top. Maybe next year?
I recently saw a young woman wearing pink and black striped leggings with a camo jacked. It more than offended my sensibilities; it hurt my eyes and made me want to vomit.
Dyan Schisler says
This is great! I really like your sense of humor!
Mama Mahoney says
Whoa, had I not remembered it was April 1st I’d have a stroke team heading to your house 🙂
Anna says
That is so funny. I thought, “She’s lost it. Has she lost it?” Then I read the comments. Phew! Haha… well played. 🙂
Helena Camster says
Nothing says “femininity” like the gentle curves of a women’s buttocks outlined in synthetic fabric!!!!! And Ughlings is such a classic look, Uggs + leggings!!!!
Laura in Ontario says
So, I was wondering when I got up this morning what helpful advice Auntie Leila would have for us this April Fool’s Day….you did not disappoint. 🙂 Although my favourite is the one where you advised us just to line up all the kids and spank them every morning since they are going to misbehave anyway. LOL!
Tamara says
Exactly the same here! Auntie Leila’s advice is always my favorite part of April 1! The spanking post really was the best.
Thrift at Home says
oh man, you nearly got me!!! I was thinking Auntie Leila was changing with the times and here I was, so old-school not letting my daughters wear leggings like pants!!! hahahahahahah!
Well done, Auntie Leila, well done! (And would you please discuss leggings FOR REAL sometime soon? When the syrup is all boiled down?)
Marta says
Oh my, the Amazon-bots just sent me an ad for “Pull-on Yoga Dress Pants!”
Elizabeth says
Golly, I love my leggings…. with a skirt over. Much warmer, not itchy and they last far longer than pantyhose, not to mention, they’re vewwy convenient while running after kids. Not traditional, but then, are pantyhose traditional? I guess the sheer looking ones are probably less modest than thick, cotton leggings?
I feel awful for that mom in South Bend. I could not find any fault with her letter. The outrage on the news (internationally even!!) made me really sad. I remember you once wrote that the devil has no sense of humor and that we should laugh about things. That was very helpful :). The public sphere is void of humor these days. Thanks for doing an April Fools every year!!
Leila says
Elizabeth — oh yes, I agree — leggings are great when used responsibly 🙂
And wow, that mom doesn’t know how to read the room, poor thing — she simply offered her opinion, one based on common sense, and the mob came for her.
I have decided that the only possible way to talk about leggings is satirically! So there you have it!
Nancy says
Good One!
Mignon says
A real tour de force, Leila!
Elizabeth says
Just the other day I was walking and pasted a lady with these leggings and couldn’t but think about how they are like thick tights that she somehow forgot to wear a skirt over. So Absolutely unattractive. 😕
Anna says
My husband and I were shocked and bewildered (though that is much too positive of a word) when his 75 year old mother showed up in them. And then told us all about where I could get some for myself for a really low price! We were baffled by the whole thing!
Meg Cooper says
I actually thought that someone hijacked your blog. I was so confused until my teen who was reading over my shoulder shouted out right before we read your last sentence, “April Fools!!” That was a good one!
Tamara says
Thanks for the laugh! 🙂
Jamie Castillo says
I saw your satire from the get go!
Amy says
Every April Fool’s I get so upset when I start reading the post. I’m like, not Leila! The only sane voice gone wrong! And am very relieved when I inevitably realize.
matilda says
I was reserving judgment and starting to think, well if even Auntie Leila is good with leggings… until you mentioned Uggs. Then I thought, this has to be a joke, right? 🙂
Eugenia Heim says
Leggings aren’t so bad paired with tunic or other long top.
Leila says
Dear Eugenia, yes, of course. No problem there. As you can tell from the pictures, that is not the issue!
John Ramey says
I’m a father, I am also a guy, and quite honestly wasn’t much of a saint as a younger man, and really am not now either, but I try to be faithful to my creator, as well as my family. Speaking as a guy, I know the reaction we men have to attractive, fit women in sexy attire. Whether it is short skirts, skimpy or super tight tops that show stomach and/or bustline, to booty shorts, or yes… Leggings! Now… we are talking about teenagers, girls vs. boys… teenagers are naive, girls have no clue the kind of reaction they elicit from boys, and yes even men. As a man I absolutely know and now, the other part, I am the father of a 16 year old girl and it scares the heck out of me. My wife and I set rules, she know the rules, she tries to leave the house in clothing she knows is unacceptable by our standards gets called out on it and then tries to argue over it. It’s an endless cycle, and one of those sticking points that creates a somewhat hostile environment in our home a fair portion of the time.
Leila says
My husband (father of four grown girls) would say: “Don’t argue.” Meaning, you don’t argue with them. Just say, “I love you, you’re beautiful, you’re my treasure, the apple of my eye, I would be a bad father if I didn’t protect you.”
Believe me, she will get it. This is a tough age but what a 16 yo girl needs most is a dad who sets the standard. The best thing is to give her some money to go get some truly attractive apparel! “I love you and want you to look pretty!” Also, it’s a little late for her, but try to get a peer group for her that has better standards. It’s truly just so hard not to do what the others are doing, and the dress code, whatever it is, is always so rigid at this age! It feels like the worst thing ever to do something different. But if everyone is on the same page, life is easier. Check out my “St. Gregory Pockets” tab on the menu bar. Get some good friends who agree that there need to be standards!