Sorry boys, but this one goes out to the ladies. I am here to address the ever-controversial subject of leggings: Are they pants or merely clothing accessories?

Well, I could go the easy route and say that they can be both, but from my own preference and experience, I would say leggings are pants.

Going to a private school and having to wear a uniform for 12 years really enhanced my desire to wear what I wanted in college, where there were no dress codes and the teachers didn’t care what I wore. I could finally wear sweats to class and not get in trouble for it. I mean, it’s college; now is the time to wear things that would not necessarily be acceptable or “fashion forward” in the office. I have seen students wear their pajamas to class, so why not leggings?

Personally, I use leggings as sweats because I normally wear them with sweatshirts, sweaters or just a plain “grubby” t-shirt. They function as a pant I can slip on quickly if I’m running late for class or that I can wear for working out. The flexible material and lightness really enhance comfort. Sure, this may not be the most professional look for a student looking to find a career after college, but try and tell me that on Monday mornings when I have to make it to my 8 a.m. class.

I do also know that leggings can be worn with a nice shirt and dressed up for a more defined outfit. I see leggings as a versatile piece in my closet that I can dress up or dress down. They are comfortable and work in pretty much every season.

Now, before I get the eye-rolls and scoffs in response, just know that I do have standards and rules when it comes to wearing them. To make leggings appropriate as pants, they must be thick enough to act as pants, covering everything that needs to be covered. I have seen far too many mishaps with see-through leggings. Before leaving the house, make sure your leggings do not reveal more than they should—which should be nothing.

And with the thickness of the leggings, the proper top must be worn. When I say proper, I am referring to its length; it should be long enough to cover at least the crotch area and most of the “tush.” A tunic or perhaps a long sweater will work well with such a look. As long as these leggings have the same or similar thickness as yoga pants and are worn with the appropriate top, then no harm, no foul. Why not make a cute outfit a bit more comfortable when you can?

Rather than reading into a piece of clothing, just think of it as a way for the wearer to find comfort and convenience. And for those of you who say they are not pants, just consider them as “skinny” yoga pants, I say we explore this new trend and embrace its potential and versatility.