*Disclaimer- the writer of this column wears leggings and enjoys her right to do so…properly.

Fads come and go. For most they are embraced like crimped hair in the 80’s or Doc Martin’s in the 90’s. The fad, or might I say epidemic, that is plaguing our society today-leggings as pants.

After many countless months of watching women stroll through the mall, checking out at Wal-Mart or roaming campus; I have come to a conclusion. If you can’t beat ‘em; join ‘em.

With that being said there are rules. Without said rules a catastrophe is in store.

Leggings are not pants; I don’t want you to be confused. However someone out there thought it would be a nice vacation from the pits of hell we know as denim.

But let us be honest, when has the cotton/poly/spandex blend we call denim ever been uncomfortable?

Hello! The word spandex isn’t enough for us that we have resorted to wearing leggings as pants?

The rules of leggings are quite simple. Flesh tone leggings will never be acceptable. No one and I repeat no one wants to question if you are walking around with no pants.

The top that you wear with said leggings must be long enough to hit your upper thigh. Baby tees are not something that looks flattering paired with leggings.

The definition of your crotch should be kept a secret.

Athletes are no exception. The fashion police are watching you. There are no get out of jail free cards here.

When wearing workout leggings and tops it’s only acceptable if you are actually working out. It can often times be uncomfortable for fellow students to see all your dips and curves.

The most important rule—tights are not leggings. Tights are see through and leggings are not. I have witnessed on many occasions women confusing the two.

If there is one thing I want you to take away from reading this is that knowing you wore your “Tuesday” underwear on a Friday is a sight I can’t un-see.

We can overcome this epidemic. As Americans we say we never have time for anything. No time for a phone call to your grandmother.

No time to catch that new zombie flick. And sadly, no time to put on real pants.

How hard is our morning that we can’t even slip our legs into some jeans and call it a day? Remember when I told you about the spandex? It can’t be that bad.

If you’re a little hesitant about following the legging trend, “jeggings” are a comfy alternative. You can’t tell whether they are “jeggings” or jeans.

Let us start a denim movement. I pledge to take the time out of my morning to put on real pants.

Denim jeans aren’t as comfortable as leggings but think of it this way; have you ever tried on mom jeans? Ouch.