Fashion has always been about looking ahead, but this has not been the case for the last few years. Hoping to mend our past mistakes, fashion is now skimming through its history books and taking note of what trends could be reinvented to fit into our 21st century style.

Fashion faux pas, such as strong padded shoulders, high waist trousers and even clogs, has made a strong, modernized comeback and can be seen from the runways to the streets. But none has made more of an impact within the fashion renaissance as leggings.

The beloved workout gear from the 1980s has made its way back into our hearts and onto our legs. Leggings now come in different colors, fabrics and styles, all tailored to a woman’s need for comfort and fashion. However, just like any kind of blast from the past, there’s always a reason why certain things should stay in the then and away from the now.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I hate leggings. It’s more the concept it’s become. Somewhere between the gym and Lindsay Lohan’s leggings line came the idea that they can be worn as an alternative to pants.

It amazes me how so many people are oblivious to proper legging etiquette. Granted, there is no official rulebook that comes with your pants-less purchase, but covering up your goodies is a given, isn’t it? But here I am, giving my greatest rant yet in hopes of ending leggings’ plague of indecent exposure.

The biggest mistake girls make is opting to wear cotton or polyester spandex. Leggings give off a misleading security of complete coverage, all the while providing slimming effects. But here’s the catch: It’s all about the fabric.

No matter how thin your thighs are, cotton and polyester still stretch to the point where it is so sheer that nothing is left to the imagination. It is panty liners, polka dot underwear and jiggle bums galore.

Another misfortune is the unpleasant sighting of the camel toe. It’s not comfortable for anyone to have or see, and what’s worse is it’s unavoidable when you wear leggings as pants. All you can do is walk proudly with your camel toe and hope no one sees it. But I see it — everyone does.

And what’s with shredded leggings? If your leggings are that tattered, there’s no point in wearing them. Spending money on damaged merchandise isn’t wise to begin with, not to mention how distasteful they look on you.

Save yourself from the campus walk of shame and follow these sensible but fashionable alternatives.

For one, cover what your momma gave you. Dresses, tunics, skirts and even shorts are viable options to create a less revealing and more stylish outfit. Baggy T-shirts and boyfriend button-down shirts are also acceptable, as long as they hit mid-thigh. Long and loose silhouettes are the best balance to leggings.

Another option is to ditch leggings altogether. Perhaps opting for a pair of opaque tights is a better fit. Tights complement dresses and skirts in a more sophisticated way and give legs more length. Leggings, however, usually cut legs at the ankle or calf, giving a shorter appearance for the average girl.

In essence, leggings being worn as pants is a serious epidemic. Even TheFashionPolice.net is calling it one of the top five fashion crimes committed since 2009. I understand the reasoning behind leggings, but I can only hope you also understand the humiliation you are facing as you step out with your pair of thin, tight leggings.

Although leggings may make the most comfortable accessory for Syracuse’s cold weather, a camel toe sighting is the rain on everyone else’s parade.

Vicki Ho is a senior public relations major. Her column appears every Wednesday, and she can be reached at vho@syr.edu.

Published on October 19, 2010 at 12:00 pm