Val’s View: Give leggings and palazzo pants a whirl

Some women’s fashion trends might seem intimidating if you haven’t worn them before. Leggings, for example. If you’re not used to leggings, you might fear they’ll be too slim or not offer enough coverage.

Don’t be afraid! Try them. If you have helpful advice – like the great help you’ll find at Anthony’s women’s fashion stores – you’ll be a changed woman.

Try black leggings with a longer, printed tunic (I love my tunic by Bali), and you’ll discover leggings are comfortable and versatile – and perfect for travel.

Going on a plane? Pair leggings with ballet flats or the hot new slip-on sneakers. You’ll be in and out of the security line in a snap – and turn heads, too.

Leggings are as comfy as pajamas and look stylish and appropriate when paired with long tunics.

Try Some Palazzo Pants

Palazzo pants are the same way. These wide and flowing pants may seem too far out of your comfort zone if you haven’t worn a wide pant since the 1970s. But today’s palazzo pants are a staple of the well-dressed woman’s wardrobe.

Why? They are flattering and easy to wear and pack – and so comfortable, you can sleep in them. They’re also a nice alternative to the maxi skirt.

Anthony’s is on top of the palazzo trend and even sells jumpsuits with flowing pants, like the printed one by Sunny Leigh.

Palazzos must flow, and they must be long enough to almost touch the ground. They also must be worn with a fitted top. That’s a basic rule of fashion proportion: If the bottom is full, the top should be fitted. If the bottom is slim, the top should be full.

Palazzos are easy, breezy and beautiful -- perfect for our Florida resort lifestyle.

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Val’s tip of the week: Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow

All this talk about palazzo pants makes me want to visit a real palace. The Ringling Museum in Sarasota features the stunning mansion of circus magnate John Ringling. It’s colorful and flamboyant and perched on Sarasota Bay. If you blink your eyes, you’ll swear you’re in Venice. (While you’re on Florida’s west coast, stop in one of Anthony’s five west coast stores.)